If you’ve been following audio trends in the last few years, you’ll know that earbuds have moved far beyond the simple “plug into your ear and block the world out” design. As work-life balance shifts, fitness culture grows, and consumers become more aware of hearing health and situational safety, open-ear audio has carved out a loyal following.

This approach lets sound flow naturally without sealing the ear canal, making it easier to remain aware of surroundings. Commuters can hear traffic, joggers can keep an ear out for cyclists, and office workers can stay alert to colleagues without constantly pulling out an earbud.

The EarFun Clip lands squarely in this growing niche. EarFun is a brand known for democratizing premium features at affordable prices — we’ve seen it with their Free Pro and Air Pro lines, which offered ANC and multipoint before many rivals. With the Clip, EarFun’s target is clear: provide comfort, awareness, and surprisingly strong sound quality in a design that’s light on your ears and wallet.

Priced around $69/£79, with Amazon UK having them for under £50 at the time of writing or even cheaper with promo codes sometimes.

Design & Build Quality

The design of the EarFun Clip is, in a word, refreshing. Instead of bulky hooks that wrap around your ear or traditional buds that press into your ear canal, the Clip uses a springy, silicone-coated arm that gently clamps below the earlobe. The speaker driver then hovers just above your ear canal, creating an open and airy fit.

At just 5.7 grams per bud, they are feather-light. Many reviewers have noted that after a few minutes, you forget you’re even wearing them — an impressive feat, considering how fatiguing traditional in-ear tips can be over long periods.

The build quality feels solid for the price. The finish is matte, avoiding fingerprint smudges, and the hinge on the clip mechanism inspires confidence. EarFun backs this up with an IP55 rating, meaning they’ll survive sweat, rain showers, and dust exposure. While not designed for swimming, they’re more than rugged enough for gym sessions or outdoor runs.

Comfort & Fit for All-Day Use

One of the strongest selling points of the EarFun Clip is comfort. Because they don’t sit in your ear or on your cartilage, pressure points are nearly eliminated.

For glasses wearers like myself, this is a godsend. Where many over-ear hooks clash with frames, the Clip’s under-ear design leaves temple arms untouched. Cyclists and motorcyclists will also appreciate that helmets fit comfortably over them.

During workouts, the Clip holds surprisingly steady. The flexible spring mechanism provides enough tension to keep the buds in place, though users with very large or uniquely shaped ears may find the fit looser than ideal. For running, they pass the test — even vigorous movement didn’t dislodge them in my use, though jumping jacks could nudge them out slightly.

The key here is non-intrusiveness. I wore them for an entire workday, from morning Zoom calls to afternoon music sessions, without the usual soreness or muffled sensation I get from silicone-tipped earbuds. For people who hate the “plugged ear” effect, this could be a revelation.

Features & Connectivity

EarFun didn’t skimp on features, and that’s what makes the Clip stand out in the sub $100 category.

• Bluetooth 6.0 ensures a stronger, more efficient connection.

• Multipoint pairing allows you to connect to both your laptop and phone simultaneously — switching from Spotify on your computer to a call on your mobile is seamless.

• Google Fast Pair makes setup nearly instant on Android devices.

• LDAC and Hi-Res certification mean you can actually enjoy high-bitrate audio streaming, provided your device supports it. That’s rare at this price point.

Then there’s the EarFun companion app, which turns a solid product into a flexible one. You get:

• A 10-band EQ with multiple presets and customizable options.

• Bass Boost mode for a punchier low-end.

• Theatre Mode, which widens the soundstage for movies.

• Gaming Mode, which reduces latency for smoother lip-sync and faster response.

• Ongoing firmware updates, a feature often missing from budget audio gear.

Taken together, these features make the EarFun Clip not just a one-note product but a versatile platform that adapts to different listening environments.

Audio Quality – Does Open-Ear Sound Good?

Open-ear designs inherently struggle with bass response. Without a sealed ear canal, low frequencies dissipate into the environment. That said, EarFun has pulled off a minor miracle with the Clip.

The sound signature leans bright and clear, with treble details shining. Vocals are crisp, and instruments like acoustic guitars, strings, and cymbals sparkle with presence. The soundstage is wider than most closed earbuds, thanks to the open design, giving music a more “live” feel.

Where it falters is in the midrange balance. Vocals can occasionally sound recessed when competing with layered instrumentation. And unless you use Bass Boost in the app, genres like EDM or hip-hop may feel underpowered.

Battery Life & Charging

EarFun claims 10 hours per charge, and in my real-world tests (70% volume, mixed use of calls and music), I consistently hit between 9–9.5 hours. That’s strong for open-ear buds, which often struggle to house large batteries.

The charging case extends total life to 40 hours — enough to last an entire workweek without recharging. A 10-minute quick charge yields around 2.5 hours of playtime, which is a lifesaver if you forget to charge before a gym session.

Everyday Use Cases

Where does the EarFun Clip really shine?

• Fitness: The secure clip, sweat resistance, and situational awareness make them excellent for running, cycling, and gym workouts.

• Commuting: You can hear train announcements, traffic, and conversations without losing your playlist.

• Work from Home: Long video calls are painless with the comfortable design. Mic quality is solid, though not studio-grade.

• Casual Listening: For background music while cooking, studying, or working, they provide just enough immersion without isolating you.

One area where they don’t excel is noise isolation. In a loud café or aeroplane cabin, you’ll hear everything around you. But that’s the nature of open-ear audio, not a flaw unique to EarFun.

Competitor Showdown

• EarFun Clip vs Shokz OpenFit: Shokz offers a sleeker design and slightly warmer sound, but costs nearly double. EarFun wins on value and battery life.

• EarFun Clip vs JBL Soundgear Sense: JBL provides stronger bass and a sportier aesthetic, but they’re bulkier. EarFun is more comfortable for all-day use.

• EarFun Clip vs AirPods: Apple still has the ecosystem advantage, but at twice the price, AirPods don’t justify the cost for open-ear audio lovers. EarFun matches or beats them in comfort and stamina.

For budget-conscious buyers, EarFun is the clear winner.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight, non-intrusive design.

• Excellent comfort for glasses and helmet users.

• Strong feature set (LDAC, multipoint, app support).

• Long battery life with fast charging.

• Affordable price point.

Cons

• Bass response is limited.

• Midrange vocals can feel recessed.

• Fit may not be secure for very large ears.

• No noise isolation (by design).

Final Verdict – Who Should Buy the EarFun Clip?

The EarFun Clip is one of those rare products that punches far above its weight. At under $70, it combines comfort, practicality, and features usually reserved for much pricier models.

It’s the perfect match for:

• Runners and cyclists who need safety awareness.

• Glasses wearers tired of uncomfortable over-ear hooks.

• Office workers want all-day comfort without ear fatigue.

• Students and commuters who value battery life and multipoint flexibility.

Who should avoid it?

• Bass enthusiasts looking for chest-thumping lows.

• Travellers who need active noise cancellation.

For everyone else, the EarFun Clip is a surprisingly refined, endlessly comfortable, and incredibly practical choice. It’s not just “good for the price” — it’s good, period. And in the crowded world of earbuds, that’s no small achievement.

Score: 4.5/5