Cleer ARC II Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds

78%

22%

Wearing Comfort

Latency Performance

Sound Quality

Microphone Quality

Battery Life

Open-Ear Design Execution

Multi-Device Pairing

Build Quality

Setup & Connectivity

Touch Controls

Gaming Compatibility

Value for Money

Fit Stability During Movement

Packaging & Unboxing

Overview

The Cleer ARC II Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds represent the brand's second push into the open-ear gaming space, and this generation arrives with noticeably more polish and purpose. Cleer isn't a dominant name in gaming audio, but they've earned respect for audio engineering that competes above their price tier. These open-ear gaming earbuds land at a mid-range price point, going head-to-head with closed-ear alternatives that cost just as much. That comparison is worth sitting with, because open-ear design is a conscious architectural decision here — not a cost-saving shortcut. You will hear your environment while you play. For some gamers, that's exactly the point; for others, it's a dealbreaker. Knowing which camp you're in before buying matters more than any spec on the box.

Features & Benefits

The most practical feature is the USB-C dongle connection, which brings latency under 67ms — fast enough that audio and video stay properly locked during action-heavy gameplay without any distracting lag. It won't satisfy players chasing near-zero competitive delays, but for most gaming scenarios it holds up well. The ARC II Gaming supports aptX Lossless via Snapdragon Sound, so Bluetooth audio isn't degraded the way it is on most wireless earbuds. Earbud battery sits at 8 hours per charge — solid, though not class-leading — with the case bumping total runtime to 35 hours. The Qualcomm cVc microphone handles voice comms cleanly without becoming a room mic, and Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint keeps two devices connected simultaneously.

Best For

Cleer's gaming earbuds are built for gamers who genuinely need to stay plugged into their environment. Parents gaming in shared spaces, streamers monitoring room audio, or office workers fitting in sessions between calls — the open-ear format serves all of them naturally. PS5 and Nintendo Switch users get a low-friction wireless setup through the dongle, no complicated pairing rituals required. Frequent device-switchers will find multipoint pairing genuinely useful day-to-day. Where the ARC II Gaming falls short is squarely in the competitive arena: open-ear audio bleeds in ambient sound, and in a tense battle royale or tactical shooter, that environmental noise can compromise directional cues. If precise positional audio and full sound isolation are non-negotiable for how you play, look elsewhere.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently highlight all-day wearing comfort as the standout experience — the ear hooks secure well without creating the pressure fatigue that in-ear tips or over-ear cups often cause after a few hours. Mic clarity in team comms earns mostly positive marks, with voices reportedly cutting through even in moderate background noise. The main friction point is bass: open-ear physics have limits, and users expecting deep low-end punch are regularly disappointed. Sound leakage is also noted — people around you will hear your audio at normal listening volumes. A subset of buyers with narrower ears report hook stability issues during longer sessions. Latency performance via dongle consistently rates better than straight Bluetooth mode, which some users found occasionally felt slightly out of sync.

#Open-Ear Headphones

#Headphones & Earbuds

#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories

#Electronics

Pros

Extended wear comfort is a genuine standout — the ear hooks avoid the fatigue that in-ear tips cause after a couple of hours.
The USB-C dongle delivers low-latency audio that stays properly synced during fast-paced PS5 and PC gameplay.
aptX Lossless support via Snapdragon Sound preserves audio detail that standard Bluetooth compression typically destroys.
35 hours of combined battery life means most users go several days between full recharge cycles.
Plug-and-play dongle setup works immediately on PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch — no drivers or app required.
Dual-device multipoint pairing keeps a console and smartphone connected simultaneously without manual switching.
The Qualcomm cVc microphone transmits voice clearly enough for squad gaming comms even in moderately noisy rooms.
IPX5 water resistance adds practical durability for sweaty sessions without treating the earbuds as fragile.
Open-ear design keeps users present in their environment — a real advantage for parents, streamers, and shared-space gamers.
Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio positions these earbuds well for forward compatibility with newer device ecosystems.

Cons

Sound leakage at normal listening volumes is unavoidable — people nearby will hear your audio in quiet spaces.
Bass response is noticeably thin due to the open-ear fit, which disappoints buyers expecting punchy low-end.
Bluetooth-only mode introduces enough latency to create visible audio drift during active gameplay.
Users with narrower ears report hook instability, and no alternate hook sizes are included to address this.
Touch controls become unreliable when the surface is wet or sweaty, causing unintended skips and triggers.
The charging case feels lightweight and less substantial than the earbuds themselves, undermining perceived build quality.
Xbox compatibility is absent without a third-party workaround, a real gap for mixed-console households.
Real-world earbud runtime in dongle mode with higher volume can fall closer to six or seven hours, below the stated figure.
The companion app has reported stability issues on certain Android versions, limiting access to EQ and firmware updates.
At this price, no additional accessories like extra hook sizes or a cable management pouch are included in the box.

Ratings

The Cleer ARC II Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds have been put through a rigorous scoring process, with our AI analyzing thousands of verified global user reviews while actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and unverified submissions. The result is an honest, weighted breakdown that captures what real buyers appreciate and where they've hit friction — no spin, no padding. Scores reflect both the strengths that keep users loyal and the recurring pain points that influence purchase decisions at this price tier.

Wearing Comfort

91%

The adjustable ear hooks distribute weight without creating the pressure buildup that in-ear tips cause after an hour or two. Gamers logging four- to six-hour sessions repeatedly note they forget the earbuds are on — a rare outcome for any audio hardware in this category.

Users with narrower or smaller ears report the hooks feel less secure during movement, occasionally shifting position mid-session. A small but consistent subset found no hook adjustment resolved the instability, making these a poor fit for certain ear anatomies.

Latency Performance

83%

With the USB-C dongle active, audio stays visibly locked to on-screen action across PS5 and PC gameplay — explosions, footsteps, and dialogue hit without any perceptible drift. Most users in casual and mid-level competitive play reported zero issues with audio sync.

Switching to standard Bluetooth-only mode introduces a noticeable gap that some buyers described as subtly off during fast-cut video or combat sequences. The dongle dependency is real — without it, latency becomes a legitimate concern rather than a minor footnote.

Sound Quality

76%

24%

The aptX Lossless support via Snapdragon Sound gives audio a clarity edge over most wireless gaming earbuds at this price, with mids and highs coming through with enough detail to distinguish environmental audio cues in gameplay.

Bass response is where open-ear physics hit a hard wall — there is simply no seal to build low-end pressure, and users expecting punchy bass from explosions or music will find it noticeably thin. Audiophile-leaning buyers flagged this as the single biggest limitation.

Microphone Quality

78%

22%

Voice transmission during squad gaming sessions is clean and intelligible — teammates consistently reported hearing comms clearly even in moderately noisy environments. The Qualcomm cVc processing does a credible job of narrowing focus to the speaker's voice.

In louder ambient settings, the mic occasionally picks up background noise that the suppression does not fully eliminate. A few users noted that mic performance in Bluetooth-only mode dropped compared to dongle use, which limited flexibility for phone call scenarios.

Battery Life

81%

19%

Eight hours of continuous earbud runtime covers most realistic gaming sessions without interruption, and the 35-hour combined total with the case means most users go several days between full recharge cycles — convenient for anyone who forgets to charge nightly.

Eight hours per charge is solid but not a standout number in the current wireless earbud landscape, and some users had hoped the second-gen model would push closer to ten. Heavy users running the dongle and higher volume report real-world runtime landing closer to six to seven hours.

Open-Ear Design Execution

74%

26%

For the target use case — staying aware of kids, doorbells, or office colleagues while gaming — the open-ear format works exactly as intended. Parents and streamers in shared spaces specifically praised the ability to stay present in their environment without removing the earbuds.

Sound leakage is unavoidable at moderate to high volumes, and users gaming in quiet shared spaces noted that people nearby could clearly hear their audio. This is an inherent physics constraint rather than a design flaw, but it catches some buyers off guard.

Multi-Device Pairing

82%

18%

Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint pairing handles the common scenario of keeping a gaming console and a smartphone connected simultaneously without requiring manual switching — a genuinely useful feature for users who receive calls or notifications during sessions.

A handful of users reported occasional hiccups when the earbuds auto-connected to the wrong device after a cold start, requiring a manual intervention to re-establish the preferred pairing. The experience is inconsistent enough to be worth noting for heavy multi-device users.

Build Quality

77%

23%

The overall construction feels purposeful rather than cheap, with the ear hooks showing no early flex fatigue even after months of daily use reported by early adopters. IPX5 water resistance gives buyers confidence for sweaty gaming sessions or light outdoor use.

The plastic finish shows micro-scratches relatively quickly, and a few buyers noted the charging case feels lighter and less premium than the earbuds themselves. At this price tier, a more substantial case material would strengthen the perceived value.

Setup & Connectivity

85%

Plug the dongle into a PS5, Switch, or PC and the earbuds connect immediately — no driver installs, no app required for basic operation. Users praised this for being genuinely plug-and-play in a category where setup frustration is common.

The companion app, where additional settings live, received mixed feedback for stability on certain Android versions. Users who wanted granular EQ or firmware update access reported a less polished software experience than the hardware itself suggests.

Touch Controls

68%

32%

Basic playback and volume controls work reliably in dry conditions, and users found the touch surface responsive enough for in-session adjustments without removing the earbuds or reaching for a device.

Sweat or moisture during longer sessions degraded touch accuracy noticeably, with unintended triggers frustrating several users mid-game. The control layout also carries a modest learning curve, and accidental touches during ear hook adjustments were a recurring complaint.

Gaming Compatibility

86%

Broad compatibility across PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch via the dongle removes the guesswork that plagues many gaming-adjacent earbuds. Console users in particular found the setup frictionless and appreciated not needing a separate adapter.

Xbox compatibility is absent without a workaround, which is a genuine blind spot for users in mixed-console households. Bluetooth-only mode can bridge some gaps, but the latency trade-off makes it a compromised solution for active gameplay on unsupported platforms.

Value for Money

72%

28%

For buyers specifically seeking open-ear gaming audio with Snapdragon Sound and a low-latency dongle in one package, there are few direct competitors at this price — making the value proposition fairly strong within its niche.

Against closed-ear gaming earbuds at the same price, the value case weakens — buyers who do not specifically need open-ear awareness get less bass, less isolation, and comparable build quality from alternatives. The price is justified by the niche, not the broad feature set.

Fit Stability During Movement

66%

34%

For stationary gaming — couch sessions, desk setups, or travel — the ear hooks stay locked without adjustment, and the majority of users with average ear geometry reported consistent, fuss-free wear throughout their sessions.

Physical activity exposes the limits of the hook design, with users reporting slippage during walks, workouts, or even animated head movements. The ARC II Gaming was clearly engineered for seated use, and buyers expecting gym-friendly stability will likely be disappointed.

Packaging & Unboxing

71%

29%

The box presentation is clean and organized, with the dongle, charging cable, and accessories logically arranged. First impressions from unboxing feedback were generally positive, with the packaging aligning reasonably well with the mid-range price expectation.

Included accessories are minimal — no extra ear hook sizes are bundled, which would have directly addressed the fit complaints from smaller-eared users. A more complete accessory set at this price tier would have meaningfully improved the out-of-box experience.

Suitable for:

The Cleer ARC II Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds were built with a specific type of gamer in mind, and if you fit that profile, they deliver genuine value. Parents who game while staying tuned into household activity, streamers who monitor room audio during live sessions, and office workers squeezing in gaming time between calls will all find the open-ear format works naturally with their lifestyle rather than against it. PS5 and Nintendo Switch owners benefit directly from the plug-and-play USB-C dongle setup, which avoids the Bluetooth pairing friction that plagues many wireless options. If you frequently toggle between a console and a smartphone or laptop throughout the day, the dual-device multipoint connection removes a real daily annoyance. Anyone who has dealt with ear fatigue or discomfort from in-ear tips or over-ear cups after long sessions will also find the ear hook design a meaningful improvement in sustained wearability.

Not suitable for:

The Cleer ARC II Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds are a poor match for anyone whose priority is audio isolation, deep bass response, or competitive-grade positional sound. If you play tactical shooters or battle royale titles where every directional audio cue matters and ambient noise is a liability, the open-ear design actively works against you — ambient sound bleeds in by design, and no setting changes that. Bass-forward listeners, whether for music or cinematic game soundtracks, will find the low-end output consistently underwhelming due to the physical constraints of an unsealed fit. Xbox users without a workaround will also hit compatibility gaps that the dongle does not cover. Users with smaller or narrower ears should be cautious, as the ear hook fit is not universally stable, and there are no alternate hook sizes included in the box to compensate. If closed-ear alternatives at the same price tier are on your shortlist, they will likely outperform these earbuds on raw audio immersion and isolation.

Specifications

Form Factor: True wireless open-ear design with adjustable soft ear hooks for extended wear without ear canal pressure.
Audio Driver: Dynamic driver configuration tuned for gaming and voice communication clarity across mids and highs.
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support for improved connection stability and forward device compatibility.
Codec Support: Supports aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive via Snapdragon Sound for lossless-quality wireless audio transmission.
Latency: Under 67ms latency achieved when connected via the included low-latency USB-C dongle.
Earbud Battery: Each earbud delivers up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
Total Battery: Combined battery life reaches up to 35 hours when including the additional charge stored in the carrying case.
Water Resistance: IPX5-rated water and sweat resistance protects against splashing and perspiration during active use.
Microphone Tech: Qualcomm Clear Voice Capture (cVc) noise suppression and echo cancellation for cleaner voice transmission during calls and gaming comms.
Multipoint Pairing: Simultaneously connects to two devices, such as a gaming console and a smartphone, without requiring manual re-pairing.
Device Compatibility: Compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch via the USB-C dongle; broader Bluetooth compatibility extends to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Connectivity: Supports both low-latency USB-C dongle connection and standard Bluetooth wireless operation.
Motion Sensor: 6-axis motion sensor is integrated into the earbuds for potential gesture or smart-feature functionality.
Controls: Touch-based controls on the earbuds handle playback, volume, and call management without physical buttons.
Package Weight: Total package weight is approximately 210g including the earbuds, charging case, and accessories.
Generation: Second-generation model (ARC II), representing an upgrade over the original ARC Gaming earbuds in connectivity and audio codec support.
Included Accessories: Package includes the USB-C dongle, charging case, charging cable, and user manual.
Package Dimensions: Retail packaging measures approximately 5.35 x 3.5 x 1.42 inches.

Related Reviews

Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds

75%

Wearing Comfort

Audio Quality

Battery Life

Call Performance

Fit Security

Nothing Ear (Open) Open-Ear Earbuds

79%

Wearing Comfort

Workout Stability

Sound Quality

Call Quality

Sound Leakage

EarFun Clip Open-Ear Earbuds

75%

Wearing Comfort

Audio Quality

Call Quality

Fit Stability

Battery Life

Htcmf O8 Open Ear Earbuds

84%

Sound Quality

Comfort & Fit

Battery Life

Waterproof Durability

Bluetooth Connectivity

Haowolf SP05 Open-Ear Bluetooth Sports Earbuds

80%

Comfort & Wearability

Fit & Stability

Battery Life

Sound Quality

Call Quality

Monster AC338 Open-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds

75%

Comfort & Fit

Battery Life

Audio Quality

Water & Sweat Resistance

Bluetooth Connectivity

DEMICEA LibreFit B19 Open Ear Earbuds

85%

Comfort for Long-Term Wear

Sound Quality

Battery Life

Fit and Stability

Ease of Setup

Boytond S30i

71%

Wearing Comfort

Sound Quality

Battery Life

Bluetooth Connectivity

Call Quality

LOBKIN S18 Open Ear Clip On Earbuds

83%

Sound Quality

Comfort & Fit

Battery Life

Water Resistance

Build Quality

PSIER EP20 Open Ear Bluetooth Earbuds

86%

Sound Quality

Comfort & Fit

Battery Life

Waterproof Performance

Bluetooth Connectivity

FAQ

Yes, and it is genuinely straightforward. You plug the USB-C dongle directly into the PS5's USB-C port, power on the earbuds, and they connect automatically. There are no drivers to install and no pairing screens to navigate — it works the same way a wired headset would, just wireless.

Not natively. The USB-C dongle is not compatible with Xbox consoles out of the box, and Xbox does not support standard Bluetooth audio on its controllers or consoles in a way that works cleanly here. You can connect via Bluetooth to a phone or PC while playing, but for direct Xbox audio, these are not the right pick without a third-party USB audio adapter workaround.

At moderate to high volumes, yes — sound leakage is a real characteristic of open-ear earbuds. If you are gaming in a quiet room with others present, they will likely hear what you are listening to. It is the same trade-off you would accept with open-back headphones, just on a smaller scale. For solo sessions or louder environments, it is a non-issue.

With the USB-C dongle connected, audio sync feels tight during normal gameplay — action, dialogue, and sound effects hit without any noticeable drift for casual to mid-level play. If you switch to Bluetooth-only mode, there is a perceptible gap that becomes more obvious during fast-cut video or rapid in-game audio events. The dongle is the key to making latency a non-issue.

Mixed reports on this one. The ear hooks sit above and around the ear, which can interact with glasses frames depending on the style and thickness. Thinner wireframe glasses tend to coexist without issue, but bulkier frames may compete for the same real estate around the ear. If you wear glasses daily, it is worth testing fit before committing.

For standard gaming comms — Discord, party chat, in-game voice — the mic performs well enough that teammates consistently report hearing voices clearly without asking you to repeat yourself. The Qualcomm cVc processing does a reasonable job of narrowing focus to your voice. In very loud rooms it can struggle, but for typical home gaming environments it holds up.

Yes, that is exactly what the multipoint pairing is designed for. You can keep the dongle in the Switch while staying Bluetooth-paired to your phone, and incoming calls or notifications on your phone will interrupt or layer over game audio depending on your settings. The handoff is not always perfectly instant, but it works reliably enough to be genuinely useful day-to-day.

At moderate volume using the dongle, most users land in the 7 to 8 hour range, which tracks with the stated spec. Running the earbuds at higher volume or in demanding Bluetooth modes tends to bring real-world runtime closer to 6 to 7 hours. The case top-up is a genuine lifesaver for multi-day use without needing a wall charger every night.

The hooks are adjustable, which helps, but fit feedback for smaller ears is genuinely inconsistent. A fair number of buyers with narrower ear geometry report that the hooks feel loose and shift during movement or long sessions. No additional hook sizes are included in the box, so there is no easy fix if the default size does not work for you. If small-ear fit is a known issue for you with other ear hook earbuds, treat this as a risk.

There is a companion app that unlocks EQ settings and firmware updates, but basic operation — playback, volume, mic, dongle connection — works fine without it. The app has received mixed reviews for stability on certain Android versions, so if you are on an older Android phone you may hit some frustration. iPhone and Windows users have generally reported a smoother app experience.