Best open-fit earphones in India: Clip-style, hook-type, and bone conduction TWS earbuds

TWS earphones have largely focused on in-ear earphones that offer isolation by sealing the ear canal to block outside noise and boost bass impact and perceived detail. While that approach has its uses and users, it is not ideal for everyone every time. Speaking from personal experience, I can say long listening sessions can cause pressure build-up and ear fatigue. Also, complete isolation can be unsafe outdoors, where awareness of traffic, announcements, and people around you matters. This is where open-ear earphones come in. Instead of sealing the ear canal, they deliver sound while leaving your ears open to the environment. The result is a more breathable fit, lower fatigue over time, and constant situational awareness. Sound quality is different from traditional in-ear designs, but for many users, the trade-off is worth it.

Open-ear earphones broadly fall into three categories. Clip-style designs look like cuff earrings and attach to the outer ear, directing sound inward. Hook-type designs rest over the ear and position a small speaker just outside the canal. Bone conduction models bypass the ear canal entirely and transmit sound through vibrations in the cheekbones. We have included all three types in the following list. These are the most popular picks on Amazon and Flipkart and are ranked in descending order of price. Under each contender, you can find their respective key specs, features, and current pricing. So, you can read and choose based on budget and preference.

Sony LinkBuds Open

• Price: Rs 17,990
• Driver type: 11mm ring-shaped dynamic driver
• Call noise cancellation: AI-based Precise Voice Pickup
• Bluetooth version: 5.3

Instead of placing the driver beside the ear canal, Sony LinkBuds Open uses a ring-shaped driver with a hole in the centre. The brand claims this delivers a natural and transparent sound while allowing external audio to pass through physically, not digitally.

The driver is supported by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, which handles audio processing and call clarity. For calls, the earbuds rely on AI noise reduction and bone-sensor-assisted voice pickup to separate speech from background noise.

The LinkBuds Open use Bluetooth with support for low-latency codecs and charge via USB-C. This is a premium option aimed at users who want the quality assurance and brand recall that come with Sony.

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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

• Price: Rs 17,999
• Driver type: DualPitch technology: bone conduction plus air conduction
• Call noise cancellation: Dual noise-cancelling microphones
• Bluetooth version: 5.3

Shokz is a brand known for its bone conduction earphones, and the OpenRun Pro 2 (review) represents its latest offering with a combination of bone conduction for mids and highs and air conduction drivers for low frequencies. It is targeted at sportsmen and users indulging in outdoor activities.

The wraparound frame is lightweight and stable, even during intense activity. Dual microphones with wind resistance improve call clarity while running or cycling, although traffic noise can still leak in, which is expected given the design.

Charging is handled via USB-C. It claims 12 hours of battery life and an IP55 ingress rating.

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Nothing Ear (Open)

• Price: Rs 17,999
• Driver type: 14.2mm stepped dynamic driver with titanium coating
• Call noise cancellation: AI Clear Voice Technology
• Bluetooth version: 5.3

Nothing’s Ear (Open) blends open-ear functionality with a distinctive design. The hook-type form factor places a relatively large 14.2mm driver just outside the ear canal. The brand claims a balanced and crisp sound, with emphasis on clarity and controlled bass.

Call performance is handled by a dual-microphone setup backed by AI. They claim up to 30 hours of music playback. You also get the Ask Anything feature that lets you access ChatGPT on the go, USB-C charging, Low Lag Mode, and IP54 dust and water resistance.

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Also Read: Sennheiser HD 505 Copper review: Studio-style clarity under Rs 20,000

Sennheiser Accentum Open

• Price: Rs 7,989
• Driver type: 11mm dynamic driver
• Call noise cancellation: Dual beamforming microphones with AI noise reduction
• Bluetooth version: 5.3

Sennheiser approaches open-ear audio with a familiar stem-based design. The company has tuned the sound with clarity and depth. It is said to last up to 28 hours in total and can be topped up via the USB-C port on the case. They sport IPX4 splash and sweat resistance. You get touch controls.

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Realme Buds Clip

• Price: Rs 5,999
• Driver type: 11mm dual-magnet dynamic driver
• Call noise cancellation: AI environmental noise cancellation
• Bluetooth version: 5.4

The Realme Buds Clip (review) is the most affordable option in this list. It is fairly good for the price. The clip-style design attaches to the outer ear and distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure points during long use.

Realme markets the sound as bass-forward for an open-ear design, achieved through its software-driven NextBass algorithm. Call quality relies on AI-based environmental noise cancellation. You also get touch controls, a feature-rich Realme Link app support, a Spatial Audio option, Dual Device Connection, up to 45ms low latency mode, and IP55 dust and water resistance. The Buds Clip charges via USB-C.

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Conclusion

There are also other products worth watching, including the Sony LinkBuds Clip, the Huawei FreeBuds Clip 2, and the Anker Soundcore V20I. These promise refinements in clip-style audio, though we have not tested them yet. Several emerging brands are also entering this space with aggressive pricing and feature claims. As more options become available, we will update this list based on hands-on testing and long-term use. For now, these picks represent some of the most reliable and well-rounded open-ear earphones you can buy in India, depending on how much you want to spend and how you plan to use them.

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