The Best Clip On Earrings

When it comes to jewelry, earrings top the list of fun and versatile accessories. Bright hoops can spice up a casual workout outfit, while elegant diamond studs can elevate a simple sweater dress. There's truly no limit to the ways you can mix and match these babies. But if don't have your ears pierced — whether by choice or because of an inability to — you may think your options are limited. Well, we're here to tell you that clip-on earrings have come a long way. These days, you can find pretty much any earring style in a comfortable non-pierced version. Check out the wide selection of clip-on earrings available today to complete that perfect fit.

What to Look For

Ready to buy your next pair of clip-on earrings? Before doing so, ask yourself three questions to help find the perfect pair: Are these earrings going to complement my wardrobe and my general aesthetic? Are they truly easy to put on and take off? And are they made of skin-safe materials? With those questions guiding our search, we highlighted up a wide variety of different clip-on earrings. As a result, our roundup should have something for almost everyone. For example, Yoqucol’s classy cubic zirconia clip-ons are great for anyone who wants a pair to elevate their look. For something more understated, we like the lightweight hoops offered by Aloha Earrings. And for a bold pair of statement earrings, turn to Jstyle’s chunky stainless steel clip-ons. Read on to learn more.

Tamhoo Fashion Clip-On Earrings

Take your pick

This diverse set of clip-on earrings offers plenty of great styles to choose from.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

One of the best things about earrings as a fashion accessory is just the sheer variety of sizes and styles that you can find. And this diversity of selection shouldn’t just be available for people with pierced ears. We love this multi-pack of fashion earrings by Tamhoo because it gives you 15 different dangle clip-on designs to choose from in different tones and colors.  From minimalist shapes to Celtic-inspired patterns to classic teardrops and hoops, you can have it all in this great set without needing to pierce your earlobes. Made of nickel-free, hypoallergenic materials, these lightweight babies work with the most sensitive ears, and they even include soft pads to help you keep them in place for hours at a time.

Pros:

  • 15 pairs included
  • Eco-friendly construction
  • Hypoallergenic for sensitive ears

Cons:

  • Some assembly is required if you want to attach the included pads

Aloha Earrings Clip-On Hoop Earrings

Hoops that don't hurt

These lightweight hoops use a clever spring-clip design to stay comfortably on your ears for hours.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

Ok, let’s be honest: most clip-on earrings just aren’t that pleasant to wear. Whether they fit too tightly or don’t have enough padding, the reality is that most pairs can only be worn for a few hours at a time before your earlobes become sore. That’s why finding a truly comfortable pair feels like a win. And when it comes to comfort, few earrings beat these classic hoop clip-ons by Aloha Earrings. Boasting “comfort spring clip” technology, these babies rely on a spring that lightly touches the back of your ear without hurting or pinching your earlobe. The result is an earring that truly stays on despite your active lifestyle. Choose your favorite hoop size from small to XXL based on your preference and ear shape, and add a bit of spring to your step.

Pros:

  • Hoops will stay on despite movement
  • Invisible, pad-free backs
  • Super lightweight

Cons:

  • The back spring can pop off sometimes
  • Silver-tone earrings have nickel in them

Yoqucol Cubic Zirconia Crystal Clip-On Stud

Shine sans soreness

Add a pinch of poise rather than pain to your outfit with these shiny, cubic zirconia clip-ons.
Most Elegant

Find on Amazon

There’s a reason they say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Even if you’re wearing the smallest pair, the natural shine of a diamond in your ear is enough to attract all the eyes in a room. Thankfully, these days, you don’t have to spend a fortune to put a sparkle in someone’s eyes. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that looks just like a diamond but without the price tag. And you can have it in a clip-on version as well with this beautiful stud by Yoqucol. Whether you’re looking for a classic diamond look or for something with a bit more color, the Yoqucol collection has you covered with its diverse selection of multicolored crystals and simulated pearls. Complete your evening gown look or dress up a business casual fit with the elegance and ease of this affordable, comfortable stud.

Pros:

  • 10 different gold and silver designs to choose from
  • Comes with extra pads for comfort
  • Petite size for young girls and adults

Cons:

  • Rubber pads may be noticeable while wearing the earrings

PinkSheep Clip-On Earrings for Little Girls

Safe and sweet styles

With cute designs ranging from bowties to butterflies, this children's set of clip-on earrings will help any little girl feel more beautiful.
Best For Kids

Find on Amazon

Though kids are getting their ears pierced younger and younger these days, as parents, there are still plenty of reasons why we wait to let our children do so. But this doesn’t have to mean your little girl can’t express herself with jewelry. Clip-on earrings are a great way to make her feel special and learn responsibility in caring for her objects while also avoiding infection and unnecessary pain. And this 18-pair set of cute character clip-on earrings by PinkSheep is a great starter pack for doing so. The light pastel designs include unicorns, mermaids, whales, butterflies, flowers, and more. The set also comes with 38  pieces of soft rubber earring pads to make the earrings more comfortable to wear. And thanks to the cute floral box packaging, you can give the gift of safe self-expression to all the young ladies in your life.

Pros:

  • Great cost value
  • Durable alloy construction
  • Packaged in a flower-wrapped box

Cons:

  • Clip-on part may pinch some sensitive ears

Jstyle Stainless Steel Hoop Huggie Clip-On Earrings

A flexible fit

Sleek and understated, these plated clip-ons look great on anyone.
Best Unisex

Find on Amazon

These days, as more and more gender norms are questioned and broken, fashion never fails to be far behind. And jewelry is certainly one of the biggest areas that are undergoing these changes. Earrings aren’t just for women, anymore; simple, block-color styles are becoming available for unisex wear, and this applies to clip-on options as well. This set from Jstyle includes three pairs of shiny and sleek simple hoop earrings in gold, silver, or black. With a flexible clasp design, these cuff earrings really look like the real thing and are a good starter earring for anyone unsure if they actually want to get their lobes pierced. Mix and match the colors or wear just one on days you want to make a subtle statement.

Pros:

  • Durable stainless steel design
  • Adjustable fit for a more comfortable wear
  • Plated color won’t fade

Cons:

  • Clamp fit may not be tight enough for all earlobes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do clip-on earrings hurt so much?

If you’ve avoided non-pierced earrings, it’s likely because you’ve been traumatized by a pair or two before. Some cheap clip-on options have a one-size-fits-all clip design that applies too much tension to your lobes, leaving you with sore, marked ears. Thankfully, there are many earrings on the market today that use other methods to get that earring to stay without needing a pierced hole. If the clamp design or spring-back design doesn’t work for you, then consider looking up magnetic ones that avoid any pinching altogether.

How do I make my clip-ons more comfortable?

If you’ve got a favorite pair of clip-on earrings that you just don’t want to part with but also can’t bear wearing all day, we’ve got two tips for you. Firstly, try using pliers to gently bend out and broaden one side of the U-shape. Keep making adjustments and trying the earring on until it seems like it will stay on your ear without also causing too much pinching. Secondly, you can order some plastic or rubber protector pads and glue them onto the metal bit that clamps onto your earlobe. This will help prevent sore indentation.

About the Author

Sasha lives in London, one of the most notable fashion hubs in the world. She loves the free-flowing boho style and often matches her style with seasons — colorful in the summer and London fog grey in the winter. Sasha understands that fashion is subjective, and she wants to help you find the right style that works for your lifestyle.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.