Summary of Bose expands open-ear lineup with Sport Open and Ultra Open (2nd Gen) earbuds
- Bose has announced two new open-ear earbuds: the Sport Open Earbuds and the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen).
- The Sport Open Earbuds are built for active use with an IP54 rating and up to seven hours of playback.
- The Ultra Open (2nd Gen) offers deeper bass, spatial audio with head tracking, and up to nine hours of playback.
- Both models use Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and Find Hub support.
- Pricing starts at $199 for the Sport Open and $299 for the Ultra Open, with pre-orders from September 9 and general availability on October 1.
Why open-ear earbuds are gaining popularity
More people are turning to open-ear earbuds to avoid the discomfort and potential ear infections that can come from traditional in-ear designs. By leaving your ear canals unblocked, these earbuds let you hear traffic, conversations, and other environmental sounds while still enjoying music or podcasts. Bose was an early player in this category, and it is now refreshing its lineup with two new models that cater to different lifestyles.
Bose Sport Open Earbuds: Built for movement
What this means for Bose expands open-ear lineup with Sport
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds use a silicone-padded clip-on design that wraps around your ear. Each earbud weighs just 10 grams, making them light enough for long runs or gym sessions. They carry an IP54 rating, meaning they are protected against sweat and splashes. Bose claims up to seven hours of playback on a single charge, which should cover most workouts and daily commutes.
These earbuds are marketed for active outdoor use where you want balanced sound without being cut off from your environment. They come in white and black color options, with accents in electric blue or green.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): Richer sound and spatial audio
The second-generation Ultra Open Earbuds keep the cuff-shaped open-ear design but promise deeper bass and richer overall sound compared to the Sport model. They also support spatial audio with head tracking, which adjusts the soundstage as you turn your head. Additional features include automatic volume adjustments and a Cinema Mode for a more immersive movie-watching experience.
Battery life is rated at up to nine hours per charge, two hours more than the Sport Open. The Ultra Open earbuds weigh the same 10 grams each and come in classic black and white with metallic inserts on the outer joint. Limited-edition colors include Olive Green, Cherry Chocolate, and Sky Pink.
Shared connectivity and audio features
Both the Sport Open and Ultra Open (2nd Gen) earbuds share the same Bluetooth 5.4 chip, which supports Multipoint connectivity so you can switch between devices like your phone and laptop without re-pairing. They also work with Google Fast Pair for quick Android setup and Find Hub to locate misplaced earbuds.
The Ultra Open model adds support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, which can deliver higher-resolution audio over Bluetooth when paired with a compatible source device. This is a notable upgrade for listeners who prioritize sound quality.
Pricing and availability
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are priced at $199, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) cost $299. Both models are available for pre-order starting September 9 and will begin shipping on October 1.
If you are trying to decide between the two, consider how you plan to use them. The Sport Open is a strong choice for runners and gym-goers who need sweat resistance and a secure fit. The Ultra Open (2nd Gen) is better suited for those who want richer audio, spatial effects, and longer battery life for casual listening at home or during a commute.
How these fit into the open-ear trend
Bose is not alone in chasing the open-ear format. Other brands like Sony have released clip-on designs, and even phone makers such as Nothing and Samsung are exploring the category. With two new models at different price points, Bose is giving buyers a clear choice between a sport-focused option and a feature-rich premium option. If you are curious about other open-ear alternatives, you can browse our phone directory to see which devices pair best with these earbuds, or check out our best phones guide for top-rated handsets that support aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.4.
What to consider before buying: Bose Sport Open
Open-ear earbuds trade some bass and isolation for awareness and comfort. If you listen in noisy environments, you may notice significant sonic losses, especially in the bass, outdoors or in crowded surroundings. Bose recommends the Ultra Open for leisurely activities like winding down after a long day, while the Sport Open is designed for active use where awareness is key.
Both models are lightweight and clip onto your ear, so they should stay put during movement. Battery life is solid for the category, but heavy users may need to charge the Sport Open more frequently. For more tips on getting the most out of your audio gear, visit our mobile guides or explore our phone reviews to see how different phones handle spatial audio and codec support.