For spectacle wearers, these convenient wireless earbuds add an appealing touch, but there's a problem to consider...
The world of open, clip-on earbuds is evolving, with the latest addition being the Beyerdynamic Amiron Zero. This new true wireless earbud has made its debut at this year's IFA in Berlin, priced around 150 euros and available in black, white, and sport colours.
The Amiron Zero is designed to deliver 'serious sound and outstanding wearing comfort,' according to Beyerdynamic. This petite C-shaped earbud wraps around the side of the ear, promising better usability and comfort for both glasses wearers and non-glasses wearers alike.
The category of open, clip-on earbuds has proven to be a challenging one, as it requires a balance between a secure yet unobstructive fit and good sound quality. The Sony LinkBuds Open and Apple's AirPods 4 have impressed with their decent sound balance, earning respective four-star reviews. However, price-comparable in-ear alternatives tend to offer a bit more in the sound department.
Bose, too, has ventured into this arena with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds, which demonstrated a good balance between performance and comfort, albeit at a higher price point. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are designed with a specs-friendly design, where you hook the earbud in the bottom of your concha and wrap the band around the back of your ear.
The Amiron Zero, however, remains untested, so it's unclear whether it will deliver the same level of sound quality. The future of open, clip-on earbuds is uncertain, but the Amiron Zero holds promise, especially if it can deliver on comfort and usability.
Each earbud of the Amiron Zero weighs a mere six grams to minimize strain on the ear canal. This is a significant difference compared to the Sony LinkBuds Fit, a sports-oriented, in-ear model, which costs around the same price (£149 / $179, AU$348). The Amiron Zero will cost £129 (around $176 / AU$265), making it a more affordable option for many.
Huawei also entered the market with the FreeClip buds, featuring a clip-on configuration, in early 2024. While the sound quality left something to be desired, the design was impressively well-implemented.
As the market for open, clip-on earbuds continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the Amiron Zero performs and whether it can set a new standard for comfort and usability in this category.
