Open-ear headphones and earbuds differ from conventional in-ear models, which are inserted into the ear canal. The principle behind them is simple: they allow you to listen to music or make calls while keeping your ears clear. This is known as non-intrusive listening. There are several approaches to achieving this, including air conduction, bone conduction and semi-in-ear models. Each of these solutions transmits sound differently, and offers advantages depending on the intended use.
Bone conduction headphones
Bone conduction works by means of vibrations. Rather than sound traveling through the air and eardrum, it sends vibrations directly into the bones of your head, usually at the cheekbones or temples. These vibrations then reach the inner ear, more specifically the cochlea, which transforms the signal into information that the brain can understand. The eardrum and middle ear are not used. It’s an original way of listening to music, but a very practical one in some cases, particularly for outdoor activities.
This technology is not new: it has long been used in the medical field with hearing implants known as Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA). These devices enable people with hearing problems to regain correct sound perception. It has gained in popularity with the general public thanks to headphones designed for sports. Users can run, pedal or walk while listening to their music, without ever blocking their ear canal.
Open-fit or air-conduction earbuds
Air conduction refers to a new generation of earbuds that sit at the entrance to the ear (open-fit), without going into the ear canal. Unlike in-ear monitors, which are inserted deeply and isolate the listener, these models diffuse sound just in front of the ear. The eardrum still vibrates under the effect of sound waves, as in conventional listening scenarios, but the ear remains unobstructed. This open design means you can enjoy your music while letting some of the ambient sound through.
These earbuds offer an interesting compromise between comfort and sound quality. They reproduce music more naturally than bone conduction, exploiting the ear’s usual acoustic capacities, while avoiding the plugged-ear sensation typical of in-ear monitors. Compared with traditional earbuds, they provide less isolation and bass power, but greater comfort and safety, as the listener remains aware of their surroundings.
Semi-in-ear earbuds
Semi-in-the-ear earbuds feature a rounded shape that sits at the entrance to the ear without going deep into the ear canal. This intermediate design limits the feeling of a blocked ear often associated with conventional in-ear monitors, while providing a more stable fit than totally open models. They therefore represent a good compromise between comfort and practicality, as demonstrated by models such as Apple’s AirPods 4.
In terms of sound, semi-in-ear systems diffuse music more naturally than in-ear models, while still allowing some ambient sound to pass through. They don’t isolate as well as closed-back earbuds, but their balance of comfort, versatility and audio quality makes them very popular with the general public.
🗒️ Expert's note
Semi-in-ear earbuds, placed in the auricle without an insulating tip, are sometimes referred to by the marketing term "open fit". Although this term is not strictly accurate, it emphasizes their open, non-intrusive nature.
Why choose an open-ear design?
Open-ear headphones combine these different technologies, which all share the common feature of not completely blocking the ear canal. They come in several forms: air conduction models, which sit in front of the ear canal; semi-in-ear headphones, which rest lightly in the ear without going deep inside; and bone conduction earphones, which transmit sound through vibrations via the bones of the head.
These approaches appeal to anyone looking for comfortable, non-intrusive listening experience, whether at work, on the move or during leisure activities. They enable you to enjoy pleasant sound while letting some outside noise through, avoiding the isolation of conventional in-ear systems.
The main advantage of open earbuds is their comfort. None of these models completely block the ear canal. This limits the sensation of a blocked ear, reduces irritation from eartips and promotes better hygiene, since there’s no direct contact with earwax.
Their other major advantage is related to safety: in the office, in town or for sporting activities, the user remains attentive to surrounding noise and can interact with their environment and other people without removing the earbuds. Bone conduction completely frees the ear, while air conduction allows some ambient sound to pass through, and semi-in-ear models offer a compromise between isolation and openness.
| Type | Position | Advantages |
| Bone conduction | Against the temples or cheekbones, in front of the ear | – Totally free ear – Maximum vigilance and safety (sports, outdoors) – Can be used by those with eardrum problems |
| Air conduction (open-fit) | Placed just in front of the ear canal entrance, without obstructing it | – More natural sound than bone conduction – Prolonged comfort, no sensation of blocked ears – Environmental awareness |
| Semi-in-ear | Placed at the entrance to the ear canal, without being inserted deeply | – Compromise between comfort and fit – Balanced, richer sound – Versatile, compact design |
Open-ear headphones and earbuds offer a credible alternative to traditional in-ear monitors. Bone conduction, air conduction and semi-in-ear models all put emphasis on comfort and freedom of listening, without totally obstructing the ear. The choice will depend above all on your needs: greater vigilance with bone conduction, a more natural sound with air conduction, or a balanced compromise with semi-in-ear models.
Frequently asked questions about open-ear headphones and earbuds
They are earbuds that don’t go into the ear canal, leaving the ear partially or totally free.
There are bone conduction, air conduction and semi-in-ear models.
In-ear monitors go deeper into the ear canal and provide acoustic isolation, while open-ear earbuds stay outside or on the surface.
Yes, they reduce the sensation of a blocked ear and prevent irritation caused by ear-tips.
Not always: bone conduction is more limited at low frequencies, while air conduction and semi-in-ears offer a more natural sound.
Yes, especially bone conduction, which frees up the ear completely, allowing you to remain attentive to your surroundings.
Yes, because semi-in-ear earbuds such as the AirPods 4 sit in the ear without being inserted deep.
Yes, they let ambient noise pass through, which improves alertness in town or during sporting activities.
Yes, especially at high volume.
Bone conduction for sport and safety, air conduction for natural sound, and semi-in-ear for a compromise between comfort and isolation.
