JVC Nearphones HANP1TB

The Nearphones are the comfiest way to hear everything around you while still catching your podcast. Just don't expect any bass, because there isn't any.

The connectivity is the real standout here. BT 5.4 with multipoint puts these in the 96th percentile, which means they pair fast, stay connected, and juggle two devices without drama. Build quality is also surprisingly solid at the 94th percentile, especially for a budget-friendly open-ear design. But the sound is where things get honest. Vocals and mids come through clear, which is great for podcasts and calls. Bass is basically a rumor. And at the 20th percentile for sound, these aren't going to impress anyone who cares about music with any low end. The 20-hour battery with the case is fine, but it's below average for true wireless buds these days.

Against the Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B or the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4, the Nearphones lose on sound quality and noise isolation, badly. Those are closed-back, bass-forward headphones built for music. But the Nearphones aren't playing that game. They're closer to something like the JBL Tune 670NC in price, but even those have ANC and more bass. The real comparison is: do you want to hear the world around you or block it out? If it's the latter, skip these entirely. If it's the former, the Nearphones are one of the few budget options that nail the open-ear fit.

At EUR 96 to EUR 121 depending on where you shop, these sit in a weird spot. The best deal we found is at EUR 96, and at that price they're a reasonable buy if you specifically want open-ear comfort. But if you're paying closer to EUR 121, you're getting into territory where you could grab something with better sound and ANC. The value depends entirely on whether the open-ear design is a must-have for you.

The JVC Nearphones HANP1TB are the weirdest earbuds we've tested in a while, and honestly, that's kind of the point. They're not earbuds at all. They're open-ear cuffs that clip around the outside of your ear, leaving your ear canal completely open. If you hate the plugged-up feeling of regular earbuds or need to hear what's happening around you, this design is a breath of fresh air. The one thing to know: these are for podcasts, calls, and all-day wear, not for drowning out the world or feeling the bass drop.

If you're looking for immersive music with real bass or any kind of noise cancellation, this isn't it. Go get the Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B or the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 instead. The Nearphones are for people who want to hear the world, not escape it.

The JVC Nearphones HANP1TB are a niche product that nails their niche. If you want open-ear comfort, situational awareness, and all-day wearability for calls and podcasts, these are a solid pick at the lower end of the price range. If you want music with any bass or any kind of noise isolation, look elsewhere. We'd recommend them to runners, cyclists, and office workers who need to stay aware, but not to anyone who cares about how their music sounds.