Bose Is Back in the Open Wireless Earbuds Game

For the first time since 2024, Bose is expanding its lineup of open earbuds. The company is taking the wraps off a second-gen pair of Ultra Open (an upgraded sequel to the pair released two years ago) as well as a pair of fitness-focused buds called the Sport Open Earbuds. The $299 Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) have quite a few updates over the original, including a new driver that’s meant to tackle two of the biggest weak points of most open earbuds: bass and volume. Specifically, Bose says the new driver will deepen bass and increase volume over the original. Having used the first-gen Ultra Open Earbuds, I can attest to the fact that volume was easily one of the biggest downsides, so it’s nice to see Bose tackling the important stuff. It took me a full minute to figure out what I was looking at here. © Bose Bose is also adding a few software features for the new Ultra Open. There’s SpeechClarity, which uses AI to isolate and enhance your voice for calls, and Auto Volume, which adjusts volume levels based on your environment. If you encounter a louder environment, the volume level will step up automatically. There’s also Cinema mode, which uses Bose’s TrueSpatial tech to adjust the soundstage in an attempt to make audio more immersive for watching movies, TV, and the like. Finally, Bose is updating the earbuds’ design, adding metal and a beveled finish, and the wireless case can now sit upright and supports wireless charging. The battery life is also getting a significant boost from 7.5 hours to 9 hours on a single charge. © Bose While the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) are an all-around upgrade, the $199 Sport Open Earbuds represent Bose’s entry into a new category. This pair of open wireless earbuds is fitness-focused and comes with a slightly different C-shaped design that should fit more snugly than the original Ultra Open Earbuds. The materials are geared towards fitness, too. There’s a silicone finish and a textured button for controlling playback. These are rated IP54, so they should hold up to sweat and light rain. The Sport Open Earbuds do have a smaller battery life than the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), clocking in at 7 hours instead of 9, but they’re also a good deal smaller, so that comes with the territory. Like the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), the Sport Open come with SpeechClarity and Auto Volume. While Bose definitely charges a premium for its open wireless earbuds, the Ultra Open Earbuds were among the company’s most compelling offerings when they were released in 2024. Whether this new generation can keep pace with the ample competition is yet to be seen, but Bose has a solid track record, so I’m already looking forward to putting them through the paces. You can preorder both pairs of wireless earbuds starting Sept. 19, and they’ll be widely available on Oct. 1. Both come in black or “white smoke,” and each will have its own limited-edition colors: the Sport Open Earbuds come in a limited-edition eucalyptus green, and the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) come in a limited-edition cherry chocolate, olive green, and sky pink.