Edifier LolliClip: Are ANC open-ear headphones the best choice?

Audio solutions for active users.

The Edifier LolliClip earbuds are a noteworthy option in the open-ear wireless headphone market, specifically designed for those who want to enjoy music while remaining aware of their surroundings. Priced at $129.99, they incorporate active noise cancellation (ANC), support the LDAC codec for high-resolution audio, and boast impressive battery life, making them strong competitors to rivals like Nothing Ear ($149) and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299).

Unique design, comfortable fit, and durability.

The Edifier LolliClip features an ear-clip design, resembling tiny, curved weights. This structure securely holds the earbuds in place, with the battery compartment behind the ear and the earpiece facing inward into the ear canal. Initially, the slight pressure required to hold the earbuds might be uncomfortable after a few hours of use, but users can get used to it and will barely notice their presence.

Touchscreen technology is integrated into the curved body of the earbuds. Double or triple taps control music playback and switch between sound modes. A proximity sensor is also included to automatically pause music when the earbuds are removed. A unique feature is the built-in heart rate and blood oxygen level sensors; however, this function requires the Edifier ConneX app and does not provide continuous monitoring.

With an IP56 dust and water resistance rating, the LolliClip can function well in light rain, making it suitable for outdoor sports activities. The included charging case is not water-resistant, has a slightly bulky egg shape, and features a USB-C charging port on the back. A clever design feature is that the two earbuds are identical; you can place them in the charging case on either side, and they will automatically identify the left-right audio channel.

Sound quality: Superior in the open-ear segment.

While open-ear headphones often sacrifice sound quality, the LolliClip delivers an impressive experience thanks to its 13mm dynamic drivers and LDAC codec support. Bass is reproduced powerfully and clearly, including deep sub-bass frequencies. The soundstage is wide and stereo performance is good; however, the treble is somewhat weak, lacking the brightness and sharpness expected. Increasing the volume can improve this somewhat, but it may cause other frequency ranges to become excessively loud. The built-in microphone provides clear call quality in quiet environments but picks up more background noise in noisy settings.

Active noise cancellation in open-plan designs: How effective is it?

Integrating ANC into an open-ear headphone is a challenge, but Edifier has done a pretty good job. The feature is enabled by default and cannot be customized. It effectively minimizes low-frequency noises like fan or engine sounds, while still allowing users to clearly hear important ambient sounds such as car horns or conversations. This creates a balance between enjoying music and ensuring safety.

Battery life and connectivity

Edifier announced that the LolliClip can play continuously for 9 hours on a single full charge at 80% volume, and the charging case provides a total usage time of up to 39 hours. This is one of the best battery life on the noise-canceling headphone market. Additionally, the fast charging feature allows for an extra 3 hours of listening time after just 15 minutes of charging.

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.4, supporting multipoint connection and AAC, LDAC, and SBC codecs. The connection is generally stable, although minor interruptions may occur when moving out of range of either connected device.

Edifier ConneX app: Many features but lacks EQ.

The Edifier ConneX app allows users to customize controls, enable/disable LDAC, connect multiple devices, and access features like heart rate monitoring. However, a major drawback is the lack of a customizable equalizer (EQ), limiting the ability to personalize the sound quality. The app also offers a head-tracking spatial sound mode, but this feature degrades sound quality and is not compatible with LDAC.

Conclude

The Edifier LolliClip is an excellent product in the open-ear headphone segment, offering a good balance between sound quality, features, and price. With superior battery life, IP56 water resistance, and effective noise cancellation technology, it's an ideal choice for active users. Although it lacks customizable EQ and has less-than-perfect treble, its overall performance, especially the bass, is still better than its competitors, making it a worthy top choice today.