Panasonic has entered the open-ear headphone market with the RB-F10. Open-ear designs have steadily grown in popularity since the launch of the AirPods nearly a decade ago, and true wireless open-ear options are now seen as a viable alternative to true wireless in-ears.
The RB-F10 is positioned at the cheaper end of the market. The review notes that while the headphones may not be exceptional, they perform commendably given their price point.
Key strengths highlighted are comfort and battery life. The design features an over-ear hook that helps the headphones stay fixed during activities like running or going to the gym. The reviewer found them lightweight and suitable for all-day wear, noting they handle sweat without slipping.
The headphones are noted for having large 17x12mm drivers, which contribute to a big soundstage and a crisp tone. However, the audio performance has several drawbacks. The tone is described as crisp, leading to a lean performance, which can sound harsh at times. When the volume is increased, the RB-F10 risks sounding sharp and tinny in the mids and treble.
In terms of reliability, the reviewer reported receiving the RB-F10 a third time, after the first two pairs stopped functioning. On both previous occasions, the right earbud lost sync with the left and powered off, failing to reboot. The review added that this fault happened identically on both instances.
Despite the audio limitations, the RB-F10 is summarized as a simple, functional, and decent budget option. Their main selling points remain good comfort levels, long battery life, and decent overall sound for the asking price. The RB-F10 are considered a decent budget open-ear pair of headphones under £80.
Source: Trusted Reviews