Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Verdict: HONOR Earbuds Open are a strong choice if you want comfortable, stable open-ear earbuds with surprisingly full sound and some noise reduction without shutting out your surroundings. Their ANC is not a replacement for sealed in-ear isolation, and battery life is modest for long sessions with ANC enabled. They make most sense for workouts, commuting and all-day listening where awareness matters more than silence.
What are HONOR Earbuds Open?
These are open-ear wireless earbuds: each bud rests outside the ear canal on a flexible hook rather than forming a seal inside it. That design lets you hear more of the environment, including nearby voices and traffic, while listening. It also means the earbuds cannot block sound as effectively as sealed in-ear models.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
HONOR announced them in February 2025. At launch, the listed price was £149.99; current price and availability vary by region. Check the local HONOR store and confirm that the companion app supports your phone before buying. The product listing is available on HONOR’s product page.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How do they fit, and are they good for exercise?
The flexible ear hooks keep the earbuds in place without putting a tip into the ear canal. TechRadar found the fit secure during running, cycling and gym workouts, while Android Central reported comfortable hooks and little fatigue during extended wear. At 7.9 g per earbud, they are light enough for long listening sessions, though fit and stability can vary with ear shape.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Comfort with Open-Ear Design: Experience matchless comfort even for all-day wear with these non-intrusive, open-ear Bluetooth earbuds.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: V20i open-ear wireless earbuds let you stay connected to the world while enjoying pristine playback. Ideal for both urban life and outdoor ventures.
- Four Adjustable Positions for a Secure, Comfy Fit: Easily rotate to find the sweet spot for your ears with these bluetooth earbuds, boosting stability and comfort. Listen and move freely with V20i open-ear earbuds throughout the day.
- Powerful Sound with 16mm Drivers: Immerse in rich, resonant bass fueled by V20i's advanced 16mm drivers—featured in these wireless earbuds—with titanium-coated domes and soundcore's proprietary BassUp technology.
- Clear Calls with 4 Mics and AI Enhancement: Equipped with four mics and an AI algorithm, V20i open-ear Bluetooth earbuds ensure crisp and clear calls wherever you are.
The open design is useful when you want to remain aware of your surroundings on a run or while moving through a city. It does not make outdoor listening risk-free: keep the volume at a level that lets you hear what is happening around you.
How do they sound?
For open-ear earbuds, sound is a standout. TechRadar found unusually strong bass and treble with a broad soundstage; Android Central also praised the bass and clear vocals. The trade-off is a less prominent midrange, and there is no full equalizer for extensive sound shaping. Android Central also notes that AptX codecs are absent.
That combination suits listeners who want more weight and space than many open designs deliver, but those who prioritize detailed midrange tuning, codec support or fine-grained EQ control should look elsewhere.
Does open-ear ANC work?
HONOR describes the earbuds’ system as three-microphone hybrid ANC, but the open fit limits how much noise it can reduce. HONOR itself cautions that perceived reduction is weaker than with traditional in-ear ANC and can change with wearing angle and surroundings. Android Central reports up to 24 dB in its account, but that figure should not be read as equivalent to the isolation of a sealed earbud.
Rank #2
- Open Ear Earbuds Over Ear for Running & Gym: Clip-on design sits comfortably over your ear without blocking the ear canal. Perfect for running, workouts, and sports—stay aware of surroundings. More comfortable than in-ear, better sound than bone conduction.
- FlexiClip Design, Secure Fit: Memory titanium FlexiClip adapts to any ear shape for all-day comfort. Ultra-lightweight and stable—won't fall off during intense workouts or running. Designed for active lifestyles.
- Powerful Bass, 12mm Drivers: Custom 12mm drivers deliver deep bass and 86dB max output. Clear, loud sound for gym workouts and running—superior audio quality compared to bone conduction headphones.
- AI Clear Calls: Advanced AI filters background noise for crystal-clear calls during outdoor running, gym workouts, or commutes. Perfect for work calls on the go.
- 28H Playtime : 7 hours single charge, 28 hours with case. IP55 waterproof protects against sweat and rain during outdoor running and gym sessions. Bluetooth 6.0 for ultra-stable connection.
In practice, reviewers describe the effect as light-touch: it can reduce some ambient noise while leaving announcements and nearby traffic more audible than sealed ANC earbuds would. Android Central found it less effective in a noisy café. Choose these for some relief while keeping environmental awareness, not for quiet flights, loud offices or noise isolation.
How long does the battery last?
Battery figures differ by source and test conditions. HONOR rates the earbuds for up to 7 hours per charge and 26 hours total with the case; it says a 15-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback under its lab conditions. TechRadar lists 6 hours for the earbuds and 40 hours total, and its reviewer estimated about 4.5 hours in practical use with ANC on. Android Central reports just under six hours from the buds and more than 20 hours from the case in its use.
Those results make the earbuds adequate for typical listening and workouts, but less compelling for long-distance sessions, particularly with ANC enabled. Treat the quoted maximums as condition-dependent rather than a guaranteed runtime.
Are they durable enough for workouts and commuting?
The earbuds carry an IP54 rating for dust and splashes, which is useful for sweat and light exposure to water. The charging case is not presented as waterproof, so keep it dry. The open fit and secure hooks suit exercise and everyday travel; the design does not provide the passive isolation that can make sealed earbuds preferable on a noisy commute.
Rank #3
- Groundbreaking Audio Experience - The Shokz DualBoost composite drivers and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm pair crystal-clear mids and highs with a deeper, richer bass for an exceptionally detailed sound
- Comfortable All-Day Wear - These featherlight, 9.4 g earhooks integrate a Ni-Ti alloy that contours to your ears for a personalized fit during workouts, runs, or gym sessions. IP55-rated water resistance ensures performance in any conditions
- Open-Ear Air Conduction Awareness - Stay connected to your surroundings with Shokz open-ear design, and to your phone calls with dual noise cancelling mics. Keep your sound private with custom DirectPitch 2.0 technology
- Longer Battery Life - Enjoy up to 11 hours on a single charge, 48 hours with the charging case, and a quick 10-minute charge for the extra 2 hours of listening to move you through your workout
- Multifunction Buttons - Adjust volume, skip tracks, take calls, and switch between 2 paired devices with a press of the physical buttons. Customize these controls, your EQ modes, and more with the Shokz App
HONOR Earbuds Open vs. Huawei FreeArc and OpenRock Pro
The comparison below uses TechRadar’s listed specifications and its commentary. Price is described comparatively rather than stated as a fixed figure because regional pricing and availability vary.
| Model | Fit and weight | Driver | Battery listed by TechRadar | Ingress rating | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONOR Earbuds Open | Flexible ear hooks; 7.9 g per bud | 16 mm | 6 hours per bud; 40 hours total | IP54 (earbuds) | Comfort, awareness, strong open-ear sound and light-touch ANC |
| Huawei FreeArc | 8.9 g per bud | 17 × 12 mm | 7 hours per bud; 28 hours total | IP57 | TechRadar describes them as cheaper and better sounding, but its comparison commentary says their battery life is worse |
| OpenRock Pro | 13 g per bud | 16.2 mm | 19 hours per bud; 46 hours total | IPX4 | A sturdier fitness alternative with much longer listed endurance |
TechRadar’s figures and comparisons are published in its HONOR Earbuds Open review. The table’s battery figures are source-listed specifications, not a claim that every listener will achieve those runtimes.
Should you buy HONOR Earbuds Open?
- Buy them if: comfort, a stable exercise fit, environmental awareness, strong bass for an open design and some ANC are your priorities.
- Skip them if: you need sealed-ear noise isolation, dependable all-day runtime without recharging, AptX codecs or extensive EQ adjustment.
Before ordering, check your regional price and stock, and verify app compatibility for your phone. HONOR’s product listings are regional, and feature support can depend on phone software.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
