Edifier's LolliClip introduces active noise cancellation and health tracking features to open-fit earbuds.

      Edifier has launched its newest pair of open-ear true wireless earbuds, equipped with features typically found in flagship models. Priced at $130, the LolliClip is available in black or white, with orders now open on Amazon.

      The key highlight of these clip-style earbuds is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC). For ANC to be truly effective, earbuds should seal the ear canal using silicone tips, which open-ear designs do not provide. However, there have been previous instances of ANC in open-ear models (such as the Oladance OWS Pro), and Apple has shown that ANC can be quite effective in semi-open designs like the AirPods 4 with ANC.

      I anticipate that the LolliClip will deliver performance somewhere between these two examples. While they are open-ear, their clip design positions the speaker pod closer to the ear canal than traditional earhook designs, potentially giving them an advantage in ANC performance.

      Additionally, the earbuds include heart rate and blood oxygen sensors that can be activated through the Edifier ConneX app. This feature appears to be a first for open-ear earbuds. The recently released Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 can monitor heart rate but not blood oxygen, and even Sennheiser’s expensive Momentum Sport does not track blood oxygen levels (though they do monitor heart rate and temperature).

      Edifier has also included two features aimed at enhancing music listening: LDAC and spatial audio. The LDAC Bluetooth codec from Sony provides a higher quality audio connection for Android users, which is especially noticeable when streaming lossless audio in quiet settings. Spatial audio processes stereo sound into a more immersive, 3D-like experience, with optional head tracking that makes video content feel more lifelike by anchoring voices and sounds directly in front of the listener, regardless of head movement.

      The earbuds come with wear sensors—again, an uncommon feature for open-ear types—and with Bluetooth 5.4, the LolliClip supports Multipoint simultaneous connections. They also feature a low-latency mode for gaming. Unfortunately, there is no Auracast support.

      The LolliClip should be ideal for exercise. In addition to the aforementioned health tracking capabilities, they are rated IP56, making them resistant to dust, water, and sweat. Edifier claims an estimated 9 hours of use per charge, totaling 39 hours when factoring in the charging case's capacity. These figures are predicated on using the AAC codec at 80% volume, so battery life may decrease with the use of ANC, spatial audio, or LDAC.

      Simon Cohen is a contributing editor for Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he closely follows the latest wireless technology developments.

      The Cleer Arc 3 may be the most sophisticated open-ear earbuds to date. Cleer Audio seems to have spared no effort with its latest model, introducing features from the Cleer Arc II Sport, such as a charging case with an integrated battery, antibacterial UV lighting, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound. Additionally, the Arc 3 enhances water resistance, adds voice control, and incorporates spatial audio with Dolby-powered head tracking. The charging case now features its own color touchscreen. The Cleer Arc 3 will be available in black and pink for $220 on amazon.com starting October 24, with more colors anticipated soon.

      In terms of design, the Cleer Arc 3 retains the articulated, spring-loaded earhook from previous versions, which provides a comfortable yet secure fit. Cleer states that the earbuds are now rated IPX7, rendering them effectively waterproof, even when fully submerged.

      Soundcore has unveiled its next clip-style open-ear wireless earbuds— the C40i. Similar to the C30i launched in April, the C40i maintains a clip- or cuff-style design akin to the Bose Open Ultra Earbuds, but Soundcore asserts that the C40i delivers enhanced comfort through its flexible connectors. The C40i retains the customized ear grips fit system (plastic attachments for those with smaller ears). Set to be released on October 31 in Graphite Gray for $100, Soundcore plans to introduce two additional colors (Desert Bronze and Clarity Black) soon. Like the Bose Open Ultra, the C40i features physical button controls located on the rear part of the clip.

      Sony has expanded its LinkBuds brand with new offerings: LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds Speaker. Building on the success of the 2022 LinkBuds and LinkBuds S, these new models maintain an earbud style while enhancing fit and functionality. The LinkBuds Speaker is also being launched, with special pairing capabilities with the new earbuds and other Sony headphone products. Additionally, Olivia Rodrigo, following a successful collaboration with the LinkBuds S in 2023, is returning for this new product launch.