Open-ear earbuds are quickly moving from niche fitness accessories into a serious audio category, and Bose’s latest lineup is a good example of how fast the format is maturing.
The company has announced the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) alongside a new Sport Open Earbuds model. Both keep the ear canal open so you can hear traffic, announcements and people around you, but Bose is adding the sort of features buyers now expect from premium true wireless earbuds.
The Sport Open Earbuds are built for movement
The new Bose Sport Open Earbuds use a soft silicone C-arm design that wraps around the ear for stability during running and workouts. They carry an IP54 rating for dust, sweat and splash resistance, while physical buttons make them easier to control when your hands are wet or sweaty.
Battery life is rated at up to seven hours per charge, with another 22 hours stored in the wireless-charging case. Auto Volume can automatically compensate for changing environmental noise, while Bose’s SpeechClarity system uses AI-enhanced voice isolation to improve call quality without sealing you off from your surroundings.
Ultra Open 2 gets better sound and longer battery life
The second-generation Ultra Open Earbuds keep Bose’s distinctive cuff-style design but receive a new driver for deeper bass and higher volume. Battery life increases to up to nine hours, with another 19.5 hours available from the charging case.
Bose is also adding Cinema Mode, powered by its TrueSpatial technology, to create a wider soundstage for video and podcasts while keeping dialogue centred. On compatible Android devices, the Ultra Open Earbuds support Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive for higher-quality audio and lower latency.
Both models use Bluetooth 5.4, support multipoint pairing with two devices and work with Google Fast Pair. Bose also plans a post-launch firmware update that will add Google Find Hub support, Alexa+ integration and Apple Music shortcut controls.
No ANC — and that is intentional
Neither model has active noise cancellation because the whole point is to leave the ear open. For commuters who want maximum isolation, conventional in-ear buds still make more sense. But for runners, office users and anyone who dislikes having silicone tips inside their ears all day, open-ear designs are becoming a much more credible alternative.
The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are priced at US$199, while the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) cost US$299. Preorders open September 19 ahead of an October 1 release. Bose has not announced Malaysia pricing or availability yet.
