Anker AeroClip 2 - Clip-On Open-Ear Earbuds With a New Ring Design

I'd already had my eye on the first-generation AeroClip for its unusual clip-on design that skips the in-ear fit entirely, and with the second generation, Anker kept the same silhouette while overhauling everything on the inside. A ring-shaped open design paired with an AI call chip sounds like great news for anyone who's been looking for earbuds they can wear without blocking their ears, whether at the gym or at the office.

📊 Quick Info

Item	Details
Brand	Anker Soundcore
Price	About $170 (launching 2026-09-22)
Materials/Specs	12mm dynamic driver, IP57, wireless charging support
Key Features	THUS AI audio chip (call noise reduction), open-ring design, 32-hour playback
One-line take	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ A big leap in polish for the open-ear category

✨ Three-Line Summary

👍 Best feature: An open-ring design that keeps ears unblocked while still delivering low-end punch thanks to the 12mm driver
👎 Drawback: At $170, it's not exactly a cheap open-ear option
🎯 Best for: Anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings during runs or commutes, or who gets ear pain from long wear

📸 Product Gallery

Anker AeroClip 2 main image, left and right earbuds shown as black ring-shaped units

The AeroClip 2's open-ring shape clips onto the ear like a hoop

Anker AeroClip 2 outdoor wear shot, a man holding a tennis racket wearing the earbuds

A shot emphasizing the open-ear fit that doesn't block your ears, even during workouts

Anker AeroClip 2 flexibility detail, a close-up of the ring bending

The flexible ring material that snaps back into shape even after 20,000 bends

Anker AeroClip 2 everyday wear image, a man talking indoors while wearing the earbuds

An example of everyday wear in spaces like the office or a café

🔍 Why I'm Interested

The value of not blocking your ears

Most of us have felt that ache from wearing in-ear tips for too long. The AeroClip 2 skips inserting a tip into the ear canal entirely, instead resting a ring gently on the outer ear, which should make long wear much more comfortable. It's also handy for situations like running or cycling where you need to stay aware of ambient sound.

An AI call chip that's a genuinely practical upgrade

Anker kept the same form factor as the first generation but added its new THUS AI audio chip, and that's the detail that stands out. Open-ear designs usually struggle with call quality since the mic sits farther from your mouth, so if AI can isolate your voice effectively, it directly patches one of this category's chronic weak points.

A material that holds up after 20,000 bends

For open-ear earbuds, if the clip section stretches out or loosens over time, comfort drops off fast. The fact that the open-ring material has passed a 20,000-bend durability test suggests Anker put real thought into longevity here.

🤔 Points I'm Still Weighing

The price feels a bit awkward

$170 is roughly what you'd pay for a decent pair of noise-canceling earbuds, but open-ear designs can't do ANC by nature, so you're really paying purely for comfort and call quality. That might feel like a stretch if you don't put much value on those two things specifically.

Korean release still unconfirmed

It's set for a global launch on September 22, but the Korean release date and local pricing haven't been confirmed yet. Given how established the Soundcore brand already is domestically, local distribution will probably follow before long.

📋 Product Features (Subjective Rating)

Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Value for money: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (premium pricing for the open-ear category)

🛒 Before You Buy

✅ Recommended for

Anyone who needs to hear their surroundings during workouts like running or the gym
Anyone who dislikes the ear-tip soreness that comes with long wear
Frequent callers who don't want to sacrifice comfort for call quality

❌ Not recommended for

Anyone who specifically needs noise cancellation
Anyone looking for a cheaper open-ear option

🎯 Final Verdict

The AeroClip 2 feels like Anker kept the first generation's clip-on open-ear form factor and packed the inside (AI call chip, battery, durability) with real substance. It's not opening up an entirely new category, but it's steadily closing the gaps that make open-ear earbuds "comfortable but not quite there," which actually makes it more appealing from a real-world usability standpoint.

The price isn't low enough to make you reach for your wallet instantly, but if you're someone who wants to wear earbuds for hours during workouts or commutes without your ears hurting, this is a product worth watching once the post-launch reviews come in.

Source: Gadget Flow product page