Head-to-head · Best Open-ear Headphones

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Sony LinkBuds Clip

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.7 vs 3.6). The gap is mostly about fitness enthusiasts prioritizing secure fit — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Open-ear Headphones

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

3.7

7 sources1 derived$202.99as of Sep 27

SoundGuys reviewed the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and found their innovative clip-on design offers a secure fit and IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for outdoor cardio enthusiasts. However, they noted significant sonic compromises that detract from the overall experience. The earbuds lack a traditional earbud seal, allowing ambient sound to penetrate, which may be both a benefit and drawback depending on user needs. The $299 price point is steep, especially when compared to alternatives offering better audio performance.

Strengths

— Secure fit during physical activity like cycling
— IPX4 water resistance for sweat protection
— Firmware update added Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity

Watch-outs

— Subpar sound quality compared to traditional earbuds
— Expensive

$202.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #6 in Best Open-ear Headphones

Sony LinkBuds Clip

3.6

6 sources1 derived$228as of Oct 2

Sony LinkBuds Clip are open-ear earbuds designed for comfort and situational awareness rather than immersive audio. SoundGuys called them a 'solid addition to the LinkBuds line' and noted their IPX4 rating makes them suitable for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. The earbuds clip to the outer ear and don't occlude the ear canal, which contributes to their unique feel. Kevin the Tech Ninja from YouTube found them surprisingly comfortable after an initial adjustment period, though he emphasized they're not for those seeking the best audio experience. The controls are accessed by tapping the tragus, which can be finicky and requires the Sound Connect app for customization.

Strengths

— Battery life is solid
— Convenience of hearing surroundings while listening
— Comfortable for extended wear once adjusted

Watch-outs

— Sound quality is not premium
— Case feels a bit bulky

$228 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a secure fit and IPX4 water resistance, advantages over the Nothing Ear (Open) and Sony LinkBuds Clip, but suffer from subpar sound quality compared to the Shokz OpenDots 2 and HUAWEI FreeClip 2. Unlike the Shokz models, they lack wireless charging and have a significantly higher price tag of $299.

Sony LinkBuds Clip

The Sony LinkBuds Clip provides a comfortable fit and situational awareness, advantages over the Shokz OpenDots 2 and Nothing Ear (Open) models. While the Shokz models offer better battery life and bone conduction technology, the Sony earbuds provide IPX4 water resistance and a more traditional open-ear design that's easier to adjust for extended wear.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bose Ultra Open Earbuds	Sony LinkBuds Clip
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4
Weight	Earbuds: 6g each	6.2g
Battery Life	Up to 7 hours of play time	9 hours
Driver Size	0.46 in	—
Design	Open-Ear	Open-ear clip-on
Technology	—	Open-ear clip-on
Bluetooth Version	—	5.3

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