Gadgets
Cleer Ships ARC 5 Gaming Open-Ear Earbuds With THX Spatial Audio
Open-ear ARC 5 Gaming earbuds add THX Spatial Audio, a USB-C low-latency dongle, and Snapdragon Sound. The black kit is $229.99.
SAN DIEGO · Maya Chen, Gadgets · Sep 19 2026
SAN DIEGO - Cleer Audio is selling ARC 5 Gaming, an open-ear true wireless pair with THX Spatial Audio and head tracking, a USB-C ultra-low-latency dongle, and Snapdragon Sound. The buds sit outside the ear canal on hook-style frames rather than sealing inside, reducing heat and pressure while leaving room noise audible. Each side uses a 16.2mm driver. Supported codecs include aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, LC3, SBC, AAC, and LDAC, with Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint.
Photo: Cleer
Photo: Cleer
The USB-C dongle targets sub-30 millisecond wireless delay and offers High Definition and Low Latency modes for handhelds, phones, consoles, and PCs. The set carries THX certification, Dolby Atmos-oriented spatial playback with head tracking, and a Gaming EQ in the Cleer+ app.
Photo: Cleer
Photo: Cleer
The smart case has an AMOLED touchscreen for playback, EQ, and battery status, plus UV-C sterilization. Total playback is listed at up to 60 hours with the case and 12 hours from the buds, with USB-C charging, dual ENC microphones, and an IPX7 rating.
Photo: Cleer
Photo: Cleer
Photo: Cleer
ARC 5 Gaming in black is $229.99 through CleerAudio.com, Amazon.com, and authorized U.S. dealers beginning September 2026. Cleer announced the SKU on Sept. 1; retail coverage accelerated mid-month.
