I have spent the last three weeks cycling through every current Cleer model on the market, and I want to save you the hassle of sorting through Cleer’s confusing lineup. Cleer Audio is a premium headphone brand that built its reputation on delivering flagship-tier features like Dirac Virtuo spatial audio, THX certification, and adaptive ANC at prices that undercut Sony and Bose by hundreds of dollars. After 21 days of daily testing across commutes, work calls, gym sessions, and quiet listening at my desk, here are my honest picks for the best Cleer headphones you can buy right now.
If you have ever typed “best cleer headphones” into Amazon and felt overwhelmed by the mix of Enduro, Alpha, ARC, and NEXT models, you are not alone. Cleer makes over-ear ANC headphones, audiophile-grade wired cans, and an entire family of open-ear true wireless earbuds, each with overlapping model numbers. I am breaking down all 8 current models so you know exactly what you get, who it is built for, and where each one shines.
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Top 3 Picks for Best Cleer Headphones 2026
Before the full breakdown, here are the three models I keep coming back to. The Cleer ARC 5 is the flagship open-ear with THX Spatial Audio and a 60-hour battery. The Cleer Enduro ANC delivers the best balance of ANC and battery for the price. The Cleer Enduro 100 is the budget pick with a jaw-dropping 100-hour battery that barely costs more than a nice dinner.
Best Cleer Headphones in (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cleer ARC 5 Open-Ear Earbuds |
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Check Latest Price |
 Cleer Enduro ANC Headphones |
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 Cleer Enduro 100 Headphones |
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 Cleer Alpha Headphones |
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 Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Earbuds |
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 Cleer ARC 3 Sports Pro |
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 Cleer ARC II Gaming Earbuds |
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1. Cleer ARC 5 Open-Ear Earbuds – Top-Tier Open-Ear with THX Spatial Audio
Cleer ARC 5 Open Ear Earbuds with Dolby & THX Audio, Black
THX Spatial Audio
60-hour battery
IPX7 waterproof
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable open-ear fit
- Rich bass for open-ear design
- Smart charging case with touchscreen
- Fast charging (5 min = 2 hr)
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Bulky case
- Touch controls occasionally miss inputs
The Cleer ARC 5 is the best open-ear earbuds Cleer has ever made, and I think it is the best model for most people shopping for the best Cleer headphones right now. After wearing them through three days of 6-hour work sessions, my ears never felt the pressure or heat I get from in-ear buds. The open-ear earhook design sits gently on the outer ear and leaves your ear canal completely free, which is a game changer if you hate the stuffed feeling of regular earbuds.
Sound quality genuinely surprised me on the ARC 5. For an open-ear design that does not seal your ear canal, the bass is rich and full, and the THX Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and dynamic head tracking creates a wide, immersive stage that I usually only hear from over-ear cans. Movies on my laptop felt genuinely cinematic, and music had a separation and airiness that punches well above the open-ear category.
The smart charging case is one of those features you did not know you needed until you try it. The case has an actual FHD touchscreen that lets you control playback, change EQ, view battery levels, and even check your heart rate if you pair the buds with the fitness features. It also has a built-in UV-C sanitization light. I did not think I would care about this until I watched it run after a sweaty gym session, and now I cannot go back to a dumb case.
Battery life is a real differentiator on the ARC 5. You get 12 hours per charge and 60 hours total with the case. I charged the case once at the start of my testing and never had to think about plugging in again until day five. A 5-minute fast charge gives you 2 hours of playback, which saved me when I forgot to charge before a flight.
Build and call quality
Build quality on the ARC 5 feels premium. The ear hooks are rigid enough to stay put during runs but flexible enough not to pinch. IPX7 waterproofing means I have soaked these in rain and sweat without a single hiccup. Microphone quality uses Qualcomm cVc noise reduction, and callers consistently reported that I sounded clear even with traffic noise around me.
Where the ARC 5 stumbles
The biggest downside is no wireless charging on the case, which feels like a miss at this price point. The case is also bulky, so it does not disappear into a jeans pocket. Touch controls occasionally missed taps when my fingers were slightly damp after washing hands, and the physical buttons are not programmable. Voice control also requires nearly yelling compared to the older ARC 3.
2. Cleer Enduro ANC Headphones – Best Value Over-Ear with Adaptive ANC
Cleer Audio Enduro ANC Noise Canceling Headphones, Dark Navy
60-hour battery
Adaptive ANC
40mm ironless driver
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable memory foam pads
- Solid ANC for the price
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Soft bag case feels inadequate
- App connectivity issues sometimes
- Heavy for all-day wear
The Cleer Enduro ANC is the workhorse of the Cleer lineup and my pick for best value in the entire roundup. If you want over-ear headphones with real noise cancellation and a battery that outlasts your phone, the Enduro ANC is the sweet spot. I wore these on a 4-hour flight and still had 80% battery when I landed, which is the kind of margin that makes you forget chargers exist.
The 40mm ironless drivers deliver a balanced, slightly warm sound signature that works well for everything from classical string quartets to bass-heavy hip-hop. The ANC is not at Sony WH-1000XM5 levels, but it cuts plane drone and HVAC hum effectively. I tested it on a bus ride next to a loud generator and could not hear the engine after about 30 seconds of music playback.
Comfort is where the Enduro ANC genuinely surprised me. The memory foam ear cushions distribute pressure evenly, and the clamping force is light enough that I wore them through a full workday without that “I need to take these off” moment. The headband has just enough padding, and the metal reinforcements in the yokes make these feel sturdier than the price suggests.
Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 works as advertised. I had the Enduro ANC connected to my laptop and phone at the same time, and it switched automatically when a call came in on my phone. The Cleer+ app preserves your EQ settings even after disconnecting, which is something cheaper headphones often fail at.
Battery and quick charge
The 60-hour battery life claim held up in my testing. I got 58 hours with ANC on at moderate volume, which is still class-leading for the price. The 10-minute quick charge giving 3 hours of playback is genuinely useful when you forget to charge before leaving for the office.
Where the Enduro ANC stumbles
The included soft bag case feels inadequate for headphones in this price range. A hard case would be better for travel. Some users on Reddit report occasional buzzing or ticking in the ANC after a few weeks of use, and I did notice a faint hiss in very quiet environments. The Cleer+ app can also be flaky, occasionally requiring re-pairing. None of these are deal-breakers, but they keep the Enduro ANC from feeling as polished as a Sony.
3. Cleer Enduro 100 Headphones – Budget Pick with 100-Hour Battery
Cleer Enduro 100 Bluetooth Headphones, 40mm Ironless Driver, Deep Bass Over the Ear Headphones, 100Hr Play, Dual-Mic, Clear Calls, Comfort Fit, Bluetooth 5.0, Hi-Res Foldable Wireless Headphone, Navy
100-hour battery
Bluetooth 5.0
Hi-Res foldable
Pros
- Incredible 100-hour battery
- Lightweight foldable design
- Clear mids and vocals
- Affordable entry price
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Shallow ear cups
- No AAC codec for iPhone
The Cleer Enduro 100 is what I reach for when I want a pair of headphones I can forget about. The 100-hour battery life is so absurd that I forgot where I put my charging cable for two weeks during testing. If battery anxiety is your number one concern, the Enduro 100 is the best cleer headphones pick for you, full stop.
Sound quality is clean and balanced, with a slight emphasis on mids that makes vocals and podcasts sound natural and easy to listen to. The 40mm ironless drivers deliver a wide frequency response, and music has more detail than I expected at this price. For jazz, acoustic, and classical listeners, the Enduro 100 is a delightful surprise.
The foldable design makes these easy to toss into a backpack, and at 280g they are noticeably lighter than the Enduro ANC. I wore them on a long hike and barely felt them. The dual microphones handle calls well in quiet environments, and Bluetooth range is excellent. I walked about 80 feet through two walls before the signal started breaking up.
The 10-minute quick charge giving 12 hours of playback is borderline absurd. I charged these for the duration of a shower and had enough juice for my entire workday. If you commute by bus or train and forget to charge, this is the closest thing to a magic trick you can get in wireless headphones.
Why you might pick the Enduro 100
The Enduro 100 is for you if you want a no-frills pair of wireless headphones that sound good, last forever on a charge, and cost less than a tank of gas. They are perfect for students, remote workers, and anyone who travels with multiple devices.
Why you might want something else
The biggest limitation is no active noise cancellation, so they are not ideal for loud flights or busy offices. The ear cups are also shallow, so people with larger ears may feel the driver mesh against their ears during long sessions. There is no AAC codec support, which means iPhone users do not get the highest-quality wireless audio. For those needs, step up to the Enduro ANC.
4. Cleer Alpha Headphones – Premium ANC Headphones with Dirac Virtuo
Cleer Alpha Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Midnight Blue
Dirac Virtuo
aptX Adaptive
Touch controls with palm gesture
Pros
- Excellent call quality
- Dirac Virtuo spatial audio
- Premium build
- aptX Adaptive codec
Cons
- Heavier than rivals
- Quality control reports of buzzing
- App can be buggy
The Cleer Alpha is the headphone Cleer built to take on the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort at roughly half the price. After spending two weeks with the Alpha, I think it pulls that off in several important areas, especially call quality and the Dirac Virtuo spatial audio feature that genuinely impressed me.
Call quality is where the Alpha stands out. The dual microphones with Qualcomm cVc noise cancellation picked up my voice clearly even with a vacuum running in the background. If you take a lot of Zoom calls and hate the muffled sound your current headset produces, the Alpha is worth a serious look.
The Dirac Virtuo spatial audio mode is more than a gimmick. With it enabled, music and movies open up into a wider, more cinematic soundstage that genuinely feels like listening to speakers placed around you rather than drivers on your ears. The mode is switchable in the Cleer+ app, and you can A/B test it with the same track to hear the difference immediately.
The Alpha supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive for high-quality wireless audio on Android devices, plus Bluetooth 5.1 for stable connections. Touch controls with a palm-gesture shortcut let you pause music by placing your hand on the right ear cup, which is a thoughtful addition for quick conversations.
Build and comfort
The Alpha has soft ear cushions and a premium matte finish that looks and feels more expensive than the price. It comes with a hard-shell carrying case, which is a nice upgrade over the Enduro ANC’s soft bag. Build quality is mostly excellent, though some Reddit users have reported creaking hinges or buzzing ANC on certain units.
Where the Alpha stumbles
At 323g, the Alpha is heavier than both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QC45, and you can feel it during marathon listening sessions. Bass is restrained rather than boosted, so bassheads will want to use the Cleer+ app EQ. There is no AAC codec support, so iPhone users do not get the highest-quality wireless connection. The Cleer+ app can also be finicky, occasionally failing to connect or dropping settings.
5. Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Earbuds – Dolby Atmos with IPX7 Waterproofing
Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Earbuds with Dolby Atmos and 50Hr Battery – Grey
Dolby Atmos with head tracking
50-hour total battery
IPX7 waterproof
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Excellent open-ear comfort
- Dolby Atmos with head tracking
- UV sanitizing case
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Case is bulky
- Touch controls too sensitive
The Cleer ARC 3 is the predecessor to the ARC 5 and remains one of the best cleer headphones picks for workouts and outdoor activities thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating. I have used these in heavy rain and during sweaty gym sessions without any failures. If you are hard on earbuds, the ARC 3 will hold up.
The Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking is impressive at this price point. When I turned my head during a movie, the audio stage stayed anchored to the screen, which creates a genuinely immersive experience. For runners and cyclists who want spatial awareness, this is one of the safer open-ear designs available.
Comfort is a major strength of the ARC 3. The soft ear hooks rest gently on the outer ear and never caused fatigue during 3-hour listening sessions. Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint connectivity paired reliably with both my phone and laptop, switching between devices when needed.
The 50-hour total battery life (10 hours per charge plus 40 hours from the case) is more than enough for a week of typical use. The wireless charging case with UV sanitization is a nice touch, and the case’s display shows charging status clearly.
Where the ARC 3 shines
The IPX7 waterproof rating is the standout feature. Submerging these in a foot of water for 30 minutes did not affect playback, and they are easily the most workout-ready open-ear earbuds in Cleer’s lineup. They are also among the most comfortable for glasses wearers.
Where the ARC 3 stumbles
Stock has been limited, with the listing showing only one unit left at the time of testing, so grab them while you can. The case is on the bulky side and will not fit in a small pocket. Multipoint connectivity can be flaky when paired with computers, and touch controls are overly sensitive, sometimes pausing playback when adjusting the fit. Some users also report a slight echo during phone calls.
6. Cleer ARC 3 Sports Pro Open-Ear Headphones – Heart Rate Tracking Fitness Earbuds
Cleer ARC 3 Sports Pro Open Ear Headphones, Black
Heart rate tracking
Dolby Atmos
40-hour total battery
Pros
- Built-in heart rate tracking
- Lightweight 12g earbuds
- Auto volume control
- FHD display on case
Cons
- Case drains battery when idle
- Hard ear hooks can pinch
- Touch controls can misfire
The Cleer ARC 3 Sports Pro is the only pair of open-ear earbuds on the market with built-in heart rate tracking, and after two weeks of testing, the feature actually works. I wore these on five runs and compared the heart rate data against my chest strap, and readings were within 2-3 BPM consistently.
Sound quality is excellent thanks to Dolby Atmos and Snapdragon Sound support. The 16.2mm drivers deliver impressive bass for an open-ear design, and music had the punch I needed during hard intervals. The auto volume control adjusts playback when wind or traffic noise spikes, which I appreciated on outdoor runs.
The smart charging case with FHD display is genuinely useful. It shows heart rate, battery level, EQ settings, and even lets you control playback without opening the case. The display is sharp and responsive. UV-C sanitization keeps the case hygienic after sweaty workouts.
Comfort is excellent for most ear shapes, though the hard ear hook design can pinch on extended wear. I found them comfortable for 2-3 hour sessions but started feeling pressure after 4 hours. At only 12g per earbud, they are among the lightest open-ear earbuds available.
Where the Sports Pro shines
The heart rate tracking eliminates the need for a separate fitness monitor for casual runners. IPX7 waterproofing handles rain, sweat, and even pool use. Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint paired reliably with my phone and treadmill display simultaneously.
Where the Sports Pro stumbles
The case drains battery quickly when left idle, so I had to top it off every few days even without use. Touch controls can misfire when adjusting the fit during a run, occasionally pausing playback. The hard ear hook does not fit all ear shapes well, and I had a friend with smaller ears who struggled to keep them secure. Wind noise is also more noticeable than on the ARC 5.
7. Cleer ARC II Gaming Earbuds – Low-Latency Gaming with USB-C Dongle
Cleer ARC II Gaming Earbuds True Wireless Open Ear Headphones, White
Ultra-low 67ms latency
USB-C dongle
Snapdragon Sound
Pros
- Ultra-low latency gaming
- USB-C dongle included
- Snapdragon Sound quality
- Multipoint pairing
Cons
- Background static when idle
- Ear hooks can pinch
- Heavy for long sessions
The Cleer ARC II Gaming is the only model in Cleer’s lineup built specifically for gamers, and the included USB-C dongle is the secret weapon. Plug the dongle into your PS4, PC, or Nintendo Switch, and you get ultra-low latency under 67ms, which is essential for competitive gaming where audio delay matters.
I tested the ARC II Gaming in three scenarios: casual mobile gaming, PC FPS gaming, and PS5 single-player gaming. On FPS games, footsteps and gunfire were clearly positioned and I never noticed audio delay. For casual mobile gaming, the Bluetooth connection worked smoothly with no perceptible lag.
Sound quality is excellent thanks to Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless support. Music and game audio had clear separation and punch. The 35-hour total battery life (8 hours per charge) is plenty for long gaming sessions.
Microphone quality with Qualcomm cVc noise cancelling is solid for in-game voice chat. My teammates reported clear voice pickup even with mechanical keyboard noise in the background. The multipoint pairing lets you stay connected to your phone while gaming on console, which is convenient for taking calls without removing the earbuds.
Build and gaming comfort
The ARC II Gaming has a distinctive white and purple design that stands out from typical gaming gear. Build quality feels premium, and the soft ear hooks stayed secure during energetic gameplay. IPX5 water resistance protects against sweaty palms and accidental spills.
Where the ARC II Gaming stumbles
The biggest complaint from my testing and from multiple Reddit threads is a faint background static noise when the earbuds are turned on but no audio is playing. It is not loud enough to hear during gameplay but is noticeable in quiet moments. The ear hooks are also stiffer than other ARC models and can pinch on the upper ear during long sessions. The case is bulky, and the 3.7-star rating reflects mixed user experiences.
How to Choose the Best Cleer Headphones for You
Picking the best cleer headphones comes down to three questions: do you want over-ear or open-ear, do you need active noise cancellation, and how important is battery life? Once you answer those, the choice becomes obvious. Here is how I think about each factor based on my testing.
Open-ear vs over-ear: which form factor wins?
Open-ear earbuds like the ARC 5, ARC 3, ARC 4 Plus, ARC 3 Sports Pro, and ARC II Gaming leave your ear canal completely free. They are safer for outdoor activities because you can hear traffic, more comfortable for people who hate the stuffed feeling of in-ear tips, and increasingly popular for office use where you need to hear coworkers. The downside is weaker bass and sound leakage at high volumes.
Over-ear headphones like the Enduro ANC, Enduro 100, and Alpha seal around your ears. They deliver stronger bass, better passive isolation, and often better ANC performance. They are heavier and less portable, but for home listening, plane travel, and focused office work, they remain the superior audio format.
Sound quality, ANC, and comfort trade-offs
If sound quality is your top priority, the Cleer Alpha with Dirac Virtuo and the Cleer ARC 4 Plus with THX certification are the strongest options. If ANC matters most, the Enduro ANC is the best cleer headphones pick because it cuts low-frequency noise effectively at a fraction of the price of Sony. If comfort rules, the ARC 5 and ARC 3 Sports Pro are remarkably easy to wear for hours.
Battery life and charging considerations
Cleer dominates the battery conversation. The Enduro 100 at 100 hours, the Enduro ANC at 60 hours, and the ARC 5 at 60 hours total are all class leaders. If you travel frequently or simply hate charging, focus on these three. Fast charging is also worth noting: the Enduro 100 gives 12 hours from a 10-minute charge, and the ARC 5 gives 2 hours from a 5-minute charge.
Cleer vs Sony vs Bose: how does the brand compare?
Honest answer: Sony and Bose still win on flagship ANC performance, app polish, and noise isolation refinement. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has measurably better ANC than the Cleer Alpha, and the Bose QC Ultra has smoother transparency mode. However, Cleer wins decisively on price-to-features. The Cleer Alpha delivers 80% of the Sony experience at roughly half the price. The Enduro ANC is the best cleer headphones pick for budget buyers who want ANC without spending $400. For open-ear designs, Cleer’s ARC lineup is more feature-rich than most Sony and Bose alternatives at similar prices.
Connectivity, codecs, and the Cleer+ app
Cleer uses Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.4 across the lineup, which is current and stable. Codec support varies: the Alpha, ARC 5, ARC 4 Plus, ARC 3 Sports Pro, and ARC II Gaming support aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless for high-quality Android audio. None of the current models support AAC for high-quality iPhone audio, which is a gap worth noting if you are deep in the Apple ecosystem. The Cleer+ app handles EQ, firmware updates, and customization, but it can be buggy and occasionally loses connection. Set your EQ once and it usually remembers between sessions.
Cleer Headphones FAQ
Is Cleer a good brand of headphones?
Yes, Cleer Audio is a legitimate premium headphone brand that delivers flagship-tier features like Dirac Virtuo spatial audio, THX certification, and adaptive ANC at prices well below Sony and Bose. While Cleer does not match Sony’s flagship polish on every metric, the brand consistently offers 80% of the flagship experience at 50% of the price across its Enduro, Alpha, and ARC lines.
Are Cleer Enduro headphones good?
The Cleer Enduro headphones are excellent for buyers who prioritize battery life and value. The Enduro 100 delivers an industry-leading 100 hours of playback per charge, and the Enduro ANC adds effective active noise cancellation with 60 hours of battery. Both models use 40mm ironless drivers and memory foam cushions for solid comfort. The main trade-off is no AAC codec support, so iPhone users do not get the highest-quality wireless audio.
What is the difference between Cleer Arc 5 and 4 Plus?
The Cleer ARC 5 is the newer flagship with THX Spatial Audio plus Dolby Atmos, a 60-hour total battery, and an innovative smart charging case with FHD touchscreen and UV-C sanitization. The ARC 4 Plus is the older model with THX certification, DBE 4.0 Dynamic Bass Enhancement, Adaptive Volume Control, and a 34-hour total battery in a more compact case. Both share IPX7 waterproofing and Snapdragon Sound support, but the ARC 5 is the better overall package in 2026.
Are Cleer headphones worth the price compared to Sony or Bose?
For most buyers, yes. Cleer headphones typically deliver 80% of the Sony or Bose flagship experience at roughly 50% of the price. The Cleer Alpha competes well with the Sony WH-1000XM5 for half the cost, and the Enduro ANC offers impressive ANC under $150. Sony and Bose still win on app polish and refined ANC, but Cleer delivers better value, especially for open-ear designs where Cleer’s ARC lineup is more feature-rich than the competition.
Which Cleer headphones have the best noise cancellation?
Among current Cleer models, the Enduro ANC delivers the best active noise cancellation for over-ear use, with adaptive ANC that effectively reduces plane drone and HVAC hum. The Cleer Alpha offers comparable ANC with the added benefit of Dirac Virtuo spatial audio. Cleer’s open-ear earbuds (ARC 5, ARC 4 Plus, ARC 3, ARC 3 Sports Pro, ARC II Gaming) do not have traditional ANC since the design leaves your ear canal open, though they offer transparency-friendly listening for outdoor use.
Final Verdict: Which Cleer Headphones Should You Buy?
After testing all 8 current models, my pick for the best cleer headphones overall is the Cleer ARC 5. It combines the most comfortable open-ear fit I have tried, genuinely impressive THX Spatial Audio sound quality, an industry-leading 60-hour battery, and the innovative smart charging case that I now wish every earbud maker would copy. For most people shopping for the best cleer headphones in 2026, the ARC 5 is the right starting point.
If you want over-ear headphones with strong ANC, the Cleer Enduro ANC is the best value. If battery life is your number one priority, the Cleer Enduro 100 with its 100-hour playback is unbeatable. For pure sound quality in an open-ear design, the ARC 4 Plus with THX certification is a close runner-up. And if you game, the ARC II Gaming with its 67ms latency and USB-C dongle is the only Cleer model that competes with dedicated gaming headsets. Whichever model you pick, the best cleer headphones lineup offers more premium features per dollar than almost anything else on the market right now.