JBL adds a transparent Emerald Green variant to its Soundgear Clips open‑ear earbuds, priced at ¥999 on JD.com. The new hue matches the existing Ghost palette and keeps the same driver, battery and connectivity specs, but its limited regional launch raises questions about global availability.
JBL has expanded the colour lineup of its Soundgear Clips open‑ear earbuds with a Emerald Green special‑edition that is currently sold only on China’s JD.com marketplace. The new shade joins the five Ghost colours that have been on sale since the earbuds launched in October 2023 – Blue, Black, White, Purple and Copper – and follows the same see‑through housing and matching case that make the line visually distinctive.
What’s new?
- Colour – Emerald Green, a transparent green tint that keeps the signature “ghost” look while adding a fresh pop for users who want something a little different.
- Pricing – ¥999, which converts to roughly $147 USD or €127. This is roughly the same price point as the standard colour options that retail for $149.95 on Amazon.
- Availability – Listed on JD.com for the Chinese market only. No official word from JBL about a broader rollout, so the colour may remain a regional exclusive for now.
How it stacks up against the original lineup
| Feature | Soundgear Clips (any colour) | Emerald Green (special‑edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 11 mm dynamic | 11 mm dynamic |
| Mic setup | Dual beam‑forming mics per earbud | Dual beam‑forming mics per earbud |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 with multipoint | 5.4 with multipoint |
| Battery life (earbuds) | 8 h playback | 8 h playback |
| Battery life (case) | Up to 32 h total | Up to 32 h total |
| IP rating | IP54 dust & water resistance | IP54 dust & water resistance |
| App support | JBL Headphones (iOS/Android) | JBL Headphones (iOS/Android) |
| Price (USD) | $149.95 (Amazon) | $147 (approx.) |
The specs are identical; the only differentiator is the colour and the market where it can be purchased. JBL’s SonicArc design, which combines open‑ear positioning with its proprietary OpenSound Technology and air‑conduction, remains unchanged. This architecture is meant to minimise sound leakage while delivering a roomy soundstage, a claim that still holds true for the Emerald version.
Who might care?
- Style‑focused listeners – If you already own a pair of Ghost‑coloured Soundgear Clips, the transparent green finish offers a subtle way to refresh your look without swapping to a completely different form factor.
- Chinese consumers – The earbuds are priced competitively for the local market and can be bought directly from JD.com, which often provides faster shipping and local warranty support.
- Collectors – Limited‑region colourways tend to become sought after on secondary markets. Early adopters could see a resale premium if JBL decides to keep the Emerald edition exclusive.
- Anyone weighing alternatives – Competing open‑ear options such as the AfterShokz Aeropex or Bose Frames still cost more and lack the transparent aesthetic. For users who prioritize a low‑profile look with solid battery life, the Soundgear Clips (any colour) remain a strong value proposition.
What to watch next
JBL has not announced whether the Emerald Green hue will appear on its global storefronts or be limited to China. Past Ghost colours eventually rolled out to other regions after an initial launch window, so there is a reasonable chance the colour could appear on the company’s international sites later in the year. Keep an eye on the official JBL Soundgear Clips page and the JD.com listing for any updates.
The JBL Soundgear Clips Emerald Green special edition have a transparent design.
Bottom line – The Emerald Green special‑edition adds a fresh visual twist to an already well‑rounded open‑ear earbud, but the core hardware and price stay the same. For buyers in China, it’s a simple colour swap; for the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that JBL may still have a few surprises hidden in its colour palette.
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