By Emily ParkerUpdated November 2026
Wireless open ear earbuds with Bluetooth 5.4 and an IPX5 waterproof rating are built for people who want to hear their surroundings while they move. The Monster AC322 is a good fit for runners, gym-goers, cyclists, and anyone who wants a secure, lightweight pair with adjustable ear hooks and a long claimed battery life. It is a weaker choice for listeners who want deep bass, active noise cancellation, or an in-ear seal that blocks outside sound. Readers who need a product that survives full submersion or swimming should look elsewhere, since IPX5 covers water jets rather than immersion.
Monster Open Ear AC322 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4, 36H Playtime, IPX5 Waterproof, Open-Ear Design with Adjustable Ear Hooks, Secure Fit for Running & Workout, Clear Calls
Product Overview
The Monster AC322 is an open-ear wireless earbud that sits outside the ear canal rather than inside it. A flexible hook wraps over the top of each ear, and the speaker sits near the ear opening, which lets ambient sound reach you at the same time as your audio. This design is the main reason people choose open-ear models for running, cycling, and walking on busy streets.
According to the product listing, the earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4, carry an IPX5 waterproof rating, offer up to 36 hours of total playtime with the charging case, and include adjustable ear hooks intended for a secure fit during workouts. The listing also highlights clear calls, which in open-ear designs depends heavily on microphone placement and noise processing. Because the manufacturer’s full technical sheet is not something we can verify line by line, treat any figure beyond the listing as something to confirm on the product page before purchase. A related read: How to Choose Open-Ear Earbuds for Situational Awareness.
Open-ear earbuds take a different approach from the sealed in-ear models covered in our guide to 6 Best In Ear Waterproof Wireless Earbuds for Workouts and Running (2026). The trade-off is comfort and situational awareness in exchange for less isolation and bass.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the specifications named in the product listing. Items not stated there have been left out rather than estimated.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Monster Open Ear AC322 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 |
| Total playtime (per listing) | Up to 36 hours with charging case |
| Water resistance | IPX5 |
| Design | Open-ear with adjustable ear hooks |
| Intended use | Running, workouts, everyday listening |
| Calls | Clear calls (microphone system per listing) |
Bluetooth 5.4 is the current standard in mainstream earbuds and generally improves connection stability and power efficiency compared with older versions, though the real-world effect depends on your phone and environment. An IPX5 rating means the earbuds resist water jets from any direction, which covers sweat, rain, and splashes, but it is not rated for immersion. If you want a deeper dive into what these numbers mean, our explainer on Are Wireless and Waterproof Earbuds Worth It? IP Ratings Explained walks through the scale.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-ear design keeps ambient sound audible, which helps with traffic and trail awareness.
- Adjustable ear hooks are intended to hold position during running and workouts.
- Bluetooth 5.4 and a listed battery life of up to 36 hours with the case suit long days.
- IPX5 rating covers sweat, rain, and splashes during exercise.
- Lightweight open-ear builds generally avoid the ear pressure some users feel with sealed in-ear designs.
Cons
- Open-ear designs typically deliver less bass and less isolation than sealed in-ear models.
- Outside noise can compete with the audio, especially in loud gyms or on windy roads.
- IPX5 is not suitable for swimming or submersion.
- Fit depends on ear shape, and some owners find hooks uncomfortable over long sessions.
- Clear-call performance in open-ear designs often varies with wind and background noise.
Performance Analysis
Because this review is based on specifications and common owner feedback patterns rather than our own testing, it is best read as a guide to what to expect. Owners of open-ear earbuds in this category commonly report that the fit is secure once the hooks are adjusted correctly, and that the design is comfortable for extended wear because nothing sits inside the canal. The most frequent points of concern tend to involve sound balance: listeners often describe the mids and highs as clear, while bass feels lighter than they might expect from a sealed earbud.
Sound quality in open-ear designs is shaped by how far the driver sits from the ear canal. Since sound leaks out and outside noise leaks in, the perceived bass is reduced. For podcasts, audiobooks, navigation prompts, and most streaming music at moderate volume, this is generally acceptable. For bass-heavy electronic or hip-hop listening, many people will find the experience less punchy than a sealed earbud. Turning volume up to compete with ambient noise can also cause sound to leak to people nearby.
Connectivity improvements in Bluetooth 5.4 may help keep the connection steady when the phone is in a pocket or armband, though the earbuds themselves do not guarantee a dropout-free connection in crowded radio environments. Call quality with open-ear microphones is often reported as good in quiet conditions and more variable in wind. Keeping the microphone unobstructed by hair or a collar makes a noticeable difference. Battery life claims of up to 36 hours should be treated as a best-case figure; real usage at higher volume will reduce runtime, as it does with almost every wireless earbud.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Monster AC322 makes the most sense for runners and walkers who want to hear traffic or their own footsteps, cyclists who need to stay aware of their surroundings on the road, and people who wear earbuds for long stretches at a desk or while doing chores and find sealed models uncomfortable. It also suits anyone who sweats heavily during workouts and wants a pair rated against water jets.
You should skip this product if you want strong bass, active noise cancellation, or a sealed fit that blocks an office, train, or gym. You should also skip it if you plan to swim or use earbuds in the shower. In those situations, a model with a higher ingress rating or a sealed in-ear design, such as those covered in 7 Best Wireless Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming (2026), will serve you better.
Buying Guide
Before buying any open-ear earbud, check four things: the IP rating, the Bluetooth version, the claimed battery life, and how the ear hook is shaped. IPX4 and IPX5 cover sweat and splashes, while IPX7 and IPX8 cover immersion. If you are unsure how these scales differ, our article on IPX8 Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds: How to Choose and Use Them (2026) explains the ratings in plain terms. Next, decide how much you care about bass. If it matters a lot, a sealed in-ear earbud is a better match. Finally, try to confirm fit: adjustable hooks help, but ear shape varies widely.
Several alternatives are worth comparing. Each is listed below with its product page reference.
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BUGANI Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth Earbuds lists Bluetooth 5.4, a 60-hour playtime claim, ENC clear calls, IPX5 waterproofing, and a lightweight comfort fit aimed at running and cycling. It is a good comparison for buyers who prioritize longer listed battery life.
Bluetooth 5.4 60H Playtime ENC Clear Calls IPX5 Waterproof Lightweight Comfort Fit Sports Running Cycling BUGANI Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth Earbuds Wireless Ear Buds
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Open Wireless Earbuds with Mic, HiFi Sound, Ear Hook lists Bluetooth 5.4, a 40-hour playtime claim, clear calls, IPX5 waterproofing, and an ear-hook design for workouts and driving. It suits buyers who want an open-ear pair with a strong focus on sound and calls.
Open Wireless Earbuds Comfortable Earphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.4 with Mic, HiFi Sound, Clear Calls, IPX5 Waterproof, 40H Playtime, Ear Hook Wireless Workout Earphones for Running & Driving (White)
For a broader look at how waterproof wireless models compare, see Wireless Earbuds Waterproof Noise Cancelling: 7 Best Picks (2026).
FAQ
Are open-ear earbuds safe for running on roads?
Open-ear designs are often chosen for road running and cycling because they let you hear traffic. Keep the volume at a level where you can still notice approaching vehicles and other people. This is a general guideline, not a substitute for your own judgment about your surroundings.
What does IPX5 mean for these earbuds?
IPX5 means the earbuds are protected against water jets from any direction. It covers sweat, rain, and splashes during exercise. It does not mean they are designed for swimming or being submerged.
Can I use these earbuds in the shower?
An IPX5 rating does not cover shower use, where water and steam can reach the case and charging contacts. Manufacturers typically advise against it for any model not rated for immersion. Check the manufacturer’s guidance before using them in wet conditions beyond sweat or rain.
Do open-ear earbuds have good sound quality?
Sound quality is generally clear for voices, podcasts, and mid-range music, but bass is usually lighter than with sealed in-ear designs. Owners who listen mainly to bass-heavy genres often find sealed models more satisfying.
How do I know if the ear hooks will fit me?
Adjustable hooks help accommodate different ear shapes, but fit still varies from person to person. Try them on, check that the speaker sits near the ear opening, and move your head to see whether the earbuds stay put. If possible, buy from a seller with a clear return policy.
Are these earbuds good for phone calls?
The listing describes clear calls. Open-ear microphones generally perform well in quiet settings and can struggle with wind. Keeping the microphone area clear of hair and clothing helps.
How long does the battery last?
The listing states up to 36 hours of total playtime with the charging case. Actual runtime depends on volume, connection quality, and usage, so expect less at higher volume.
Are these earbuds suitable for people with hearing concerns?
Because open-ear designs leave the ear canal uncovered, they can be a practical option for people who want to stay aware of their environment. If you have a hearing condition or concern, consult a hearing health professional before choosing a listening device.
Final Verdict
The Monster AC322 is a sensible choice for runners, cyclists, and everyday listeners who want an open-ear design, a secure adjustable fit, Bluetooth 5.4, an IPX5 rating, and a long listed battery life. It is not the right pick for bass lovers, noise-cancellation seekers, or anyone who needs swim-ready protection. Confirm the current specifications and return policy on the product page before you buy.
About Emily Parker
Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our headphone tech & types guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
