- Cleer Arc 4 are THX certified aptX Lossless high-resolution open-back headphones
- Arc 4+ model adds Dolby Atmos with Dolby’s own head tracking
- Arc 4 is $99.99, Arc 4+ is $129.99
Cleer Audio has launched the world’s first THX-certified open-back headphones, the Arc 4 and Arc 4+. The Arc 4+ is particularly interesting because that model comes with Dolby’s own head tracking for Dolby Atmos, a feature previously reserved for over-ear headphones.
These aren’t the first head tracking headphones by any means. But the rival headphones use their own tracking settings, while these Cleers use the official Dolby version, as do the Sonos Ace headphones, where it works excellently.
Cleer Audio Arc 4 and Arc 4+: Key Features and Pricing
Both sets of earbuds are lighter and thinner than previous Cleer Arc models – apparently 10% lighter and 45% thinner than the Arc 3 series. Cleer says they sit closer to the ear canal for clarity and comfort.
The Arc 4s are tuned by THX engineers to align with THX’s optimal frequency response curve, and the standard model features Dolby Audio and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound. They offer high-resolution audio with a frequency range of 65 Hz to 40 kHz with Cleer DBE bass enhancement. Bluetooth is 5.4 with aptX Lossless and multipoint connectivity.
The Arc 4+ has the same specs and adds Atmos with Dolby head tracking, using built-in sensors to adjust the audio experience based on your head position. Having tested this feature on the Sonos Ace, we’re familiar with its responsiveness and immersion – my colleague Matt Bolton still says the Sonos Ace are the best headphones for watching movies because of their spatial audio.
Both sets of headphones are IPX7 rated, making them ideal for outdoors, and battery life is 32 hours total, with up to nine hours with just the headphones for the Arc 4 and 34 hours total for the Arc 4+.
The Arc 4 are available now in black or white for a recommended retail price of $99.99 (around £74.50 / €85 / AU$150), while the Arc 4+ will come in black, white or pink for $129.99 (around £97 / €110 / AU$195).
The best open-back headphones for every budget
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