Soundcore's clip-on earbuds are a cheaper Bose Ultra Open dupe

Both admittedly vain and very much not a runner, I've long been hesitant to integrate bone conduction headphones into my daily routine. As a young woman living in Manhattan, however, staying aware is — especially with the viral punching incident last month — more important than ever. And as much as I love my noise-cancelling earbuds for locking into work or a workout, I've been slowly coming to the realization they may not be the safest mainstay.

8:10 Related

Bose's new Ultra Open earbuds are the fashion and function success I can't stop wearing

They may not be part of Bose's QuietComfort lineup, but my ears don't want any other buds. Think transparency mode — but better.

In February, Bose debuted its fashion and safety forward solution with the clip-on Ultra Open earbuds. This month, Anker's Soundcore unveiled its more budget-friendly $70 take on the open ear buds with the Soundcore C30i buds.

After using the buds for a week, I'm impressed with the comfort they granted in both actual wear and wirelessly granting awareness, so I could stroll and stream in peace and tandem.

Soundcore C30i Open-Ear Clip Earbuds

Soundcore's 30i clip-on buds, like the Bose Open-Ultra buds are subtle, comfortable, and sit outside the ear instead of within. They pack great, every day sound, a top-teir microphone, and secure fit for only $70.

Pros

• Budget friendly alternative to Bose option
• Great, clear everyday sound
• Subtle design
• Clear microphone quality

Cons

• No automatic pause when you take out of ear
• Slight compression at high volumes
• Slightly large around ears, even with added grips

$70 at Soundcore$70 at Amazon

Design, look and wear

The same as Bose's concept… but different

Similarly to Bose's Ultra Open buds, the Soundcore C30i clip on to the outside of your ear, rather than fitting snugly within your ear canal. In a C-shaped curve covered in a translucent plastic slip, they're subtle and glasses-friendly. Bose's iteration, which features a flexible hinge that opens and closes like a clip-on earring, the C30i's hard-shell design requires you to slide them up your ear, which doesn't work as well for glasses wearers.

The clear hard shell doesn't give the same matte-black or