Better looking than the AirPods they’re aping, Nothing’s transparent little buds are a great buy, even at twice the price. The 11 millimeter dynamic drivers boast an open, natural midrange that’s impossible not to enjoy, while ANC delivers quiet better than most budget options. Sound quality won’t worry Sony or Bowers & Wilkins, but they’re a classy design with great fit, intuitive stem controls, app EQ, and fast pairing.
Bose started the earbud-or-earing trend with the Ultra Open (8/10), but Anker’s headphone division made open-ear listening far more affordable. The AeroClip are light, comfortable, easy to use, and come with extra grips for small ears, and while the sound remains deliberately open for traffic, coworkers and the kids, quality remains clear and enjoyable. Great for sport, or just not feeling plugged in the whole time.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
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