ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Bose announces two clip-on open earbuds.
- The Sport Open is ideal for exercise, while the Ultra Open (2nd Gen) offers a premium experience.
- Both will be available from October 1st.
After the release of the second generation QuietComfort headphones, Bose returns with two new open-ear options: the Sport Open Earbuds and the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen).
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Bose’s open-ear clip-on earbuds are among our favorites, and the company is expanding its lineup to accommodate different types of open-ear fans. The updated second-gen Ultra Open builds on premium Bose audio technologies, signaling that it is best suited for those seeking an elevated experience in an open-ear form factor.
Meanwhile, the Sport Open Earbuds are a new Bose product category that appeals to those looking for open-ear headphones for their active lifestyle.
Ultra open headphones
We rated Bose’s Ultra Open buds highly for their rich sound, sleek design and all-day comfort. Bose says its second-gen open-ear buds have improved audio reproduction, specifically deeper bass, louder volume and clearer calls.
In addition, the Ultra Open (2nd Gen) will have a new Immersive Audio mode: Cinema. With a new spatial audio mode, intelligent automatic volume adjustment, and improved voice pickup technologies, Bose positions the second generation Ultra Open as a premium open-ear headphone for everyday use.
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2.
Also: I replaced my Bose Ultra Open with these Shokz headphones – they are better for less money
Sony’s LinkBuds Clip also delivers improved voice pickup and stellar audio, but Bose’s designs are generally more sophisticated and stylish, while Sony opts for plastic builds and uniform design language.
The Bose Ultra Open Headphones (2.
Sports Open Earbuds
The $199 Sport Open headphones sit below the $299 Open Ultra headphones, but Bose says its cheaper open earbuds are built for “running, workouts and outdoor activities.” The Sport Open buds have an IP54 durability rating, which means they are dustproof and withstand water splashes.
So the Sport Open is suitable for running or hiking in dusty conditions and can withstand rain or especially sweaty workouts. On-device button controls are on the deck, ideal for pausing, playing or saving during a run or walk without taking out your phone.
Also: I replaced my Shokz with these bass-heavy bone conduction headphones
Bose’s midrange clip-on buds aren’t as durable as the IP57-rated Shokz OpenDots 2, though I’ve found that Bose tends to offer a slimmer design and more color options. However, like its Shokz counterpart, the Sport Open buds support Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and Google Find Hub.
The Bose Sport Open headphones will be available for $199 in Black and White Smoke.
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