Three Clip-On Earbuds That Cost Less Than Bose’s $299 Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) last more than 13 hours in testing, add stronger bass than their predecessors and support wireless charging. At $299, though, they’re a costly way to listen without sealing your ears. Clip-on earbuds have improved at lower prices, and for everyday listening at modest volume, a cheaper pair may make more sense.

Three alternatives stand out for different reasons: Sony’s LinkBuds Clip offer controls for sound leakage, CMF’s Clip Pro make everyday adjustments unusually tactile, and Soundcore’s AeroClip 2 are designed with calls in mind. Each gives up something Bose does well, but the trade-offs may be easy to accept depending on how you’ll use them.

Sony LinkBuds Clip: More control over sound leakage

At $229.99, Sony’s LinkBuds Clip still sit in the premium tier, but they cost about $70 less than the Bose. Their strongest everyday advantage is a leakage-protection mode in the Sony Sound Connect app, which changes the sound to make it less audible to people nearby. That addresses a common drawback of open earbuds: your music can carry beyond your ears.

The app also includes custom EQ guidance, while Multipoint lets the earbuds stay connected to a phone and laptop at the same time. Their IPX4 rating covers sweat and splashes, making them suitable for routine workouts and commutes.

There are clear compromises in listening time and sound. Sony rates battery life at 9 hours, but testing measured 7 hours and 10 minutes, compared with more than 13 hours for the Bose. In the MDAQS listening simulation, Sony scored 2.4 out of 5 against Bose’s 2.9. The lowest bass notes are also quieter than they are with earbuds that seal the ear.

That makes the LinkBuds Clip a sensible choice for buyers who value app controls and reduced sound leakage more than long battery life or fuller bass. They’re a more considered purchase than a budget pair, but they don’t match Bose on the test results cited here.

CMF Clip Pro: Physical controls for $79

At $79, CMF’s Clip Pro cost less than a third of the Bose. Their standout feature is the Smart Dial built into the charging case: turn the metal wheel to adjust volume, press it to pause, or double-press to skip a track. Textured buttons on the earbuds add controls that are easier to locate by touch than a smooth surface.

Battery life is another strong point. The earbuds lasted 9 hours with LDAC enabled, and the case brings the total to about 32.5 hours. A 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of listening, twice the top-up reported for the Bose. For people who want clip-ons they can use throughout the day, those figures make the CMF pair attractive for the price.

The sound and microphone performance are less convincing. Bass is light, and the bass-enhancement feature adds distortion. Anti-leakage mode muffles playback, while the microphones struggle with background noise. The glossy surface also became slippery with sweat during a run. CMF rates the earbuds IP54, but that protection doesn’t extend to the case.

The Clip Pro are best for buyers who enjoy tactile controls and want a low-cost pair for casual listening. They’re less appealing if strong bass, clear calls or a secure-feeling grip during sweaty workouts matter most.

Soundcore AeroClip 2: The call-focused option

Soundcore’s AeroClip 2 cost $169.99 and stand out for voice calls. An AI chip works with four microphones and two sensors that detect voice vibrations, helping the earbuds focus on speech. Whisper mode is intended to keep the wearer audible while speaking softly. That makes these a better fit for a workday split between calls, music and staying aware of nearby sounds.

Other practical features include wireless charging for the case, an IP57 rating for dust and water, and Multipoint for connecting a phone and work laptop at once. The IP57 rating also makes them a stronger option for workouts or wet conditions than the IPX4 Sony pair.

Battery life is the main trade-off: Anker rates the earbuds for 8 hours per charge and 32 hours with the case. Testing reported more than 13 hours for the Bose, so buyers who often go long stretches without recharging may prefer Bose’s endurance. The AeroClip 2 also lack auto-pause, meaning playback continues when you remove them, and their volume control responds slowly.

For frequent callers, those are manageable drawbacks at $130 less than the Bose. Buyers who mostly listen to music may find the Sony app features or CMF’s case controls more useful.

Other clip-on earbuds to consider

Bose Sport Open Earbuds cost $199 at Amazon and use a sweat- and dust-resistant silicone design suited to gym wear. Testing measured 8 hours and 5 minutes of battery life, but bass is limited and wind made calls difficult to hear. At that price, waiting for a sale looks sensible.

For workouts that call for a secure fit, Shokz OpenDots 2 cost $199.95 at Amazon and carry an IP57 rating. EarFun Clip 2 are the budget pick for battery life: they cost $79.99 at EarFun and Amazon and lasted 10 hours and 46 minutes in testing.

The choice comes down to what you notice most in daily use. Sony offers the clearest answer to sound leakage, CMF makes basic controls fun and easy to reach, and Soundcore puts more attention on calls. Bose remains the endurance leader among the tested pairs discussed here, but its $299 price leaves room for buyers to choose a cheaper set that better fits their routine.