At a Glance
- CES 2026 showcased mostly open-ear buds, not sealed models
- Shokz, Anker and JBL led the sporty, clip-on and convertible launches
- Baseus teased noise-canceling clip-ons later this year
- Why it matters: Listeners want comfort plus situational awareness without sacrificing sound
Open earbuds dominated CES 2026, with brands racing to add noise cancellation to designs that leave the ear canal unsealed. Marcus L. Bennett reported that while sealed silicone-tip buds remain popular, buyers increasingly want situational awareness for safety and comfort.
The Open Boom
Market research firms told News Of Losangeles that open earbuds and bone-conduction headphones are the fastest-growing segment. Carsten Olesen, president of consumer audio at Harman, confirmed: “Open earbuds have become the fastest-growing earbud style, signaling a growing consumer desire for audio that fits into individual lifestyles.”
Jack Liu, Baseus head of international PR, echoed the forecast in a pre-show email: “We think the earphone business will have a new wave of growth as the mainstream will continue to transition from normal form factor to open-ear ones.” He added that the form factor will evolve “from a listening device to an accompanying device that’s going to be with you all day long.”
Noise-Canceling Hurdle
Adding effective active noise cancellation to open buds remains difficult. Shokz introduced “OpenEar Noise Reduction” in its $250 OpenFit Pro rather than claiming full ANC. Marcus L. Bennett found the reduction weaker than Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, currently the benchmark for open ANC.
Anker’s Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro ($180, shipping May) tries a convertible approach. Users can pivot the ear-hook buds to sit deeper in the canal for an “ANC mode” or farther out for open listening. The design lacks silicone tips, so isolation is still limited, but the option may outperform ear-over designs like the OpenFit Pro.
Just-Announced Models
Shokz OpenFit Pro
- Price: $250, ships January 21
- Colors: white or black
- Battery: 12 h open, 6 h with noise reduction
- Features: Bluetooth 6.1, IP55, Dolby Audio with head tracking, physical buttons, wear sensors
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
- Price: $180 list, early preorder at $150
- Ship date: early May
- Colors: white, black, lilac
- Battery: 7 h open, 5 h ANC mode; case adds four charges plus wireless charging
JBL Family
| Model | Price | Ship Date | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sense Pro | $200 | March | 16.2 mm drivers, four mics, BT 6.0, IP54, 8 h + 30 h case |
| Sense Lite | $150 | March | Soft silicone finish, BT 5.4, IP54, 8 h + 24 h case |
| Soundgear Clips | $150 | March | Translucent clip-on design, BT 5.4, IP54, 8 h + 24 h |
| Endurance Zone | $180 | now | Sports model, IP68 fully waterproof, 8 h + 24 h |
What About Bose?
Bose stayed quiet at CES. Its Ultra Open Earbuds helped popularize clip-ons in the U.S., but Apple beat it to market with open ANC. Through its Sound by Bose program the company licenses tech to value brands such as Baseus and Skullcandy. An encore product is expected later this year.
Listening Reality Check
Open earbuds still trail sealed models for critical listening. Marcus L. Bennett found recent models deliver respectable bass and clarity, yet a good silicone-tip set remains preferable for pure sound. Buyers choose open styles for:
- Comfort for all-day wear
- Secure fit during running and cycling
- Ability to hear traffic and conversations
- No eartip pressure in the canal
Key Takeaways
- Open earbuds are the fastest-growing segment, with CES 2026 lineups to match.
- Shipment dates start January 21 with the Shokz OpenFit Pro and continue through May.
- True ANC in open designs is still elusive; brands are experimenting with convertible or reduced-noise modes.
- Buyers gain comfort and safety, but audiophile sound still favors sealed tips.
Expect more open models-and perhaps Bose’s response-before the year is out.
