JBL is making a significant push into the burgeoning open earbud market, unveiling three innovative new models at CES 2026. This strategic move signals JBL’s commitment to capturing a larger share of the fastest-growing segment in personal audio. The new releases include updates to their Endurance Series and two fresh additions to the Open Sound Series, alongside their debut Soundgear Clips, with prices commencing at $89.95.
The landscape of audio technology is constantly evolving, and 2025 proved that open earbuds are not just a trend but a dominant force. JBL, while not the first to market with this design, is now rapidly expanding its offerings to meet consumer demand.
What are open earbuds and why are they gaining popularity? Open earbuds are designed to rest outside the ear canal, allowing users to hear their surroundings while listening to audio. This is ideal for activities like running, cycling, or working in environments where situational awareness is crucial. The comfort and awareness they provide are key drivers of their increasing appeal.
Among the new lineup, the Sense Pro stands out as the most premium option, priced at $199.95. These earbuds boast Hi-Res Audio Wireless with Adaptive Bass Boost and Bluetooth 6.0, offering up to 38 hours of total playtime. They also feature JBL’s Personi-Fi 3.0 for personalized sound profiles and Spatial Sound for an immersive 3D audio experience.
The Sense Lite, a more budget-friendly choice at $149.95, provides JBL’s Open Sound Technology and IP54 water and dust resistance. With Bluetooth 5.4 and up to 32 hours of playtime, these earbuds offer a solid balance of features and affordability.
JBL’s entirely new Soundgear Clips, also expected around $149.95, represent a distinct ‘ear-cuff’ style. Available in a range of fashionable colors like copper, blue, purple, and white, they utilize JBL’s air conduction technology with enhanced bass boost and listening privacy. These clips also offer up to 32 hours of playtime and IP54 resistance.
Adding to the sports-focused Endurance line are the Endurance Peak 4, a successor to the popular Peak 3. These are more traditional in-ear designs with secure ear hooks, but uniquely incorporate JBL’s adaptive noise cancelling technology, a feature rarely seen in open-ear models. They also come with Pure Bass with Spatial Sound, Multipoint Connection, and an impressive 48 hours of total playtime.
The introduction of adaptive noise cancelling in the Endurance Peak 4 is a noteworthy development. While ANC is uncommon in open earbuds due to their design, JBL’s integration suggests a potential future trend for the category, aiming to offer the best of both worlds.
JBL’s approach at CES 2026 underscores a clear strategy to dominate the open earbud space. By offering diverse designs, advanced features, and competitive pricing across multiple models, they are catering to a wide spectrum of user needs and preferences.
The market for open earbuds has seen significant growth, driven by consumer preference for comfort, safety, and a more natural listening experience. JBL’s investment in this category positions them well to capitalize on this trend.
With pricing for the Soundgear Clips starting at $89.95, JBL is making open earbud technology accessible to a broader audience, further cementing its commitment to innovation in this evolving audio segment.
As CES 2026 unfolds, the reception of these new JBL open earbuds will be closely watched, potentially setting new benchmarks for the industry in terms of sound quality, comfort, and feature integration. The variety of options available ensures that consumers have more choices than ever when seeking the perfect open earbud solution.
