Open-ear earbuds and headphones are trending for good reason, and JBL has kick-started its year with some exciting announcements at CES 2026. They’ve launched three different lineups of open-ear audio and fitness-focused designs. These buds and headphones are broadly spread over three product lines: the Endurance, Sense, and Soundgear CLIPS – with 5 products in total.
The OpenSound Series lineup is the brand’s audio-first open buds, comprising the Sense Pro and Sense Lite earbuds. They make use of air conduction technology to deliver a lively, bass-rich sound. The Soundgear CLIPS are the most fashion-forward open ears shaped like earring cuffs, something like the Shokz OpenDots One. Along with these, the Endurance Series buds are tailored for active individuals who like the comfort of long hours of listening to their tunes.
Designer: JBL
OpenSound Series
Sense Pro earbuds are the flagship open-ear headphones specifically designed for audio lovers who value the nuances of music. In conjunction with the 16.2mm drivers and the Adaptive Bass Boost technology, they deliver an enjoyable sound even though they don’t sit flush against your ear canal. Making calls with the Sense Pro is a delight even in the most crowded places, as it comes with four mics and the Voice Pickup Sensor technology for a clear calling experience. The buds have 38 hours of playtime in total with the earbuds lasting eight hours on a single charge in the case. The adjustable ear hook ensures all-day comfort for extended listening. The Sense Pro priced at $200, will come in black or white colors when released in March 2026.
The Sense Lite earbuds are the toned-down version of the flagship Pro’s with a simplified aesthetic and feature list. Most of it is the same as the big brother, only the case battery is slightly less at 24 hours. The buds are rated for IP54 water and dust resistance, meaning you don’t need to worry about the odd splashes or listening sessions in a dusty environment. For the Sense Lite, you’ll have to pay $150, and they will also come in black and white color options when finally released in March.
Soundgear CLIPS
The style-driven Soundgear CLIPS hook onto your ear and are lightweight enough for all-day comfort. Soft TPU construction and the SonicArc shape of the earbuds deliver enhanced bass without any considerable sound leakage. The four AI-assisted mics ensure the calls are crystal clear even in super noisy places. These are also IP54 water and dust resistant, with the same 32 hours total battery life as the Sense Pro. The Soundgear CLIPS will come in more peppy color options, including metallic copper, blue, purple, and white. The clip-on earbuds will be priced at $150 and will have the same March 2026 release timeline.
