Bose announced two fresh additions to its open‑ear earbud lineup: the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) and a brand‑new Sport Open Earbuds model. Both products will be available for preorder on September 19 and are slated to ship on October 1. The Ultra Open Earbuds retain the $299 list price of the original, while the Sport Open Earbuds are priced at $199.
Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) – upgraded sound and battery life
The second‑generation Ultra Open Earbuds feature new drivers that Bose says enable louder playback and deeper bass compared with the first version released over two years ago. Like other recent Bose products—including the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)—they incorporate TrueSpatial technology with head‑tracking for Immersive Audio, now adding a Cinema mode.
Visually, the earbuds remain close to the original design, using a refined version of the “cuff‑clip” form factor that many users found comfortable. They are offered in black, white smoke, and limited‑edition cherry chocolate or olive green finishes. An IPX4 rating provides splash resistance, and Bose advertises up to nine hours of battery life, an increase from the prior seven‑hour claim. Battery life may decrease when Immersive Audio is active.
The open design and secure fit that made the original model popular for running and biking continue with the new iteration, and Bose markets the earbuds as suitable for a broader range of sporting activities.
Sport Open Earbuds – a purpose‑built option for active use
Bose’s new Sport Open Earbuds are positioned as a lighter, more durable alternative for athletes. The design resembles the Shokz OpenDots 2 earbuds, which also retail for $199. Bose describes the earbuds as combining a secure cuff‑style fit with soft silicone construction, offering IP54 protection against sweat, splash and dust.
Features include tactile controls and “rich open audio” that keeps listeners aware of their surroundings. Unlike the Ultra Open Earbuds, the Sport model does not support Bose’s Immersive Audio feature. Battery life is rated for up to seven hours. The earbuds are available in black, white smoke, and a limited‑edition eucalyptus green—the same green hue used on the recently released QuietComfort (2nd Gen) headphones.
Market context and upcoming reviews
The clip‑on earbud segment has expanded considerably since Bose first launched the Ultra Open Earbuds in February 2024, with many competitors offering lower‑priced options. While the $299 price point places the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) at the premium end of the market, the reviewer anticipates they will rank among the best‑sounding open earbuds and may see frequent discounts.
For the Sport Open Earbuds, the reviewer plans to compare them with other sport‑oriented clip‑on models such as the Shokz OpenDots 2, Anker Aero Clip 2 and Baseus XC1, all of which feature Sound by Bose and are priced around $100. The expectation is that the Sport model will also be subject to regular price reductions as the market becomes increasingly competitive.
Review samples are scheduled to arrive before the October 1 ship date, and full hands‑on evaluations will be posted after testing is complete.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
