Exceptional Open-Ear Headphones That Beat the Competition

JLab’s Epic Open Sport earbuds represent a high-quality air-conduction headphone designed for running, exercise, or training. However, their comfort and audio quality make them suitable for anyone seeking a listening experience without earbud discomfort or the need to hear their surroundings, regardless of their activity level.

Advantages and Disadvantages

These earbuds boast loud, clear audio, a comfortable and secure fit for prolonged use, and simultaneous connectivity to multiple devices. They also support both USB-C and wireless charging, and offer a useful blend of physical and touch controls.

Conversely, the charging case is relatively large compared to standard earbuds, battery life is acceptable but not exceptional, and the microphones underperform in comparison to less expensive in-ear alternatives.

The price is $115, available at Amazon and JLab.

Pricing and Availability

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

Technical Specifications

A Secure and Comfortable Fit

Unlike traditional earbuds, the Epic Open Sport utilizes air conduction, resting outside the ear canal to transmit sound. They are secured by ear hooks, similar to older Bluetooth headsets, yet provide a superior fit.

The fit surpasses that of older Bluetooth headsets, making them suitable for physical activities. The open design allows for environmental awareness, making them ideal for situations requiring situational awareness.

While initial comfort might require adjustment, long-term use becomes increasingly comfortable. These earbuds have become my preferred choice over in-ear models; the slight pressure behind the ears is a reasonable compromise for avoiding earbud insertion.

Unlike previous experiences with Bluetooth headsets where the ear hooks proved problematic, these remain secure even with vigorous head movements. Their secure fit is a stark contrast to my usual struggles with in-ear earbuds that frequently fall out.

A Larger-Than-Average Case

The Epic Open Sport earbuds come with a charging case that’s larger than average due to the earbuds’ size. This larger size may be more noticeable in pockets.

However, the case remains smaller than bone-conduction headphone cases, offering better portability.

The case features a USB-C port for wired charging and includes a USB-C cable. It also supports wireless charging.

Battery life is a moderate seven hours, requiring recharging during extended use. The case adds an additional 19 hours of use.

A single light on the case indicates the battery level, turning blue when full and flashing red below 25% charge.

Impressive Sound, Less Impressive Microphones

The Epic Open Sport earbuds consistently impress with their sound quality. In quiet environments, the listening experience rivals that of traditional earbuds, without the bone-conduction vibrations.

They effectively mask background noise while still allowing the listener to hear crucial sounds, making them ideal for multitasking.

These earbuds support high-resolution audio via the LDAC codec (if your phone supports it) and multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices.

However, connection times with some devices, like my Frame TV, experienced noticeable delays.

The microphone quality is significantly weaker than comparable in-ear earbuds.

A Blend of Touch and Physical Controls

The combination of physical and touch controls is a significant advantage. The physical button manages playback and calls, reliably avoiding accidental activation.

Touch controls, situated on the back of the earbuds, adjust the volume. The design minimizes accidental activation.

Holding the touch controls skips tracks.

A Superior Earbud App

JLab’s mobile app stands out as one of the most feature-rich and well-designed among competing earbud apps.

The app quickly identifies the earbuds, applies firmware updates, and offers customization options for EQ and controls.

Additional features include an ambient sound option with various soundscapes and a burn-in tool for sound optimization.

Recommendation: Should You Buy Them?

Priced above $100, these earbuds are not inexpensive, yet they are more affordable than comparable options. For a lower price, these provide premium features and fulfill their intended purpose effectively.

Excellent sound quality, secure fit, comfortable wear, and adequate battery life are significant advantages. While microphone quality and multipoint audio connectivity could be improved, the JLab Epic Open Sport earbuds offer a compelling choice for those seeking open-ear listening.