Compare Shokz OpenFit 2+ vs Cleer ARC 5

Reviewers broadly praised the open-ear sound as unusually strong, clear, balanced, or top-tier for the category, though SoundGuys treated it as below critical-listening earbuds and one runner focused mainly on clear voice playback.

Most reviewers found the ARC 5 unusually capable for open-ear earbuds, with several calling the sound excellent or class-leading. One detailed test strongly disagreed, criticizing weak definition, limited vibrancy, and performance below the premium price.

Microphone noise reduction generally handled traffic, background noise, or indoor noise well, but wind remained the recurring weak scenario.

The microphone system usually suppresses wind, traffic, construction, and other background noise effectively while keeping speech understandable. Very loud surroundings can still intrude because the ears remain open.

Passive isolation is essentially not the point of the design; the cited reviewer emphasized that the earbuds do not isolate the listener from the world.

Passive isolation is intentionally minimal because the earbuds leave the ear canal open. That supports awareness but makes them a poor choice for buyers wanting outside sound blocked.

Dolby and the open presentation usually expanded the stage, but SoundGuys felt the spatial positioning was more artificial than genuinely dimensional.

Several reviewers heard a wide, spacious presentation with convincing directional placement, especially in movies and games. One critical review found the soundstage unexpectedly narrow and lacking expansion.

Spatial/Dolby audio was usually praised for richer, wider, more immersive sound, but some reviewers preferred it for video or podcasts over music and one found it gimmicky.

Spatial audio is a major differentiator, producing convincing depth and positional effects for movies and games. Music reactions are more mixed, with some reviewers preferring standard stereo or questioning the value in noisy environments.

Sound leakage was generally better than expected for open-ear earbuds at reasonable volumes, but reviewers still warned that higher volumes can be heard nearby.

Sound leakage and driver positioning were judged better than average for the open-ear category in the one detailed assessment. The design still cannot contain sound like sealed earbuds.

Bass was often better than expected for open-ear earbuds, especially with EQ or Dolby, but several reviewers still noted limited punch and depth compared with sealed earbuds.

Bass is generally punchier and fuller than expected from an open design, and several reviewers liked its warmth and workout-friendly impact. The main caveat is limited deep-bass rumble, with one reviewer finding the low end poorly defined and too dominant.

Codec support drew criticism from one reviewer because the earbuds lack high-end Bluetooth codecs.

Codec support is unusually broad for the category, including premium Android-oriented options. Reviewers saw this as a major strength, though the open design may limit how much fidelity is realized in noisy places.

Value was usually positive for first-time buyers because reviewers saw the $10-$20 Plus premium or category price as justified, though existing OpenFit 2 owners may not need to upgrade.

Value is the most divisive issue. Supporters believe the comfort, battery, codecs, spatial audio, and smart case justify the premium, while critics say better music quality is available for much less.

Multipoint was repeatedly described as smooth, seamless, convenient, or reliable for switching between phones, laptops, watches, and other devices.

Multipoint switching between phones, tablets, and computers is consistently viewed as convenient and seamless, reducing the need to re-pair devices.

Touch control usefulness was limited in the cited review because the touchpad was mainly restricted to voice assistant activation.

Touch controls are responsive and easy to trigger without many accidental taps. The control scheme may take a day or two to become natural, but customization helps.

Find My-style feedback was mixed: some reviewers liked ringing/tracking features, while others complained about missing true case Find My support or losing tracking when the battery died.

The Find My function grows progressively louder and can help locate misplaced earbuds around a home. Reviewers found it practical, with the sensible warning not to activate it while wearing them.

Case quality was mixed: reviewers liked the size/design and wireless charging, but cited a pinch hazard, poor low-battery signaling, and non-waterproof case limitations.

The AMOLED touchscreen case is one of the most praised features, offering useful phone-free access to battery, playback, EQ, spatial settings, and more. Its size and reversed left/right docking orientation are the main annoyances.

Portability had one notable criticism from an ultrarunner who found carrying the case extra weight and space during long races.

The redesigned case is easier to carry than earlier ARC generations, but opinions depend on the comparison point. Some called it compact and pocketable, while another considered it unusually large and heavy for earbuds.

Preset EQ opinions were mostly positive for Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Vocal/voice modes, with one technical review saying presets help compensate for open-ear limitations.

The default flat tuning earned praise, and the rock preset helped bring guitars and vocals forward. Another reviewer found the presets made little noticeable difference, so their usefulness appears listener-dependent.

Midrange and vocals were generally described as clean, natural, energetic, or more forward, with the strongest praise coming from music-focused reviews.

Vocals and mids usually come through clean, natural, and forward enough for podcasts, calls, and music. Reviewers especially liked the clarity of male and female voices.

Water and sweat resistance was generally reassuring for rain, sweat, and workouts, though reviewers warned against submersion and sweat-related charging care.

IPX7 protection makes the earbuds well suited to sweat, rain, and demanding workouts. Reviewers treated them as durable for active use, while still advising against swimming.

Android compatibility received one direct positive test result alongside iOS compatibility.

Android users receive the fullest codec experience, including LDAC and Snapdragon-related options. iOS remains usable and solid but is limited to SBC and AAC.

Volume was usually enough for music, calls, and outdoor use, but reviewers split on headroom in noisy places, with some wanting more output.

Volume is strong enough for quiet and moderately active settings, but open-ear physics limits it around traffic, transit, and other loud environments. One reviewer found the maximum level unable to compete outdoors.

Stability was strong for running, workouts, and general movement, but reviewers found caveats with helmets, buffs, high-impact jumps, or losing an earbud when removing layers.

Most reviewers found the fit exceptionally secure during running, jumping rope, gym sessions, and normal movement. One tester experienced an unstable, front-heavy fit on one ear, suggesting ear shape matters.

Instrument separation was praised when reviewers heard clean, distinct instruments or stereo separation without muddying vocals and guitars.

Reviewers who discussed imaging found it easy to locate instruments and effects, with precise stereo placement and clear directional cues.

Treble drew mostly positive comments for crispness, sparkle, and detail, while SoundGuys found the treble weak and less detailed in busy mixes.

Treble is commonly described as clean, detailed, and non-fatiguing rather than sharp or sibilant. One reviewer heard reduced energy and buried higher details in denser songs.

Multi-platform compatibility was positively supported by tested compatibility across Android and iOS.

The ARC 5 works across iPhone, Android, computers, and other Bluetooth sources. Reviewers valued the flexibility for switching between work, entertainment, and mobile devices.

Voice assistant integration exists through limited touch or button customization, but reviewers treated it as secondary rather than a standout feature.

Voice commands worked smoothly for playback and volume changes, making hands-free control especially useful during outdoor work and daily routines.

Setup simplicity was supported by the convenient pairing button and the fact that app use is not required for basic functions.

Pairing is quick and straightforward, and basic use requires little setup. The deeper feature set can become more complex once app, case, gesture, and spatial options are explored.

Bluetooth behavior was mixed: reviewers liked seamless single-bud use, but others reported earbuds staying connected in the case or draining phone battery without an off switch.

Bluetooth is mostly stable, quick to pair, and free of noticeable lag. One outdoor range test reported dropouts at roughly 32 feet, so long-range performance may vary.

EQ customization was a clear strength: reviewers liked tweaking sound, custom EQ, and personal preference controls, though one app workflow was limited.

The app and case provide substantial EQ flexibility, including custom tuning and multiple bands. Reviewers liked the control, although the available band count is not class-leading.

Call quality was mostly praised as clean, clear, or very good, with caveats around wind, crowded cafés, or heavy processing.

Call quality is widely praised, with voices coming through clear and natural during walks, workouts, and public use. Outdoor performance is generally above average for open-ear earbuds.

The app was generally considered useful, simple, or feature-rich for EQ, firmware, controls, Dolby, and tracking, though a few reviews described it as minimal or not essential.

The Cleer+ app offers extensive control over EQ, gestures, case settings, battery information, and health features. Most found it useful, though one reviewer criticized its confusing layout.

Physical buttons were widely praised as easier, more reliable, and more comfortable than touch-only controls, though one ultrarunner wanted an on/off button.

Physical buttons complement the touch controls and give users flexible ways to manage playback and calls. Most found them useful, though one reviewer needed time to learn the case and control layout.

Build quality was praised through flexible/durable ear hooks and robust-feeling materials.

Materials and construction feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces, sturdy components, and a design that avoids looking cheap. Reviewers generally considered the build suitable for regular active use.

Design and aesthetics were praised as classy, understated, premium, sleek, and among the best-looking open-ear designs tested.

The ARC 5 looks cleaner, slimmer, and more premium than earlier open-ear designs. Reviewers liked the polished styling and refined hook profile.

Comfort was one of the strongest points across nearly every review, with repeated praise for long-wear softness, low fatigue, and all-day active use.

Comfort is the strongest consensus: the thinner hooks, open fit, and balanced design remain comfortable for full workdays, workouts, travel, and long listening sessions. Many reviewers said the earbuds nearly disappear once worn.

Weight comfort was consistently praised; reviewers repeatedly said the earbuds felt very light or nearly disappeared on-ear.

At about 11.5 grams per earbud, the ARC 5 generally feels light and low-pressure. A few reviewers still noticed the size or weight, especially when the fit was imperfect.

Charging was praised for wireless convenience and quick top-ups, but one review reported case charging behavior that could leave earbuds undercharged.

Fast charging is highly practical, restoring roughly two hours from a five-minute top-up. The main complaint is the lack of wireless charging.

Battery life received strong agreement as excellent, long-lasting, or a non-issue for daily use, training, and long sessions.

Battery life is a standout strength, commonly lasting a full workday and reaching about 60 hours with the case. Reviewers repeatedly described the endurance as impressive or category-leading.

Reviewers consistently framed ANC as absent or unsuitable for noise-cancellation seekers, treating the product as intentionally awareness-first instead.

One reviewer found video latency minimal and acceptable for casual gaming, while noting no dedicated gaming mode elsewhere in the review.

Only SoundGuys offered an opinionated frequency-response critique, finding upper mids and treble below its preferred target.

The one explicit clamping-force assessment was very positive because the reviewer felt no clamping pressure at all.

Head-gesture controls work reliably for actions such as changing tracks or answering calls with a nod. They are convenient hands-free, though one reviewer felt repeated head movements could look awkward in public.

The box includes the expected charging cable, guide, case, and earbuds. The printed multilingual instructions were considered useful but somewhat difficult to follow.

LDAC was specifically missed by one reviewer who expected it on a premium open-ear product.

Most reviewers who discussed high-volume behavior heard clean playback without distortion, though one warned that very high volume could sound cranky.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive for comfort-first, awareness-focused use, with repeated praise for features, battery, and usability. Satisfaction drops among listeners who prioritize audiophile music quality, deep bass, compactness, or low price.

Sensor feedback was mixed: one review praised wear detection, while another wished smart sensors were included.

The open-ear fit keeps traffic, coworkers, family, and other surroundings audible without requiring a transparency mode. Reviewers repeatedly called this especially useful for running, cycling, office work, and all-day listening.

USB-C received one explicit positive mention for avoiding proprietary charging cables.