Head-to-head · Best Open-ear Headphones

HUAWEI FreeClip 2 vs Sony LinkBuds Clip

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

HUAWEI FreeClip 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 3.6). The gap is mostly about users wanting clip-on open-ear design — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Open-ear Headphones

HUAWEI FreeClip 2

4.1

10 sources1 derived

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 earbuds offer a unique clip-on design that keeps ear canals clear while delivering impressive bass output. SoundGuys called them among the best open earbuds on the market, praising their lightweight comfort and convenient features. However, the hefty price tag and lack of noise isolation make them less suitable for environments requiring sound blocking. The earbuds' automatic earbud detection and touch controls are standout features, though the Bluetooth version falls short of the latest standard.

Strengths

— Lightweight design at 5.1g per earbud
— IP57 water resistance on earbuds and IP54 on case
— Intuitive touch controls on either earbud

Watch-outs

— Expensive
— Bluetooth 5.4 instead of Bluetooth 6

Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Open-ear Headphones

Sony LinkBuds Clip

3.6

6 sources1 derived$228as of Oct 2

Sony LinkBuds Clip are open-ear earbuds designed for comfort and situational awareness rather than immersive audio. SoundGuys called them a 'solid addition to the LinkBuds line' and noted their IPX4 rating makes them suitable for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The earbuds clip to the outer ear and don't occlude the ear canal, which contributes to their unique feel. Kevin the Tech Ninja from YouTube found them surprisingly comfortable after an initial adjustment period, though he emphasized they're not for those seeking the best audio experience. The controls are accessed by tapping the tragus, which can be finicky and requires the Sound Connect app for customization.

Strengths

— Battery life is solid
— Convenience of hearing surroundings while listening
— Comfortable for extended wear once adjusted

Watch-outs

— Sound quality is not premium
— Case feels a bit bulky

$228 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

HUAWEI FreeClip 2

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 offers a lightweight design and automatic earbud detection, features not available in the Shokz OpenDots 2 or Sony LinkBuds Clip. However, unlike the Shokz models, it lacks wireless charging support and has a less impressive IP rating compared to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, though it provides a unique clip-on design for secure wear.

Sony LinkBuds Clip

The Sony LinkBuds Clip provides a comfortable fit and situational awareness, advantages over the Shokz OpenDots 2 and Nothing Ear (Open) models. While the Shokz models offer better battery life and bone conduction technology, the Sony earbuds provide IPX4 water resistance and a more traditional open-ear design that's easier to adjust for extended wear.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	HUAWEI FreeClip 2	Sony LinkBuds Clip
Water Resistance	IP57 on earbuds, IP54 on case	IPX4
Weight	5.1g per earbud	6.2g
Bluetooth Version	5.4	5.3
Design	Clip-on with C-bridge	Open-ear clip-on
Technology	Bone acoustic sensor	Open-ear clip-on
Driver Size	10.8 mm	—
Charging Port	USB Type-C	—
Battery Life	9 hours music playback	9 hours

← See the full ranking of best open-ear headphones