These models feature open or clip-on designs, Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 connectivity, low-latency modes, and AI-backed call enhancements.
Nothing Ear Open were launched in India in September 2024
Photo Credit: Nothing
Open-ear earbuds are gaining traction in India as more users seek audio gear that balances comfort with awareness. Unlike in-ear models that sit inside the ear canal, these earbuds rest outside the ear, helping users remain alert to ambient sounds. This makes them suitable for outdoor workouts, commuting, office use, and extended listening sessions. Brands now offer a range of options across price segments, combining open designs with modern features such as spatial audio, low-latency modes, and long battery life.
Options now span multiple price segments, from the Boat Airdopes Loop and Noise Air Clips to the Realme Buds Clip, Nothing Ear Open, and Sony LinkBuds Open.
The Boat Airdopes Loop features a clip-on open-ear design with Air Conduction technology. It comes with 12mm drivers tuned with boAt Signature Sound and supports Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity. Users can switch between Signature Mode and Private Mode for different audio preferences. The earbuds offer BEAST Mode with 40ms low latency for gaming and include quad microphones with ENx technology for clearer calls.
They pack a 480mAh charging case and 50mAh batteries in each earbud, with up to 50 hours of claimed playback. A 10-minute charge delivers up to 200 minutes of claimed playtime. The earbuds also support IWP instant pairing, voice assistants, and carry an IPX4 rating for splash and sweat resistance.
The Boat Airdopes Loop are priced in India at Rs. 1,799 and are sold in Cool Grey, Lavender Mint and Pearl White shades.
The Noise Air Clips feature an Open Beam C-shaped silicon hook design that sits like an ear cuff with the speaker directed towards the ear canal. They use AirWave air conduction technology and include 12mm drivers. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4 and dual device connectivity. They offer touch controls and carry an IPX5 splash resistance rating.
Noise claims up to 40 hours of total battery life with the USB Type-C charging case. A full charge takes up to 120 minutes, while a 10-minute charge provides up to 150 minutes of claimed playback. Each earbud measures 46 x 54 x 28mm and weighs 5.4g.
Currently, the Noise Air Clips are listed in India at Rs. 1,999 in Pearl Black, Pearl Purple, and Pearl White colourways.
The Realme Buds Clip feature 11mm dual-magnet dynamic drivers with bass boost powered by the NextBass algorithm. They support 3D spatial audio and directional sound to reduce audio leakage. The earbuds include dual microphones with AI noise cancellation and wind reduction for calls.
They support Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC and AAC codecs, dual-device connectivity, Microsoft Swift Pair, and up to 45ms low latency. The AI Translator feature supports real-time translation in over 30 languages. Realme claims up to seven hours of playback per charge and up to 36 hours with the 530mAh charging case, while each earbud has a 45mAh battery.
The Realme Buds Clip can currently be bought at Rs. 5,799 in India. They are offered in Titanium Black and Titanium Gold finishes.
The Nothing Ear Open feature an open-ear design with a curved hook and transparent stem, and pack a 14.2mm dynamic driver. They support Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs, dual-device pairing, Swift Pair, and Google Fast Pair. Pinch controls and EQ settings are available via the Nothing X app, and ChatGPT integration works with Nothing phones. The earbuds include AI Clear Voice, carry an IP54 rating, and do not support ANC.
Each bud has a 64mAh battery, and the case packs 635mAh with USB Type-C charging. They are claimed to offer up to eight hours of music playback, up to 30 hours with the case, and up to two hours of listening from a 10-minute charge.
The Nothing Ear Open is currently available at Rs. 9,999 in India via Flipkart in a single White variant.
The Sony LinkBuds Open feature an open-ear design with Air Fitting Supporters for a secure fit and are equipped with 11mm ring-shaped neodymium drivers. They run on Sony's V2 Integrated Processor and support DSEE, AI-based call noise processing, and Adaptive Volume Control. The earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs, along with multipoint pairing.
They carry an IPX4 rating for splash resistance. Battery life is claimed at up to 22 hours in total, with a three-minute charge said to provide up to 60 minutes of playback. The magnetic charging case uses a USB Type-C port. Each earbud weighs 5.1g, while the case weighs about 30.6g.
In India, the Sony LinkBuds Open are currently available at Rs. 17,990. They are sold in black and white colour options.
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