If you want a 'do-it-all' headphone that gets you from work to a workout without switching gear, these are solid.
— Jason Huang, Google Software Engineer
In the fast-paced world of Big Tech, tools aren't just accessories—they are extensions of our productivity. As hybrid and remote work become the norm, Google Workspace has highlighted that audio quality and connection stability are critical for productive collaboration, whether you are deep-diving into a complex bug or joining back-to-back virtual meetings.
Recently, we invited a Google Software Engineer Jason to provide an open ear headphones review of the Nearity Menpod Fit 2. From the NYC subway to the climbing gym, here is how this open ear headphone stacks up against the industry giants.
Key Takeaways
- Featherlight, ergonomic design ensures long-term comfort without ear canal fatigue.
- Open-ear style provides situational awareness, ideal for commuting and office use.
- USB-C dongle eliminates Bluetooth latency and pairing issues for reliable calls.
- 45-hour total battery life keeps you connected through work, travel, and workouts.
- IP54 water-resistance and secure fit make them suitable for running, gym sessions, and outdoor activities.
- Versatile “generalist” headphones for work-from-home, office meetings, commuting, and fitness.
Wireless Open Ear Earphones Comfort: A Developer's Perspective
For a software engineer, the morning usually starts with a caffeine kick and a mountain of emails.
Jason notes, "I can focus my energy on coding and debugging, which is another beast in itself."
During these long sessions, traditional in-ear buds often lead to ear canal fatigue or pressure.
The Nearity Menpod Fit 2 offers a refreshing alternative to the standard wireless open ear headphones market. A standout feature is the featherlight design—each earbud weighs just 9.9g. In comparison, while a single AirPod Pro bud weighs approximately 5.3g, the Menpod Fit 2 utilizes an ergonomic wrap-around structure that distributes its weight across the outer ear. Because the design sits outside the ear, it eliminates the "plugged" sensation and internal pressure, making it one of the earbuds most comfortable for long coding sessions, commutes, and workouts.
Because the design sits outside the ear, it eliminates the "plugged" sensation and internal pressure.As Jason points out,
These could be a bit more hygienic because you're outside... I don't have that issue of ear wax build-up for these.
While there is a slight "break-in" period for the cartilage, he found that after a short time, he could wear them for hours comfortably, making them ideal for those who value long-term ear health.
Why Wireless Open Ear Headphones are the Ultimate NYC Commuter Essential
Safety and awareness are non-negotiable for the urban professional. During his commute to the office, Jason tested our open ear headphones bluetooth connectivity against the leading competition.
The open air design allows me to have a lot of situational awareness," Jason explains. "When I'm taking the subway commuting to work, I can hear everything around me and be aware of my surroundings.
He also provides a stark contrast to his previous daily driver:
I know AirPods have this transparency feature, but it's quite literally not the same. It tries to kind of amplify the outside surrounding noise into your ear. However, with these, you hear the natural sounds of everything around you.
This situational awareness extends directly into the workplace. Jason shared a common office scenario where, with previous headphones, he was often so isolated that coworkers would have to repeat, "Jason, Jason, Jason," multiple times or even physically tap him on the shoulder just to get his attention. With the Menpod Fit 2, he can hear colleagues walking up behind him and respond the moment they say his name.
By bypassing the digital processing of typical earbuds, the Menpod Fit 2 offers a clear advantage in safety and collaboration—it's the difference between a digital recreation and true reality.
From Office Calls to Life Vlogs: The Versatility of the USB-C Dongle
One of the most praised features in this review was the inclusion of our dedicated wireless earbuds with USB dongle. In a professional office setting, wireless audio latency explained clearly shows how Bluetooth connections can introduce delays that impact audio responsiveness, especially when switching between devices or joining calls on short notice.
As a tool that effortlessly bridges the gap between professional workstation demands and personal content creation. In the office, Jason highlighted how the dongle eliminates the friction of Bluetooth pairing for calls:
If you have the dongle plugged in anywhere, it will use dongle connection rather than Bluetooth connection... it prioritizes that and has a direct link.
But the utility of this open ear headphone shines even brighter when you leave the desk. Jason demonstrated its versatility by using the dongle with his DJI Pocket 3 to record his life vlogs.
He shared his seamless workflow:
I can also listen to my playback on the Pocket 3 directly and I'll have it directly streamlined into my Menpod Fit 2... Once I'm done recording on the Pocket 3, I close it and I instantly have the connection back to the Bluetooth on my iPhone.
Whether you are jumping into a quick work call on your PC or capturing memories on the go, the dongle ensures you are always connected without fumbling through settings.
All-Day Endurance: 45 Hours of Battery for the Modern Lifestyle
Nothing kills a workflow faster than a "Battery Low" alert. For the tech-savvy user who manages everything from sourdough baking to intense debugging, the Menpod Fit 2 delivers unmatched endurance.
I've been testing these headphones for about 3 weeks now and not once I have to charge it.
Jason reported.
With up to 10 hours of continuous playback and a total of 45 hours with the charging case, these are the best long-life wireless open ear headphones for those who don't want to be tethered to a cable.
As Jason puts it,
Charging once a month is probably good for most people.
Rugged Performance: IP54 Water-Resistance and the "Half Marathon" Test
Transitioning from "Work" to "Workout" usually requires a change of gear—but not with the Menpod Fit 2. Our devices are built with an IP54 rating to withstand sweat and rain, making them the perfect companion for active professionals who don't have time to swap gear between the office and the gym.
These earbuds are truly among the best headphones to workout, providing stability, comfort, and clear sound whether you’re running, lifting, or climbing.
Jason put this to the ultimate test during a rigorous half-marathon trial and multiple sessions at the climbing gym. For his run, he wore the headphones for an extended period, noting:
I ran for about 2 hours and a half up to around 3 hours and a half of warm up or cool down. I didn't notice anything with issues with water resistance or time or connectivity.
Despite the intensity of the workout, the secure ear-hook design ensured the buds stayed in place, and surprisingly, he felt minimal cartilage pain even after nearly four hours of use.
The performance was equally impressive on the rock wall. While navigating routes at Vital, situational awareness was key. Jason shared that the wireless open ear headphones allowed him to focus on his movements while remaining connected to the environment:
I was able to stay fully aware of everything around me while climbing.
Whether you are sprinting through a half-marathon trial or tackling a boulder problem, the Menpod Fit 2 proves to be as stable and durable as it is in a professional cubicle.
Final Verdict: A True “Generalist” Tool for Modern Professionals
At the end of the day, the Nearity Menpod Fit 2 is not trying to replace every specialized headphone on the market—and that is precisely its strength. As Jason candidly explains:
At the end of the day, these are like a generalist headphones. If I want to edit or if I want to listen to high fidelity music, I'll be grabbing my Sony XM4 here. Or if I'm in a loud flight, it's the AirPods Pro for the ANC. But for a do-it-all tool that gets me from my work-from-home setup, to commuting into the office, all the way to my gym sessions after work, it is a really great choice.
Rather than competing on absolute noise cancellation or studio-grade audio, the Menpod Fit 2 excels as a versatile, everyday utility. It bridges work, commute, and fitness without forcing the user to switch devices or constantly adjust settings. The open-ear design prioritizes comfort, situational awareness, and long-term wearability, while features like the USB-C dongle and 45-hour battery life reinforce its role as a reliable daily driver.
Jason is also clear-eyed in his assessment: these are not “10 times better” or “10 times more comfortable” than AirPods for everyone. Personal preference still matters. However, for him, they have become “a very great addition” to his toolkit—and that sentiment encapsulates the value proposition well.
If you are looking for a single pair of open-ear headphones that can seamlessly support focused coding sessions, safe urban commuting, and demanding workouts, the earbuds for calls from the Nearity Mempod Fit 2 series are a practical, well-balanced choice that earns its place in a modern professional's gear lineup.
FAQs
Can the open ear earphone be used with devices other than a laptop?
Yes. In addition to PCs and laptops, the USB-C dongle can be used with compatible devices such as cameras and portable recording gear. In the review, Jason successfully used the dongle with a DJI Pocket 3 for vlogging, then seamlessly switched back to Bluetooth on his phone.
Do open ear headphones leak sound?
At normal listening volumes, sound leakage is minimal and generally not disruptive in office or public settings. However, because of their open design, open ear headphones are not intended for very loud environments where isolation or active noise cancellation is required.
How do open ear headphones compare to traditional in-ear earbuds?
Unlike in-ear earbuds that sit inside the ear canal, open ear headphones rest outside the ear. This design eliminates the “plugged” feeling and reduces ear canal pressure and fatigue during long wear. As noted in the review, it can also be more hygienic since it avoids prolonged contact inside the ear.
How long does the battery last on the Nearity Menpod Fit 2?
The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and up to 45 hours total with the charging case. This extended battery life makes them ideal for users who prefer minimal charging and uninterrupted daily use.
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