CES 2025 spotlight: OpenRock X Forbidden City open-ear earbuds are more than just audio

Looking for earbuds that are as stylish as they are functional? Check out the OpenRock X Forbidden City Limited Edition earbuds. The stunning design is inspired by China's most iconic palace.

Cultural artistry meets sound performance!

OpenRock announced its newest flagship product at CES 2025: the OpenRock X Forbidden City Limited Edition. Complete with a gorgeous 3D nano-scale embossed dragon pattern design, it brings elegant style to the OpenRock X open-ear earbuds.

I’m all about open-ear earbuds—they’re my go-to for everything from wall climbing to morning runs. But finding a pair that’s both functional and stylish? That’s rare. These Forbidden City Limited Edition earbuds, though, are in a league of their own. Whether you’re rocking a sleek outfit or making a statement at an event, they bring a sophistication I’ve never seen in this category.

We had the chance to inspect these beautiful earbuds up close at CES, and trust me, they’re as impressive in person as they look on paper. Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds so special—because luxury audio like this doesn’t come around often!

OpenRock X Forbidden City at CES 2025

Having won a Good Design award for the OpenRock X in 2024, the brand unveiled its limited edition OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds at CES this year. They were boxed and designed like premium jewelry—our team couldn’t help but be impressed ! I became even more enthused when I learned that the earbuds are licensed by the Forbidden City itself—a 600-year-old icon of Chinese heritage.

Much like the palace, the earbuds are a true style statement. The earbuds and charging case sport a rich red hue, a color that’s been associated with Chinese royalty for centuries. And the design? It’s not just “cool”—it’s art. The stunning dragon pattern on the earbuds is embossed using nano-scale 3D technology. It adds depth and elegance in a subtle yet striking way. Talk about a pair of earbuds that are a real conversation starter!

3D-paper sculpture packaging

Now, let’s talk about the packaging—because, yes, OpenRock knows how to deliver an experience. The box is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a gold-embossed dragon pattern. It feels both luxurious and timeless. But what’s inside? Prepare to be wowed.

Inside, you’ll find a stunning 3D paper sculpture of the Taihe Temple, located within the Forbidden City. The OpenRock X earbuds rise majestically behind it. As if that weren’t enough, a drawer slides open to reveal the red portable case and: the Pixiu charm.

The Pixiu charm for good fortune

What is the Pixiu charm? This mythical creature symbolizes wealth, protection, and prosperity in Chinese culture. The charm features a rotatable gold coin that you can spin.

Even better, Pixiu’s spine is designed for acupressure, so you can use it for a mini massage on the go. It’s the perfect little luxury touch for bringing positive energy to your day.

Theater-like music anywhere

But it’s not all about looks. If you love getting lost in your music, the OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds deliver. Expect rich, theater-like sound with BassDirect technology and the LISO 2.0 Algorithm. The resulting audio is ideal for casual listening and more intense music.

These earbuds are like having a mini concert wherever you go! If you’re a music lover who appreciates depth and clarity, the OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds will make every sound session feel special.

A fit that stays in place

I don’t know about you, but adjusting my earbuds mid-run or workout is a huge energy drain for me. Like the standard OpenRock X , the Forbidden City Limited Edition earbuds come with adjustable ear hooks set at a 50 ° X 45 ° angle. They keep the earbuds in place no matter your ear size.

Yep, whether you’re hitting the gym, or walking briskly to an art exhibition, these limited-edition earbuds won’t budge. What’s more, they’re IPX5 waterproof and have a handy anti-bacterial coating.

Clear calls with AI noise-cancelling

The OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds are also great for staying connected during calls. With 4-mic AI Noise-Canceling technology, background noise is minimized, so you can have crystal-clear conversations no matter where you are.

App compatibility for tailored sound

Customization is key, and the OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds deliver just that with full app compatibility for both iOS and Android. The earbuds come with 3 default music modes, including bass boost and a more balanced sound profile.

Fast charging and long-lasting power

The battery life on OpenRock X Forbidden City earbuds is great! With 12 hours of use on a single charge and a total of 48 hours when paired with the charging case, these earbuds are built to keep up with your busy day.

When you’re in a pinch, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1 hour of listening time. Rely on them when you’re heading out for a full day of work or just need a quick recharge before a workout.

Final thoughts on these OpenRock X earbuds

To wrap up, the OpenRock X Forbidden City Limited Edition earbuds are incredibly unique. They have a mix of design and premium sound quality that’s hard to find. Whether you want a stylish new accessory or an audiophile-grade listening experience, these have it all.

Ready to treat yourself? You can grab the OpenRock X Forbidden City Limited Edition earbuds for $289 on the official website. Don’t miss out on these beauties!

And if you’re looking for a great pair of open-ear headphones—but don’t need all the style elements—the standard OpenRock X are just $179.99 on Amazon.