Honor Earbuds Open: An In-Depth Review of Open-Ear Innovation

Embracing Open Audio

The audio landscape continuously evolves, with manufacturers exploring novel designs to cater to diverse consumer needs. Among the latest trends is the rise of open-ear earbuds, which offer a unique listening experience, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. Honor, a prominent player in the consumer electronics market, has recently entered this space with the launch of the Honor Earbuds Open. This product is a potential solution for individuals who find traditional in-ear earbuds uncomfortable or prioritize situational awareness while enjoying their audio. The unveiling of the Honor Earbuds Open at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 underscores the growing significance of this category within the broader audio market. 

The increasing demand for open-ear earbuds reflects a notable shift in how consumers interact with audio technology. The core appeal of this design lies in its ability to provide an immersive listening experience without isolating the user from their environment. This is particularly beneficial for safety during outdoor activities such as running, cycling, or simply walking in urban environments, where awareness of traffic and other potential hazards is crucial. Furthermore, the open-ear design enhances comfort for prolonged use by eliminating pressure on or within the ear canal, a common complaint associated with traditional earbuds. Beyond comfort and safety, this design may improve ear hygiene by allowing for natural airflow and reducing moisture buildup. The growing popularity of this form factor suggests a genuine consumer need for audio solutions that integrate seamlessly with daily life, balancing entertainment with practicality.

A blend of aesthetic considerations and technological innovation characterises the open-ear design. The design of the Earbuds Open draws inspiration from the moon’s phases, featuring a “crescent curve” for the ear hook and a “full moon body” for the main housing. This design philosophy aims for both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort. A key aspect of Honor’s approach is the emphasis on lightweight construction, with each earbud weighing a mere 7.9 grams, contributing significantly to the overall comfort during extended wear. Honor has also incorporated advanced features such as AI translation and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into the Earbuds Open, which are relatively uncommon in the open-ear category. This suggests an ambition to provide a more comprehensive audio experience that extends beyond the fundamental benefits of the open-ear design. By combining the advantages of open-ear technology with premium features typically found in traditional earbuds, Honor appears to target a broader audience seeking a versatile and innovative audio solution.

2. Design & Build Quality: Form and Function

The Honor Earbuds Open feature an over-ear hook design, carefully engineered to position the speaker driver near the ear canal without entering it. The primary material used for the earbuds is a soft TPU, which provides a comfortable and pleasant tactile experience. For the parts that come into direct contact with the skin, Honour utilises food-grade, utilizes hypoallergenic properties and enhanced comfort during prolonged use. The ear hook itself incorporates a high-performance nickel-titanium (Nitinol) memory alloy. This material offers exceptional elasticity and durability, allowing the hook to flex and adapt to the user’s ear shape while maintaining a secure fit, even during vigorous activities.

The charging case accompanying the Honor Earbuds Open boasts a slim and flat form factor, drawing a visual parallel to a classic cigarette case. This design choice contributes to a sleek aesthetic and enhances portability, making slipping the case into pockets or bags easy. The case features a convenient clamshell-style opening, providing easy access to the inside earbuds. The Honor Earbuds Open are available in two distinct colour options: Polar Gold, which presents a creamy beige hue accented with elegant golden touches, and Polar Black, offering a more understated and classic look. The selection of materials and the lightweight design, with each earbud weighing just 7.9 grams, underscore Honor’s focus on user comfort and the durability required for everyday use and physical activity.

The open-ear design of the Honor Earbuds Open is central to their comfort during extended usage. The lightweight construction significantly reduces any feeling of bulk or pressure, allowing users to wear them for prolonged periods with minimal fatigue. The ergonomic shaping of the earbuds is intended to distribute pressure evenly and avoid contact with sensitive areas of the ear, further enhancing comfort regardless of how long they are worn. Including ultra-thin outer wall technology contributes to the overall feeling of lightness and reduces any potential for the earbuds to feel obtrusive. Moreover, the slim profile of the ear hooks is designed to ensure seamless compatibility with glasses, a thoughtful consideration for users who wear eyewear regularly. However, a potential limitation in the design is the fixed length of the rubber cable that connects the driver to the battery. This lack of adjustability might result in a less-than-optimal fit for individuals with more prominent ears, potentially causing the driver to sit slightly higher than the ideal position over the ear canal. While the design generally prioritises comfort and priorprioritizesf users, this fixed cable length represents a potential drawback for some.

Stability is crucial for earbuds, particularly those intended for use during workouts or outdoor activities. The Honor Earbuds Open addresses this need effectively, with multiple reviews highlighting a secure fit during various forms of exercise, including running, gym sessions, and cycling. The Nitinol memory alloy within the ear hook plays a significant role in ensuring this stable grip, allowing the hook to conform to the ear’s shape and maintain its position even during intense movements. The over-ear hook design is instrumental in providing a secure fit without relying on traditional in-ear tips, gently clasping around the ear to keep the earbuds in place. This design choice effectively overcomes a common concern associated with open-ear earbuds, demonstrating that a secure fit can be achieved without obstructing the ear canal.

Beyond functionality, the Honor Earbuds Open also exhibit several noteworthy design elements. The availability of Polar Gold and Polar Black provides users with options to suit their style preferences. The compact and lightweight charging case significantly enhances portability, making carrying the earbuds convenient without adding noticeable bulk. The “moon phase” inspired earbud design offers a unique and aesthetically pleasing visual element, setting them apart from conventional designs. The charging case, with its slim, flat form and clamshell opening, further contributes to the distinctive design language of the product. The Polar Gold version of the case even features a leather-effect finish, adding a touch of premium. These design choices suggest that Honor has aimed to create a product that is not only functional but also visually appealing and easily transportable. 

3. Comfort & Fit: The Feel-Good Factor

The consensus among reviewers indicates that the Honor Earbuds Open offer a high level of comfort for prolonged wear. A primary contributor to this comfort is the remarkably lightweight nature of the earbuds, with each weighing only 7.9 grammes. This minimal weight reduces any sensation of pressure or bulk on the ears, allowing users to wear them for extended periods without significant discomfort. The open-ear design plays a crucial role in enhancing comfort, as it avoids placing any obstruction or pressure within the ear canal, a common source of irritation with traditional in-ear earbuds. Furthermore, the ergonomic shaping of the earbuds is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the ear and avoid contact with sensitive areas, ensuring a comfortable fit regardless of the duration of use. Using skin-friendly materials, such as food-grade silicone for the parts that contact the skin, further contributes to overall comfort and reduces the risk of irritation during extended wear. 

The design of the Honor Earbuds Open makes them suitable for a diverse range of activities. Their secure fit, facilitated by the ear hook design and the Nitinol memory alloy, ensures they remain firmly in place during activities like running and cycling. The IP54 rating for dust and water splash resistance provides an added layer of durability, making them suitable for workouts where sweat might be a concern. For commuters and those using them in office environments, the open-ear design offers the significant benefit of allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. This is useful for hearing important announcements or engaging in conversations without removing the earbuds. The comfortable design for prolonged wear also makes them ideal for extended use during long workdays, mitigating the ear fatigue that can occur with other headphones. This versatility makes the Honor Earbuds Open a potentially appealing option for a broad spectrum of users, from athletes to office workers.

A key aspect of the Honor Earbuds Open is their ability to provide a secure fit without relying on traditional in-ear tips. The ear hook design effectively clasps around the ear, providing a stable and reliable hold without obstructing the ear canal. The Nitinol memory alloy within the hook adapts to the unique contours of the user’s ear, ensuring a personalised and secure fit. Nupersonalizedwers have personalised that the earbuds personalized in place even during vigorous movements, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ear hook mechanism in maintaining stability. This innovative approach to securing the earbuds addresses a common concern among those considering open-ear designs, proving that a comfortable and stable fit can be achieved without intrusive in-ear components.

4. Audio Performance: Sound in the Open

The Honor Earbuds Open have garnered praise for their surprisingly good sound quality, especially considering their open-ear design. Reviewers have noted the presence of energetic bass and crisp treble, contributing to a well-balanced and enjoyable audio experience. The mid-range clarity is also commendable, allowing vocals to come through distinctly, and the decent instrument separation enhances the overall detail in the sound. Honor’s implementation of “Virtual Bass” technology is a significant factor in this impressive audio performance. This feature effectively enhances the lower frequencies, often a weak point in open-ear earbuds. Some reviewers were particularly impressed by the level of bass produced, with some even stating that they occasionally forgot they were listening to open-ear buds. Including large 16 mm drivers likely contributes to the robust sound output and overall audio quality.

However, there are some minor limitations to the audio performance. Some reviewers have noted a potential for harshness in the treble at times. Additionally, harmonic distortions might occur when the volume is pushed to its maximum, particularly in the lower frequencies. Keeping the volume below 80% is generally recommended to maintain optimal clarity and a linear sound profile. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Honor Earbuds Open represent a significant step forward in the audio capabilities of open-ear earbuds, particularly in their ability to deliver noticeable bass, which is often a challenge for this design.

The open-ear design inherently affects the audio experience by allowing users to remain aware of their surrounding sounds. This is the primary benefit for those who prioritise safety and situation. However, the primary consequence of this open design is sound leakage. While one reviewer reported no noticeable leakage to nearby individuals, this likely depends on the volume level and the ambient noise in the environment. Honor has incorporated an “AI Privacy Call” feature that aims to reduce sound leakage using a reverse sound field acoustic system, potentially offering a degree of privacy even in quieter settings like elevators or conference rooms. The effectiveness of this feature in real-world usage would be a key consideration for potential buyers concerned about sound leakage.

Regarding volume levels, the Honor Earbuds Open are generally reported to be adequate for most listening situations. However, it is worth noting that open-ear designs might not achieve the same maximum loudness as sealed in-ear earbuds. The inclusion of Spatial Audio aims to provide a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience, creating a wider soundstage. The overall sound profile is frequently described as lively and engaging, making the earbuds suitable for diverse music genres. A notable limitation, however, is the absence of a customisable equaliser. Users acustomizableoequalizertomizabletequalizer-companying apps: “Original” and “Workout Amplifier”. Reviewers have noted that the difference between these two modes is insignificant, with the “Workout Amplifier” potentially reducing bass in favour of increased volume and treble. This lack of a manual EQ might be a drawback for users who prefer to fine-tune their audio to their specific preferences.

5. Call Quality & Microphone Performance: Clear Communication

The Honor Earbuds Open generally provides clear call quality across various environments. Reviewers have reported that their voice was easily audible to the person on the other end of the call, indoors and outdoors. This strong performance is mainly due to the integrated triple microphone system, which works with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology. These features actively suppress background noise, ensuring that the user’s voice remains the primary focus of the call. Furthermore, the 3-mic array is enhanced by advanced sensors designed to minimise interference from windminimizeer ambient, leading to more explicit conversations even in challenging acoustic conditions. Honour claims that the Earbuds Open can maintain excellent call quality even in wind speeds up to 6 m/s, based on their laboratory testing, indicating a robust performance in windy outdoor settings.

In addition to the general ENC that benefits the call recipient, the Honor Earbuds Open also feature 3-mic call noise cancellation. This dedicated noise cancellation technology further enhances the clarity of voice calls by actively reducing ambient sounds around the user. The aim is to ensure that the user’s voice remains clear and prominent, even in noisy surroundings, by filtering out distracting background sounds. This focus on call quality, even in potentially disruptive environments, makes the Honor Earbuds Open a reliable option for users who frequently need to take calls while on the go.

6. Features & Connectivity: Beyond the Basics

The Honor Earbuds Open has comprehensive features to enhance the user experience. They use Bluetooth 5.2 for a stable and efficient wireless connection. Bluetooth multipoint allows for simultaneous connection to two devices, enabling seamless switching between, for example, a smartphone and a laptop. The earbuds feature intuitive touch controls, allowing users to manage playback, answer calls, and adjust volume through tap and swipe gestures on the earbud surface. 

A standout feature of the Honor Earbuds Open is the AI-powered real-time translation, which supports 15 languages. This feature offers three modes: Shared Mode for translating conversations between two people, each wearing an earbud; Exclusive Mode, where the user speaks into the earbud, and the translation is played through the phone’s speaker; and Simultaneous Interpretation for translating lectures or presentations directly into the user’s ear. The earbuds also feature an AI agent, providing easy, wake-word-free access to the voice assistant on the connected device.  

Despite their open-ear design, the Honor Earbuds Open incorporate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature specifically tailored for this form factor. This ANC aims to reduce ambient noise without completely isolating the user from their surroundings, striking a balance between immersive audio and environmental awareness. Surround Subwoofer technology further enhances the audio experience by delivering rich and immersive sound with enhanced bass, a notable achievement for open-ear earbuds. For added convenience, the Honor Earbuds Open feature a “Find Earbuds” function that emits a beeping sound to help locate misplaced earbuds. The “AI Privacy Call” feature utilises a reverse sound field utilizes system to minimise sound leakage during cminimizehancing privacy in quieutilizesnments. The earbuds also feature intelligeminimizedetection, likely pausing audio when removed. Finally, the Honor AI Space app provides access to two EQ sound modes: “Original” and “Workout Amplifier”.

The pairing process for the Honor Earbuds Open is straightforward, likely facilitated by the Honor AI Space app, which also allows for customisation of touch controlscustomizationally responsive, some users have reported that the touch controls can be finicky or require repeated presses, sometimes leading to accidental earbud pushes. The seamless integration of the AI agent provides convenient, hands-free access to the user’s preferred voice assistant.

With an IP54 rating, the Honor Earbuds Open are resistant to dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. However, the charging case does not have any water resistance. The MagicRing feature offers seamless multi-device connection and audio sharing for users within the Honour ecosystem, further enhancing the integrated experience. These innovative features and ecosystem integrations position the Honor Earbuds Open as a technologically advanced option in the open-ear earbud market, particularly for those already invested in Honor devices.

7. Battery Life & Charging: Power to Last

Honour claims the Earbuds Open offers up to 6 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. The charging case extends the total playback time to a claimed 22 hours. Each earbud houses a 58 mAh battery, while the charging case has a mAh capacity.

Real-world testing indicates that the battery life falls slightly short of the claimed figures. Reviewers typically achieved over 5 hours of continuous playback with ANC turned off. Enabling ANC further reduces the battery life, with some estimates suggesting around 4.5 hours of listening time. Several reviewers noted that the battery life is somewhat limited compared to some competitors and might not be ideal for long listening sessions or activities like long-distance running.

The Honor Earbuds Open charge via a USB-C port on the charging case. Notably, the case does not support wireless charging. The earbuds support fast charging, with 15 minutes of charging in the case providing up to 2 hours of playback. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to charge the earbuds inside the case entirely, and the charging case itself can be fully recharged from zero to full in just under an hour using the USB-C connection.

Battery Life Comparison Table:

8. Comparison with Competitors: Standing Out from the Crowd

The Honor Earbuds Open enter a competitive market with several established players offering open-ear or semi-open earbuds.

Shokz OpenFit: Shokz is a well-recognised brand in the opwell-recognizedes category. The design of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Huawei FreeClip differs by hooking into the inkwell-recognized OpenFit wrapinkwell-recognized ear. The newer Shokz OpenFit 2 have shown improvements in comfort, audio, and battery life compared to the original model, which had some reported issues with charging and touch controls. Notably, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have superior sound quality compared to the Shokz OpenFit, and the Honor Earbuds Ois are reported to fit more securely than the Bose option.

Huawei FreeClip: The Huawei FreeClip are reportedly more affordable than the Honor Earbuds Open. One review suggests they offer better sound quality and more features, although their battery life is shorter than the Honor’s. Users have found the FreeClip to be very comfortable and stable, making it suitable for workouts, and the call quality is generally praised. A unique design aspect is that either FreeClip earbud can be used in either ear. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are significantly more expensive than the FreeClip but not necessarily twice as good in value.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: These earbuds feature a distinctive design that clips onto the inner ear. One reviewer considers their sound quality the best among open earbuds tested. They are also reported to be very stable in terms of physical activity. However, some users have reported poor call quality. One reviewer found the Bose Ultra Open slightly more comfortable than the Huawei FreeClip.

OpenRock Pro: The OpenRock Pro is highlighted for its exceptional battery life and robust build, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts. It is also mentioned as more affordable and comfortable than the Bose Ultra Open, although its audio quality is considered inferior.

Compared to these rivals, the Honor Earbuds Open offers a compelling combination of good sound quality, particularly in the bass, a comfortable and secure fit, and the inclusion of ANC, an uncommon open-ear design. The unique AI translation feature also sets them apart. However, their battery life might be shorter than my competitors, and the lack of a customisable EQ could be a drawcustomizablee users.

Competitor Comparison Table:

• Pros:
  • It has excellent sound quality with impressive bass for open-ear design.
  • Stable and comfortable fit, suitable for workouts and long wear.
  • Unique AI-powered real-time translation feature.
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for an open-ear design.
  • Slim and portable charging case.
  • IP54 dust and water resistance (earbuds).
  • Multi-device connectivity.
• Cons:
  • Limited battery life compared to some competitors.
  • Touch controls can be occasionally annoying or finicky.
  • No customisable equaliser.
  • ANC effcustomizableiequalizermited compared to traditional earbuds.
  • Non-adjustable cables might not fit all ear sizes perfectly.
  • There is no wireless charging for the case.

10. Conclusicustomizableoequalizer Recommendations

The Honor Earbuds Open present a compelling option in the increasingly popular open-ear earbud market. Their design prioritises comfort and situatiprioritizesess, making them well-suited for various users. Athletes will appreciate the secure fit and IP54 rating, while commuters and office workers will benefit from prioritising to remain aware ofprioritizingundings. Individuals with sensitive ears or those who dislike the feeling of in-ear tips will find the open-ear design a welcome alternative. The unique AI-powered real-time translation feature adds a significant layer of functionality, particularly appealing to travellers and those who frequently communicate across languages.

Potential buyers should consider the limitations. For many, the battery life does not satisfy users requiring exceptionally long listening times. While environmentally functional, the touch controls have received mixed feedback regarding their reliability and ease of use. The absence of a customisable equaliser might disappoint audiophilcustomizableoequalizerar control over their audio. Furthermore, while including CN in an open-ear design is innovative, its effectiveness in boisterous environments is customizable, equalising additional noise-cancellcustomizable

Iequalizingon, the Honor Earbuds Open offer a strong value proposition for users seeking a comfortable, secure, and feature-rich open-ear earbud experience. The inclusion of ANC and AI translation sets them apart from many competitors. While the battery life and touch controls could see further refinement, the overall performance and innovative features make them a worthwhile consideration for a wide range of use cases. They are recommended for athletes needing situational awareness, commuters, individuals with sensitive ears, and those who can benefit from the AI translation capabilities.