Soundcore C40i

The most comfortable open-ear buds we've tested, with shockingly good sound and ANC that actually works. Just don't buy them for the call quality.

What surprised us most was the sound quality. Open-ear buds usually sound thin and tinny, but Soundcore's racetrack driver here delivers a sound profile that lands in the 86th percentile of our database, which is a standout for this style. The bass has some actual body to it, and the soundstage feels wide and natural. The ANC is another shocker. It's not going to silence a jet engine, but it takes the edge off low-end rumbles like bus engines and wind noise way better than it has any right to, sitting in the 88th percentile. The call quality, however, is a weak spot. At the 60th percentile, your voice sounds a bit processed and distant to the person on the other end, so don't plan on leading any Zoom meetings from a windy street.

The C40i's main rival is the Bose QuietComfort open-ear buds, but the Soundcores offer ANC where the Bose don't, making them a smarter pick for commuters. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a completely different beast, a traditional in-ear design with top-tier sound and ANC, but they seal you off from the world. If you need spatial awareness for safety, the C40i is the clear winner. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is a fantastic budget noise-canceling in-ear bud, but again, it's not an open-ear design. For the specific person who wants a clip-on with ANC, the C40i is in a league of its own right now.

Pricing on these is all over the map, with a wild spread from $40 to over $1600 across different vendors, which is frankly absurd. At the lower end of that range, these are an absolute steal for a fitness-focused open-ear bud with this feature set. If you're seeing a price anywhere near the $40 mark, just buy them. If you're looking at a triple-digit price tag, you're getting ripped off and should hunt for a better deal.

Soundcore's C40i clip-ons are a solid entry into the open-ear game, and the one thing to know is they nail comfort and awareness. If you hate the plugged-up feeling of earbuds but still want decent sound and ANC for your run, these are a fantastic pick. They hook onto your ear with a secure, lightweight clip, letting you hear traffic or your hiking buddy while your playlist keeps rolling. The 12x17mm racetrack drivers push out more punch than you'd expect from something that doesn't seal your ear canal, and the adaptive ANC is a genuinely useful bonus for an open design.

If you're looking for pristine call quality or total noise isolation, this isn't it. Go get a pair of traditional in-ear buds with a sealing tip, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro. These are for people who prioritize awareness and comfort above all else.

The Soundcore C40i is the best open-ear clip-on bud for anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings without sacrificing good sound and a bit of noise cancellation. It's a niche product that absolutely nails its niche. The call quality is the only real drag, but for workouts, hikes, and commutes where safety and comfort are king, these are an easy recommendation. Just make sure you're not overpaying.