Review of Bose Ultra Open earbuds: innovative fit, superb sound

Bluetooth earbuds that wrap around the ear without obstructing it, allowing for full awareness during music and calls

Bose’s latest earbuds represent a departure from their previous noise-canceling models. These new earbuds are designed to allow ambient sound in rather than block it out. They are worn more like jewelry than typical gadgets, attaching to the ear without obstructing it.

These earbuds are the latest iteration of Bose’s open audio technology, which uses small speakers to deliver music to the ears without blocking them. This technology was previously featured in the excellent Frames audio glasses, which have since been discontinued.

Priced at a hefty £300 (€349/$299), the Ultra Open earbuds enter a market niche alongside other open earbuds like the £179 Shokz OpenFit or £149 Sony LinkBuds. However, the Bose earbuds offer two significant advantages over their competitors: excellent, full sound and a unique fit that accommodates glasses and other headwear without interference.

A battery cylinder is positioned behind the ear and connected to the L-shaped plastic speaker arm by a flexible silicone spring. This setup secures the earbuds around the side of the ear.

The fit feels quite unusual and requires some practice to get used to, but once properly secured, they are lightweight and comfortable. I was initially concerned they might come loose during a run, but they remained securely in place regardless of how sweaty I became or how vigorously I moved my head.

The button located on the top of the battery cylinder handles controls. A single press, double press, or triple press controls playback, while a press and hold activates your chosen shortcut, which defaults to cycling between modes. To manually adjust the volume, you must perform a double press and hold, which can be challenging for precise adjustments.

Alternatively, the earbuds feature an auto-volume system that swiftly adjusts the sound up and down to adapt to ambient noise levels. While effective, it can sometimes be overly sensitive, quickly increasing the volume when, for example, blowing your nose or rustling a packet of crisps. I only activated it during my runs.

Specifications

Water resistance: sweat-resistant (IPX4)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive)
Battery life: up to 7.5 hours (27 hours with case)
Individual earbud weight: 6.4 grams
Individual earbud dimensions: 19 x 17 x 27 millimeters
Charging case weight: 44 grams
Charging case dimensions: 42 x 65 x 26 millimeters
Charging case charging: USB-C

Quality sound

One standout feature is their impressive sound quality. They deliver full-range audio with strong bass and a level of quality typically associated with fully sealed earbuds, rather than open-fit models, which often produce a tinny sound. While they may not reproduce the deepest bass notes and can be outperformed by high-quality fully sealed earbuds, they provide more than satisfactory sound quality across most genres, offering a balanced and pleasant listening experience.

Because they don’t block the ear canal, you remain fully aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for activities like running or walking in urban areas. The speakers feature a clever port system along the top that reduces sound leakage. This system is effective enough that only those in very close proximity will be able to hear your earbuds, and only when the volume is turned up significantly.

The earbuds also feature Bose’s immersive or spatial audio mode, found in its latest noise-canceling models. This mode simulates a pair of speakers positioned in front of you, providing certain tracks with a broader and less compressed sound. They also support higher-quality audio with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound certified devices, which include a small selection of Android phones. Otherwise, they function as standard Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds. Each earbud can be used independently, but they can only connect to one device at a time. A Bluetooth multipoint update is currently in development.

Call quality is good, with clear audio on both ends. However, my voice sounded slightly distant compared to top performers such as the QC Ultra earbuds and Apple’s AirPods Pro.

In my testing, the battery lasted for approximately seven hours of continuous playback, which is quite lengthy for earbuds but falls slightly short of Bose’s estimates. The case can recharge the earbuds about 2.5 times, resulting in more than 24 hours of total playback time. Additionally, they boast an extended 48-hour standby time, allowing you to wear them throughout the day and use them for occasional calls or audio without needing to recharge.

Sustainability

Bose estimates that the batteries will last for over 500 full-charge cycles. However, they are not replaceable, and the earbuds are not repairable, effectively rendering them disposable.

While some replacement parts will be offered, the earbuds do not contain recycled materials. Bose provides discounts for returning broken products. Although it does not release individual product environmental impact reports, the company does publish annual sustainability reports.

Price

The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are priced at £299.95 (€349/$299) and come in black or white color options.

In comparison, the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are priced at £270, the Sony LinkBuds at £149, the Shokz OpenFit at £179, and the Apple AirPods at £169.

Verdict

The Bose Ultra Open earbuds offer a unique open-ear listening experience without compromising on comfort or sound quality. Their behind-the-ear fit keeps them clear of glasses and other headwear, ensuring they remain secure and lightweight enough to be virtually unnoticeable.

They are widely regarded as the best-sounding open earbuds on the market and exhibit minimal sound leakage to those around you, unlike many competitors. However, they come at a premium price, roughly double that of some other excellent options. Additionally, like most earbuds, the batteries are not replaceable, making them effectively disposable.

While they may not appeal to everyone, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are the top choice for those who can afford them and seek a comfortable all-day wearing experience while remaining aware of their surroundings.