Review: Earfun Clip 2

Last year we tested the EarFun Clip, and concluded that it was a very affordable open-ear headphone, but with a rather flat and boring sound signature that required quite a bit of tweaking in the app to sound okay. Now it’s time to test the successor: EarFun Clip 2.

On paper, it is an update that doesn’t look that remarkable: the same open-ear design, the same C-Bridge, and the same 40-hour total battery life. But EarFun has actually refined most aspects, especially the one that was most criticized in its predecessor: the sound.

The question is whether it’s enough to challenge the best in class, such as the Huawei FreeClip 2 and Shokz Opendots One. We are going to find out!

Design and fit

Design-wise, the EarFun Clip 2 is basically identical to its predecessor at first glance—the same “clip” shape that sits like a piece of jewelry over the ear instead of going over and behind it. However, EarFun has actually scaled down the form factor by about 11% and also managed to trim the weight from 5.7 to 5.5 grams per earbud. It’s marginal on paper, but they actually feel slightly more discreet in the ear.

The C-Bridge is still of the same type, a flexible nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) encased in silicone. In practice, they fit well on most people (with a small caveat for those with very large ears) and, just like before, they are fantastically convenient for glasses wearers since nothing rubs against the frames.

Just like with its predecessor, physical buttons are used for control, which we like. Touch controls are a nuisance especially during training, and here you avoid accidental presses when you happen to touch the buds. The IP55 rating is also unchanged, so sweat and rain are no problem (though the case is still unrated).

The case is marginally smaller than its predecessor’s but basically the same design; the lid closes securely with magnets, and there is a USB-C port as well as a pairing button on the underside. Wireless charging is supported, which is a luxury in this price range.

Sound quality and software

This is where the successor actually lives up to its name. EarFun has moved from the 10.8 mm carbon fiber driver found in the Clip to a new 12 mm titanium driver with dual magnets. And you can hear the difference.

Where the predecessor sounded flat and boring straight out of the box, the Clip 2 sounds significantly more engaging from the start. They are still not hi-fi headphones, but the soundstage feels fuller, more open, and actually has some energy that the predecessor totally lacked. The treble is clearer and the midrange feels less boxed-in.

What about the bass? Well, it’s still the Achilles’ heel of the open-ear design. It’s still thin compared to what a pair of in-ear buds deliver. But compared to the first generation, there is a clear improvement. EarFun’s “BassSurge” algorithm does some work, and combined with the larger driver, you get bass that is actually there, even if it doesn’t punch.

The app is still very good. It features the same 10-band equalizer as before, the same hearing test that creates a personal sound profile (“My Sound Profile”), low-latency game mode, and “Theater Mode” that expands the stereo image.

The new feature in the app is AI translation, which EarFun is making a big deal of in its marketing. The feature translates between over 100 languages in real-time, either in a turn-based mode for dialogues or as streaming translation. It works surprisingly well for this price range, but it’s more of a fun gimmick than something you will use very often.

EarFun Clip 2 supports Bluetooth 6.0, AAC, SBC, and LDAC. Just like with the predecessor, however, you have to choose: LDAC or multipoint—not both at once.

Call quality has also received an upgrade, from two to four microphones with AI-based noise cancellation (ENC). It shows. Voices come through more clearly even in somewhat noisier environments, although wind is still tricky.

Battery life and charging

The differences here are small. EarFun now promises 11 hours in the buds (up from 10) and 40 hours total with the case, which is the same as before. In our tests, we landed right around there.

But—and this is worth keeping in mind—if you run with LDAC activated, the battery life drops significantly, to about 6 hours in the buds and 22 hours total. That’s the price of high-resolution audio. And when it comes to workout buds, it’s quite unnecessary; the audible differences are small.

Fast charging works well: 10 minutes in the case gives a couple of hours of playtime, a full charge of the buds takes about 1 hour, and the case takes 2 hours via cable. Wireless charging takes around 3.5 hours.

Conclusion

EarFun Clip 2 costs only about €79.99 (during launch, they only cost €59.99 if you use the code EFC2PR01). For that price tag, you get a pair of very good workout headphones that sound perfectly fine, offer decent battery life, and work well enough for calls. As we noted earlier, you can also turn off LDAC with a clear conscience. This saves a lot of battery, and considering the sound quality, you aren’t missing anything anyway.

If you are only looking for the absolute best sound and the highest comfort in the open segment, the Huawei FreeClip 2 is still preferable. On the other hand, you must also be prepared to pay a premium for it. If, however, you just want to complement your regular headphones with a convenient and durable alternative for your workout sessions, EarFun Clip 2 is an obvious choice.

EarFun sent review units for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.