Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds promise a blend of immersive audio and comfort with their unique open ear design. These earbuds aim to deliver a premium listening experience while keeping you aware of your surroundings.

With a 4.0 rating out of 5 from over 1,081 reviews, these earbuds have garnered significant attention. But are they worth the investment? Let’s dive into the details and see how they perform in real-world scenarios.

I tested the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds in various settings, including running, training, and everyday errands. The open ear design allowed me to stay aware of my surroundings, which is a significant advantage for outdoor activities.

However, I found the sound quality to be impressive but not exceptional. While the immersive audio feature is a nice touch, the lack of deep bass and the occasional connection issues left me wanting more, especially considering the high price point.

Design and Comfort

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The design of the NEW Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is truly unique, standing out in a market saturated with similar products. They feature a flexible silicone joint that allows them to wrap around the outside of your ear, providing a secure and comfortable fit. This design ensures they stay put even during intense physical activities like running or working out, enhancing their appeal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Another notable aspect of their design is their lightweight nature. Despite their secure fit, they are extremely light, making them comfortable for extended wear. This is particularly beneficial for those who wear earbuds for long periods, such as during work or long commutes. The minimal and sleek design also adds to their aesthetic appeal, making them a stylish accessory.

However, the design does have its drawbacks. Some users might find the earbud’s appearance unusual, resembling earrings when worn. Additionally, while the open ear design is great for maintaining awareness of your surroundings, it might not be suitable for all environments, especially noisy ones. Overall, the design and comfort of these earbuds make them a standout choice, albeit with some minor compromises.

Sound Quality

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When it comes to sound quality, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds deliver an impressive performance. The open ear design allows for a balanced and natural sound experience, providing rich audio without completely isolating the user from their surroundings. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities where situational awareness is crucial.

The earbuds feature Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, which enhances the spatial quality of the sound, making it feel more three-dimensional. This is particularly effective when listening to music or watching videos, as it creates a more engaging auditory experience. The EQ adjustments available through the Bose app allow users to fine-tune the sound to their personal preferences, ensuring a customized listening experience.

Despite these positive attributes, the sound quality has its limitations. Some users might find the bass response lacking compared to other high-end earbuds. Additionally, the open design can sometimes dilute the audio experience in noisy environments. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize natural and balanced sound, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a solid choice.

Battery Life

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The battery life of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is another strong point. They offer up to 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is sufficient for most daily activities. With the included charging case, users can get an additional 19.5 hours of battery life, ensuring that the earbuds are ready to go whenever needed.

For those who engage in long workouts or outdoor activities, the extended battery life is a significant advantage. Even with the immersive audio feature turned on, the earbuds can last for up to 4.5 hours, making them reliable for extended use. The charging case is also compact and easy to carry, adding to the convenience.

However, it’s worth noting that the earbuds do not support wireless charging, which might be a drawback for some users. Given the price point, this is a feature that many would expect to be included. Despite this, the overall battery performance is robust, making the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds a reliable choice for users who need long-lasting battery life.

Connectivity and Controls

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The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a seamless connectivity experience, thanks to Bluetooth technology. They pair easily with various devices, ensuring a stable and reliable connection. This is crucial for users who switch between different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

The earbuds feature physical button controls, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume directly from the earbuds. This intuitive control scheme makes it easy to manage audio playback without reaching for the connected device. The buttons are responsive and provide tactile feedback, enhancing the overall user experience.

One downside is the lack of multipoint connectivity, which means the earbuds cannot connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This might be a limitation for users who frequently switch between devices. Additionally, while the physical buttons are convenient, some users might prefer touch controls for a more modern interface. Despite these minor drawbacks, the connectivity and controls of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are generally user-friendly and efficient.

Water Resistance

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The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come with an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they can withstand sweat and light splashes of water. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, where exposure to moisture is common. The water resistance ensures that the earbuds remain functional even in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this feature is particularly beneficial. Whether you’re running in the rain or sweating it out in the gym, the earbuds can handle it without any issues. The acoustic mesh also helps keep out moisture and debris, adding an extra layer of protection.

However, it’s important to note that the IPX4 rating does not make the earbuds fully waterproof. They should not be submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain for extended periods. Users who need higher water resistance might need to look for earbuds with a higher IP rating. Nonetheless, for most everyday activities, the water resistance of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is more than adequate.

App and Ecosystem

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The Bose app enhances the functionality of the Ultra Open Earbuds by providing a range of customization options. Users can access the EQ settings to adjust the bass, mids, and treble according to their personal preferences. This level of customization ensures that the sound quality can be tailored to suit different genres of music and listening environments.

The app also offers features like battery status monitoring, firmware updates, and shortcut customization. These features make it easy to manage the earbuds and keep them updated with the latest improvements. The user interface of the app is intuitive, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.

One notable feature missing from the app is multipoint connectivity, which would allow the earbuds to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. This is a feature available in some competitor products and could be a valuable addition for users who frequently switch between devices. Despite this, the Bose app and ecosystem provide a robust set of tools that enhance the overall user experience.

Microphone and Call Quality

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The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing users to take calls directly through the earbuds. The call quality is generally good, with clear audio on both ends of the call. This makes the earbuds suitable for both personal and professional use, especially for those who need to take calls on the go.

However, some users have reported issues with the microphone in noisy environments. The open ear design, while great for situational awareness, can sometimes pick up background noise, making it harder for the person on the other end of the call to hear clearly. This might be a limitation for users who frequently take calls in noisy settings.

Despite these issues, the microphone performs adequately in quieter environments. The physical button controls make it easy to answer and end calls, adding to the convenience. Overall, while the call quality is not perfect, it is sufficient for most everyday situations.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is impressive, reflecting the premium nature of the product. The materials used are high-quality and durable, ensuring that the earbuds can withstand regular use and minor impacts. The flexible silicone joint adds to the durability, as it can bend and flex without breaking.

The charging case is also well-designed, with a compact and sturdy build. It provides additional protection for the earbuds when not in use and ensures that they remain charged and ready to go. The magnetic attachment keeps the earbuds securely in place, preventing them from falling out of the case.

However, the lack of wireless charging for the case is a notable omission, especially given the price point. This might be a drawback for users who prefer the convenience of wireless charging. Despite this, the overall build quality and durability of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are excellent, making them a reliable choice for long-term use.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other open ear designs like the Shokz OpenFit and Soundcore AeroFit Pro, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds hold their own in several key areas. The design of the Bose earbuds is more compact and lightweight, making them less obtrusive and more comfortable for extended wear. This is a significant advantage for users who prioritize comfort and aesthetics.

In terms of sound quality, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer a balanced and natural sound, although some users might find the bass response lacking compared to the Shokz OpenFit. The immersive audio feature adds a spatial dimension to the sound, enhancing the listening experience. However, the Soundcore AeroFit Pro might offer better overall sound quality, especially for bass-heavy music.

The price point of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is higher than some of its competitors, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Features like multipoint connectivity and wireless charging, available in some competitor models, are missing from the Bose earbuds. Despite these drawbacks, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a strong contender in the market, offering a unique design and a solid overall performance.

User Feedback and Reviews

User feedback for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds has been largely positive, with many users praising the design and comfort of the earbuds. The unique ear cuff design has been highlighted as a significant advantage, providing a secure and comfortable fit that stays in place during physical activity. Users also appreciate the lightweight nature of the earbuds, making them comfortable for long periods of use.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the price point, feeling that the earbuds are expensive for the features offered. The lack of wireless charging and multipoint connectivity are commonly mentioned drawbacks. Some users also feel that the sound quality, while good, does not justify the high price compared to other options in the market.

Despite these criticisms, many users are satisfied with their purchase, citing the comfort, build quality, and overall performance as key reasons for their positive reviews. The immersive audio feature and the ability to remain aware of surroundings while enjoying high-quality sound are also frequently praised. Overall, user feedback indicates that the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a well-received product, with some room for improvement.

Conclusion

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds excel in comfort and design, making them a great choice for those who prioritize staying aware of their surroundings. The flexible joint and light-as-air grip ensure they stay put during various activities.

However, for $299, they lack some essential features like multi-point connectivity and wireless charging. If you’re a sound quality enthusiast, you might find better value in other options. Overall, these earbuds are a good buy if you value design and comfort over top-tier audio performance.

Questions & Answers:

Question: How long does the battery last on these earbuds?

Answer: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer up to 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 19.5 hours, totaling up to 48 hours of standby time.

Question: Are these earbuds water-resistant?

Answer: Yes, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they can handle splashes, drips, and light rain.

Question: Can these earbuds be used for phone calls?

Answer: While the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds can be used for phone calls, some users have reported that the microphone quality is not optimal for noisy environments.