Bose is doubling down on its open-ear audio strategy, announcing two new clip-on earbuds that cater to distinct consumer needs. Following the recent launch of its second-generation QuietComfort headphones, the company revealed the new Sport Open Earbuds and an updated Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). Both devices will hit the market on October 1.
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) represent a premium upgrade for users seeking high-fidelity audio in an open-ear form factor. Bose claims the new model delivers improved audio reproduction, featuring deeper bass, higher volume capabilities, and clearer call quality. A standout addition is the new “Cinema” Immersive Audio mode, which utilizes spatial audio technology alongside intelligent auto-volume adjustments and enhanced voice pickup systems.
Connectivity features remain robust for the Ultra Open (2nd Gen), with support for AptX codecs enabling hi-res audio streaming over wireless connections, as well as Google Fast Pair and Google Find Hub compatibility. The earbuds will retail for $299 in Black and White Smoke finishes.
Targeting fitness enthusiasts, Bose also introduced the Sport Open Earbuds at a $199 price point. Designed for running, workouts, and outdoor adventures, these buds carry an IP54 rating, ensuring they are dust-protected and can withstand water splashes from rain or intense sweat sessions. Unlike previous models, the Sport Open includes physical on-device buttons for controlling playback, allowing users to manage their music without needing to access their phones.
While the Sport Open lacks the higher IP57 durability rating found in competitors like the Shokz OpenDots 2, Bose emphasizes a sleeker design and broader color selection. The earbuds support Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and include Google Fast Pair and Google Find Hub support. They will be available in Black and White Smoke.
In the broader open-ear market, Sony’s LinkBuds Clip remains a direct competitor, offering similar voice pickup and audio improvements. However, Bose differentiates its products through more refined aesthetics and premium material choices compared to Sony’s more uniform plastic builds.
Sony LinkBuds Clip has been holding strong. Hard to see Bose justify the premium price unless these truly outperform in sound quality.
Does anyone know if the 2nd Gen Ultra supports multipoint like the sport version? That’s a dealbreaker for me between phone and laptop.
Physical buttons for workouts? Finally! Touch controls fail when my hands are sweaty. Sport Open sounds perfect for my morning runs.
$299 is steep for open-ear, but if the Cinema mode actually works, I might bite. Bose audio engineering is usually solid.