Bose is stepping up its open-ear game with the release of the second-generation Ultra Open Earbuds. Building on the success of its initial foray into the clip-on earbud market, the new Ultra Open Earbuds boast an updated design, improved sound quality, and extended battery life. Alongside the flagship model, Bose is also introducing the Sport Open Earbuds, specifically tailored for active users seeking a secure fit during workouts.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): Enhanced Audio and Design
Set to be available for pre-order on September 19th and officially launching on October 1st, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) are priced at $299. These new earbuds maintain the distinctive open-ear design, clipping onto the outer ear and directing sound into the ear canal without blocking it. Bose emphasizes that this design minimizes sound leakage, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying their audio. As with the previous generation, active noise cancellation (ANC) is not included, aligning with the product’s focus on environmental awareness.
The design has seen subtle yet significant refinements, featuring a new angled cut on the metal exterior of each earbud. Internally, new drivers deliver higher volume levels and enhanced bass performance. A standout feature is the inclusion of a ‘Cinema Mode,’ which utilizes Bose TrueSpatial technology to create a wider, more immersive soundstage while ensuring dialogue remains clear and centered.
Battery life sees a notable improvement, with the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) offering up to 9 hours of playback on a single charge, an increase from the 7 hours of the original model. The redesigned charging case provides an additional 19.5 hours of listening time and now stands upright, offering greater convenience, especially with wireless chargers.
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available in a variety of colors: Black, White Smoke, Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green, and Sky Blue.
Bose Sport Open Earbuds: Secure Fit for Athletes
Priced at $199, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds are positioned as the more budget-friendly option and are designed with sports enthusiasts in mind. They share the same open-ear listening principle as the Ultra model but feature a slimmer ear clip and a soft, matte silicone finish. This combination is engineered to provide a more robust and stable fit, significantly reducing the likelihood of slippage during intense physical activity.
Bose claims these earbuds can withstand vigorous head movements, such as flips and running, ensuring they stay in place. Like their higher-end counterparts, the Sport Open Earbuds include automatic volume adjustment, which compensates for ambient noise to keep your audio audible without needing manual adjustments.
For improved usability during exercise, the custom shortcut buttons on the battery modules have been updated with a textured design. This makes them easier to locate and operate by feel, even when on the move.
In terms of battery life, the Sport Open Earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge. The accompanying charging case extends this to a total of 22 hours. The Sport Open Earbuds will be available in Black, White Smoke, and Eucalyptus Green, with pre-orders and launch dates mirroring the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Pricing and Availability
Both the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Sport Open Earbuds will open for pre-orders on September 19th and officially launch on October 1st.
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): $299
- Bose Sport Open Earbuds: $199
The launch of these two new models signifies Bose’s continued commitment to the open-ear audio space, offering distinct options for everyday listeners and athletes alike.
