Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 2025: Open-Ear Audio Experience

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have redefined what wireless earbuds can be, blending cutting-edge technology with a unique, open-ear design. Unlike traditional earbuds that seal the ear canal, these earbuds prioritize situational awareness, delivering premium sound while keeping you connected to your surroundings. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore every aspect of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, from their innovative design to their advanced features, specifications, and real-world performance. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a commuter, or someone who values comfort and audio quality, this article will help you decide if these earbuds are the right fit for you.

What Are the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds?

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a groundbreaking audio wearable designed to provide high-quality sound without blocking your ears. Launched in February 2024, these earbuds feature a cuff-like design that clips onto the outer ear, leaving the ear canal open. This innovative approach ensures you can enjoy music, podcasts, or calls while remaining fully aware of your environment—perfect for outdoor activities, office settings, or situations where safety and awareness are paramount.

Bose has combined its proprietary OpenAudio technology with Immersive Audio to deliver rich, private sound that rivals traditional in-ear earbuds. The earbuds are marketed as a premium product, priced at $299 / £299 / AU$449.95, and are available in stylish colors like Black, White Smoke, and special editions such as the Kith collaboration and Steve Lacy signature model. Let’s dive into the key features and specifications that make these earbuds stand out.

Key Features of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

1. Innovative Open-Ear Design

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a cuff-shaped design that hooks gently around the outer ear, resembling ear-cuff jewelry. This design is both functional and fashionable, ensuring a secure fit without the need for ear tips or hooks that go over the ear. The earbuds consist of a flexible silicone arm connecting the audio driver to a battery barrel that sits behind the ear, providing a light-as-air grip.

• Comfort: The lightweight construction (weighing approximately 12g per bud) and soft silicone coating make these earbuds comfortable for all-day wear. Users report forgetting they’re even wearing them, even during extended use like 12-hour work shifts.
• Stability: The design ensures a secure fit, making them ideal for workouts, running, or cycling. They stay in place even during vigorous movement, though some users note a slight wobble due to the uneven weight distribution.
• Compatibility with Accessories: The open-ear design doesn’t interfere with glasses, hats, or jewelry, making it versatile for various lifestyles.

2. Bose OpenAudio Technology

Bose’s proprietary OpenAudio technology uses a tiny dipole transducer system to deliver rich, deep, and private audio directly into the ear canal without sealing it. This technology minimizes sound spillage, ensuring that people around you hear little to no audio leakage, even at moderate volume levels.

• Sound Quality: The earbuds produce surprisingly robust bass, clear mids, and crisp highs for an open-ear design. Compared to traditional earbuds held slightly outside the ear, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer greater volume and richer bass.
• Privacy: In most environments, sound leakage is minimal. At maximum volume in a quiet setting, others may hear faint audio, but details remain inaudible unless they’re very close.

3. Immersive Audio with Spatial Sound

The earbuds feature Bose Immersive Audio, a spatial audio technology that creates a wider, more spacious soundstage, mimicking the experience of listening to stereo speakers. This feature includes two modes:

• Still Mode: Fixes the audio in a specific position, ideal for stationary listening.
• Motion Mode: Uses head-tracking to adjust the sound based on your head movements, enhancing immersion for dynamic activities like walking or running.

While Immersive Audio enhances certain tracks, particularly live recordings or mono mixes, its effectiveness is track-specific and may not suit all music genres. Engaging this feature reduces battery life significantly, from 7.5 hours to 4.5 hours per charge.

4. Automatic Volume Control

The Auto Volume feature, accessible via the Bose Music app, intelligently adjusts the earbuds’ volume based on ambient noise levels. This ensures consistent audio clarity as you move between quiet and loud environments, such as from a peaceful park to a busy street. However, some users note that the app occasionally turns this feature off after powering down, requiring manual reactivation.

5. Bluetooth Multipoint Connectivity

As of a July 2024 software update, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices (e.g., a phone and a laptop). Users can switch between devices seamlessly using a customizable shortcut button, making these earbuds ideal for multitasking professionals or students.

• Bluetooth 5.3: Offers a strong, continuous connection within a 9-meter range.
• Additional Codecs: Supports Qualcomm aptX Adaptive for high-resolution audio and low-latency performance on compatible Android devices, as well as Google Fast Pair for quick setup.

6. IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance

With an IPX4 rating, the earbuds are resistant to sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for workouts, running, or use in humid conditions. However, they are not fully waterproof, so avoid submerging them or exposing them to heavy rain.

7. Battery Life and Charging

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer solid battery performance for their size and design:

• Playback Time: Up to 7.5 hours with Immersive Audio off, or 4.5 hours with it on, at moderate volume levels.
• Standby Time: Up to 48 hours, allowing all-day wear without frequent recharging.
• Charging Case: Provides an additional 19.5 hours of battery life, with a Type-C charging port and a 1-hour charge time for the earbuds.
• Drawback: The charging case does not support wireless charging unless an optional wireless charging case cover is purchased.

8. Bose Music App Customization

The Bose Music app (available for iOS and Android) enhances the user experience with a range of customization options:

• Adjustable EQ: Fine-tune bass, midrange, and treble levels to suit your preferences.
• Listening Modes: Switch between Immersive Audio modes (Still or Motion) or adjust Auto Volume settings.
• Shortcut Customization: Assign functions like “Switch Source” or volume control to the physical button on each earbud.
• Software Updates: Ensure access to new features like multipoint connectivity.

9. Call Quality and Microphone Performance

The earbuds feature a built-in microphone system optimized for clear calls, even in noisy environments. While call quality is generally good, some users report that voices may sound slightly distant compared to premium in-ear models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Apple AirPods Pro. The microphone supports traditional calls and VoIP apps like Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime.

10. SimpleSync Technology

Bose’s SimpleSync technology allows the earbuds to pair with select Bose smart soundbars and speakers for a personal TV listening experience with independent volume control. This feature is perfect for watching TV without disturbing others.

11. Sustainability and Build

The earbuds are made of flexible silicone, plastic, and metallic finishes with gold plating for a premium look. While Bose offers discounts for returning broken products, the earbuds do not contain recycled materials, and individual product environmental impact reports are not published. Replacement parts are available, enhancing longevity.

Specifications Table

Specification	Details
Price	$299 / £299 / AU$449.95 / ₹25,900 (India)
Design	Open-ear, cuff-shaped, clips onto outer ear
Weight	~12g per earbud (estimated)
Materials	Flexible silicone, plastic, metallic finish, gold plating
Audio Technology	Bose OpenAudio, Immersive Audio (Still and Motion modes)
Sound Profile	Robust bass, clear mids, crisp highs
Bluetooth Version	5.3, with multipoint connectivity (as of July 2024)
Codecs	A2DP, HFP, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, Google Fast Pair
Range	Up to 9 meters
Battery Life	7.5 hours (4.5 hours with Immersive Audio), 48 hours standby
Charging Case Battery	Additional 19.5 hours
Charging Time	1 hour (earbuds), Type-C port
Water Resistance	IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant)
Microphone	Built-in, supports calls and VoIP apps
Controls	Physical button for play/pause, volume, and customizable shortcuts
App Support	Bose Music app (iOS, Android) with Adjustable EQ and Auto Volume
Additional Features	SimpleSync for pairing with Bose soundbars, Auto Volume, head-tracking
Colors	Black, White Smoke, Kith edition, Steve Lacy signature model
Warranty	Standard 1-year warranty, extended warranty available

Real-World Performance

Sound Quality

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds deliver impressive audio for an open-ear design. The OpenAudio technology ensures a full, immersive soundstage with surprising bass depth, which is rare for earbuds that don’t seal the ear canal. Tracks like Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy showcase the earbuds’ ability to handle dynamic bass and crisp vocals, though performance in noisy environments like subways can be challenging due to the lack of noise cancellation.

Comfort and Fit

Users consistently praise the earbuds’ comfort, with many calling them the most comfortable earbuds they’ve worn. The cuff-like design avoids ear fatigue, making them ideal for long listening sessions. However, the fit requires some practice, and first-time users may need to adjust the earbuds to optimize sound direction.

Use Cases

• Workouts: The IPX4 rating and secure fit make these earbuds excellent for running, cycling, or gym sessions. Their open design ensures safety by allowing ambient sounds like traffic or pedestrians.
• Work: The earbuds are perfect for office settings where you need to hear colleagues or stay aware of announcements while listening to music or taking calls.
• Commuting: While great for quieter commutes, the lack of noise cancellation makes them less ideal for loud environments like subways unless Auto Volume is enabled.

Drawbacks

• Price: At $299, the earbuds are expensive compared to competitors like the Sony LinkBuds ($180) or Shokz OpenFit ($179). The premium price reflects Bose’s brand and audio quality but may deter budget-conscious buyers.
• No Noise Cancellation: By design, these earbuds lack active noise cancellation, which may be a dealbreaker for users in noisy environments.
• No Wireless Charging: The absence of native wireless charging (without an additional accessory) feels like a missed opportunity at this price point.
• Fit Concerns: Some users report a slightly unsteady feel due to the battery barrel’s weight, though the earbuds rarely fall off.

Who Are the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds For?

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are ideal for:

• Fitness Enthusiasts: Runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who need to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music.
• Professionals: Office workers or remote employees who want to listen to music or take calls without isolating themselves from their environment.
• Fashion-Forward Users: Those who appreciate the jewelry-inspired design and want a stylish audio accessory.
• Safety-Conscious Listeners: Commuters or outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize hearing ambient sounds for safety.

They may not suit:

• Audiophiles in Noisy Environments: Users in loud settings like airplanes or busy cities may prefer noise-canceling earbuds.
• Budget Shoppers: The high price point may be a barrier for those seeking more affordable open-ear options.

Comparison with Competitors

Feature	Bose Ultra Open Earbuds	Sony LinkBuds	Shokz OpenFit
Price	$299	$180	$179
Design	Cuff-like, open-ear	Ring-shaped, open	Over-ear hook
Sound Quality	Robust bass, Immersive Audio	Balanced, less bass	Good, less immersive
Battery Life	7.5h (4.5h with Immersive)	5.5h	7h
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4	IP54
Bluetooth	5.3, multipoint	5.2, no multipoint	5.2, no multipoint
App Customization	Adjustable EQ, Auto Volume	Limited EQ	Basic controls

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds outperform competitors in sound quality and app customization but come at a higher price and lack the ruggedness of the Shokz OpenFit’s IP54 rating.

Conclusion

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a bold step forward in wearable audio, offering a unique blend of premium sound, comfort, and situational awareness. Their open-ear design, powered by OpenAudio and Immersive Audio technologies, delivers an impressive listening experience for those who want to stay connected to their surroundings. While the $299 price tag and lack of noise cancellation may not suit everyone, these earbuds excel for workouts, work, and casual use where safety and comfort are priorities.

If you’re looking for a stylish, high-quality open-ear audio solution, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a top contender. For more details or to purchase, visit Bose.com.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change. Check with retailers like Bose, Best Buy, or Target for the latest offers.