These $40 Clip-On Earbuds Solve the Discomfort of Stuffy In-Ear Audio

Nubia launches the LiveClip 2 open-ear earbuds for $40, featuring a flexible C-shaped design, 11mm titanium drivers, Bluetooth 6.0, and RGB lighting.

Author: Hana Lee
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 09:13 AM
Nubia LiveClip 2 open-ear clip-on earbuds with their smoked black transparent RGB charging case
The Nubia LiveClip 2 features an open-ear clip design paired with a semi-transparent RGB charging case.
Nubia

Nubia has officially launched the LiveClip 2, a pair of open-ear clip-style earbuds designed to eliminate the physical fatigue and ear canal pressure associated with traditional in-ear monitors. Priced at approximately $40 (289 Yuan), these budget-friendly wearables combine a flexible C-shaped bridge design with upgraded audio components to deliver a comfortable, situational-aware listening experience.

By moving away from silicone tips that seal the ear canal, the LiveClip 2 targets active users, commuters, and office workers who need to remain conscious of their surroundings. This second-generation model introduces several hardware refinements over its predecessor, including larger audio drivers, a more robust Bluetooth standard, and a redesigned charging case featuring customizable RGB lighting.

Ergonomic C-Shaped Design and Light Build

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Detailed view and design of These $40 Clip-On Earbuds Solve the Discomfort of Stuffy In-Ear Audio. (Photo: Nubia)

The standout feature of the Nubia LiveClip 2 is its structural architecture. Each earbud weighs just 5.0 grams and utilizes a C-shaped bridge crafted from memory metal wrapped in soft, skin-friendly silicone. This clamp-like mechanism gently hugs the outer ear cartilage rather than inserting directly into the ear canal, distributing weight evenly and staying secure during sudden movements.

For users who experience ear infections, itching, or general discomfort from standard earbuds, this open-ear design provides a welcome alternative. The lightweight build is paired with a basic life-waterproof rating, making the earbuds resilient against sweat and light splashes during outdoor runs or daily workouts.

Upgraded Drivers and Modern Connectivity

Photo of display and multi-monitor output These $40 Clip-On Earbuds Solve the Discomfort of Stuffy In-Ear Audio
Display output and multi-monitor support on the These $40 Clip-On Earbuds Solve the Discomfort of Stuffy In-Ear Audio. (Photo: Nubia)

On the technical side, Nubia has upgraded the internal hardware to address the typical audio limitations of open-ear designs. The LiveClip 2 features 11mm composite titanium diaphragm drivers, a step up from the 10mm drivers found on the original LiveClip. This larger diaphragm helps push more air, compensating for the lack of a tight physical seal and delivering clearer mids and more pronounced bass.

Connectivity receives a boost with the integration of Bluetooth 6.0, offering a stable 10-meter wireless range and improved power efficiency. For hands-free utility, holding down either earbud for two seconds instantly summons the paired smartphone's AI voice assistant.

Charging Case Aesthetics and Battery Performance

The charging case has also undergone a visual makeover. Measuring 62 x 62 x 30 mm, the case sports a smoked black, semi-transparent shell that showcases its internal layout. To appeal to a younger, tech-focused demographic, Nubia has embedded customizable RGB lighting inside the case, allowing users to cycle through three distinct lighting effects.

In terms of endurance, the LiveClip 2 offers up to 6.5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge of the 35 mAh earbud batteries. The charging case houses a 300 mAh battery, extending the total runtime to roughly 30 hours before requiring a recharge via its USB Type-C port.

Pricing and Market Availability

The Nubia LiveClip 2 is currently available in a sleek black finish, retailing for 289 Yuan, which converts to roughly $40. This is a modest price increase over the original model, which debuted earlier in 2025 for approximately $25 (180 Yuan), but the additions of Bluetooth 6.0, larger drivers, and the RGB charging case justify the premium.

While the earbuds are currently listed across major Chinese e-commerce platforms, Nubia has not yet announced plans for a global release. International buyers interested in the open-ear design will need to rely on importing services until official global availability is confirmed.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about These $40 Clip

Quick answers to key questions regarding pricing, specs, release date, and value.

Q1What is the price of the Nubia LiveClip 2?
The Nubia LiveClip 2 is priced at approximately $40 (289 Yuan) in its domestic market.
Q2Are the Nubia LiveClip 2 earbuds waterproof?
Yes, they feature a life-waterproof rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain splashes.
Q3How long does the battery last on the Nubia LiveClip 2?
The earbuds provide up to 6.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending the total battery life to 30 hours.

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