Bose Open Earbuds Get More Bass, Volume and Battery

Bose has expanded its lineup of open-ear audio devices with the release of updated Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) and a new, more affordable option called the Bose Sport Open Earbuds. These additions build upon the clip-on form factor that Bose helped popularize nearly two-and-a-half years ago. The second-generation Ultra model offers refined aesthetics alongside tangible upgrades in audio performance and endurance, while the Sport variant focuses on stability for active users. Both products are scheduled to go on preorder on September 19th, with general availability beginning on October 1st.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) carry a price tag of $299. They will be offered in five distinct colorways: black, white smoke, cherry chocolate, olive green, and sky pink. For consumers seeking a lower entry point, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds are priced at $199, representing a $100 savings over the premium model. The Sport earbuds come in three colors: black, white smoke, and eucalyptus green. Despite the price difference, both models share the same preorder and launch dates, allowing shoppers to choose based on their budget and intended use case.

Enhanced Audio and Battery Performance

The physical design of the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) retains the signature clip-on structure but introduces subtle aesthetic refinements. A new beveled finish adorns the metal cap of each earbud, giving the device a more polished look. Functionally, the core mechanism remains unchanged: a transducer directs sound into the ear canal from the outer ear, ensuring minimal sound leakage. As with the original iteration, these earbuds do not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, they are engineered to allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts.

Under the hood, the 2nd Gen model utilizes a new driver unit designed to deliver higher maximum volume levels with deeper bass response. The system includes automatic volume adjustments that adapt to ambient conditions. A notable addition is Cinema Mode, which leverages Bose’s TrueSpatial technology to create a wider, more immersive soundstage. This mode ensures that dialogue remains clear and centered even when simulating a surround-sound experience.

Battery efficiency has also seen significant improvements. Users can expect up to nine hours of playback time from the earbuds alone, an increase from the seven hours offered by the first generation. The accompanying charging case has been redesigned to stand upright, enabling compatibility with wireless charging pads. This case provides an additional 19.5 hours of battery life, bringing the total portable listening time to approximately 28.5 hours.

Built for Active Lifestyles

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds adopt a similar open-clip architecture but prioritize security during vigorous movement. These earbuds feature a thinner cuff coated in a soft silicone matte finish, which enhances grip and helps keep the devices firmly in place. Bose claims this design remains stable during intense activities such as head shakes, cartwheels, and running. Like the Ultra model, the Sport earbuds adjust volume automatically to counteract background noise, ensuring audio clarity is maintained regardless of the environment.

Practical usability was a key focus in the design of the Sport model. The customizable shortcut button located on the end of each battery barrel features a bumpy texture. This tactile improvement allows users to locate and press the button by feel without needing to look at their ears, a crucial feature for those wearing gloves or focused on physical exercise. In terms of power, the Sport earbuds offer up to seven hours of playback on a single charge. Combined with the wireless charging case, which adds another 22 hours, users get a total of 29 hours of portable usage.