Most of us know a fair bit about headphones: some by recognising which ones feel too snug and suffocating when stuffed into our ear canals, and others by noticing how certain earbuds seem all too ready to climb out of our ears and skydive to the floor.
A small, geeky portion of us might know a bit more, such as the distinctions between over-ear (circumaural), on-ear (supra-aural), and in-ear (earbuds) types. But open-ear headphones? This not-so-new but recently revived concept has us intrigued with its careful balance of safety, sound quality and style.
Understanding Open-Ear Headphones
These are a unique type of headphones that rest on your ears without fully covering them or needing to be inserted into the ear canal. Open-ear headphones use bone conduction design, a fancy term for an equally fancy technology, that transmits sound through the bones around your ear directly to the inner ear. By leaving the outer and middle ear open, this technology allows you to listen without the stifling noise-cancelling tips placed on earbuds.
One of the main reasons why open-ear headphones have been gaining so much buzz lately despite being around for a while is because they now offer significantly better sound quality compared to earlier, more primitive bone conduction models. As fitness becomes a growing priority, more people are also seeking new ways to make their workouts as enjoyable as possible. Recognising this trend, more tech brands have begun adding ear hooks and other ergonomic features to improve comfort and keep open-ear headphones securely in place, even if you’re running, jumping or hurtling through an intense exercise regimen.
Open-Ear vs. Regular Headphones
We like to think complex tech often doesn’t look so stylish. But open-ear headphones don’t actually look too different from regular headphones, save for a few quirks highlighted below:
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Feature |
Open-Ear Headphones |
Regular Headphones |
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Design |
They sit on the outer ear, using curved pads that rest gently on the front of your ears instead of going into the ear canal. |
These typically cover your ears or go inside the ear canal with silicone tips for a snug fit. |
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Stability |
Modern designs use ear hooks or clips, keeping them secure without the bulk of excess parts. |
Most regular headphones have a headband to keep them in place. Meanwhile, wireless earbuds are generally secure, but can occasionally slip out during movement without a proper fit. |
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Functionality |
Great for outdoor use. They let you enjoy your music while staying aware of your surroundings, like traffic or people around you. |
Designed exclusively for an immersive, isolating experience, blocking out all external noise. |
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Noise |
A nice and safe balance of ambient sounds without overpowering your music. |
Compromises ambient noise to focus purely on the music. |
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Comfort |
Generally lighter and more comfortable for long listening sessions, as they don’t fully cover or press against your ears. |
Can feel a bit heavier or less breathable, especially during extended use, due to the full coverage of the ears. |
Open-Ear Tech, a Design Marvel
Regular headphones can feel a bit intrusive since they cover the ear or enter the ear canal. In contrast, open-ear headphones sit right outside the ear. They use sound vibrations to reach the inner ear without covering anything, leaving your outer ear open, breezy and free. It’s pretty wild to think that the soundwaves actually travel through the bones in your skull to reach your cochlea (a cavity past your eardrums, situated within your inner ear).
The whole “open-ear” idea really flips the script on what we expect from headphones. It combines new tech with real-world benefits, offering both solid sound quality and practical lifestyle features. Plus, these headphones are a sleek, minimalistic alternative to traditional headphones—functional and fresh in design.
Benefits and Everyday Versatility
Prioritising Safety
Open-ear headphones enable ambient sound to filter through. This feature is crucial for safety, as it means you can stay vigilant of your surroundings without missing a beat, the bus, or a friend’s shout.
High Sound Quality
Don’t let the open design fool you. Open-ear headphones still pack a crisp and rich punch when it comes to sound, even without blocking out the world. Consider them for virtual meetings, where you have to listen clearly without losing awareness of your physical environment.
Superior Productivity
With open-ear headphones, you can stay focused and productive, even when enveloped in noise. Fixation doesn’t have to come at the expense of being out of the loop or isolating yourself from family and friends. Every bit of “noise leakage” is deliberate, and here to serve you.
Uncompromised Compatibility
Open-ear headphones not only work with a range of devices, but people as well. Because they use bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear, people who have conductive hearing loss may also stand to gain from clearer sound or improved audio clarity.
Substance and Style
Combining functional technology with a sophisticated and modern design, open-ear headphones offer both practical benefits and a stylish, minimalist look that complements any lifestyle.
Introducing GoSound Jolt by Bazic, Energea
Energea is one tech brand changing the game with open-ear headphones that fuse outstanding comfort with impressive audio quality. Designed with research-driven insight, our GoSound Jolt headphones deliver HiFi spatial quality, allowing users to catch every beat and voice in clear, lossless transmission with minimal latency.
Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, GoSound Jolt maintains an awareness of your surroundings while providing maximum immersion. Plus, it’s sweat-resistant, comes with ergonomic ear hooks for a secure fit, and features a touch button for effortless control on the go.
Unlock a new dimension of sound with Energea. Enhance every note with Bazic’s GoSound Jolt today.
