Cleer arc 5: open-ear headphones finally worth paying attention to?

The open-ear headphone category has been circling the drain for years, promising awareness and comfort but often delivering a compromised audio experience. Cleer, however, is throwing a serious grenade into the mix with the ARC 5, a bold attempt to redefine what open-ear can be – and it's packed with more tech than you'd expect.

Beyond the novelty: a feature-rich approach

These aren’t your typical afterthought open-ear headphones. The ARC 5 arrives with a specification sheet that reads like a premium closed-back model: THX certification, THX Spatial Audio with head tracking, Dolby Atmos support, Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless, an IPX7 water resistance rating, and a staggering 60 hours of total battery life (including the charging case). Cleer clearly wants to position these as a legitimate contender, not just a quirky alternative.

Let's be clear: if you're craving noise cancellation, deep bass, or the immersive isolation of traditional headphones, look elsewhere. The ARC 5’s strength lies in its ability to deliver audio while keeping you connected to your surroundings – a crucial benefit for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay aware of their environment.

Spatial audio and head tracking: a gamble on immersion

One of the most intriguing aspects is the inclusion of THX Spatial Audio with head tracking, alongside Dolby Atmos optimization. This is a bold move for open-ear headphones, which typically prioritize clarity over a truly immersive soundstage. The success of this feature, however, remains to be seen; spatial audio is notoriously divisive – users either love it or disable it immediately. Cleer is betting that the improved acoustic structure, designed to enhance clarity and stereo separation, will make the spatial experience more palatable, counteracting the inherent challenges of open-air sound.

Comfort and design: lightweight champions

The rule with open-ear headphones is simple: if they’re not comfortable, they’re useless. Cleer appears to have nailed this aspect, employing thinner hooks and a mere 11.5 grams per earbud. The goal is to create a near-invisible presence, allowing users to wear them for hours without discomfort – a key selling point for those seeking to avoid the sensation of plugged ears.

A touchscreen case? surprisingly useful.

Then there’s the charging case, a departure from the standard rectangular box. It boasts a tactile AMOLED screen for controlling music playback, checking battery levels, and adjusting settings – all without reaching for your phone. While not essential, it’s a welcome differentiator in a market increasingly defined by homogeneity. The inclusion of UV-C sterilization is a nice bonus, too.

A niche product, executed with ambition

The Cleer ARC 5 isn't for everyone. Those seeking complete isolation or earth-shaking bass will need to explore other options. However, for users who prioritize situational awareness and a comfortable, all-day listening experience, the ARC 5 presents a compelling proposition. Cleer has demonstrably poured more quality, features, and ambition into this product than is typically seen in the open-ear space. On paper, it's a winner. The real test, of course, will be how they perform in the trenches of daily use.

The ARC 5 isn’t just an open-ear headphone; it’s a statement. A statement that Cleer believes this category can evolve beyond a compromise, offering a genuine alternative for discerning listeners.