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.
Full review
Unique clip-on design
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds introduce a distinctive clip-on mechanism that sets them apart from traditional earbuds. The design consists of three components: an L-shaped plastic piece that sits over the ear canal, a flexible rubberized section that wraps around the ear ridge, and a barrel-shaped piece with electronics that rests behind the ear. SoundGuys noted that the unique clip-on design requires some adjustment to get used to, particularly when removing and inserting the earbuds from the charging case. The case houses the drivers facing outward, which makes the insertion and removal process slightly more complex than standard earbuds. The earbuds weigh 6 grams each, making them relatively lightweight, though the design does feel different from conventional in-ear models. The rubber joint connecting the components feels durable, though long-term durability remains uncertain. CNET emphasized that the buds are IPX4 splashproof, suitable for running, biking, and gym use, and that they fit securely on the ear without clamping, providing a comfortable, unobtrusive wear experience.
Audio quality and sound tuning
The audio quality of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is described as surprisingly rich and full, with a midcentric tuning that compensates for the lack of ear canal sealing. Audioreviews.org noted that the earbuds deliver a bright but smooth tonality, with a shimmery, glossy quality to instruments like guitars and piano keys. However, the lack of sealing does result in limited sub-bass extension, with the bass being more present in quantity than depth. The sound signature is described as having a pleasing, enveloping billowiness, though it lacks the sculpted or punchy low-end that some competitors offer. Techgearlab's review highlighted that the audio quality is good, though not the best among top-ranked earbuds, with a strong emphasis on immersive sound that makes it feel as though the music is coming from all around the room. The sound quality is particularly noted for its ability to maintain awareness while delivering a full listening experience, though it lacks the punch of in-ear models. CNET reported that the Ultra Open delivers very good sound quality for open earbuds, with a surprisingly comfortable fit and secure hold during physical activities.
Immersive audio and battery performance
One of the standout features of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is their immersive audio mode, which simulates a surround sound experience. Techgearlab noted that the immersive mode makes it feel as though the music is coming from all around the room, and that this feature significantly enhances the listening experience. The battery life is spec'd at 4 hours with immersive audio and 7 hours without, with the charging case providing an additional 12-19 hours of playback. Audioreviews.org mentioned that battery life is low for this day and age, making them less ideal for long flights, though they are sufficient for daily use. The charging case supports quick charging, though the overall capacity is limited. CNET reported that the battery performance is adequate for daily use, with the immersive mode providing a more engaging experience but at the cost of reduced battery life. The earbuds also feature a clever auto volume setting that adjusts volume based on changes in the surrounding environment, enhancing usability in varying conditions.
Call quality and microphone performance
Call quality in the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is described as acceptable in quiet environments but less effective in noisy settings. Loudnwireless.com reported that while the microphone pickup performs reasonably well in real-world tests, it struggles under extreme noise conditions, such as those found in a train or with loud background noise. The microphone's noise gating was noted to be overly aggressive in the mid-range, sometimes cutting into the user's voice. Audioreviews.org mentioned that call quality is okay in quiet settings but less so otherwise, with volume seeming muted and wind and ambient noise being intrusive when outdoors. The earbuds do not feature active noise cancellation, which is a trade-off for the open-ear design. CNET noted that voice calling performance is decent, though not exceptional, with the earbuds being more suited for those who want to remain aware of their surroundings rather than those requiring high-quality calls in noisy environments.
User experience and app integration
The user experience with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is described as intuitive and well-integrated with the Bose Music app. Techgearlab highlighted that the app is clean and well-conceived, offering lots of control customization and EQ options, including useful presets. The app allows for assignable shortcuts, volume control, and other features that enhance the user experience. The control buttons on each earbud are simple and functional, allowing for playback control, phone calls, and shortcut assignments. CNET noted that the earbuds are easy to use and offer a surprisingly comfortable fit, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. The app integration is praised for its ease of use and the variety of settings available, which allow for personalization of the listening experience. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are also noted for their compatibility with aptX Adaptive, which enhances streaming quality on Snapdragon Sound certified devices.
Price and value proposition
Audioreviews.org noted that while the Ultra Open are beyond reproach in terms of design and build quality, they are a bit dated in terms of features and value compared to competitors. The price point is higher than many alternatives, such as the Baseus Inspire XC1, which offers better value for money. Techgearlab's review indicated that the earbuds are one of the few that stay securely in place, no matter the activity, and offer good sound quality, but they lack ANC and are priced higher than many competitors. CNET emphasized that while the earbuds are overpriced, they offer a unique and comfortable fit, along with very good sound quality for open earbuds. The value proposition is strong for users who prioritize awareness and comfort, but those seeking a more affordable option or additional features like ANC may find better alternatives.
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
How it compares
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.
Rating sources
“the Ultra Open are beyond reproach—silicon casings feel premium and physical button works more reliably than the typical touch panel”
Our 3.7 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
