Baseus Inspire XC1 Review: Affordable Clip‑On Open‑Ear Earbuds with Mixed Results

The Baseus Inspire XC1 above a green blanket.

The Baseus Inspire XC1 above a green blanket.

Design and Build

The Inspire XC1 follows a cuff‑style open‑ear format, clipping onto the auricle with a small bridge that connects to a behind‑the‑ear counterweight. Each earbud weighs about 5.5 g, and the charging case is roughly 54 g, making the set lightweight overall. The earbuds carry an IP66 rating, indicating protection against dust and high‑pressure water jets. Users report reliable hold during activities, though the bridge can pinch after prolonged use, and occasional contact between the counterweight and shoulder may occur during vigorous movement.

Features and Connectivity

Powered by Bluetooth 5.4, the XC1 delivers up to eight hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 40 hours with the charging case. The companion app provides an eight‑band equalizer with seven presets—including a Bose‑tuned option—low‑latency mode, high‑resolution audio toggles, and a battery‑saver feature. Touch controls on the buds are described as simple and intuitive, while the counterweight includes a physical button that defaults to pause music. The earbuds support high‑resolution audio codecs and LDAC when paired with the app.

Sound Performance

Each bud houses a 10.8 mm woofer and a balanced‑armature tweeter, a rare dual‑driver configuration for open‑ear designs. Despite this hardware, reviewers find the sound profile warm but ill‑defined. Bass is described as muddy and lacking punch, while treble and mids feel soft and lacking clarity. Attempts to correct the tuning via the app’s EQ yield limited improvement, though the Jazz Rock preset offers the most energetic result. Overall, the audio experience is considered lifeless compared to premium competitors.

Battery Life and Value

The eight‑hour earbud runtime and 40‑hour total with the case place the XC1 on the longer side of its segment. At a retail price of $129, it undercuts many rivals such as the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, Shokz OpenDots, and Huawei FreeClip, while offering a comparable feature set. Critics note that cheaper alternatives exist, but the XC1 delivers a reasonable balance of price, features, and performance for users unwilling to stretch to higher‑priced options.

Overall Assessment

The Baseus Inspire XC1 presents a compelling package for budget‑conscious consumers seeking open‑ear, clip‑on earbuds. Its strengths lie in affordability, solid battery life, robust build quality, and user‑friendly controls. Weaknesses include subpar sound clarity and occasional comfort issues during extended wear. For listeners who prioritize price and convenience over audiophile‑level sound, the Inspire XC1 stands as a viable compromise.