The SOUNDPEATS Clip1 are open-ear, clip-on earbuds designed for users who prioritize comfort and situational awareness. Positioned as an alternative to traditional in-ear and bone conduction models, they are intended for long listening sessions. As someone who has used other SOUNDPEATS open-ear devices, I found them to be useful for various settings, including office use, and outdoor activities like running or cycling. The earbuds retail for $69.99, placing them in the affordable segment of the open-ear audio market.
Design
Each Clip1 earbud weighs 5 grams and clips onto the ear with a flexible N-Flex Arch™ made from a nickel-titanium alloy. This design adapts to different ear shapes and provides a secure fit that stays in place during movement. If you’ve tried previous Clip models, these ones are much more comfortable.
The open-ear form factor allows for natural airflow and works well with glasses or masks. I found them pretty comfortable even when I wear them with glasses. (Earbuds that have earhooks are sometimes uncomfortable when you wear them with glasses.)
While the earbuds are lightweight, their size can make users more aware of their presence compared to smaller models. However, I tried them in different types of workouts and quickly became adapted to them.
The plastic charging case has a textured finish that resists fingerprints and aligns with the aesthetic of other SOUNDPEATS products. While functional, the case is not made of sturdy material, which means it can quickly break (I’ve had problems with previous SOUNDPEATS models, which has made me super-cautious when handling the case).
Features
The Clip1 earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 (I was hoping for Bluetooth 6.0) and have an IPX5 water-resistance rating, making them resistant against splash and rain (but not submerging in water). They support a multipoint connection to pair with two devices at once, which is very useful when you want to use your laptop while also taking calls from your phone (though note that this feature is disabled when using the LDAC codec).
The PeatsAudio companion app allows for firmware updates and customization of EQ settings and touch controls (I’m personally comfortable with the default settings). The earbuds have reliable three-point touch zones on the logo, driver, and stem. Other smart features include AutoSense, which automatically detects left and right ear placement, and a low-latency Game Mode. The AeroVoice system uses AI to reduce wind noise for clearer calls outdoors.
Sound quality
The earbuds are equipped with 12 mm dual-magnet dynamic drivers and are Hi-Res Audio certified, supporting SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. The main feature of the sound is the prominent bass, which helps mask ambient noise when outdoors.
LDAC provides a noticeable increase in detail and clarity, with good instrument separation and vocal definition (though it also drains the battery faster). As with other open-ear devices, Clip1 does not provide noise isolation, which is both a blessing and a curse: You get awareness of environmental sound (which can be crucial in safety-sensitive settings such as cycling) but it also means that busy environments can interfere with the listening experience. Call quality is clean and clear, even in windy conditions.
Battery life and pricing
The Clip1 provides up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case extending the total to 40 hours. When using the LDAC codec, the battery life per charge drops to approximately four hours. A 10-minute quick charge provides around two hours of playback. The case charges via USB-C.
Priced at $69.99, the SOUNDPEATS Clip1 is a strong option for users who need a comfortable, secure, and aware listening experience for daily use and exercise.