Cleer ARC 5 review

ARC 5 is the feature-heavy option for people who want open ears without giving up audio tricks. Cleer builds it on the Qualcomm S5 platform, so it supports aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive alongside LDAC, AAC and LC3, and it adds Dolby Atmos with head tracking plus THX Spatial Audio. The charging case has an AMOLED touchscreen that changes EQ and controls playback without opening your phone. On paper it also leads this list on stamina and toughness: up to 12 hours per charge, 60 hours with the case, and an IPX7 rating, with a 10 minute charge giving 4 hours. Each bud weighs 11.5 g on a hook, and the full kit with case is 117 g, so it is bulkier in a pocket than the Shokz or Soundcore pairs. Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint and a two-mic cVc call setup are included. It suits people who will use the extra features; if you only want simple, light earbuds, OpenFit 2 is easier.

Who it is for

Listeners who care most about sound features and battery and want lossless Bluetooth codecs on a supported phone.

Price

$219.99 at Cleer.

Regular price $219.99 Sale price $219.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head tracking and THX Spatial Audio
• Qualcomm S5 platform with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and LDAC
• AMOLED touchscreen case that controls EQ and playback
• Up to 12 hours per charge and 60 hours with the case
• IPX7 rating and multipoint over Bluetooth 5.4

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Longest battery in the list, per charge and with the case
• Strength: IPX7 is the highest water rating here
• Strength: Widest codec support of any pick
• Weakness: 117 g with the case, the heaviest kit here
• Weakness: Touchscreen case and many features add a learning curve
• Weakness: Lossless codecs need a phone that supports them

Key facts

• Price: $219.99
• Fit: Ear hook, 11.5 g per earbud
• Water resistance: IPX7
• Battery: Up to 12 hours, 60 hours with case

Where it ranks

Cleer ARC 5 is No. 5 in our Best Open Ear Earbuds verdict.