If you want adjustable noise control and a longer stated listening time for calls, choose JLab Epic ANC Earbuds; if you need an open-ear design for swimming and offline listening, choose AYI True Bone Conduction. For calls, JLab is the more directly equipped option, with an in-line remote and built-in microphone; AYI’s strongest case is sport use where leaving your ears open matters.
JLab Epic ANC Earbuds vs AYI True Bone Conduction at a Glance
• AYI True Bone Conduction: Open-ear listening, IPX8 water resistance, and built-in MP3 storage; the trade-off is up to 8 hours of stated playback and no call-specific microphone feature listed.
• For calls: JLab is the more practical fit because its listed controls and built-in microphone support phone calls.
• For swimming: AYI is the clear fit, with a waterproof design and offline MP3 mode.
• Choose JLab if you want noise-control options and longer listening between charges; choose AYI if open ears and water use matter more.
JLab’s main advantage is flexibility in how much outside sound you hear. You can choose High ANC or Low ANC to reduce distractions, or switch to Be Aware mode to let ambient sound through. That gives the earbuds a useful range of settings for a commute, focused listening, or a walk where you want to remain aware of what is around you.
For calls, the in-line remote and built-in microphone make JLab the more purpose-ready choice between these two. The controls also handle music playback and volume, so you can manage common tasks from the cable rather than reaching for your phone. This is the option I’d consider if you want one pair for calls, listening, and everyday movement.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-23 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The stated battery life is 14-plus hours with Bluetooth and ANC, or 25-plus hours with Bluetooth alone. JLab also includes a 3.5 mm AUX cable, giving you a wired listening option. Skip it if you specifically want an open-ear design for swimming: the in-ear shape and listed IP54 sweat resistance do not make it the water-focused choice here.
Its defining use case is swimming. AYI lists an IPX8 waterproof rating and an MP3 mode backed by 32GB of built-in memory. Bluetooth and offline playback give you two ways to listen, with the stored-music option especially relevant when you want to use the headphones in water without relying on a phone connection.
The trade-off is a stated playback time of up to 8 hours, shorter than JLab’s figures. AYI also does not list a built-in call microphone or an in-line call remote, so I wouldn’t choose it primarily for phone conversations. It makes more sense for swimming and open-ear sport use than as a call-first everyday headset.
• Best fit for calls → JLab Epic ANC Earbuds. Its built-in microphone and in-line remote are explicitly listed for handling phone calls. AYI’s listed strengths center on swimming and offline listening instead.
• Best for swimming → AYI True Bone Conduction. Its IPX8 rating and MP3 mode are the clearest match for water-based listening.
• Best for adjusting outside sound → JLab Epic ANC Earbuds. High ANC, Low ANC, and Be Aware give you three distinct listening modes.
• Best for keeping ears open → AYI True Bone Conduction. Its open-ear design is intended to preserve awareness of surrounding sound.
• Best for longer stated playback → JLab Epic ANC Earbuds. It lists 14-plus hours with ANC on and 25-plus hours with Bluetooth alone, compared with AYI’s up to 8 hours.
• Best for offline music storage → AYI True Bone Conduction. It has 32GB of built-in memory and a dedicated MP3 mode.
• Best for a wired listening option → JLab Epic ANC Earbuds. The included 3.5 mm AUX cable offers an alternative to Bluetooth.
• Best for a sports listener who wants open ears rather than noise cancellation → AYI True Bone Conduction. Its design prioritizes an open fit, while JLab’s central feature is the ability to reduce or pass through outside sound.
The phrase “best open ear headphones for calls” needs a little care in this comparison. AYI is the open-ear pick, but the call-oriented feature set belongs to JLab: AYI’s specifications do not list a call microphone, while JLab’s do. If calls are the priority, open-ear placement alone is not enough to make AYI the more suitable choice.
If voice-assistant access is part of your call routine, the listed information does not establish a dedicated voice-assistant feature for either model. JLab’s remote and microphone make it the more call-oriented option on paper, but I would not treat that as proof of specific assistant compatibility. Check the device details that matter to you before choosing on that basis.
My Verdict
I would choose JLab Epic ANC Earbuds for calls because they list a built-in microphone, an in-line remote, and more stated playback time. Their adjustable noise modes also make them the more versatile everyday listening option. For swimming or open-ear sport use, I’d choose AYI instead; its waterproof design and built-in MP3 storage address needs JLab does not.
JLab is the more straightforward call choice. It lists a built-in microphone and an in-line remote for phone calls. AYI’s listed features focus on open-ear listening, swimming, and MP3 playback.
JLab lists IP54 sweat resistance, not the IPX8 waterproof rating listed for AYI. Based on those specifications, AYI is the model intended for swimming; JLab should not be treated as the swimming option.
Not for every listening session. AYI supports Bluetooth and MP3 playback from its built-in 32GB memory, so stored music can be played without relying on a Bluetooth connection.
JLab lists 14-plus hours with Bluetooth and ANC active, or 25-plus hours using Bluetooth alone. AYI lists up to 8 hours. These are the stated figures, and JLab’s playback time varies by listening mode.
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