Panasonic has released the RB-C10, its first ear-cuff style true wireless earbuds, in late July. Built around an open-ear design that does not seal the ear canal and a light body of about 5.5 grams per earbud, the RB-C10 is meant to be worn like a piece of jewelry. It sells for 14,850 yen (tax included) at Panasonic's official online store, Panasonic Store Plus, and comes in three colors: Black, White Pearl, and Sakura Pearl, the last of which adds a subtle shimmer at the ear.
A Light Fit You Can Wear Like an Accessory
The RB-C10 puts its first emphasis on comfort and looks. The bridge that hooks onto the ear uses a shape-memory alloy, so it stays slim yet flexes to fit ears of different shapes. Combined with a body structure that spreads out the pressure on the ear, Panasonic calls this fitting design "Airy Fit," aiming for a wearing feel that stays comfortable even over long sessions. At roughly 5.5 grams per earbud, the fit is light enough that you can almost forget you have them on.
The design uses a droplet-shaped, charm-like form. The White Pearl and Sakura Pearl models carry a pearl-like sheen, and the charging case shares the same finish. Because the earbuds do not push into the ear canal, they are less likely to interfere with a mask or glasses, and Panasonic intends them to be worn as casually as a piercing or an earring.
Delivering Sound Without Blocking Your Ears
The RB-C10 is an open-ear model, so you can enjoy music while still hearing the sounds around you. That suits people who do not want to miss a family member or an intercom while working from home, as well as those who want to stay aware of their surroundings outdoors.
Open designs tend to struggle to deliver sound, but the RB-C10 carries an 11mm large-diameter driver and angles that driver toward the ear canal. It is engineered to send sound straight to the ear despite the open structure, aiming for audio that works for both music and video content.
Sound leakage is a common concern with open-ear models. Pressing the button on the right earbud switches the RB-C10 into a "Polite Mode" that reduces leakage, so you can use it considerately in quiet places such as trains, offices, and libraries.
Thoughtful Features for Calls and Daily Use
The RB-C10 also covers the features that support everyday use. It supports multipoint connection to two devices at once, such as a PC and a smartphone, making it easy to switch from an online meeting to a video afterward. It supports Bluetooth Class 1, and the codecs are SBC and AAC.
The controls use physical buttons to prevent accidental input when you touch your ear. Single-earbud use is supported, so you can keep taking calls or listening on one side while the other charges. During calls, ENC (environmental noise cancellation) reduces surrounding noise for clearer conversations outdoors. The body carries IPX4-equivalent splash resistance, making it usable while cooking or exercising.
Battery life runs up to 7 hours from the earbuds alone and up to 26 hours when paired with the charging case. It also supports quick charging that provides about 60 minutes of use from a 15-minute charge, which is handy when you plug in briefly right before heading out. The case charges over USB Type-C, and a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable of about 0.2m is included. Including the case, the whole package comes in at about 38 grams. The packaging holds petroleum-based plastic to 1 percent or less, a nod to environmental considerations as well.
Summary
The RB-C10 is Panasonic's first ear-cuff true wireless earbuds. Around a light 5.5-gram-per-ear body, accessory-like design, and open-ear structure, it brings together practical features such as an 11mm large driver, Polite Mode, multipoint, IPX4 splash resistance, and up to 26 hours of playback. It sells for 14,850 yen (tax included) in three colors: Black, White Pearl, and Sakura Pearl. For anyone looking for earbuds suited to listening while staying aware of their surroundings, it looks like a strong option.
