Baseus Inspire XC1 review: Excellent open-ear headphones

Speaking of critical listening, the XC1 works with Sony’s LDAC Bluetooth HD codec, if you own a compatible Android phone (sorry, iPhone users). Using LDAC can reveal more detail, especially when listening to a lossless audio source, but for these earbuds, I don’t think the juice is worth squeezing. Using LDAC disables the EQ and Bluetooth Multipoint settings, and the XC1 struggles to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection when LDAC is set to the highest quality settings.

Baseus also includes two Dolby Audio modes (Music and Cinema), which aim to create a more immersive spatial experience. For me, it’s the opposite. I find that they wash out the sound, and the cinematography becomes quite muddy. At 60 percent volume, there was more than enough power for an engaging listening experience indoors. Outside, I needed more oomph.

Beyond music

Photography: Simon Cohen

The connectivity of the Inspire XC1 is good. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, your callers will find you easy to understand, and almost all background sounds are retained. However, as with most open-ear headphones, your voice won’t be crystal clear, as some distortion manages to creep in, especially when you’re outside.

Baseus rates battery life on the XC1 at eight hours per charge, with 40 hours of total use when you include the case battery, numbers bested only by the OpenDots One’s 10/40 set. Baseus assumes 50 percent volume and does not involve the use of Dolby Audio or LDAC. LDAC can be very power hungry, often reducing battery life by up to 30 percent, which is another reason to avoid it.

Open-ear headphones aren’t for everyone, but with great sound quality, a comfortable clip-on design, and easy-to-use controls, the Baseus Inspire XC1 is an excellent choice. They check a lot of boxes at a much lower price than their closest competitors, including solid water and dust resistance, optional LDAC mode, and Bluetooth Multipoint. The only thing missing is Auracast support. Unfortunately, this feature has not yet seen widespread adoption. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of open buds that compete with the best, these are among the best we’ve tried.