NANK Clip Super earbuds
NANK Clip Super Earbuds Review – Open‑Ear Audio for Indoor Training
Indoor training can be a grind, and anything that helps pass the time is welcome. For me, earbuds are essential turbo‑time companions, especially during long endurance sessions or when I need a motivating track to survive a set of intervals. Outdoors, though, I’m far more cautious. I ride to escape the noise, not add to it, and covering one of my senses feels like an invitation for a close‑pass surprise.
That’s why open‑ear designs are interesting for cyclists: they promise audio without isolating you from your surroundings. The NANK Clip Super earbuds are the latest in the brand’s five‑model open‑ear lineup, and after spending time with them both on and off the bike, they’ve proven to be a surprisingly capable option for indoor training and general use.
Design and Fit
I’d previously tried out NANK’s OE Mix and was impressed with its ability to not fall off. Well, NANK has moved away from the OE Mix’s behind‑the‑ear battery pod and now favours a clip‑on design. I was a fan of the OE Mix’s stability, so I was curious whether the Clip Super could match it, Short answer; they do.
Despite not attempting any age‑inappropriate acrobatics, I put them through a series of “vigorous” tests: running up and down stairs, jumping, and shaking my head with enough enthusiasm to alarm both cats and family members. The Clip Super didn’t budge. At just 5.1 g per earbud, they’re extremely light, and the grip is gentle enough that I often forgot I was wearing them.
The speaker sits neatly in the concha, while the battery rests behind the helix (yes, those are real parts of your ear). There’s no pinching, no pressure points, and no creeping sense that they’re about to fall off – a welcome change from traditional in‑ear buds that seem determined to eject themselves at the worst possible moment.
Audio Performance
Most of my listening was podcasts, with occasional musical interludes to get me through turbo torture. The Clip Super handled both well. Speech was clear and easy to follow, while music had more punch than I expected from an open‑ear design.
NANK credits this to its Advanced DS 2.0 Directional Audio Delivery Technology, 16.2 mm ceramic composite diaphragm, and 3D surround sound processing. I’m no audiophile, but to my ears, they sounded great.
Sound leakage is always a concern with open‑ear designs, so I enlisted my 13‑year‑old to stand nearby while I listened. His verdict: only faint mumbling when he was within a metre. That’s reassuring — nothing is more irritating than being forced to share someone else’s playlist.
And because they’re open‑ear, you remain aware of your surroundings. If you do crank the volume too high, you’ll still hear the tutting of fellow commuters.
Everyday Use and Controls
Pairing was instant with both phone and laptop. Touch controls took a little practice – partly due to my own clumsy fingers – but once I learned where the sensor sat, operation became straightforward.
The IPX5 rating means they’ll shrug off sweat and rain, making them suitable for gym sessions, commuting, or a damp recovery spin.
Latency is impressively low at 60 ms, which is more relevant for video and gaming than cycling, but it’s good to know they’re responsive.
Specifications
- Weight: 5.1 g per earbud
- Design: Open‑ear clip‑on with soft materials
- Driver: 16.2 mm ceramic composite diaphragm
- Audio tech: DS 2.0 directional delivery, 3D surround sound
- Microphones: Dual‑mic AI noise‑reduction
- Water resistance: IPX5
- Latency: 60 ms
NANK Clip Super earbuds review conclusion
The NANK Clip Super earbuds impressed me. They deliver clear audio, enough volume to cut through noisy environments, and a secure, comfortable fit. Touch controls take a little familiarisation, but they work reliably once you get the hang of them.
For indoor training, commuting, or general use, they’re a solid option – especially if you want audio without sacrificing situational awareness. Outdoors on the bike, I still prefer to stay fully immersed in the environment, but for turbo sessions, these have earned a permanent place in my ears.
The Clip Super earbuds are available from the NANK website.
