Top-Performing Open-Style Audio Devices Aren't Truly Earbuds as Labeled
In the realm of open-ear audio devices, the Meta Ray-Bans have emerged as a superior choice for voice calls compared to most open-ear earbuds. These smart glasses, which double as sunglasses, offer an array of features that make them a valuable investment for outdoor enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts alike.
Advantages of Open Earbuds for Outdoor Activities and Calls
Open earbuds, such as the Emeet Airflow, offer several advantages for outdoor activities and calls. Their open design ensures comfort, breathability, and a stable fit, making them ideal for extended wear. The open design also enhances situational awareness, keeping users safe during activities like walking or running by allowing them to hear traffic or other hazards. Many models, including the Meta Ray-Bans, optimize call clarity with advanced algorithms and detachable mics, making them well-suited for calls in both office and outdoor environments. Furthermore, open earbuds typically offer longer battery life due to the absence of active noise cancellation.
Disadvantages of Open Earbuds
However, open earbuds do have their drawbacks. They do not block external noise, so sound quality and call clarity may suffer in very noisy environments. Additionally, while clear, their open sound can lack bass richness or immersive quality compared to sealed or ANC earbuds. Compatibility issues may also arise, as over-ear hooks or clips can interfere with some eyeglasses.
Advantages of Smart Glasses for Outdoor Activities and Calls
Smart glasses, such as the Meta Ray-Bans, provide a better value due to their additional features. They offer multi-functionality, combining sunglasses, open-ear audio, camera, and hands-free controls in one device, making them ideal for active use outdoors. The open-ear design offers safety by allowing users to hear their surroundings while receiving audio. Smart glasses are also designed for continuous wear outdoors, often being sweat and rain-resistant.
Disadvantages of Smart Glasses
Despite their advantages, smart glasses do have some drawbacks. Audio output may be quieter than earbuds, which can impact call quality. Sound leakage can also be an issue, potentially distracting others or reducing privacy. Furthermore, smart glasses generally have shorter battery life than earbuds, especially for long activities like ultramarathons. Fit adjustments may also be needed for secure wear during movement.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Open Earbuds | Smart Glasses | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Comfort | High, breathable, secure with hooks/clips | Comfortable, lightweight but may require adjustment | | Situational Awareness | Excellent, ambient sound heard naturally | Good, open-ear design | | Call Quality | Clear, optimized with mics | Moderate, audio may be quieter | | Sound Quality | Clear but no ANC, less bass richness | Moderate, some sound leakage | | Battery Life | Long, does not power ANC | Shorter, limited for prolonged use | | Multi-functionality | Audio only | Audio plus camera, sunglasses, hands-free control | | Fit with Glasses | Possible minor clashes | Designed to combine with sunglasses |
In conclusion, open earbuds tend to be better suited if audio clarity, comfort, and longer battery life are priorities during outdoor activities and calls, while smart glasses offer convenience and combined functionality but may compromise on audio volume and battery life. The best choice depends on your preferred balance between audio performance, situational awareness, and additional features.
The Meta Ray-Bans, a type of smart glasses, function well as an audio product and are used by the author almost every day. Their microphones outperform those on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Nothing's Ear Open, and they are capable of taking pictures and recording video. For activities like exercising or biking, smart glasses may be a better choice than traditional open-ear earbuds. The Meta Ray-Bans retail for the same price as high-end open earbuds like Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a versatile and feature-rich audio device.
- For those seeking a versatile and feature-rich audio device that offers multi-functionality such as camera, sunglasses, and hands-free control, smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Bans might be a better choice.
- During outdoor activities where situational awareness is important, open earbuds like the Emeet Airflow, with their open design that allows users to hear ambient sound naturally, could provide a safer experience.
- The Meta Ray-Bans, in comparison to Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Nothing's Ear Open, have microphones offering superior performance for voice calls.
- In terms of battery life, open earbuds usually have an advantage due to the absence of active noise cancellation, offering longer battery life for extended wear compared to smart glasses.
