CES 2026: JBL is expanding the open-ear headphones market with 5 new earbuds

The open earbuds market is about to be a lot more crowded.

It wouldn't be CES without an audio announcement from premium headphones and speakers brand JBL — and this year's show is no exception. Announced at CES 2026 on Monday, JBL is diving deep into the open-ear headphones market with five new pairs of earbuds across three different lines.

Open earbuds are one of the most popular earbuds trends from the past few years. They use air conduction to transmit sound to your ears and don't sit directly in your ear canal, allowing you to stay in tune with your environment. The market isn't nearly as saturated as noise-cancelling earbuds, making it a particularly good time for JBL to really throw its hat in the ring. The brand currently has just one pair of open earbuds available for purchase, so this announcement broadens the options for fans of JBL's audio technology.

First up are two open-ear sports headphones in JBL's iconic Endurance line, dubbed the Endurance Zone and the Endurance Pace. These models are designed specifically for sports, giving users ways to train in comfort with uncompromising performance while staying aware. Next, the brand is introducing an OpenSound lineup featuring the JBL Sense Pro and JBL Sense Lite, two ear hook-style open earbuds with premium sound and comfort. And finally, the existing Soundgear lineup (which currently only features the Soundgear Sense earbuds) will double with the addition of the Soundgear CLIPS, ear clip-style earbuds that double as a fashion accessory.

JBL Endurance Series

JBL announced four new additions to its sporty Endurance Series at CES on Monday, including two distinct pairs of open-ear earbuds.

"The Endurance line has always been about performance without limits," said Carsten Olesen, President, Consumer Audio at HARMAN. "With this next generation, including JBL’s first open-ear sports headphone, we set out to give active listeners the freedom to train, move, and recover with greater awareness and comfort."

Endurance Zone

The Endurance Zone earbuds utilize JBL OpenSound technology and a secure ear hook design (similar to the brand's popular Peak earbuds) with adaptable memory wire for a secure, flexible fit. They're built to power through any weather or workout, with IP68 certification, a rugged design, and 32 hours of battery life. Using the JBL Headphones app, you can even customize the touch controls to suit your needs. The Zones come in white or black with gray and will be available this month on JBL.com for $179.95.

Endurance Zone specs:

• Ear hook design

• Dual beamforming mics on each bud for four total mics

• Bluetooth 5.3

• IP68 Certified

• Multipoint Connection + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Battery life up to 32 hours of playtime (eight hours in the earbuds and another 24 hours in the case)

• Speed charge provides three hours in 10 minutes

• Google Finder and Google Audio Switch

• Lanyard hole on the case for convenient carry

• Personalization via the JBL Headphones app

Endurance Pace

The Pace open earbuds feature an even more secure fit for vigorous workouts, thanks to a titanium memory wire neckband that can bend and flex without ever losing its shape. Like the Zone earbuds, they're also IP68-rated for waterproof and sweatproof protection. The OpenSound technology ensures your music hits hard with directional audio and powerful bass, while still keeping you in touch with your surroundings. The battery life is pretty solid at 10 hours, but a 10-minute Speed Charge gives you an extra four hours should you need it. The Endurance Pace open earbuds come in just one color (black) and will be available on JBL.com this month for $89.95.

Endurance Pace specs:

• JBL OpenSound technology

• Neckband design

• Two mics with beamforming algorithm for crystal clear calls

• Bluetooth 5.4

• IP68 Certified

• Multipoint Connection + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Battery life up to 10 hours for music and eight hours for calls

• Speed charge provides four hours in 10 minutes

• Google Finder and Google Audio Switch

• Personalization via the JBL Headphones app

JBL OpenSound Series

The new OpenSound Series is JBL's audio-first open earbuds line, featuring the Sense Pro and Sense Lite. Both pairs focus on maintaining high-quality audio that doesn't obstruct the ear canal.

"We’ve harnessed our deep audio expertise to deliver a full, bass-rich sound through air conduction, something previously unheard of in open-ear designs," Olesen said of the new Sense Pro and Sense Lite earbuds.

Sense Pro

The top-of-the-line open-ear headphones in JBL's lineup, the Sense Pros are built for audiophiles who still want to remain in tune with the outside world. They utilize advanced air conduction technology and an Adaptive Bass Boost Algorithm for premium sound quality through 16.2mm drivers. They're also built for busy lifestyles and incorporate four microphones as well as JBL Voice Pickup Sensor technology for clear calls in noisy places. Other perks include spatial sound, wireless charging, and up to 38 hours of battery life. The JBL Sense Pro will be available in black or white for $199.95 in March 2026.

Sense Pro specs:

• JBL Open Sound Technology and Spatial Sound

• Hi-Res Audio Wireless with Adaptive Bass Boost

• Four mics for crisp, clear calls

• JBL Voice Pickup Sensor Technology

• Adjustable ear hook for all-day comfort

• Bluetooth 6.0

• Dual Connect + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Up to 38 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 30 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals four hours)

• Wireless charging

• Personi-Fi 3.0

• Touch control with customization via the JBL app

Sense Lite

Essentially a pared-down version of the Sense Pros, the Sense Lites offer simplified aesthetics and features. You'll still get Adaptive Bass Boost for powerful sound in a sleek, comfortable design that won't obstruct your ear canals, as well as four mics for crisp calls and customizable touch controls. The battery life is about the same, but the case holds just slightly less of a charge at 24 hours versus 30. With the pared-down features, you'll also pay $50 less. The JBL Sense Lite will be available in black, white, or purple for $149.95 in March 2026.

Sense Lite specs:

• JBL Open Sound Technology

• Four mics for crisp, clear calls

• IP54 water and dust resistant

• Adjustable ear hook featuring a lightweight silicone design with memory wire

• Bluetooth 5.4

• Dual Connect + Fast Pair enabled by Google

• Up to 32 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 24 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals three hours)

• Touch control with customization via the JBL app

JBL Soundgear CLIPS

Last, but not least — my personal favorite in the new lineup — are the Soundgear CLIPS, which join the existing Sense earbuds in the Soundgear series. The most fashion-forward of the bunch, the CLIPS feature a lightweight design that clips to your ear like an earring cuff (similar to the Shokz OpenDots One). Plus, they come in four translucent colors. Their SonicArc shape positions the speaker for enhanced bass performance with less sound leakage, meaning your calls and tunes will remain private. Paired with the Adaptive Bass Boost algorithm and four AI-enhanced mics, you'll forget the Soundgear CLIPS aren't actually in your ear canals. JBL Soundgear CLIPS will be available in metallic copper, blue, purple, and white colorways for $149.95 in March 2026.

Soundgear CLIPS specs:

• Air conduction powered by JBL OpenSound with enhanced bass and listening privacy

• Bass Boost algorithm for enhanced dynamic sound

• Soft TPU with flexible arc shape that clips onto the ear

• Four mics with AI algorithm for crisp, clear calls

• Up to 32 hours of playtime (Earbuds: eight hours; Case: 24 hours) with Speed Charge (10 minutes equals three hours)

• IP54 water and dust resistant

• Touch control with customization via JBL app