Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) review

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) take a different route from the hook models: a flexible cuff wraps the outer edge of the ear and places a small speaker near the canal, so the pair looks more like ear jewelry than sports gear. Bose's OpenAudio Tech aims sound into the ear while keeping the canal completely open. The headline feature is Immersive Audio with TrueSpatial Tech, which gives you Stereo, Immersion and a new Cinema Mode for video, something no other pick here offers in the same form. The second generation raises battery to up to 9 hours, from 7 on the original, and adds wireless charging, a sturdier case and SpeechClarity Tech for calls. Bluetooth multipoint is included. The weaker points are price and protection: at $299 it costs more than double the AeroFit 2, and the IPX4 rating covers sweat and splashes but not dust. Bose also does not offer noise cancelling on this model.

Who it is for

People who want the smallest, most jewelry-like open design and spatial audio, and do not mind paying a premium.

Price

$299 at Bose.

Price is: $299.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 7, 2026.

Key features

• Cuffed open-ear design that clips onto the edge of the ear
• OpenAudio Tech for private sound with open ears
• Immersive Audio with TrueSpatial Tech and Stereo, Immersion and Cinema modes
• Up to 9 hours of playback, up from 7 hours on the first generation
• Wireless charging case, Bluetooth multipoint and SpeechClarity call tech

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cuff design leaves the whole ear open and works with glasses and hats
• Strength: The only pick here with three listening modes including Cinema
• Strength: Second generation adds wireless charging and two more hours of play
• Weakness: Most expensive pair in this list at $299
• Weakness: IPX4 covers sweat and splashes only, with no dust rating
• Weakness: No noise cancelling, which Bose says is due to the open design

Key facts

• Price: $299
• Fit: Ear cuff
• Water resistance: IPX4
• Battery: Up to 9 hours per charge

Where it ranks

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) is No. 3 in our Best Open Ear Earbuds verdict and No. 9 in Best Workout Earbuds.