Bose is expanding its open-ear portfolio with two new models: The Bose Sport Open Earbuds, with their secure fit and IP54 protection, are designed for runners and fitness enthusiasts. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), on the other hand, are designed to be the premium open-ear headphones for all-day use, featuring improved sound, Immersive Audio, and a new Cinema mode. Prices are 199.95 and 299.95 euros, respectively.
“Open” really does mean “open” here
Both models are open-ear headphones in the traditional sense: Their drivers are not located inside or at the entrance to the ear canal, but instead emit sound in front of the ear. This keeps the ear canal clear—similar to the Shokz OpenFit reviewed here or the JBL Soundgear Sense reviewed here.
Unlike bone-conduction headphones, these two Bose models transmit music through the air in a conventional manner. OpenAudio technology is designed to direct sound as precisely as possible toward the ear while minimizing sound leakage into the surrounding area. The Bose SoundDesign digital signal processing handles the sound tuning and is designed to deliver a balanced sound with powerful bass despite the open design. A hands-on test will have to show just how private the playback actually remains at higher volumes.
Both open-ear models are intentionally designed without active noise cancellation. Traffic, announcements, and conversations should remain naturally audible. For phone calls, however, Bose relies on SpeechClarity in both models. This AI-powered technology combines a microphone with a special voice pickup unit in each earbud to isolate the voice from ambient noise.
Bose Sport Open Earbuds: Designed for Movement
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds were designed specifically for running, fitness, and outdoor activities. A C-shaped ear hook made of soft silicone fits snugly around the ear and is designed to provide a secure fit even during rapid movements. For control, Bose uses tactile, textured buttons. This allows you to control music, volume, and calls even with wet fingers.
The IP54 rating certifies that the Sport Open Earbuds are resistant to dust, sweat, and splashing water. With Auto Volume, they automatically adjust the playback volume to changing ambient noise levels—for example, when your running route takes you from a quiet park to a busy street.
According to Bose, a single battery charge lasts up to seven hours. The wirelessly rechargeable carrying case provides power for up to 22 additional hours, for a total of up to 29 hours. Ten minutes in the charging case is said to be enough for another hour of playback. The case can stand upright and features a semi-transparent, textured lid.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): A Movie Theater in Your Ear
The second generation of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds retains the signature cuff shape of its predecessor. However, a newly developed driver is designed to deliver deeper bass and higher volume levels. Bose also promises improved speech intelligibility during phone calls.
For spatial audio playback, the Ultra Open Earbuds continue to feature Bose Immersive Audio with TrueSpatial technology and head tracking. A new addition is a Cinema Mode for movies, videos, and podcasts. It is designed to widen the soundstage while keeping dialogue clear and precisely centered. According to Bose, the feature works regardless of the content source being used.
The exterior has also been updated. The metal caps now feature a beveled finish, while the more compact charging case can now stand upright and be charged wirelessly.
Battery life increases to up to nine hours, or five hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The charging case adds another 19.5 hours, for a total of up to 28.5 hours. After ten minutes of fast charging, the Ultra Open Earbuds are said to last another two hours.
Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint, and new shortcuts
Both Bose Open Earbuds use Bluetooth Core 5.4 and can remain connected to two devices simultaneously via Multipoint. SBC, AAC, and Google Fast Pair are supported on both models. The Ultra Open Earbuds also support Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive for compatible Android devices. LE Audio and Auracast are not mentioned in the data sheets available so far.
The Bose app offers a three-band equalizer, Auto Volume control, Bluetooth device management, and programmable shortcuts. These include Spotify Tap and access to the smartphone’s voice assistant. With the Ultra Open Earbuds, you can also switch between the different modes of Bose Immersive Audio.
After the product launch, Bose plans to add Google Find Hub, Alexa+, and a shortcut for Apple Music via a firmware update.
A Comparison of the New Bose Open Earbuds
| Bose Sport Open Earbuds | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Sports and Outdoor Activities | Everyday Life and Premium Audio |
| Battery life | Up to 7 hours | Up to 9 hours, 5 hours with Immersive Audio |
| Charging Case | Another 22 hours | An additional 19.5 hours |
| Fast Charging | 10 minutes for 1 hour | 10 minutes for 2 hours |
| Protection Class | IP54 | Not specified |
| Spatial Sound | No | Immersive Audio, Head Tracking, and Cinema Mode |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive |
| Price | 199.95 euros | 299.95 euros |
| Market launch | October 15, 2026 | October 1, 2026 |
Prices, Colors, and Availability
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will go on sale on October 1, 2026, for 299.95 euros. In addition to black and smoky white, limited-edition colors include cherry chocolate, olive green, and sky pink.
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds will be available on October 15 for 199.95 euros. They will be offered in black and smoky white, as well as in a limited-edition eucalyptus green version.
Exclusive MyBose pre-orders for both models begin as early as September 17. Bose also offers an online comparison of the two open-ear models.
