There has been a steady increase in headphones that allow you to hear the world around you whilst still enjoying your favourite audio, which also means the sound quality has also been increased. Enter the Panasonic RB-F10, this pair of open-ear wireless earbuds take a different approach to how you listen to music and make calls. Rather than sealing the ear canal, they sit above it in a lightweight design that makes them a good option for commuting, walking around town and day-to-day listening without feeling cut off from the world.
The earbuds are made with flexible silicone grips that help them stay secure without feeling intrusive, and the lightweight build (8.7g per earbud) means you can wear them for hours without discomfort. Unlike typical in-ear buds, these won’t press into your ear canal, so they’re especially easy on your ears over a long day.
They connect via Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support, letting you connect to two devices at once and switch between, for example, your phone and laptop without hassle. There’s support for both SBC and AAC codecs, and Panasonic has built in Environmental Noise Cancellation for clearer call quality from the dual microphones.
Battery life is respectable with around seven hours from the earbuds themselves and up to roughly 25 hours in total with the charging case. A quick 15-minute boost gives about an hour of playback when you’re in a rush. They’re rated IPX4 for resistance to sweat and light rain, so a bit of drizzle won’t faze them.
The 17x12mm driver units provide a sound quality is open and fairly dynamic, with good mid-range detail. That said, bass isn’t as deep as some sealed buds and the audio can feel a little vague at times compared with higher priced models. The touch controls can also be a bit fiddly.
Overall, the RB-F10 are a comfy and versatile choice if you want situational awareness and solid all-day wear, though they are not aimed at audiophiles or those who prefer deep isolation. RRP £79.99
- Open ear design keeps you aware of surroundings
- Very comfortable and light for long wear
- Secure fit without pressure in the ear canal
- Bluetooth multipoint for two devices at once
- Clear call quality for everyday use
- Decent battery life with compact charging case
- Splash resistant for light rain and workouts
- Bass is limited compared with in ear earbuds
- Sound leaks slightly at higher volumes
- Touch controls can feel awkward
