San Diego, CA-based Cleer Audio is a well-respected manufacturer of smart speakers, headphones, and earbuds and has introduced the Arc 3 open-ear fit true wireless earbuds in black or pink for $219.99. This 3rd generation model includes a number of improvements over the previous generation Arc II, which debuted at $189.99 about 18 months ago.
Arc 3 Overview
The ARC 3 has an open-ear hook design that fits passively without blocking the sounds around you. The ear hook and hinge design has improved shape and flexibility to improve fit and comfort.
The Cleer ARC 3 is also ideal for hands-free phone and conference calls indoors and on the go. The ARC 3 also supports Voice Control.
Getting into music listening the ARC 3 earbuds incorporate Dolby Atmos optimization with Dolby head tracking for immersive sound, aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound Certification, LDAC (Lossless Digital Audio Codec) Hi-Res ultra-clear wireless audio transmission.
For added music listening support the ARC 3 features DBE 3.0 Dynamic Bass Enhancement, which produces deeper and more powerful bass, and Qualcomm’s S5 platform for faster, reliable, and better overall audio sound quality.
Access to the Cleer+ App (Android, iOS) is provided which enables additional control such as noise canceling and ambient sound levels, EQ settings, and firmware updates. The app also provides access to the user manual, remaining battery level, and playback time.
For further convenience, ARC 3 also features an LED touchscreen built into its new smart case, with an interior mirror. The smart case also includes UV sterilization. Its UV-C light sanitizes the earbuds while not in use.
Comparison
| ARC 3 | ARC II Sport | ARC II Standard | ARC | |
| Price | $219.99 | $189.99 | $169.99 | $99.99 |
| Headphone Type | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds | Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds |
| Driver | 2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver | 2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver | 2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver | 2 x 16.2mm Neodymium Dynamic Driver |
| Frequency Response (Bluetooth) | 50Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Microphones | cVc 2-mic Beamforming | 2-mic Beamforming with aptX Voice | cVc 2-mic Beamforming | cVc 2-mic Beamforming |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Audio Format Support | aptX Adaptive aptX Lossless SBC AAC LDAC Dolby Atmos | aptX Adaptive aptX Lossless SBC AAC | aptX Adaptive aptX Lossless SBC AAC | aptX SBC |
| Snapdragon Sound | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Multipoint Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hrs, (50 hrs with charging case) | Up to 8 hrs (35 hrs with charging case) | Up to 8 hrs (35 hrs with charging case) | Up to 7 hrs |
| Charge Method | USB-C or Wireless Charging charge case | USB-C charging case | USB-C charging case | USB-A Integrated Carry Case |
| Quick Charge | 10min charge provides 1hr | 10min charge provides 1hr | 10min charge provides 1hr | 10min charge provides 1hr |
| IPX Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 | IPX5 | IPX3 |
| Cleer+ App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find My Earbuds Feature | Yes | – | – | – |
| Earbud Controls | Touch Control Hands-free 6 Axis Motion Sensor enabling head gesture controls | Touch Control Hands-free 6 Axis Motion Sensor enabling head gesture controls | Touch Control Hands-free 6 Axis Motion Sensor enabling head gesture controls | Touch Control |
| LED Touchscreen Display on Charging Case | Yes | – | – | – |
| Colors | Black Pink | Black Red | Midnight Blue Stone | Midnight Blue Light Grey |
| Weight | 12g (per earbud) 130g (both earbuds and case) | 14g (per earbud) 130g (both earbuds and case) | 14g (per earbud) 130g (both earbuds and case) | 14.5g (per earbud) 96.5g (both earbuds and case) |
| What’s In The Box | ARC 3 Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds USB-C + Wireless Charging Touch Smart Charge Case Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card Charging Cable USB-C to USB-A | ARC II Sport Open-Ear Earbuds USB-C Charging Case Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card Charging Cable USB-C to USB-A | ARC II Standard Open-Ear Earbuds USB-C Charging Case Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card Charging Cable USB-C to USB-A | ARC Open Ear True Wireless Earbuds Carrying Case with Integrated Charger Quick Start Guide, User Manual, Warranty Card |
The Bottom line
Ever since Cleer Audio appeared on the scene in 2015, the San Diego-based company has been offering up well-regarded headphone products. The ARC 3 packs in a lot of capabilities at a reasonable price and currently are the only open-ear earhook style bud to support Dolby Atmos with head-tracking.
In addition, support for Bluetooth aptX Lossless makes these somewhat future-proof in regard to achieving hi-res streaming between your device and buds. However, very few smartphones let you take advantage of this feature.
The open-ear earhook design might not provide the last word in passive isolation, but it does come with a rather significant benefit that more consumers should think about; especially those who commute on the subway, or who take early morning or evening walks — situational awareness. If you can’t hear an oncoming car or cyclist, or another pedestrian (who may not have good intentions) — you are putting yourself in potential danger.
Cleer is also going for a stylish look with a touchscreen charging case – and what is the deal with the mirror? I guess you can use it to check makeup or perhaps see who is creeping up behind you.
Where to buy Cleer Arc 3?
Cleer Audio Arc 3 is available as of October 24, 2024 in black or light pink finishes at the online stories listed below.
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