- Cleer Arc 4 are Hi-Res aptX Lossless open earbuds with THX certification
- Arc 4+ model adds Dolby Atmos with Dolby's own head-tracking
- Arc 4 costs $99.99, Arc 4+ costs $129.99
Cleer Audio has launched the world's first THX-certified open earbuds, the Arc 4 and the Arc 4+. The Arc 4+ is particularly interesting because that model comes with Dolby's own head-tracking for Dolby Atmos, a feature previously reserved for over-ear headphones.
These aren't the first head-tracking earbuds by any means. But rival earbuds use their own tracking setups, whereas these Cleers use the official Dolby version – just like the Sonos Ace headphones, where it works excellently.
Cleer Audio Arc 4 and Arc 4+: key features and pricing
Both sets of earbuds are lighter and thinner than previous Cleer Arc models: 10% lighter and 45% thinner than the Arc 3 series, apparently. Cleer says they sit closer to the ear canal for better clarity and comfort,
The Arc 4 are tuned by THX engineers to align with THX's optimal frequency response curve, and the standard model features Dolby Audio and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Sound. They deliver Hi-Res Audio with a frequency range of 65Hz - 40kHz with Cleer's DBE bass enhancement. Bluetooth is 5.4 with aptX Lossless and multipoint connectivity.
The Arc 4+ takes the same specification and adds Atmos with Dolby head tracking, using on-board sensors to adjust the audio experience based on the position of your head. Having tested this feature in the Sonos Ace, we're familiar with how responsive and immersive it is – my colleague Matt Bolton still says the Sonos Ace are the best headphones for movie viewing, because of their spatial audio.
Both sets of earbuds are IPX7 rated so they're great outdoors, and battery life is a promised 32 hours in total, with up to nine hours from the earbuds alone for the Arc 4, and 34 hours in total for the Arc 4+.
The Arc 4 are available now in black or white for a recommended retail price of $99.99 (about £74.50 / €85 / AU$150) while the Arc 4+ will come in black, white or pink for $129.99 (about £97 / €110 / AU$195).
➡️ Read our full guide to the best open earbuds
1. Best overall:
Shokz OpenFit 2+
2. Best cheap around-ear design:
Huawei FreeArc
3. Best cheap clip design:
Shokz OpenDots One
4. Best high-end clip design:
Bose Ultra Open
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