By: Dipin Sehdev

Open-ear true wireless earbuds have exploded in popularity over the last few years, but sound quality has often lagged behind convenience. Cleer Audio is betting that changes with the Arc 4 and Arc 4+, the world’s first THX® Certified open-ear true wireless earbuds.

With meaningful hardware refinements, improved ergonomics, and the addition of Dolby spatial audio technologies, the Arc 4 Series represents a clear evolution over the Arc 3—not just a cosmetic refresh.

At aggressive price points of $99.99 and $129.99, Cleer is also making a statement: premium tuning and advanced certification don’t have to live exclusively at the high end.

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Why THX Certification Matters (Even If It’s “Nice to Have”)

THX certification is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean “more bass” or “louder sound.” Instead, it focuses on accuracy and consistency—two things open-ear designs traditionally struggle with.

For the Arc 4 Series, THX Headphone Certification ensures:

• Balanced frequency response tuned specifically for open-ear listening

• Low distortion, even at higher volumes

• Precise left/right channel matching for accurate imaging

• Controlled bass that avoids boominess or bleed

• Alignment with the THX optimal frequency response curve

In practical terms, this means clearer vocals, better tonal balance, and fewer artifacts when volume increases. For open-ear earbuds—where sound leakage and inconsistent placement are real challenges—this certification is genuinely meaningful, even if it’s not a deal-breaker for everyone.

Think of THX here as a quality floor, not a flashy feature. You may not notice it immediately, but you’ll notice when it’s missing.

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What’s New: Arc 4 vs Arc 3

Cleer didn’t reinvent the Arc line, but it made smart, targeted upgrades where they matter most: comfort, weight, spatial audio, and tuning.

Key Physical Improvements

• 10% lighter earbuds (10.8 g per earbud)

• 45% thinner ear hooks, allowing the drivers to sit closer to the ear

• Refined hinge mechanism and softer materials for long-term comfort

• Slimmer, more pocket-friendly charging case

These changes directly improve clarity and stability—two areas where open-ear designs live or die.

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Arc 3 vs Arc 4 / Arc 4+ Comparison Chart

Feature	Arc 3	Arc 4	Arc 4+
Open-Ear Design	Yes	Yes (refined)	Yes (refined)
THX Certification	No	Yes	Yes
Dolby Audio	No	Yes	No
Dolby Atmos	Yes	No	Yes
Head Tracking	Yes	No	Yes (Dolby Sensor-based)
Weight (per earbud)	12.0 g	10.8 g	10.8 g
Ear Hook Thickness	Standard	45% thinner	45% thinner
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.4
Snapdragon Sound	Yes	Yes	Yes
aptX Lossless	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (Total)	Up to 50 hrs	Up to 32 hrs	Up to 34 hrs
Water Resistance	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
Apple MFi	No	No	Yes
MSRP	$219.99	$99.99	$129.99

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Sound and Spatial Audio: Where Arc 4 Pulls Ahead

Both Arc 4 models use 16.2mm dynamic drivers and support Hi-Res Audio (65 Hz–40 kHz), backed by:

• Snapdragon® Sound

• aptX™ Lossless

• Dynamic Bass Enhancement (DBE 4.0)

The result is fuller bass than most open-ear designs without overwhelming mids or highs.

Arc 4

• Dolby Audio™ for cleaner stereo playback

• Optimized for low distortion and consistent output

• Ideal for music, podcasts, and everyday listening

Arc 4+

• Adds Dolby Atmos® optimization

• Includes Dolby Sensor-based Head Tracking

• Creates a spatial soundstage that stays anchored as your head moves

Head tracking won’t matter to everyone, but for compatible content—especially movies and immersive music—it adds a level of realism rarely seen in open-ear earbuds at this price.

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Connectivity, Calls, and Controls

Cleer modernized the wireless stack across the board:

• Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support

• Seamless switching between devices

• Qualcomm® cVc microphones for improved call clarity

• Noise and echo reduction without killing ambient awareness

The Arc 4+ also adds:

• Physical on/off controls

• Apple MFi certification for improved iOS compatibility

Voice control is supported on both models, keeping interaction hands-free.

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Battery Life and Durability

Battery performance is competitive for the category:

• Arc 4

  • 7–9 hours per charge

  • Up to 32 hours total with case

• Arc 4+

  • Up to 9 hours per charge

  • Up to 34 hours total

Quick charging delivers:

• 2 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge (Arc 4)

• 3 hours from a 10-minute charge (Arc 4+)

With IPX7 water resistance, both models are built for workouts, commuting, and outdoor use—rain and sweat included.

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Software and Customization

The Cleer+ App handles:

• Custom EQ

• Touch control mapping

• Battery monitoring

• Feature toggles (including Auto Volume Control)

The interface is straightforward and functional, avoiding the clutter seen in many companion apps.

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Specs Overview

Drivers: 16.2mm dynamic
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 40 kHz
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.4
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Mic Tech: Qualcomm cVc
Water Resistance: IPX7
Weight: 10.8 g per earbud / ~76 g with case
Charging: USB-C
Compatibility: Android & iOS

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Price and Availability

• Cleer Arc 4

  • $99.99

  • Black or White

  • Available now at CleerAudio.com and authorized U.S. retailers

• Cleer Arc 4+

  • $129.99

  • Black, White, and Pink (Pink arriving January 2026)

  • Amazon exclusive (Buy Here)

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The Bottom Line

The Cleer Arc 4 Series represents a meaningful step forward for open-ear true wireless earbuds. The addition of THX certification, refined ergonomics, and Dolby spatial audio—without inflating prices—makes these some of the most compelling open-ear options available heading into 2026.

The Arc 4 is easy to recommend for anyone who wants better sound accuracy and comfort without breaking $100. The Arc 4+ is the more interesting option for those curious about spatial audio and head tracking in a genuinely open-ear form factor.

THX certification may be a “nice to have,” but paired with real design upgrades and aggressive pricing, it helps push open-ear audio closer to legitimacy—and that’s a win for the category as a whole.