Baseus Inspire XC1: A Review of the Impressive Open Earbuds

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Score: 8 out of 10.

If in-ear wireless earbuds are generally uncomfortable for you or they keep slipping out, the Baseus Inspire XC1 might be your solution. Open-design earbuds don't nestle directly in the ear canal, which offers two clear benefits over the 'closed' variety: enhanced comfort and improved environmental perception.

Open-ear earbuds are available in two styles: the traditional ear hook and the more recent clip design that wraps the ear akin to jewelry. The Inspire XC1 adopts the clip-on style.

Baseus might not ring a bell yet in the audio industry. Still, their products repeatedly impress with high-quality performance at budget-friendly prices. The Inspire XC1, developed in collaboration with Bose, is no different.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Baseus’s decision to color the XC1 in Cosmic Black and Starlight Off-White mirrors that of Bose's aesthetic choices. The smooth finish of the charging case can be a bit tricky to grip when opening, but once open, it provides straightforward access to the earbuds, which are held securely by strong magnets. While wireless charging is absent, this is typical for the style.

Kudos to Baseus for their efficient Bluetooth Multipoint management. The app facilitates easy device pairing and switching between multiple connections.

Embracing a New Listening Experience

Open-ear earbuds inherently allow ambient noise to filter through, which makes them perfect for holding conversations without removing them. They also excel during phone calls, as they don't obstruct the wearer’s voice perception, surpassing the best transparent modes available.

Baseus claims the audio quality is enhanced by legendary expertise from Bose engineers. With its dual-driver setup—a dynamic driver for deeper tones and a Knowles balanced armature for sharper highs—the XC1 has an unusual configuration that's rare among open-ear options.

The bass quality on the XC1 surpasses that of the more expensive Bose Open Earbuds Ultra, and its sound clarity competes with the OpenDots One in the mid-to-high frequency ranges.

Thanks to the inherent open-ear design, the earbuds deliver an expansive soundstage with a natural, roomy audio feel.

Straight out of the package, the Inspire XC1 employs a 'Sound by Bose' preset, which creates a vibrant audio experience albeit slightly subdued in bass and treble. The Baseus app offers six additional presets and an eight-band equalizer for custom sound mixing. Although preset variations are minimal, customizing with enhanced bass and treble was most satisfying. Detailed listening showed some bass notes lacking intricacy, but this didn't detract from casual enjoyment.