The best earbuds of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

As part of my testing process, I run with every pair of earbuds I review, and the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds are nearly perfect for exercise.

Many athletes who run outdoors use bone conduction headphones that wrap around their heads and deliver aware sound. I've tried a few pairs and found that the volume never gets high enough for my liking. If you're not pleased with the noise level or the form factor of bone conduction headphones, open earbuds are the way to go. 

Review: Nothing Ear Open

Open earbuds are a little different than the other picks on this list. Open earbuds prioritize aware sound suited for outdoor environments instead of prioritizing a sealed fit and noise-cancelation. Comfort and volume are essential for an open earbud to work well, and the Nothing Ear (Open) checks both boxes. It has a fit I could wear all day and has the perfect volume for every environment. 

The Ear (Open) wearables are equipped with a light, silicone-wrapped ear wing that's almost invisible. This nearly unnoticeable design makes your earbuds more discreet while grocery shopping, walking around your neighborhood, working out at the gym, or taking calls at your desk. 

Instead of touch or button controls, the Ear (Open) earbuds utilize Nothing's clever pinch controls, which you manipulate on the bud's stem. I prefer pinch controls over tap-and-swipe controls, which tend to be too sensitive, especially during high-intensity exercise. The microphones on these earbuds deliver clear audio, and the battery life is long-lasting at 30 hours of playback.

The Nothing Ear (Open) retail for $189 but are currently on sale for $129. I can't find another earbud with features that beat that price tag. 

Nothing Ear (Open) tech specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 | Battery life: 30 hours | Noise-cancelation: No | Waterproof rating: IP54 (dust-protected and water resistant)