Bose Open Earbuds: Ultra Open 2nd Gen and Sport Review

Bose Open Earbuds bring richer sound, longer battery life, secure sports comfort, and fresh colors to the growing clip-on audio market.

A Fresh Take on Open-Ear Listening

Open-ear audio has been quietly gathering momentum, and Bose is stepping back into the conversation with two new clip-on models. After nearly two years without a major update, the company has introduced the second-generation Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen alongside the all-new Sport Open Earbuds.

I’ll admit it: I’m still fond of noise-canceling earbuds when I need to disappear into a playlist and get something done. There’s a certain magic in pressing play and letting the outside world fade into the background. But for walking, cycling, commuting, or simply staying aware of what’s happening nearby, open-ear earbuds make a persuasive case.

The new Bose Open Earbuds are designed for exactly those moments. Rather than sealing the ear canal, they sit beside the ear and deliver sound while leaving the surrounding environment audible. That can be especially useful for runners, cyclists, commuters, and anyone who finds the plugged-up sensation of traditional earbuds uncomfortable.

Why Open-Ear Earbuds Are Having a Moment

The timing feels right for Bose. Open-ear designs are becoming increasingly popular among people who need music without losing awareness of traffic, conversations, announcements, or general outdoor commotion. Transparency modes on conventional earbuds can help, of course, but they still create a different physical sensation than leaving the ear completely open.

For some listeners, that distinction matters. Active noise cancellation can occasionally create an occlusion effect, producing the feeling that the ears are blocked or that internal sounds are unusually prominent. Open-ear earbuds avoid much of that sealed-off experience, making them appealing for long walks, workouts, and everyday travel.

Both new Bose models support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint connectivity, allowing them to connect with two devices. They also include Google Fast Pair for quicker setup with compatible Android devices. Preorders begin September 19, while general availability is scheduled for October 1.

The earbuds will arrive in Black and White Smoke, with additional limited-edition color choices depending on the model. That gives the lineup a little more personality than the usual parade of black, white, and “slightly different black.” A small thing, perhaps, but color can make wearable technology feel more personal.

Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen Bring More Power

The flagship Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen return with a second-generation redesign aimed at improving sound and everyday usability. Bose says the refreshed model is intended to create more listening opportunities across active pursuits and ordinary daily routines.

The largest hardware update is inside the earbuds. The new version uses reengineered drivers designed to provide deeper bass and higher volume than the previous model. That addresses one of the main complaints associated with the earlier generation: open-ear earbuds can be wonderfully comfortable and aware of their surroundings, but they sometimes struggle to deliver the fullness and impact listeners expect from premium audio gear.

Bose appears to be tackling that weakness directly. More powerful drivers should help music feel less distant, especially when listening outdoors or in busier environments. It’s still an open-ear design, so the experience won’t be identical to wearing sealed in-ear monitors. That’s the trade-off. You gain environmental awareness, while Bose works to make the sound itself more satisfying.

The physical design has also been polished. The earbuds feature a refined metallic cap with a beveled finish, giving them a more finished look than a purely functional sports accessory. The charging case receives a redesign as well, including a structure that allows it to stand upright.

Wireless Charging and Longer Listening

One particularly welcome addition is wireless charging compatibility for the Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen case. It’s the kind of feature that quickly becomes part of a daily routine: place the case on a charging pad, walk away, and avoid another cable on the desk.

Battery life is rated at nine hours for the earbuds themselves, with another 19.5 hours supplied by the charging case. That gives the package enough stamina for a full day of listening with plenty left for the next outing.

The quick-charge feature is handy for those classic “I forgot to charge them” moments. A 10-minute charge provides up to two hours of playback, which could be enough to cover a commute, a workout, or a long walk through the neighborhood.

Aiming for Better Sound and Clearer Calls

Audio quality is the main selling point of the Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen. The earbuds support the aptX Adaptive codec and Snapdragon Sound, technologies intended to help deliver higher-quality wireless playback with compatible devices.

Calls receive attention, too. Bose includes Speech Clarity technology, which automatically adjusts listening volume according to the surrounding noise level. The system uses AI to make those volume changes more smoothly, rather than forcing the listener to keep reaching for the controls whenever the environment shifts.

That could be useful on a city street, near a busy gym, or during a commute when sound levels are constantly changing. Open-ear earbuds are all about adapting to the real world, so automatic volume management fits naturally into the concept.

For movies and shows, the Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen also include Cinema mode. This feature uses Bose TrueSpatial technology to create a more enveloping three-dimensional listening experience. It aims to place the listener inside a broader sound field instead of presenting everything as straightforward left-and-right playback.

The Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen will be available in limited-edition Olive Green, Cherry Chocolate, and Sky Pink. The price is $299.

Sport Open Earbuds Focus on Staying Put

The second arrival in the lineup takes a more athletic route. The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are built for movement, with a secure clip-on shape and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Compared with the Ultra model, the Sport version uses a rounder hinge intended to keep each earbud in place during more demanding activity. Bose positions them for sports, running, gym sessions, and other workouts where a loose earbud can become an instant nuisance.

The design is meant to stay secure during headshakes, cartwheels, and similarly energetic movements. That’s a useful distinction: there’s a big difference between earbuds that feel comfortable while sitting at a desk and earbuds that remain reliable when your entire body is in motion.

Bose has also chosen tactile physical buttons rather than touch controls. That makes sense for a fitness-focused product. When hands are sweaty, gloves are involved, or you’re moving quickly, trying to locate a tiny touch-sensitive surface can feel like attempting to text during a roller coaster ride. Physical buttons offer clearer feedback and make basic controls easier to operate without looking.

A Sportier Case and All-Day Comfort

The Sport Open Earbuds come with a more athletic-looking charging case featuring a translucent lid. The lid is textured to improve grip, adding both visual character and a practical touch when the case is being opened on the move.

Each earbud weighs 10 grams. Bose describes the design as suitable for all-day wear, which is important for open-ear products since their appeal often lies in extended listening rather than short bursts of use.

Battery life is rated at seven hours for the earbuds, while the case brings the total listening time to 29 hours. That should cover several workouts or a series of daily commutes before the case needs to be recharged.

The Sport Open Earbuds will be priced at $199. They will be offered in limited-edition Eucalyptus Green, alongside the other stated color options.

Two Models, Two Different Listening Moods

Taken together, the two new models give Bose a broader presence in the clip-on earbuds category. The Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen are aimed at listeners who want improved audio, longer battery life, wireless charging, advanced codecs, clearer calls, and a more cinematic sound option.

The Sport Open Earbuds are more focused. Their priorities are secure fit, physical controls, splash and dust resistance, comfortable long-term wear, and dependable battery life for active use.

That split makes the lineup easy to understand. The Ultra is the more feature-rich everyday option, while the Sport model is the energetic companion for workouts and outdoor movement. Neither asks listeners to choose between music and awareness. Instead, both embrace the idea that sometimes the world should stay in the mix.

The new Bose Open Earbuds lineup gives listeners two clear ways to enjoy music without completely tuning out their surroundings. Would you choose the richer, more feature-packed Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen, or the secure, workout-ready Sport Open Earbuds?

FAQ

• What are the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen?
  They are Bose’s updated flagship open-ear earbuds, featuring redesigned drivers, improved bass and volume, wireless charging, nine hours of earbud battery life, and advanced audio features.
• How much do the Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen cost?
  The Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen are priced at $299.
• What makes the Bose Sport Open Earbuds different?
  The Sport model is designed for active use, with a secure rounded hinge, IP54 dust and splash resistance, physical buttons, and a lightweight 10-gram-per-earbud design.
• How long do the Sport Open Earbuds last?
  The earbuds provide up to seven hours of listening time, while the charging case brings total battery life to 29 hours.
• Do both Bose models support multipoint connectivity?
  Yes. Both models support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint connectivity for two devices and Google Fast Pair.

If Bose’s blend of open-ear comfort and recognizable audio design speaks to your musical side, browse our favorite album cover posters and bring a little more sound-inspired character to your space.