Published On: December 18, 2025

These Open-Ear Buds Are THX-Certified, Dolby-Ready and Don’t Block the World Out

Published On: December 18, 2025
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These Open-Ear Buds Are THX-Certified, Dolby-Ready and Don’t Block the World Out

Cleer’s new Arc 4 and Arc 4+ wireless earbuds take a different approach to audio by offering open-ear listening with THX-certified sound and Dolby features.

These Open-Ear Buds Are THX-Certified, Dolby-Ready and Don’t Block the World Out

  • Nemanja Grbic is a tech writer with over a decade of journalism experience, covering everything from AV gear and smart home tech to the latest gadgets and trends. Before jumping into the world of consumer electronics, Nema was an award-winning sports writer, and he still brings that same storytelling energy to every article. At HomeTheaterReview, he breaks down the latest gear and keeps readers up to speed on all things tech.

Cleer Audio is back with a new take on open-ear listening. Just ahead of CES 2026, the company introduced the Arc 4 and Arc 4+ wireless earbuds—two lightweight, over-ear hook designs built for people who want to hear their music and what’s going on around them.

Whether you're running outdoors, working in a busy office, or just tired of earbuds that seal up your ears like earplugs, these two new models offer something a little different: open design, improved comfort, better sound, and some clever spatial audio tech on the higher-end version. They're also the first open-ear buds to earn THX Certification, which sets them apart from most earbuds in this category.

Cleer Arc 4+ earbuds and charging case in white color.

First off, the design. If you’ve seen previous Arc models, the overall style will look familiar—there’s a loop that hooks over your ears, with a speaker aimed at your ear canal (but not stuffed into it). What’s changed is the build. The Arc 4 series is 10% lighter than before, and the hooks are 45% thinner, so they sit closer to your ears and feel more stable without squeezing.

That’s a big deal for long sessions—especially since a lot of people use open-ear buds during long commutes, workouts, or back-to-back meetings.

Woman wearing Cleer Arc 4+ earbuds.

Unlike many open-ear models that trade sound quality for convenience, both Arc 4 and Arc 4+ come THX-certified, which means they’ve been tuned to meet specific audio performance standards. That includes:

  • A balanced frequency response
  • Clear vocals and detailed highs
  • A low-end that’s noticeable—but not muddy

You also get support for Hi-Res Audio, covering a wide 65Hz–40kHz range. And to help make up for the lack of a tight in-ear seal (which normally helps with bass), Cleer added something called DBE 4.0—short for Dynamic Bass Enhancement. It’s there to give the bass more depth without messing up the rest of your music.

Cleer Arc 4 around ear.

Both models share the same core features:

  • 16.2mm dynamic drivers
  • Bluetooth 5.4
  • Snapdragon Sound
  • Support for aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC
  • Voice controls and multipoint pairing
  • IPX7 water resistance (so sweat and rain aren’t a problem)

But the Arc 4+ adds a few extras that aim for more immersive listening. Specifically:

  • Dolby Atmos optimization
  • Head tracking sensors that keep the soundstage fixed even when you turn your head
  • aptX Voice for improved call clarity
  • Physical on/off controls and Apple MFi certification

If you're into spatial audio—watching movies, playing games, or listening to Dolby Atmos tracks—the Arc 4+ is the one to look at.

Man wearing Cleer Arc 4 earbuds.

Cleer didn’t overlook the basics. Qualcomm’s cVc (Clear Voice Capture) mics help reduce background noise and echo, so your voice doesn’t get lost on calls. The Cleer+ app lets you adjust EQ, remap touch controls, check battery levels, and even update firmware. It’s all pretty straightforward and designed for everyday users.

Battery life is solid for open-ear designs.

  • Arc 4 gives you about 7 hours per charge, with 32 hours total including the case
  • Arc 4+ stretches to 9 hours per charge, and 34 hours total

And if you’re in a rush, a quick 10-minute charge gives you 2 hours of playback on the Arc 4 and 3 hours on the Arc 4+.

The charging cases are now slimmer and easier to carry in your pocket. The earbuds themselves weigh just 10.8 grams each, so they don’t feel bulky or heavy.

Cleer Arc 4+ earbuds in black color.

These aren’t for people chasing the deepest bass or full noise isolation. Instead, they’re for anyone who needs to stay aware of their surroundings but still wants good sound. If you’ve been using earlier Arc models—or even open designs from other brands—and want something more refined, these are worth checking out.

Cleer kept the open-ear format but focused more on sound quality, comfort, and useful features this time around. THX certification and Dolby spatial audio aren’t just buzzwords here—they’re part of a growing effort to make open-ear gear sound less like a compromise.

The Cleer Arc 4 is priced at $99.99 and available in black and white colors, while the Arc 4+ is available for $129.99 in black, white, or pink at Amazon.

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