OpenRock Link20 review: Open-ear office earbuds that take calls seriously
The OpenRock Link20's open-ear design keeps your ears free while delivering clear audio for work and everyday listening. Picture: OpenRock.
Open-ear earbuds are usually designed for fitness and outdoor use, but the OpenRock Link20 takes a different approach. With an open-ear design and a detachable boom microphone, these aim squarely at work calls, long desk sessions, and staying aware without tuning out the world.
The OpenRock Link20 is unique thanks to its magnetically detachable boom microphone. This is not something you often see on open-ear earbuds. They are clearly designed for office use, calls, and hybrid working rather than just running or gym sessions.
The earbuds themselves follow a familiar open-ear hook design that sits just outside the ear canal. The housing is compact, lightweight, and unobtrusive, with a smooth finish that feels well-made. On the underside of each earbud are magnetic contacts where the boom mic snaps into place. The magnets are strong enough that it feels secure once attached, but removal is quick and easy when you do not need them.
The charging case is wider than most open-ear cases, mainly to accommodate the microphone. It slips into a bag easily enough, though it is not as pocket-friendly as true wireless in-ears. Still, this feels like a reasonable trade-off for the added functionality.
Because nothing actually blocks the ear canal, there is no pressure buildup, which makes these ideal for long workdays. I was able to wear them for hours without any fatigue.
The ear hooks are well-shaped and feel secure without being tight, though they are not firm enough to stay in place during intense gym sessions. For everyday use, like moving around the house or standing at a desk, they stayed put.
The boom mic adds a small amount of weight on one side, but in practice, it never felt unbalanced or awkward.
If you struggle with in-ear earbuds or simply dislike having anything inserted into your ears, this open-ear approach makes a lot of sense, particularly for work environments.
The headline feature is the detachable boom microphone, and it does make a difference for calls. Open-ear earbuds often struggle with voice clarity, but this setup brings the mic closer to your mouth, which noticeably improves call quality.
The Link20 uses Bluetooth 6.0 and supports multipurpose use across work and leisure. There is app support, including EQ presets, custom EQ adjustments, and specific modes for music, voice, and exercise. I found the vocal mode particularly useful for calls, as it prioritises clarity over bass, and it kicks in automatically when you attach the mic.
Environmental noise cancellation for calls is handled by a five-microphone system, and while it will not rival a dedicated wired headset, it does a decent job of keeping your voice clear in busy indoor environments.
Battery life is rated at up to 13 hours for music playback, or around seven to nine hours when using the microphone. With the charging case, total battery life stretches to roughly 36 hours for calls and 52 hours for music.
A five-minute quick charge delivers about one hour of talk time. The earbuds are rated IPX7, making them suitable for sweat and rain, even if their main focus is office use.
Open-ear earbuds will always involve compromise, and the Link20 is no exception. Because the speaker sits outside the ear canal, sound is less direct than with traditional earbuds. Bass is lighter, and overall extension is limited compared to in-ear models.
That said, music sounds fuller and more dynamic than many earlier open-ear designs I have tried. Vocals are clear, mids are well balanced, and treble remains present without becoming harsh.
The Music EQ mode adds a bit more body, while the vocal mode tightens everything up for speech and calls. Once your ears adjust to the open-ear presentation, the sound becomes surprisingly enjoyable, especially for background listening during work.
Call quality is where these really shine. With the boom mic attached, voices sound clear and natural, and background noise is handled better than expected. For video calls, meetings, and phone conversations, this is one of the most convincing open-ear solutions I have used.
The OpenRock Link20 successfully rethinks open-ear earbuds for work. Excellent comfort, a useful boom microphone, and good call performance make them ideal for office use, even if music lovers will still prefer traditional in-ear options.
€112 www.openrock.com
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