Bluetooth earbuds fit around the ear without blocking it, allowing full awareness during music and calls
Bose’s latest earbuds represent a departure from their previous noise-canceling models, aiming to let ambient sound in rather than blocking it out. They are designed to be worn more like jewelry than gadgets, sitting outside the ear rather than inside.
These earbuds are the latest iteration of Bose’s open audio technology, which uses small speakers to deliver music without obstructing the ear, similar to the now-discontinued Frames audio glasses.
Priced at a steep £300 (€349/$299), the Ultra Open earbuds cater to a niche market alongside competitors like the £179 Shokz OpenFit and £149 Sony LinkBuds. However, the Bose earbuds offer two key advantages: excellent sound quality and a unique fit that accommodates glasses and other headwear without interference.
The earbuds are held in place around the ear by an L-shaped plastic speaker arm connected to a battery cylinder behind the ear via a flexible silicone spring.
The fit feels quite unusual at first and may require some practice to get it right. However, once securely in place, they are lightweight and comfortable. Despite my initial concern that they might fall off during a run, they stayed securely in place regardless of how sweaty I became or how vigorously I moved my head.
The control button on the top of the battery cylinder handles various functions. A single, double, or triple press controls playback, while a press and hold activates a customizable shortcut that by default cycles between modes. However, manually adjusting the volume with a double press and hold can be awkward for precise adjustments.
Alternatively, the earbuds feature an auto-volume system that adjusts the sound based on ambient noise levels. While effective, it can be overly sensitive, quickly increasing volume in response to actions like blowing your nose or rustling a packet of crisps. I found it useful primarily during running.
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)
Earbud weight: 6.4 grams each
Earbud dimensions: 19 x 17 x 27 mm
Charging case weight: 44 grams
Charging case dimensions: 42 x 65 x 26 mm
Case charging: USB-C
Quality sound
One standout feature is the impressive sound quality. These earbuds deliver full-range audio with solid bass and a richness usually found in fully sealed earbuds rather than open-fit designs, which often sound tinny. While they may not reach the deepest bass notes and are surpassed by high-end sealed earbuds, they offer more than satisfactory sound quality across most genres, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience.
Their open-fit design allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings, making them ideal for activities like running or walking in urban areas. The speakers are equipped with a clever port system along the top that helps reduce sound leakage. This feature works effectively, ensuring that only those in very close proximity would be able to hear your earbuds, and only when they are played at high volumes.
The earbuds also feature Bose’s immersive or spatial audio mode, similar to their latest noise-canceling models. This mode simulates a pair of speakers placed 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 currently include a limited selection of Android phones. Otherwise, they function as standard Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds, allowing each earbud to be used independently but restricting them to connect to only one device at a time. An update for Bluetooth multipoint functionality is planned for the future.
In terms of call quality, both ends of the call come through clearly. However, my voice sounded slightly distant compared to the best performers, such as the QC Ultra earbuds and Apple’s AirPods Pro.
In my testing, the battery lasted for seven hours of continuous playback, which is quite impressive for earbuds but falls just short of Bose’s estimates. The case can recharge the earbuds approximately 2.5 times, providing a total playback time of more than 24 hours. Additionally, they offer a lengthy standby time of 48 hours, allowing you to wear them throughout the day and use them for sporadic calls or audio without the need for recharging.
Sustainability
Bose estimates that the batteries will last for over 500 full-charge cycles, but since they are not replaceable and the earbuds are not repairable, they are essentially disposable.
Although some replacement parts will be offered, the earbuds do not contain any recycled materials. Bose does provide discounts for returning broken products. While it does not publish individual product environmental impact reports, it does release annual sustainability reports.
Price
The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are priced at £299.95 (€349/$299) and come in black or white.
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 approach to open-ear listening without compromising on comfort or sound quality. Their behind-the-ear fit keeps them clear of glasses and other headwear, while remaining secure and lightweight enough to be almost unnoticeable.
They stand out as the best-sounding open earbuds by a significant margin, with minimal sound leakage compared to most competitors. However, they come at a premium price, roughly double that of some comparable models. Additionally, like most earbuds, their batteries are not replaceable, which means they are essentially disposable in the long run.
These earbuds may not suit everyone, but for those willing to invest in a pair that offers all-day comfort while maintaining awareness of their surroundings, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are the top choice.
