Exceptional Open-Ear Headphones That Beat the Competition

JLab’s Epic Open Sport earbuds are high-quality air-conduction headphones designed for running, exercise, or training. However, their comfort and audio quality make them suitable for anyone who prefers not to have earbuds in their ears or needs to remain aware of their surroundings, irrespective of their activity level.

Advantages and Disadvantages

These headphones boast loud, clear audio and offer a comfortable, secure fit for extended use. They support simultaneous connections to multiple devices and feature both USB-C and wireless charging capabilities. A blend of physical and touch controls enhances usability.

However, the carrying case is somewhat bulky compared to standard earbuds. Battery life, while acceptable, isn’t exceptional. Furthermore, microphone performance lags behind less expensive in-ear models.

Retail price: $115 at Amazon and JLab.

Pricing and Availability

The JLab Epic Open Sport earbuds are available for $115 and are currently sold on Amazon in black.

Technical Specifications

A Secure and Comfortable Fit

Unlike in-ear headphones, the JLab Epic Open Sport rest outside the ear, utilizing air conduction to deliver sound. They use ear hooks for stability, similar to older single-ear Bluetooth headsets.

These headphones provide a more comfortable and secure fit than older Bluetooth headsets; ideal for activities like running or cycling because they don’t block out ambient noise. They also suit work environments where hearing awareness is crucial. While initial comfort may take some adjustment, prolonged use enhances the fit. The user found them preferable to in-ear alternatives.

Unlike previous experiences with Bluetooth headsets, these headphones remained secure during testing, even with intentional attempts to dislodge them. This contrasts favorably with the user’s experience of in-ear earbuds frequently falling out.

A Larger-Than-Average Case

The Epic Open Sport charging case is larger than average due to the size of the earbuds themselves. While noticeable in a pocket, it remains smaller than bone-conduction headphone cases.

The case offers both USB-C wired charging and wireless charging compatibility. While the advertised seven-hour battery life is sufficient for many, it’s less than some competing earbuds. The case adds an extra 19 hours, though this still falls short of other models.

A single indicator light on the case displays charging status.

Impressive Sound, but Subpar Microphones

The Epic Open Sport earbuds deliver surprisingly good sound quality; comparable to traditional earbuds in quiet environments. Unlike bone-conduction headphones, they lack vibrations against the head, even at high volume.

They effectively block out minor background noise while preserving environmental awareness due to their open-ear design. The high-resolution audio support allows for LDAC codec utilization with compatible devices. Multipoint connectivity allows for seamless switching between devices. However, connection times to certain devices, like Frame TVs, exhibited some latency.

The microphone quality is a drawback. While call clarity was generally acceptable, recordings made using the earbuds were noticeably inferior to those made with cheaper in-ear alternatives.

Audio samples: Indoor, Outdoor

A Combination of Touch and Physical Controls

The control scheme combines physical and touch controls. A physical button handles play/pause and call management. Touch controls adjust volume, with a tap on the right increasing volume and the left decreasing it.

Holding down the touch controls skips tracks. This control arrangement minimizes accidental activation.

A Superior Earbud Application

The JLab mobile app provides comprehensive control over the earbuds’ functionality. The app is user-friendly and automatically detects and updates the connected earbuds.

Beyond EQ and control customization, the app includes unique features such as ambient sound options and a burn-in tool.

Recommendation: Should You Purchase the JLab Epic Open Sport?

While priced above $100, these earbuds offer a more affordable alternative to competitors such as the Shokz OpenFit 2. The Epic Open Sport delivers high-quality audio, secure fit, reasonable comfort, and adequate battery life. Minor drawbacks, such as subpar microphone quality and occasional connectivity issues, are outweighed by its strengths.

Overall, the JLab Epic Open Sport is a solid option for those seeking open-ear headphones.