Open-ear earbuds are a hard sell on paper. Nothing goes in your ear, there’s no traditional noise cancellation, and you’re supposed to believe the audio holds up anyway.
I was sceptical — right up until I started wearing the JBL SoundGear Clips every single day.
The JBL SoundGear Clips are true wireless open-ear earphones that clip onto the helix — the curved ridge at the back of your ear — rather than sitting in the ear canal.
The whole point is JBL’s OpenSound Technology: you stay aware of your surroundings while audio plays at the same time. They’re currently going for $149.9 (usual price $199) at JBL Singapore, in five colours: black, white, blue, purple, and brown.
What it feels like?
The fit is different from any earbud I’ve tried before. The flexible memory wire hooks around the helix, clips on in two seconds, and stays there. I’ve worn these commuting, at the gym, and at my desk — across a full day, they’ve never shifted. At 6.5g per earpiece, they’re light enough that you stop registering them after a few minutes.
For context, I’ve been using Apple AirPods before this, and I won’t say that one is more comfortable than the other. They both actually feel about the same once you’ve worn it, but it is easier to just shove traditional earpiece in rather than trying to clip it on like the JBL requires.
But what about the sound?
The open-ear experience takes a lap or two to get used to, but that’s actually the point. You can hear traffic, someone calling your name, the gym around you — while your audio plays through at the same time.
It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. The 11mm dynamic drivers deliver clear vocals and real bass (JBL’s Adaptive Bass Boost algorithm earns its name). Bottom line: no traditional noise cancellation, but you can still hear every word and every melody clearly at less than 50% volume.
Call quality held up too. But for tech geeks who require a more specific breakdown of the tech, the JBL SoundGear Clips are designed with four mics with an AI-trained noise reduction algorithm, and Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point connection.
Would I recommend it?
The scepticism I went in with — that open-ear meant worse sound — didn’t hold up. The audio quality is genuinely good without any in-ear compromise. And the beauty of open design means you’re not stuck yanking earbuds out every time someone talks to you
It works cleanly across commuting, gym, and desk — exactly the situations where you’d normally have to choose between staying present and being in your audio.
But the highlight for me had to be the 32 hour playtime.
I also got it at $149.9 promo price against the usual $199. The optional clip charms (star, sakura, ribbon, butterfly) that attach to the case are a small touch, but they make it feel more personal. Worth noting: if charms aren’t your thing and maximum audio performance is the priority, JBL’s other open-clip models at the same price reportedly edge slightly ahead on sound.
Before you buy
Available in five colours: black, white, blue, purple, and brown — the brown reads closer to copper in person.
Optional clip charms (star, sakura, ribbon, butterfly) can be added to the case.
Works with the JBL Headphones app: 10-band EQ and six presets on iOS and Android.
IP54 water and dust resistance: fine for sweat and Singapore rain, not for submersion.
If personalisation matters, this is the model. If you just want the best audio for the price, check JBL’s other open-clip options first.
FAQ
- Is the JBL SoundGear Clips good for the gym?
Yes. The open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings during training, the clip holds through movement, and IP54 water resistance handles sweat without issue. But if you’re doing super intense workouts with lots of motion, I can’t guarantee that this stays clipped on.
- Does it have noise cancellation?
No — it’s not built for isolation. JBL’s OpenSound Technology is designed to let ambient sound in so you stay aware of your environment. The audio still holds up better than you’d expect without traditional ANC.
- How long does the battery last?
Up to 8 hours per charge, with the case carrying three additional full charges — 32 hours total. A 10-minute quick charge adds another 3 hours if needed.
- How much does it cost in Singapore?
$149.9 at JBL Singapore, down from the usual $199. Comes in five colours with optional clip charms.
Price: $149.9 (U.P. $199)
Available at: JBL Singapore and authorised retailers
Colours: Black, White, Blue, Purple, Brown
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