Struggling to find the perfect earbuds that blend top-tier sound with situational awareness for your active lifestyle? The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro Open Ear Headphones might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. These aren’t just another pair of headphones. they’re packed with smart features designed for those who live life in motion, whether you’re hitting the trails, cycling through the city, or just need to stay connected to your surroundings while enjoying your favorite tunes. From their unique open-ear design to the innovative smart charging case, Cleer has really aimed to hit a home run with this model.
When I first heard about the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro, I was curious if they could truly deliver on all their promises – combining excellent audio, robust fitness tracking, and an open-ear design without compromise. After digging into what makes them tick, it’s clear these earbuds offer a compelling package, particularly for the fitness enthusiast. They come with a comfortable, secure fit thanks to flexible ear hooks, and boast an impressive IPX7 water and sweat resistance rating, meaning they’re built to withstand your toughest workouts or a sudden downpour.
But the real showstoppers here are the integrated health monitoring features – a built-in SPO2 sensor for blood oxygen levels and a heart rate monitor – something you don’t often see in earbuds. Coupled with Snapdragon Sound and Dolby Atmos optimization, they promise an immersive audio experience, which is pretty wild for an open-ear design. Plus, the smart touchscreen charging case isn’t just for looks. it offers controls, UV-C sterilization, and even a mirror for on-the-go touch-ups. While the case can be a bit bulky and some users report inconsistent comfort after long periods, the overall feature set for around $239.99 to $259.99 sometimes less with discounts makes them a strong contender for anyone seeking a blend of audio quality, fitness tracking, and environmental awareness.
Design and Comfort: A Hug for Your Ears, Mostly
The very first thing you’ll notice about the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro is their unique open-ear, ear-hook design. Unlike traditional earbuds that sit inside your ear canal, these rest comfortably over your ear, leaving your ear canal open. This is a must for safety, especially if you’re jogging, cycling, or just walking in busy areas where you need to hear traffic or interact with people around you without pulling out an earbud. It’s that sweet spot where you get your audio without sacrificing situational awareness.
Cleer has clearly put thought into making these comfortable for extended wear. Each earbud weighs around 12 grams, which is pretty light, and they feature flexible, adjustable ear hooks. This adjustability is key, allowing you to get a secure and personalized fit, which is crucial for intense workouts. Many users rave about how they hardly notice the earbuds are there after a while, making them great for long listening sessions or all-day wear. The ergonomic shape and softer materials help minimize pressure points, even during vigorous activity.
However, comfort can be a very personal thing, and it’s not a universal home run. While many find them exceptionally comfortable, some users have reported issues with the fit, experiencing discomfort or fatigue after extended periods of wear. This might be due to individual ear shapes or if you’re wearing large glasses, which can sometimes interfere with the ear hooks. It seems the “sweet spot” for speaker alignment over the ear canal for optimal sound can also be tricky to achieve consistently for everyone. So, if you’re thinking about these, keep your return window in mind just in case your ears aren’t a perfect match.
Sound Quality: Open-Ear, Immersive Sound?
Now, let’s talk about the sound. Open-ear headphones inherently face a challenge when it comes to audio immersion, as they don’t create a seal like traditional earbuds. But the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro really pushes the boundaries here. They are equipped with large 16.2mm Graphene Dynamic Drivers, powered by Snapdragon Sound, which is designed to deliver high-resolution, crystal-clear audio. What does that mean for you? Expect crisp highs, clear mid-range, and, surprisingly for an open-ear design, a noticeable, impactful bass. Many reviewers have been genuinely surprised by the depth and clarity, often stating that the sound quality is “phenomenal” for open-ear headphones. Netamo smart home weather station review
A big highlight is the Dolby Atmos optimization with head tracking. This feature aims to create a spatial, three-dimensional audio experience, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, whether you’re listening to podcast, watching a movie, or gaming. For compatible media, it can definitely enhance the sense of depth and directionality, bringing content to life. However, some users, surprisingly, found that for pure podcast listening, turning Dolby Atmos off actually resulted in a more pronounced and natural sound, with clarity skyrocketing. It’s worth experimenting with to find your preference!
The Arc 3 Sports Pro also supports a comprehensive range of audio codecs, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, and SBC. This means you’re getting broad compatibility and the potential for high-fidelity audio playback, especially with compatible devices that support codecs like LDAC for a near-lossless wireless experience. While the open-ear design means you’ll still hear your surroundings, which is great for safety, it also means limited noise isolation. So, if you’re looking for earbuds to completely block out a noisy commute or airplane rumble, these might not be your primary choice. But for outdoor activities or situations where awareness is key, the balance of great sound and environmental connection is a big win.
Connectivity and Smart Features: More Than Just Listening
The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro isn’t just about sound. it’s a tech-packed device designed to make your life easier and your workouts smarter.
Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint Connectivity
These earbuds come with the latest Bluetooth 5.4, offering a stable and efficient wireless connection with minimal latency. But here’s a super handy feature: multipoint connectivity. This lets you pair your Arc 3 earbuds with two devices simultaneously. Imagine listening to podcast on your laptop and seamlessly taking a call from your phone without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. It’s incredibly convenient for those who switch between devices often throughout their day. Lectron Vortex Plug Review: Unlocking Tesla Supercharging for Your EV
Smart Touchscreen Charging Case
This case is genuinely a standout feature. It’s not just a place to store and charge your earbuds. it has a built-in FHD touchscreen display. You can do a lot directly from the case without needing your phone: adjust EQ presets, toggle Dolby settings, control volume, see battery levels for both earbuds and the case, check the time and date, and even set a screen timeout. It’s a level of control that feels futuristic and, frankly, super useful.
UV-C Sterilization and Mirror
Inside the case, you’ll find a UV-C light sterilization system that cleans your earbuds while they charge. For sports earbuds that are bound to get sweaty, this is a thoughtful addition aimed at promoting hygiene and ear health. Plus, there’s a small mirror in the case, which might seem trivial but can be surprisingly handy for quick checks on the go. While some might argue the UV sterilization is a “superfluous feature” or “too automatic”, it’s definitely a unique touch.
Health and Performance Tracking
This is where the “Sports Pro” really shines. The Arc 3 Sports Pro includes integrated blood oxygen SPO2 and heart rate sensors. You can track your workout performance and monitor these vital signs directly through the accompanying Cleer+ app available for iOS and Android. This effectively turns your earbuds into a fitness tracker, which is a massive convenience if you don’t want to wear a smartwatch or separate fitness band during your activities. Beyond just the sensors, there’s also a 6-axis motion sensor enabling intelligent features like somatosensory control, an anti-loss reminder, fall alarm, sedentary reminder, and cervical vertebra health alerts.
Auto Volume and Voice Clarity
The earbuds feature smart sensors that auto-adjust audio levels based on your surroundings, aiming for consistent listening. They also deliver crystal-clear voice for calls, supported by Qualcomm cVc Clear Voice Capture technology, which helps reduce background noise. What’s more, they support gesture-based controls and AI voice control, letting you manage podcast, volume, and calls hands-free with intuitive commands. Imagine saying “next track” while your hands are busy, and it just works – that’s a feature many users found surprisingly impressive and practical. Bleequp ai sports camera glasses review
Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Adventures
Nobody wants their podcast to cut out in the middle of a run or their podcast to die during a long commute. The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro aims to keep you powered up for a good long while.
On a single charge, the earbuds themselves provide up to 8 hours of playback. That’s pretty solid for a pair of open-ear sport earbuds, enough to cover most workouts, commutes, or even a good chunk of a workday. But the real magic happens with the charging case. It holds an additional 32 hours of charge, bringing the total on-the-go listening time to an impressive 40 hours. Some sources even suggest up to 50 hours of total playback. This means you can go for days, or even a week, without needing to plug the entire system into a wall socket.
When you do need to charge, the case supports both USB-C and wireless charging for convenience. There’s also a quick charge feature that’s a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry: a 15-minute charge in the case can give you about 2 hours of listening time, or even 1.5 hours from just a 5-minute charge. This is perfect for those moments when you realize you forgot to charge and need a quick boost before heading out.
However, some reviews have pointed out a minor drawback regarding the charging case’s standby battery life. A few users noted that if they leave the Arc 3 Sports Pro unused for a couple of days, the charging system case and earbuds can deplete surprisingly quickly. So, if you’re an infrequent user, you might want to keep an eye on the case’s charge level, which you can easily do via its touchscreen display.
Call Quality: Staying Connected Clearly
When you’re out and about, especially for work or just catching up with friends, clear call quality is essential. The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro headphones don’t disappoint here. They come equipped with noise-reduction microphones and leverage Qualcomm cVc Clear Voice Capture technology. What this means in practice is that the earbuds are designed to pick up your voice clearly while simultaneously reducing background noise from your surroundings. HoverAir X1 Pro & ProMax Review: Your Ultimate Pocket-Sized Flying Camera Sidekick
Users have reported very good performance for phone calls, with their voice coming across crisp and clear to the person on the other end, even when in moderately noisy environments. This is a big plus if you’re taking calls while walking in a park, at the gym, or even in a bustling cafe. The AI Call Noise Reduction further enhances this by actively reducing ambient sound during your conversations.
However, it’s worth noting that while your voice is transmitted clearly, the open-ear design inherently means you’ll still hear a good amount of your surroundings during a call. So, if you’re in an extremely loud environment, like a busy construction site, it might still be a challenge for you to hear the other person clearly, even if they can hear you perfectly. For typical daily use, though, the call quality is definitely a strong point, allowing for seamless communication without much fuss.
Durability and Water Resistance: Built for the Grind
If you’re investing in “Sports Pro” headphones, you expect them to handle whatever your active lifestyle throws at them. The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro are definitely built with durability in mind.
They boast an IPX7 water and sweat resistance rating, which is fantastic news for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. This rating means the earbuds can resist sweat, rain, and even temporary submersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. So, whether you’re sweating profusely during an intense gym session, caught in an unexpected rain shower on your run, or splashing water accidentally, these earbuds are designed to keep going.
However, while IPX7 is excellent for sweat and splashes, it doesn’t mean they’re suitable for swimming or diving. For submersion, you’d typically need an IPX8 rating or higher. So, feel free to rinse them under a tap after a particularly sweaty workout, but don’t take them for a dip in the pool. Play for dream mr review
The overall build quality is generally regarded as excellent, reflecting Cleer Audio’s reputation for premium audio products. The flexible earhook design is not only about comfort but also contributes to their ruggedness, ensuring they stay securely in place even during vigorous movement. This robust construction, combined with the high water resistance, gives you peace of mind that these earbuds are reliable companions for your most rigorous activities.
User Experience and Controls: Intuitive and Advanced
The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro really aims to make your listening experience as smooth and hands-free as possible, combining traditional touch controls with some pretty advanced features.
Touch Controls and Customization
Like most modern true wireless earbuds, the Arc 3 Sports Pro features touch-sensitive controls on the earbuds themselves. You can tap to play/pause podcast, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and adjust volume. Reviewers generally find these touch controls highly responsive. What’s really cool is the integration with the Cleer+ app and the smart charging case. The case’s touchscreen display acts as a remote control, allowing you to quickly access EQ presets like rock, jazz, classical, pop, Dolby sound effects, and other settings without pulling out your phone. The app itself is described as user-friendly and offers a lot of customization, letting you set up the headphones to do exactly what you want.
Voice Commands and Head Gesture Control
This is where the Arc 3 Sports Pro steps into the future. Many users have highlighted the surprisingly effective voice command feature as a favorite. You can simply say things like “Next track,” “Pause podcast,” or “Play podcast” without needing a trigger word, and the earbuds respond. This is incredibly useful when your hands are full, dirty, or gloved during a workout or doing chores.
Beyond voice, the earbuds also incorporate a 6-axis motion sensor that enables “AI Motion Control” or head gesture controls. This means you can control certain functions with head movements, such as nodding to answer a call or shaking your head to decline. While some might consider these “superfluous”, for others, it’s an innovative way to interact with their audio hands-free, further cementing the Arc 3 Sports Pro as a highly intelligent audio companion. Unlocking the Universe: Our Honest Review of the Reazenable Cosmic Beacon Series
Auto Volume and Adaptive Features
The smart sensors also contribute to an “auto volume” feature, which automatically adjusts audio levels based on your surroundings. This aims to provide a consistent listening experience as you move between different environments. The ability to toggle between podcast and movie modes, and even turn on head tracking for an immersive video experience, adds another layer of versatility to the user experience. All these features combined contribute to a truly engaging and effortless way to interact with your audio, especially for those who appreciate cutting-edge technology and hands-free operation.
Comparing the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro to the Competition
The open-ear headphone market is getting more crowded, with several strong contenders vying for your attention. So, how do the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro stack up against popular alternatives?
Shokz OpenFit / OpenRun Pro
Shokz formerly AfterShokz has long been a leader in bone-conduction headphones, and their OpenFit and OpenRun Pro models are well-regarded open-ear options.
- Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro advantages: Offers comprehensive health monitoring HR, SpO2, a smart touchscreen charging case with UV-C sterilization, Dolby Atmos with head tracking, and generally larger drivers 16.2mm which can contribute to a richer sound, especially bass, compared to bone conduction or smaller open-ear drivers. The voice commands and AI motion control are also unique.
- Shokz advantages: Often praised for their lightweight and secure fit, with some finding their fit more consistently comfortable for long periods. Shokz’s bone conduction technology in OpenRun Pro is a different approach to open-ear audio, which some prefer for its true “ears-free” experience. Their newer OpenFit uses an air-conduction earbud design, similar in concept to Cleer Arc, but without the advanced case or health tracking.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose is known for premium audio, and their Ultra Open Earbuds are a relatively new entrant in the open-ear space. Looktech AI Glasses Wearable Review: Your Ultimate Guide
- Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro advantages: Again, the integrated health tracking, smart charging case, and Dolby Atmos are features Bose doesn’t currently offer in this category. The Arc 3 also generally offers more robust water resistance IPX7 vs IPX4 for Bose.
- Bose advantages: Known for exceptional sound quality and comfort. Many find the Bose fit incredibly secure and lightweight, often forgetting they’re wearing them. Bose also has its own immersive audio technology. However, they come at a higher price point without the same level of integrated smart fitness features.
JLab Open Sport and other budget open-ear options
Brands like JLab offer more affordable open-ear options.
- Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro advantages: Superior sound quality with Snapdragon Sound and Dolby Atmos, much longer battery life, significantly more advanced smart features case, health tracking, AI controls, and higher water resistance.
- Budget options advantages: Their main appeal is price. If you need basic open-ear functionality for casual listening during light activity and don’t require advanced features, health tracking, or premium sound, budget options can be a good entry point.
Overall, the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro carve out a strong niche by packing a comprehensive suite of features – from advanced health tracking to a smart touchscreen case and immersive audio – into an open-ear design. While competitors might excel in specific areas like raw audio quality or sheer comfort for some individuals, the Arc 3 Sports Pro’s blend of features and active lifestyle focus makes it a unique and compelling choice, especially if you prioritize fitness tracking and a highly interactive user experience alongside your audio.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Look
To help you decide if the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro are the right fit for your ears and your lifestyle, let’s break down the key advantages and potential drawbacks.
Pros
- Exceptional Open-Ear Sound: For an open-ear design, the audio quality is superb, with impressive clarity, good mid-range, and surprisingly strong bass, powered by 16.2mm drivers and Snapdragon Sound.
- Immersive Dolby Atmos: Optimized for Dolby Atmos with head tracking, providing a rich, spatial audio experience for compatible content, making movies and games more engaging.
- Integrated Health Tracking: Features built-in SpO2 blood oxygen and heart rate monitors, turning your earbuds into a capable fitness tracker.
- Innovative Smart Charging Case: A standout feature with a touchscreen display for controlling settings, checking battery, UV-C sterilization for hygiene, and even a mirror.
- Secure & Comfortable Open-Ear Fit: Lightweight 12g per earbud with flexible, adjustable ear hooks that provide a stable fit for active use while maintaining situational awareness.
- IPX7 Water & Sweat Resistance: Built to withstand intense workouts, rain, and splashes, ensuring durability for active lifestyles.
- Excellent Call Quality: Noise-reduction microphones with Qualcomm cVc technology deliver clear calls, even in moderately noisy environments.
- Advanced Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two devices.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on earbuds, with an additional 32 hours from the case for a total of 40 hours some sources say 50 hours total.
- Hands-Free Controls: Responsive touch controls, highly effective voice commands, and AI motion/head gesture controls for effortless interaction.
Cons
- Potential Fit/Comfort Issues for Some: While generally comfortable, some users experience discomfort or fatigue after prolonged wear, or find the fit isn’t perfect, especially with glasses or certain ear anatomies.
- Bulky Charging Case: The smart charging case, while feature-rich, is larger than many competitors, making it less pocketable.
- Limited Noise Isolation: As an open-ear design, they naturally don’t block out ambient noise, making them less ideal for very loud environments where you want to completely drown out sound.
- Case Standby Battery Life: Some reviews noted poor standby battery life for the charging case, meaning it might lose charge even when not in use for a couple of days.
- Price: At around $239-$259, they are a premium-priced open-ear option.
Who Are the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro For?
So, after into all the features, who exactly should consider grabbing a pair of Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro Open Ear Headphones?
1. The Active Individual and Fitness Enthusiast: This is their primary target audience. If you’re a runner, cyclist, hiker, or frequent gym-goer, the open-ear design for situational awareness is a huge safety benefit. Add in the IPX7 water resistance for sweat and rain, and the integrated heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, and you have a powerhouse for tracking your workouts without needing additional gadgets.
2. People Who Prioritize Situational Awareness: Whether you’re a parent needing to hear your kids, someone who walks in busy city environments, or just prefer to be connected to your surroundings, the open-ear design is perfect. You get your audio without being completely isolated from the world.
3. Tech Enthusiasts Who Love Gadgets: If you appreciate innovative features, the smart touchscreen charging case alone is a draw. The UV-C sterilization, intuitive controls, voice commands, and head gesture recognition offer a modern, engaging user experience that many conventional earbuds lack.
4. Audiophiles Who Want Open-Ear Sound: While open-ear designs have limitations, the Arc 3 Sports Pro pushes boundaries with its 16.2mm drivers, Snapdragon Sound, and Dolby Atmos optimization. If you want the best possible sound from an open-ear form factor, these are definitely contenders.
5. Those Who Make Frequent Calls On The Go: With excellent microphone quality and cVc noise reduction, your calls will be clear whether you’re in a quiet office or out on a stroll. Multipoint connectivity further enhances productivity, allowing for seamless device switching. Ring floodlight cam wired pro ultrabright leds 3d motion detection review
If any of these descriptions sound like you, the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro Open Ear Headphones offer a unique and compelling blend of features that could greatly enhance your daily routine and active adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do open-ear headphones like the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro work?
Open-ear headphones, including the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro, rest over your ear, leaving your ear canal unobstructed, rather than sitting inside or covering your ear completely. They use air conduction to deliver sound directly to your ears while allowing you to hear ambient sounds from your surroundings, which is great for situational awareness and safety, especially during outdoor activities.
Can I track my heart rate and blood oxygen with the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro?
Yes, absolutely! The “Sports Pro” in its name isn’t just for show. These earbuds have built-in SPO2 blood oxygen and heart rate sensors. You can track these metrics and monitor your workout performance directly through the companion Cleer+ app, turning your earbuds into a smart fitness companion.
Is the charging case for the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro really a touchscreen? What can it do?
Yes, the charging case features an intuitive FHD touchscreen display. It’s pretty cool! From the screen, you can manage podcast playback, adjust volume, switch between EQ presets, toggle Dolby Atmos settings, see the battery levels for both the earbuds and the case, and even check the time and date. It’s a very hands-on way to control your audio without needing your phone for everything.
How long does the battery last on the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro?
The earbuds themselves offer up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge. The smart charging case provides an additional 32 hours, giving you a total of up to 40 hours of on-the-go playback. Some sources even indicate a total of up to 50 hours with the case. Plus, there’s a quick charge function where a 15-minute charge can give you about 2 hours of use. Titaner dragon pearl titanium dream pen review
Are the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro waterproof? Can I wear them in the shower or swimming?
The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro boasts an IPX7 water and sweat resistance rating. This means they are highly resistant to sweat, rain, and can even withstand temporary submersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. So, they’re perfect for intense workouts or getting caught in the rain. However, IPX7 does not make them suitable for swimming or diving. for those activities, you’d typically need an IPX8 rating or higher.
Do the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro support multipoint connectivity?
Yes, they do! The Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro features Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connectivity. This allows you to pair the earbuds with two different devices simultaneously, such as your smartphone and your laptop. You can seamlessly switch between listening to podcast on one device and taking a call on the other without having to manually disconnect and reconnect each time, which is super convenient.
Is the sound quality good for open-ear headphones? What about bass?
Many users and reviewers have been pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of the Cleer Arc 3 Sports Pro, often calling it “phenomenal” for an open-ear design. They feature large 16.2mm Graphene drivers and Snapdragon Sound, delivering crisp highs, clear mids, and, surprisingly, a strong and impactful bass that is often lacking in other open-ear models. The Dolby Atmos optimization also enhances the immersive audio experience.
Nuance audio glasses review|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Cleer Arc 3 Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Leave a Reply