The best open-ear headphones for safer running, tried and tested
While noise-cancelling headphones are great for cutting yourself off from the world, the best open-ear headphones let you listen to your music and podcasts while remaining fully aware of your surroundings. They're ideal for outdoor exercise – or for anyone who simply doesn't like the sensation of in-ear headphones – and use flexible clips or hooks to hang just outside your ears, projecting audio into the ear without creating a seal.
Because of their open design, there's an unavoidable dip in sound quality compared to in-ear and over-ear headphones, but you'd be surprised by how dynamic the best models sound. They tend to offer better sound quality than bone-conducting headphones while ensuring that you can hear outside noise.
However, because they're designed to let ambient noise float in, they naturally struggle in consistently loud environments – open-ear headphones are best for avoiding hidden dogs and cyclists on your morning run, rather than disappearing into a podcast on your morning commute.
The best open-ear headphones offer complete situational awareness while mitigating as many of these downsides as they can, and in recent years, the tech has massively improved. Fashion-forward designs like the Bose ultra open not only sound great but look smart too, while fitness-focused earphones like the Shokz OpenFit 2 use secure and comfortable silicone hook designs to cope with more vigorous outdoor workouts.
How we tested
I assessed each of these in-ear headphones for sound quality, comfort, battery life and overall value. I wore them on our outdoor runs and walks, as well as at home, listening to a range of music genres and podcasts to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses. I also considered the size and convenience of charging cases, app usability, EQ options and additional features.
Why you can trust IndyBest
Steve Hogarty is a tech critic for The Independent. He's interested in anything with a microchip, from laptops and robot vacuum cleaners to ereaders and headphones. Steve always has one eye on the latest developments in tech, which means that if there's something exciting and innovative in the world of audio, Steve will know about it. Now, in his review of the best open-ear headphones, Steve has gone beyond technical specifications to what it's actually like to use the headphones in the real world.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
32 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
Hands-Free Face-Off: BlueCruise vs Super Cruise vs Autopilot
'Hands-free' appeals to many drivers. Yet test data shows how each system handles the real-world very differently. Here's what you need to know to choose wisely. Source: Brian Iselin Ford's BlueCruise tops Consumer Reports' latest active driving assistance tests with 84 points; GM's Super Cruise follows at 75; Tesla's Autopilot lands at 61. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety assigns BlueCruise the strongest safeguard ratings, Super Cruise middling marks, and Autopilot a lower tier (IIHS, 2023). Meanwhile, NHTSA's EA22-002 report links several Autopilot overrides to incidents when drivers regained control under glare or faded lane lines. 0:09 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More Testers describe a common highway stretch at dusk where lane markings blur. BlueCruise's eye-tracking camera warns early, then ends hands-free when maps lack recent updates. Super Cruise uses precise HD maps plus lidar-derived data to prompt takeover smoothly as fading lines approach. Autopilot's vision-only stack hesitates under glare, requiring manual steering with less warning. Sensor and Software Breakdown BlueCruise relies on forward cameras plus infrared driver-monitoring. It restricts hands-free to designated 'Blue Zones' (Ford publishes region maps). Eye-tracking ensures the driver watches the road. relies on forward cameras plus infrared driver-monitoring. It restricts hands-free to designated 'Blue Zones' (Ford publishes region maps). Eye-tracking ensures the driver watches the road. Super Cruise combines high-definition lidar-scanned maps with radar and camera data. An infrared sensor checks head position; hands off feels secure until map data detects new construction or unclear markings. combines high-definition lidar-scanned maps with radar and camera data. An infrared sensor checks head position; hands off feels secure until map data detects new construction or unclear markings. Autopilot (FSD Beta) uses a vision-only neural-net stack. It operates beyond geofenced highways but lacks the predictive map layer. Updates arrive over-the-air frequently, altering the cars behavior unpredictably. ADAS Face-Off: Tesla Model 3, Cadillac CT5 & Mustang Mach-E — Source: Brian Iselin Transition Tactics Each system alerts drivers differently: steering-wheel vibrations, audible chimes, dashboard prompts. BlueCruise's prompt can feel abrupt when exit ramps aren't in its database. Super Cruise often issues a gentle vibration before displaying 'Take Control' messages. Autopilot may allow slight steering inputs before disengaging, but reports note some drivers found the warning delay risky. Hands-Free Safety: Crash Counts and Fatalities Compared GM's Super Cruise boasts over 160 million accident-free miles with no publicly documented fatal crashes under its engagement . Ford's BlueCruise has been implicated in approximately 32 reported crashes under NHTSA review, including two fatal collisions in Mustang Mach-E vehicles resulting in three deaths (NHTSA ODI, 2024) . Tesla's Autopilot has been involved in 956 reported crashes reviewed by NHTSA and is linked to 51 reported fatalities to date (NHTSA EA22-002, 2024). Enthusiasts should note that reporting criteria vary and ongoing probes may uncover further data, underscoring the importance of vigilance and understanding each system's limitations. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. BlueCruise restricts hands-free to mapped stretches in the U.S., Canada, and select regions; Ford updates zone maps periodically. Super Cruise covers over 750,000 miles of roads in North America, with map updates via dealer visits or over-the-air in newer models. Autopilot's software changes often, but without map anchoring, performance can vary by region and conditions. Source: Brian Iselin Practical Recommendations Match System to Drive Profile: If you log long interstate miles in mapped areas, Super Cruise offers predictability. For regional highway runs within Ford's Blue Zones, BlueCruise excels with strict gaze monitoring. If you enjoy frequent software tweaks and can stay vigilant for false positives, Autopilot may appeal—but treat it as a beta experiment. Test under Known Conditions: On a clear day, engage hands-free on a familiar highway. Note how each handles faded lines, curves, or light rain. Observe takeover warnings: is the vibration firm? Is the chime clear? Does the prompt arrive early enough? Stay Alert at All Times: Hands-free does not mean eyes-free. Keep gaze on the road even if systems allow relaxed hands. Note that NHTSA data demonstrate that incidents often occur within seconds of takeover. Check Map and Feature Coverage: Before relying on hands-free in a new region, verify if your route lies within BlueCruise or Super Cruise zones. Understand that Autopilot may operate but might misread unfamiliar markings. Plan for Updates and Maintenance: Factor in how frequently each system updates. Ford's BlueCruise zone updates may lag new roads. Super Cruise map refreshes often require dealer or connected-car service. Tesla's Autopilot updates automatically but can alter performance without warning. Essential Metrics at a Glance BlueCruise : CR score 84; top IIHS safeguards; strict eye-tracking; 32 crashes and 3 fatalities, limited to Blue Zones (Consumer Reports, 2025; IIHS, 2023). : CR score 84; top IIHS safeguards; strict eye-tracking; 32 crashes and 3 fatalities, limited to Blue Zones (Consumer Reports, 2025; IIHS, 2023). Super Cruise : CR score 75; broad HD-map network; lidar+radar support; smooth prompts; zero crashes and zero fatalities (160 million accident-free miles), map updates via OTA/dealer (Consumer Reports, 2025; GM, 2024). : CR score 75; broad HD-map network; lidar+radar support; smooth prompts; zero crashes and zero fatalities (160 million accident-free miles), map updates via OTA/dealer (Consumer Reports, 2025; GM, 2024). Autopilot: CR score 61; vision-only stack; wide availability; frequent software shifts; 956 crashes and 51 fatalities (Consumer Reports, 2025; NHTSA, 2022). Hands-free systems free your hands but not your responsibility. Choose BlueCruise for strict monitoring in mapped corridors. Opt for Super Cruise if you need broad coverage, map-driven predictability, and a perfect safety record. Treat Autopilot as NSFW; an evolving tool that demands constant vigilance. Test each under clear conditions, track updates, and always keep eyes forward. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I tried Samsung's posh new mobile that makes iPhone look like an expensive BRICK – there's a way to save on upgrading
Tested FEELING THIN The Galaxy S25 Edge makes two key sacrifices for its lighter, thinner new model All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Jamie Harris Published: 20:56, Updated: 20:56, SAMSUNG has had a pretty packed year in smartphone world. First, we had the usual Galaxy S25 launches at the start of the year - and then there were some great budget-friendly models too. 6 6 And now we're back to the Galaxy S25 again with a new category. This time it's all about thin, thin, thin. All the tech packed inside ever-powerful phones make it tricky business to stop them from becoming almighty hunks of metal. What with chunky batteries, all that processing power needed for AI tools, the list goes on. But Samsung is determined to give it a go with the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge - even if there are some sacrifices. As The Sun's main Android smartphone reviewer I get hands-on with all sorts of devices all the time. Here's why you might want to consider the Galaxy S25 Edge if you're fed up with chunky mobiles weighing down your pocket. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Look and feel How the Galaxy S25 Edge looks and feels is arguably the most important first bit of information you want. And the good news is, it's immense. I can't remember the last time I held a phone of this size and power that felt this light, at only 163g. Samsung insider reveals top tricks every user needs to know about to save battery and storage A website on the weight of items tells me that's about as heavy as an average hockey puck. The Galaxy S25+ and iPhone 15 Plus are the fairest comparisons to note, because they both have a 6.7inch display like the S25 Edge. A Galaxy S25+ weighs 190g, while the iPhone 15 Plus is 201g. But it's not just the weight, the Edge is super thin at 5.8mm - Samsung's thinnest ever phone. Looking for objects around the house, the nearest item I could compare it to is a tiny bit thicker than my passport. Again, the Galaxy S25+ is 7.3mm thick and the iPhone 15 Plus is 7.8mm. This makes the iPhone - and just about every other smartphone, even Samsung's other models - look and feel like a brick. Despite all this, the titanium body and hardened glass on the S25 Edge feel pretty tough, though I'd worry it might bend if I accidentally sat on it a few times too many. 6 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Performance and software From a software and performance perspective, the Galaxy S25 Edge feels just like the other phones in the series. It runs on Samsung 's own version of Android, One UI. One UI has a consistent, clean and easy look that I like. All the S25 devices run on Android 15, One UI 7, which is the very latest version of both, straight out of the box. And once again, Samsung offers a whooping seven years of security and software updates. Look after the handset it could last you quite sometime thereby saving you money on upgrades. Who offers free updates longest? The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone - with the latest features thrown in too for free. Samsung For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates. OnePlus At the launch of the OnePlus 13, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and six years of security updates. Xiaomi Xiaomi offers four years off Android updates and five years security updates. Google For the Pixel 9 series, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support. Like the other S25 devices, the Edge version uses the same powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip on the inside to keep things running super smooth. As such, apps, games and anything else you throw at it glides through without any issue or lag. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Features The Galaxy S25 Edge carries all the same great features as the other models too, with a large focus on AI tools this year. Samsung moved closer to Google and its Gemini digital assistant. Though not exclusive to Samsung, it's worth mentioning that Gemini is really handy - I was using it to identify problems with my plant the other day. As for Samsung's own newer features there's Now Brief, an AI companion that acts as a central hub for everything going on in your day. This keeps you in check with not only your calendar and weather but learns about your habits so will warn you about things such as traffic. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Battery Now battery is the big one I was most curious about given that it's the part that takes up a lot of physical space in phones. Sticking to its nearest comparable sibling, the S25+, the battery on the Edge is smaller. The Edge has a 3,900 mAh, compared to the S25+'s 4,900 mAh. And seeing as I mentioned the iPhone 15 Plus before, it's worth noting that the battery there is 4,383 mAh. The battery and camera sacrifices are bold to say the least So, physically speaking the Edge is much lower. Samsung has done some performance optimising to get around this but there's still only so much they can do. With general on and off usage throughout my day - using apps like WhatsApp, checking emails, watching the odd video and going on social media - I could get a day out of it. But constant power users watching loads of videos probably won't make it through the day without help. What's more, the Galaxy S25 Edge doesn't charge as fast as it's sister handsets either. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Camera The other big difference is on camera with only two on the back of the S25 Edge. There's no telephoto sensor to take clear photos from a distance - which is something you would expect from a phone that costs upward of a grand. But the 200-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide camera do manage to take some detailed pics popping with colour. 6 6 6 Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Pricing The Galaxy S25 Edge starts from £1,099 / $1,099. But there is a new way to keep the cost of expensive phones down in the form of Samsung Club. For a lower monthly cost, you can get the latest Galaxy every year rather than buying outright each time, plus other perks. The Galaxy S25 Edge is the first phone being offered as part of the scheme from £33.31 per month. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Verdict Final thoughts by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is a slick looking phone there is no questioning that, it oozes sexy. You get a gorgeous display, as well as the tried and trusted Samsung experience on the phone as well. The battery and camera sacrifices are bold to say the least. While I love not being weighed down by a phone in my pocket, it's hard to overlook these two drawbacks when the price tag tops a grand. Rating: 4/5 All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.
Reuters
4 hours ago
- Reuters
Musk says robotaxi to launch in Austin, Texas on Sunday afternoon
June 22 (Reuters) - Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab has started testing robotaxis with passengers in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday, with customers paying a flat fee of $4.20, as the electric vehicle maker looks to roll out the much-anticipated service and gain a foothold in the self-driving technology race.
