Compare Cleer ARC 5 vs Shokz OpenMove

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.

Audio is serviceable for background music and speech, with some listeners finding surprisingly clear detail. Others hear thin, radio-like sound that falls well behind conventional earbuds and pricier Shokz models.

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.

Bass is the clearest audio compromise: low notes lack depth and punch, even when the volume rises. Bass-heavy music rarely sounds satisfying.

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.

There is some sense of space and cohesion in the presentation, but the soundstage lacks the impact of conventional hi-fi headphones.

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.

Leakage is usually modest at quiet volumes, but some listeners nearby can detect music, especially when playback is turned up. Experiences vary from almost silent to intrusive in close quarters.

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.

The microphones suppress steady sounds such as air-conditioning or light wind reasonably well, but sudden noises may still reach the other person.

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.

There is little acoustic separation from the outside world, which is helpful for safety but unsuited to blocking distractions at work or on transport.

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.

The OpenMove does not integrate with the Shokz app, preventing app-based adjustments, battery information, and the option to silence irritating control tones.

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.

Bluetooth pairing is usually quick and dependable on compatible phones, including busy wireless environments. The connection is one of the less troublesome parts of daily use.

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.

Calls are generally clear enough for conversations and remote meetings, with several accounts of successful hands-free use. Voice pickup is less polished than a dedicated headset, particularly for background disturbances.

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.

The separated physical buttons make pausing, skipping, and adjusting volume straightforward, even during activity. Small controls, unintended commands, and especially loud confirmation beeps frustrate some users.

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.

Initial setup is simple: pair over Bluetooth and learn a few physical button commands. The absence of app support limits deeper configuration.

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

The physical button can trigger Siri hands-free, adding a handy way to issue commands while on a ride or walk.

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.

The included fabric pouch is lightweight and serviceable but provides little protection in a crowded bag. Some would prefer a rigid carrying case or a more compact travel solution.

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.

The flexible band can be stowed in a bag or pocket, yet its fixed loop is awkward to pack and not as compact as independent earbuds.

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

Separate strings and backing elements can remain audible, but the arrangement is not especially punchy or revealing.

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.

Output is adequate on calmer streets but quickly gets drowned out by traffic, wind, and trains. Turning it up can make calls jarringly loud or increase sound leakage.

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.

Voices are generally understandable and sometimes crisp, particularly when the headset sits precisely on the cheekbones. Speech becomes less distinct when its position shifts.

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.

IP55 protection handles sweat, damp workouts, light rain, and dusty outdoor use well. Heavy rain and immersion are beyond what this model is intended to withstand.

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.

Pairing with Android phones is straightforward and reliable, with no special app needed for basic listening.

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

Simple extras such as earplugs, a charging cable, a pouch, and decorative stickers add some utility. The earplugs help with alternative listening modes, but they are basic rather than luxurious.

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.

The wraparound frame stays secure for ordinary runs, walks, and many upright workouts. Sprints, awkward head movements, and lying back can shift the drivers out of their sound sweet spot.

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.

The vocal-booster setting can make podcasts and audiobooks clearer, while standard mode suits music better. Earplug mode gives mixed results, and not everyone hears a meaningful improvement.

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.

Treble sounds reasonably smooth and well controlled in music, although the presentation is not especially dynamic.

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.

The overall response is positive for inexpensive, awareness-first listening, especially for activity. Satisfaction falls when premium audio, effortless fit, or all-day comfort is expected.

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

The headset works across Android, iPhone, and computers, making it an easy device to share between different everyday platforms.

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.

Keeping ears entirely unobstructed is the major attraction: traffic, approaching cyclists, conversations, and outdoor cues stay audible alongside music. The tradeoff is that outside noise can overpower playback.

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

USB-C charging is convenient, but a full charge takes around two hours and there is no fast top-up feature. A charging failure is also reported, with warranty coverage potentially available.

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.

Battery life typically lands around the advertised six hours, sometimes stretching further in lighter use. It can cover most workouts or rides but feels short against ordinary wireless earbuds or higher-end Shokz models.

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.

Comfort divides opinion sharply: some wear the lightweight band for hours, while others develop pressure or soreness around one ear in about an hour. The firmer plastic hooks are less forgiving than premium models for many head shapes.

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.

The frame holds up to workouts, bumps, and ordinary carrying for many users. Others find the plastic hooks noticeably stiffer and less premium than Shokz's costlier metal-and-silicone builds.

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

The clean, understated look and color choices appeal to many, especially at this price. Firmer plastic hooks and a conspicuous rear band make it look and feel less refined than premium versions.

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.

At roughly 29 grams, the headset often feels light enough to forget during activity. A few users nevertheless feel disproportionate weight or pressure because of how the band distributes it.

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.

The entry-level price makes bone conduction accessible without paying for the top-end series. The value is strongest for awareness and exercise; buyers seeking rich audio or premium fit may prefer to spend more.

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

Multipoint lets the headset move between a phone and computer without frequent re-pairing. Switching works smoothly once configured, although discovering the setup procedure can take effort.

The voice status reports only broad battery levels rather than a precise percentage; the abrupt drop between levels can make charging hard to plan.

Every button press produces an unusually loud beep, a recurrent annoyance that cannot be disabled through an app. The feedback can be startling when listening quietly.

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.

The band holds the headset steady with gentle tension for some wearers, but others feel excessive pressure against their head or cheekbones over time.

Some listeners barely notice the cheekbone vibrations, and newer tuning feels gentler than older devices. Others find the buzz or tickling at higher volume uncomfortable or distracting.

A single band size limits fine fitting, especially for smaller heads. Shokz models with mini options offer an advantage for those who need a shorter loop.

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.

A two-year warranty provides a useful fallback if the headset develops a fault, including charging problems, though it does not prevent downtime.

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.

Tiny changes in driver placement can noticeably change loudness, clarity, and comfort. Once the ideal position is found it can be stable, but jaw movement or vigorous activity may upset it.

Glasses, sunglasses, caps, and some helmets can coexist with the ear hooks, but fit depends heavily on strap thickness, hair, and the order of putting things on.

The rear band can interfere with collars, hoodies, ponytails, or resting the headset around the neck. For some wearers it stays clear of jackets and helmet straps with no trouble.

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.

Some cycling helmets and straps fit comfortably alongside the band, while bulkier arrangements require fiddling or simply do not fit well.

Magnets keep the headset together when it hangs around the neck, but some wearers find the earpieces snap uncomfortably around their throat.

Sound quality can change sharply when the cheekbone transducers move a few millimeters. A settled fit is important for consistent audio.

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.

Standard USB-C charging is a standout convenience: ordinary charging cables work instead of a model-specific magnetic lead.

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.

Wind and fast cycling can drown out the already modest sound output, making music and speech hard to follow. Riding more slowly or covering the ears can help.