Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: the open-ear buds that finally sound like something
The best-sounding open-ear design yet, for the specific person who wants awareness over isolation. Our score: 8 / 10 Nothing in the ear canal Clip-on, cuff-style, resting just outside the ear. The Ultra Open Earbuds are for runners, cyclists and office workers who need to hear traffic, colleagues or announcements while still listening to something. Bose’s tuning gives them more genuine low-end than any open-ear rival. Niche, and expensive They are pricey, they leak a little sound at volume, and by design they will never isolate. If you have specifically wanted open-ears that do not sound thin and tinny, though, these are the ones. The good and the bad What works The best bass and body of any open-ear bud Genuinely comfortable for hours Full situational awareness What doesn’t Expensive Some sound leakage at volume No isolation, by design Who it’s for Buy it if you run or cycle outdoors, or need to stay aware at work, and normal buds feel unsafe or antisocial. Skip it if you want to block out the world on a commute or flight. Alternatives worth a look Shokz OpenFit 2, cheaper open-ear option. AirPods Pro 2, if you actually want ANC and transparency in one. The verdict: The open-ear category finally has a pair worth the money, if the open-ear concept is what you want.