Home · Technology · Sep 22 archive
Runner's World Recommends Clip-On Open-Ear Earbuds for Active Use
Confirmed
In Short: Runner's World tested numerous open-ear earbuds and recommends the Baseus Bass MC2 for its comfort and durability.

Runner's World has released its latest review of open-ear earbuds, highlighting the Baseus Bass MC2 as a standout option priced at Rs 1,299. The review emphasizes the growing popularity of open-ear technology, which allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or podcasts.
The Baseus Bass MC2, one of the best clip-on earbuds under $100, according to Scarbir, offers a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for active users. The earbuds feature a clip-on design that stays in place during high-impact activities like running or cycling, eliminating the need for constant readjustment.
Scarbir's review, which tested over 538 wireless earbuds under $100, notes that the Baseus Bass MC2 is particularly suited for outdoor use. However, Scarbir also points out that the earbuds may not be the best choice for phone calls in windy conditions, as higher background sounds can interfere with the call quality.
Runner's World's review process mirrors their rigorous testing of footwear, ensuring that only the best products make the cut. The publication emphasizes the earbuds' ability to handle various weather conditions, including sweat, rain, and snow, without compromising performance.
The Indian Express also highlights the Aura Air open-ear wireless earbuds, which feature a unique design that does not block the ear canal. This design is particularly beneficial for users who need to remain aware of their surroundings, such as those working in traffic or in noisy environments.
Audiophileon.com notes that the C-shaped open-ear format of these earbuds never enters the ear canal, making them a comfortable choice for those with small ears. The site also mentions that the 10mm drivers deliver balanced audio, though the bass may lack the punch of in-ear designs due to pressure limitations.
SoundGuys reports on Bose's latest entry into the open-ear earbuds market with the Bose Sport Open Earbuds and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). These new models build on the foundation of the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and offer notable upgrades in sound and design, targeting runners and outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds feature a soft silicone C-arm cuff designed to stay secure during high-impact movement, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) come with SpeechClarity call isolation, Auto Volume, and a wireless charging case with a translucent, textured lid for improved grip.
What this adds
Runner's World's review adds to the growing body of positive feedback for open-ear earbuds, which have been previously recommended by WIRED for their comfort and functionality.
Background
WIRED has named the Shokz OpenDots 2 as the top open earbuds, highlighting their superior comfort and functionality.
WIRED has named the Shokz OpenDots 2 as the top open earbuds, highlighting their superior comfort and functionality.
What's confirmed
- Runner's World has released its latest review of open-ear earbuds, highlighting the Baseus Bass MC2 as a standout option priced at Rs 1,299. The review emphasizes the growing popularity of open-ear technology, which allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or podcasts.
- The Baseus Bass MC2, one of the best clip-on earbuds under $100, according to Scarbir, offers a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for active users. The earbuds feature a clip-on design that stays in place during high-impact activities like running or cycling, eliminating the need for constant readjustment.
- Scarbir's review, which tested over 538 wireless earbuds under $100, notes that the Baseus Bass MC2 is particularly suited for outdoor use. However, Scarbir also points out that the earbuds may not be the best choice for phone calls in windy conditions, as higher background sounds can interfere with the call quality.
- Runner's World's review process mirrors their rigorous testing of footwear, ensuring that only the best products make the cut. The publication emphasizes the earbuds' ability to handle various weather conditions, including sweat, rain, and snow, without compromising performance.
- The Indian Express also highlights the Aura Air open-ear wireless earbuds, which feature a unique design that does not block the ear canal. This design is particularly beneficial for users who need to remain aware of their surroundings, such as those working in traffic or in noisy environments.
- Audiophileon.com notes that the C-shaped open-ear format of these earbuds never enters the ear canal, making them a comfortable choice for those with small ears. The site also mentions that the 10mm drivers deliver balanced audio, though the bass may lack the punch of in-ear designs due to pressure limitations.
- SoundGuys reports on Bose's latest entry into the open-ear earbuds market with the Bose Sport Open Earbuds and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). These new models build on the foundation of the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and offer notable upgrades in sound and design, targeting runners and outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
- The Bose Sport Open Earbuds feature a soft silicone C-arm cuff designed to stay secure during high-impact movement, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) come with SpeechClarity call isolation, Auto Volume, and a wireless charging case with a translucent, textured lid for improved grip.
What's still developing
- Open-ear options continue to get better and more versatile.
- But with a dizzying array of options out there—from earbuds to bone-conduction headphones to sporty sunglasses —it’s hard to pick which ones you want or need.
- We did the hard work for you, testing a gazillion different headphones, paying the same close attention to these that we do to shoes to bring you only the cream of the crop.
- You can forget about constantly readjusting loose earbuds or battling tangled wires, because these selections were chosen to stay put and deliver crystal-clear sound mile after mile, so that when you get to the good part of your podcast, it’s not going to drop out.
- We’re talking about headphones that can handle sweat, rain, snow, and the accidental drop, so you can focus on your stride, not your tech.
- Every Galaxy you buy through SammyGuru comes with Bonus Gear: real accessories matched to your device, sent free to US members.
- When phone calls are important, it's better to look at other options, as the Baseus doesn't really filter higher background sounds in calls, and your voice can dip a bit when you're calling with some wind.
- \uD83C\uDF89 These are the winners of the 500th review celebration!
- \uD83C\uDF89 By using this website, you agree to Scarbir.com's use of cookies - consisting of Squarespace, Googe Analytics, Google Ads and affiliate links BUYING GUIDE - These are the best open-ear clip-on wireless earbuds under $25, 50 and 100 dollars - an amazing category of earphones when you want to hear your surroundings and enjoy music or podcasts.
- Updated for September 2026 after over 30 clip-ons tested!
- I single-handedly reviewed and ranked over 538 wireless earbuds under $100.
- They let you hear still pretty much everything around you, even much more than AirPods-like half-in-ears.
