Bose Open Ear Wireless Earbuds

Outstanding sound quality. The app is fantastic for adjusting bass and treble.

I had some concerns about these Open Earbuds, particularly regarding their bass performance. I was worried it would be similar to the Shokz, which offer virtually no bass at all, or just a faint sound like pencil taps. Instead, I’d liken the sound to that of the Quest, where the audio surrounds you, with bass present but subdued—like being at an open-air concert from the parking lot. You can sense some sub-bass effects.

Placement is crucial for optimal bass; positioning the earbuds at the bottom of your earlobes yields the best results. I wish I could angle them inward for direct sound into my ear canal, but instead, they direct sound upward into my ear’s natural shape. You can tell how much more bass you get just by tilting them slightly. While the bass is there, I can’t help but feel it could be improved.

The main reason I purchased these relatively pricey earbuds wasn’t for lossless music from Tidal, but rather to enjoy background music while shopping or watching movies on my phone while staying aware of my surroundings. I feel claustrophobic without that awareness; it’s vital when I’m waiting for a package. I appreciate the open design, and I plan to wear these earbuds on my next grocery trip.

However, the price is a significant drawback. I don’t believe they justify the cost, which is comparable to top-of-the-line noise-canceling headphones. I think they should be much more affordable. With that in mind, I rate these earbuds 1 star for their price, but if you’re in the market for open earbuds, these are the ones to consider—definitely better than the Shokz.

I’m very happy with them; I love that I don’t have to worry about increasing my volume as they hold up well. The downside is that in noisy environments, they struggle to block out the external noise. I give them an 8.5 because they are expensive, and even though the sound quality is beautiful since it’s Bose, I can’t enjoy my music well during a big sporting event.

Typically, I find products to be decent for their price, but in this case, these earbuds don’t deliver value for what I paid.

Pros: The ear clip design is unique and effective, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The immersive sound is impressive, and turning off this feature extends battery life. While running, I barely noticed them, and the sound quality was quite good. Interestingly, the volume seemed to increase as they settled into my ears, possibly due to the automatic volume control.

Cons: They are overpriced and lack the ability to adjust closer to the ear canal, leaving me wanting more from these ear cuffs. The volume feels limited at higher settings, and for $300, I expected features like wireless charging and multipoint connectivity, along with a larger volume range. I’m returning them, as my AfterShokz Aeropex bone conduction headphones perform better and last a full 10-hour workday on a single charge. If they could implement a software update for automatic multipoint switching, enhance the EQ for better bass, and lower the price, they could become a fantastic product.

Update 3/12/2024: After returning my first pair of ultra earbuds, I purchased a set of Shokz open fit earbuds for comparison. I liked their performance but found myself missing the Bose earbuds. Despite their high price, I used an Amazon gift card to buy the Bose for a direct comparison. The fit and sound quality were excellent, and I registered for the two-year warranty. The Shokz are top contenders among hook buds, but I prefer the Bose for running and exercise, while the Shokz excel in windy conditions.

3/19/2024: I’ve noticed connection issues with the Bose ultra open buds; the right ear connects while the left struggles. I’m requesting a replacement. Overall, they’re worth considering if you have gift card credits. I returned my black Shokz for a white pair, using Amazon credits to get them at a better price.

3/29/2024: Bose released an update (version 1.10.4) for the open ultras, which improved audio clarity and resolved the connection issue. I found that they lasted about 5 hours on the immersion setting while doing yard work. However, they still lack multipoint connectivity like the Shokz. Bose also launched a wireless charging case for $50, but I opted out since I’m comfortable with the USB-C charging method.

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I’ve always struggled with traditional earphones. They make me feel isolated from my surroundings, and I can hear my own heartbeat—eating while wearing them is a nightmare because of the noise they create, which is why I refer to them as earplugs.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a game-changer. They let me stay connected to the world while delivering fantastic sound quality. Whether I’m biking or walking, they perform flawlessly without the issues associated with regular earphones.

Some may argue they’re not loud enough, but I disagree. I’ve never needed to crank them up to maximum volume; three-quarters is my sweet spot.

For me, this has been a revelation—definitely the best purchase I’ve ever made!

The headphones are excellent; they stay in place and sound great.