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The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds priced at $249 (down from $299) look like something out of a sci-fi movie, with their clip-on design that ditches the usual in-ear fit, opting instead for 12mm drivers that aim sound toward your ear canal while leaving your ears open. This lets you stay aware of your surroundings while using the earbuds. It’s great for a variety of fits (secure yet gentle, thanks to a flexible silicone band that lightly clamps onto your ear), but getting a consistent stereo balance between your ears might take some trial and error. And, unlike some earbuds that start to feel uncomfortable after a while, these are reportedly easy on the ears, even during extended use.
These earbuds do a great job of highlighting low to mid frequencies, giving bass lines and deeper vocals a warm, full-bodied feel. That said, they don’t quite hit the mark with sub-bass or the punch of kick drums, which is pretty typical for open-ear designs. High notes, on the other hand, come through bright and clear, with a stereo image that feels more expansive than what you’d get from most true wireless models, as noted in this PCMag review. If you want to fine-tune things further, the Bose Music app lets you tweak EQ settings and more. The manufacturer recommends positioning the clips just above your earlobes for the best bass response.
Battery life on the Ultra Open Earbuds is pretty decent but varies depending on how you use them. With Immersive Audio turned on, you’ll get around 4.5 hours of listening time, which can stretch to 7.5 hours if you switch it off. As for durability, they’re IPX4-rated, so they can handle light splashes but aren’t the best choice for intense workouts or heavy rain. If you’re after something more rugged, the Jabra Elite 10 ($146.02) has an IP57 rating for better water resistance, though you’ll have to give up the open-ear design. If you’re considering alternatives, the 3rd Gen Apple AirPods ($169.49) are a solid pick.