EarFun Clip 2 Review: The Open-Ear Upgrade We’ve Been Waiting For

Clip-style earbuds are having a major moment right now. They’re the go-to choice for people who hate the feeling of silicone tips jammed in their ear canals or those who need to stay aware of their surroundings while hitting the pavement. EarFun recently launched the Clip 2, their second attempt at this form factor. After their first generation left us with a few reservations, I was eager to see if the sequel could iron out the kinks and become a legitimate contender in the open-ear market.

Design and Comfort: A Better Fit for Your Ears

At first glance, the EarFun Clip 2 looks quite a bit like its predecessor, but the subtle design tweaks make a world of difference. The flexible bridge connecting the inner and outer units is now longer and slightly squared off. This might sound like a minor detail, but it solves the biggest issue with the original: the pinching.

While the first-gen model felt like a tiny clamp on my ear after an hour, the Clip 2 feels spacious and much more accommodating for different ear shapes. It’s light, the pressure is perfectly balanced, and the bridge itself feels more durable and snappy.

One small step backward, though, is the labeling. The original Clip had a handy red ring to identify the right earbud. On the Clip 2, both units are identical, meaning you’ll have to squint at the tiny L/R markings or memorize the button orientation before putting them on.

As for durability, these are IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, making them a solid companion for sweaty gym sessions or a light drizzle. They maintain EarFun’s signature minimalist aesthetic—it’s clean and functional, though some might wish for a bit more “flair” given that clip-ons are often treated as a fashion accessory.

The Software Experience

The Clip 2 pairs with the EarFun Audio app, which remains one of the more polished companion apps in the budget audio space. You get full control over the physical buttons (which I prefer over finicky touch controls), a customizable EQ, and a low-latency game mode. Everything is laid out logically, and the app is responsive—no complaints here.

Audio Performance: Natural and Airy

EarFun upgraded the internals here, moving from 10.8mm to 12mm dynamic drivers. They also kept the high-end support for LDAC, though keep in mind that multipoint connectivity won’t work if you have LDAC active.

The biggest glow-up is the tuning. The original Clip sounded a bit boxy and strained, but the Clip 2 offers a much more balanced, “fleshed-out” sound profile.

• The Bass: Let’s be real—open-ear designs will never deliver skull-thumping sub-bass. Without a seal, low-end air just escapes. However, EarFun boosted the mid-bass to add warmth and punch to drums and vocals, and it works surprisingly well without sounding muddy.
• Mids and Treble: This is where the Clip 2 shines. The tonality feels incredibly natural. There’s no metallic “zing” or nasal quality. Instruments sound realistic, and the treble is bright without being fatiguing.
• Soundstage: Because these don’t block your ears, the soundstage feels naturally wide. It’s a three-dimensional experience that even high-end in-ear monitors struggle to replicate without artificial spatial audio processing.

One major improvement is the volume ceiling. On the previous model, the sound fell apart once you went past 50%. The Clip 2 stays clear and composed up to about 70%. Beyond that, it starts to sound a bit thin, but you’ll rarely need to crank it that high anyway.

Mic Quality and Battery Life

The microphone performance was a pleasant surprise. In quiet rooms, it’s decent—a little soft, perhaps—but in noisy environments, the noise reduction is phenomenal. I tested these near traffic, and the background noise was almost entirely erased from the recording. It’s easily some of the best noise-canceling tech I’ve seen at this price point.

Regarding battery life, EarFun claims 11 hours (with LDAC off). In my real-world testing, I hit closer to 7 hours and 45 minutes. While that’s a bit short of the marketing materials, it’s still plenty for a full day of commuting or several long workouts. If you need more juice, there’s a low-power mode in the app that stretches the battery further by slightly capping the max volume.

The Verdict: Should You Buy Them?

The EarFun Clip 2 is a massive leap forward. At an MSRP of $79.99 (often found on sale for closer to $60), they offer incredible value. They might not be the “flashiest” earbuds on the shelf, but they prioritize what matters: comfort, natural sound, and call quality. If you want a pair of earbuds that let you hear the world while still enjoying your music, the Clip 2 is an easy recommendation.