Baseus Inspire XC1 Review: Budget-Friendly Cuff-Style Open Earbuds Set to Challenge Competitors
The Baseus Inspire XC1 has emerged as a notable contender in the open-ear headphone market, offering a unique clip-on design that prioritizes comfort and situational awareness. Launched at the IFA tech conference in September 2025, these earbuds aim to provide high-quality audio without isolating the user from their surroundings. With a competitive price point of $129, the Inspire XC1 seeks to challenge established brands while delivering features that appeal to fitness enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Design and Comfort
The Baseus Inspire XC1 features a clip-style design that allows the earbuds to rest securely on the ear without blocking it. This design is particularly beneficial for users who want to remain aware of their environment while enjoying music. Each earbud weighs approximately 5.5 grams, making them lightweight and comfortable for extended use. However, some users may experience a slight pinch from the bridge connecting the earbuds after prolonged listening sessions. Despite this minor discomfort, the overall fit remains reliable during activities such as running or cycling. The earbuds also boast an IP66 rating, providing protection against dust and high-pressure water jets, making them suitable for outdoor use.
The touch controls on the Inspire XC1 are designed for ease of use, allowing users to manage playback and volume without fumbling with buttons. The accompanying charging case is compact and lightweight, facilitating easy transport. Overall, the design of the Inspire XC1 balances functionality and comfort, catering to users who prioritize both performance and usability.
Audio Performance
The audio capabilities of the Baseus Inspire XC1 are a mixed bag. Each earbud is equipped with two drivers: a 10.8mm woofer for bass and a balanced armature tweeter for higher frequencies. This dual-driver setup is relatively rare in open-ear designs, which typically do not prioritize sound isolation. While the earbuds support high-resolution audio and the LDAC codec, the overall sound profile has been described as warm yet lacking definition. Users may find the bass to be muddy and the treble and mids insufficiently sharp, leading to a less engaging listening experience.
Despite these shortcomings, the Inspire XC1 does offer an equalizer with multiple presets, allowing users to customize their audio experience. However, even with adjustments, the sound quality may not meet the expectations of audiophiles. For casual listeners or those using the earbuds during workouts, the sound may suffice, but serious music enthusiasts might find the audio performance lacking.
Battery Life and Features
Battery life is one of the standout features of the Baseus Inspire XC1. The earbuds provide up to 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending total usage to 40 hours. This longevity is competitive within the market, especially for open-ear designs. The earbuds do not feature noise cancellation, which is typical for this type of product, but they do come with an app that offers additional functionalities, such as a low-latency mode and customizable touch controls.
The app also includes a battery saver mode, which is particularly useful for users concerned about running out of power during long sessions. While the equalizer offers several presets, some users have reported that the app can be slow to respond, which may detract from the overall user experience. Nevertheless, the Inspire XC1’s battery performance and feature set provide good value for those seeking reliable open-ear headphones.
Pricing and Availability
The Baseus Inspire XC1 was officially announced at the IFA tech conference in September 2025, with a retail price of $129, approximately £100 or AU$200. This pricing positions the Inspire XC1 as a more affordable alternative to competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Shokz OpenDots, which typically retail at higher price points. While there are cheaper options available, such as the JLab Flex Open and Anker Soundcore C40i, the Inspire XC1 offers a compelling mix of features and performance for its price.
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