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The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) keep the original’s ear-cuff design and add a new driver, Cinema Mode, updated call processing, Auto Volume, wireless case charging and longer manufacturer-rated battery life. Bose lists them at $299 in the U.S. Independent hands-on testing of this generation was not established in the available coverage, so there is not enough evidence to call them the new king of clip-on earbuds.
What’s new in the 2nd generation?
Bose announced the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) on September 17, 2026, with U.S. availability from October 1. The core design remains an ear cuff: the speaker sits outside the ear canal rather than sealing it. Bose describes its OpenAudio system as directing sound toward the wearer while minimizing leakage, but that does not mean nearby people cannot hear the earbuds.
The changes below are Bose’s descriptions of the new model, not independently verified performance findings. Bose’s launch announcement details the updates.
- New driver: Bose says it delivers deeper bass and higher maximum volume than the first-generation earbuds.
- Cinema Mode: Powered by Bose TrueSpatial technology, it is intended to widen the soundstage for video and podcasts while keeping dialogue centered.
- SpeechClarity: Updated call processing intended to improve voice pickup.
- Auto Volume: Adjusts audio in response to changes in ambient noise.
- Redesigned case: Adds wireless charging.
- More stated battery life: Bose now lists up to nine hours per charge, compared with the original model’s shorter stated runtime according to the launch announcement.
What are the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 2nd Gen specifications?
Bose’s U.S. product page lists these specifications. Battery figures are manufacturer maximums, not independently measured results.
#1 Best Overall
- OPEN YOUR EARS TO THE WORLD: Hear all of what’s around you while enjoying rich, private sound; these open-ear earbuds' design says, “I can still hear you” while OpenAudio technology provides you with high-quality, private sound
- BE IN THE MUSIC, ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE: With Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound, these wireless earbuds feel, look good, and bring you closer to your music, so you’re not only listening, you’re in it
- FEELS GOOD, STAYS PUT: These over the ear earbuds feature a flexible joint and a light-as-air-grip, simply hook it gently around the back of your ear and you’ll stay open to the world around you with these comfortable earbuds even while running
- WATER RESISTANCE WITH IPX4: Get splashed on, dripped on, sprayed on. No worries here. These sweatproof open ear headphones can handle it. Acoustic mesh keeps out moisture and debris, so you can keep on listening
- NEVER MISS A BEAT: Up to 7 hours of play time (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)* along with up to 48 hours of standby***, via the included charging case providing up to an extra 2.5 full charges of power**. USB-C cable included to charge the case
| Specification | Bose listing |
|---|---|
| U.S. price | $299 |
| Battery per charge | Up to 9 hours of playback |
| Additional case playback | Up to 19.5 hours, per Bose’s launch announcement |
| Earbud charging time | 1 hour, per the product page |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4; listed range 30 feet |
| Water resistance | IPX4 |
| Microphones | 2 |
| Charging interface | USB-C; case also supports wireless charging |
| Noise cancelling | None |
IPX4 indicates water-splash resistance, not dust protection or protection against immersion. Bose also lists Bose app compatibility. Its launch announcement specifies multipoint pairing with two devices, SBC and AAC support, and Google Fast Pair. Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive is listed for compatible Android devices.
Bose said Google Find Hub, Alexa+ and an Apple Music shortcut were planned for a post-October 1 firmware update. The launch material does not establish whether those features have since rolled out, so check Bose’s current support information before buying on the strength of one of them.
Rank #2
- OPEN YOUR EARS TO THE WORLD: Hear all of what’s around you while enjoying rich, private sound; the wireless earbuds' open ear design says, “I can still hear you” while OpenAudio technology provides you with high-quality, private sound
- BE IN THE MUSIC, ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE: With Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound, these Bluetooth earbuds feel, look good, and bring you closer to your music, so you’re not only listening, you’re in it
- FEELS GOOD, STAYS PUT: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a flexible joint and a light-as-air-grip, simply hook it gently around the back of your ear and you’ll stay open to the world around you with these comfortable earbuds
- WATER RESISTANCE WITH IPX4: Get splashed on, dripped on, sprayed on. No worries here. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds can handle it. Acoustic mesh keeps out moisture and debris, so you can keep on listening
- NEVER MISS A BEAT: With up to 7 hours of play time (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)*, up to 48 hours of standby***, and the included charging case provides up to an extra 2.5 full charges of power**, you’re equipped with long-lasting battery life
Do Bose Ultra Open Earbuds block noise?
No. Bose explicitly lists the 2nd Gen as having no active noise cancelling. The open-ear design leaves the ear canal uncovered, which is useful for people who want to remain more aware of their surroundings, but it is not a substitute for sealed earbuds or headphones when the goal is isolation. Bose says the earbuds use OpenAudio rather than bone conduction.
OpenAudio is designed to direct sound toward the wearer and minimize leakage. That is a design claim, not a guarantee of privacy at every volume or in every setting.
Rank #3
- Open Ear Earbuds Over Ear for Running & Gym: Clip-on design sits comfortably over your ear without blocking the ear canal. Perfect for running, workouts, and sports—stay aware of surroundings. More comfortable than in-ear, better sound than bone conduction.
- FlexiClip Design, Secure Fit: Memory titanium FlexiClip adapts to any ear shape for all-day comfort. Ultra-lightweight and stable—won't fall off during intense workouts or running. Designed for active lifestyles.
- Powerful Bass, 12mm Drivers: Custom 12mm drivers deliver deep bass and 86dB max output. Clear, loud sound for gym workouts and running—superior audio quality compared to bone conduction headphones.
- AI Clear Calls: Advanced AI filters background noise for crystal-clear calls during outdoor running, gym workouts, or commutes. Perfect for work calls on the go.
- 28H Playtime : 8 hours single charge, 28 hours with case. IP55 waterproof protects against sweat and rain during outdoor running and gym sessions. Bluetooth 6.0 for ultra-stable connection.
How long does the battery last?
Bose rates the earbuds for up to 9 hours of playback on a charge and says the case provides up to 19.5 additional hours. The product page lists a one-hour earbud charge time. These are Bose’s stated figures; no independent runtime measurement was established in the launch coverage.
Are they good for calls or exercise?
Bose advertises updated SpeechClarity processing and two microphones, but those specifications do not establish how clearly callers will hear you in wind, traffic or a busy room. Likewise, IPX4 offers a water-resistance rating, but it does not prove the cuff will stay secure during a particular workout. Independent testing of call quality, fit during exercise and long-session comfort was not established in the available coverage.
Rank #4
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
How does the 2nd Gen compare with the original?
The 2nd Gen retains the open-ear cuff concept and adds the features Bose identifies below. This is a specification comparison, not a hands-on assessment of sound, fit or comfort.
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| Feature | Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Original Ultra Open Earbuds |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ear cuff; speaker sits outside the ear canal | Earlier version of the same open-ear cuff approach |
| Driver | Bose says it is newly engineered for deeper bass and higher maximum volume | Does not have the new driver described for 2nd Gen |
| Cinema Mode | Included | Not stated in the supplied product material |
| SpeechClarity and Auto Volume | Updated SpeechClarity and Auto Volume are listed | Not stated in the supplied product material |
| Case charging | Redesigned case with wireless charging | Wireless charging is not stated in the supplied product material |
| Battery | Up to 9 hours per charge; up to 19.5 additional hours in case, per Bose in 2026 | Original-generation battery figure is not stated in the supplied product material |
| U.S. price | $299 on Bose’s U.S. product page | Current price and availability vary; verify before purchase |
The original is a potential lower-price alternative if its open-ear design is what you want and you do not need the new features. A What Hi-Fi? deals page covers the original model, but its retailer pricing is time-sensitive and does not constitute a review of the 2nd Gen: What Hi-Fi? deals page.
Should you buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
They are most relevant if you want an ear-cuff-style fit that leaves your ear canal uncovered and value Bose’s newly listed features. Skip them if noise cancellation or isolation is central to your needs. At $299, buyers also have reason to wait for independent testing if sound quality, secure exercise fit, comfort, call performance or real-world battery life will determine the purchase.
Launch coverage from Tom’s Guide reported the announcement and Bose’s claims, while noting that its writer had not yet tested the new earbuds. It should not be read as an independent review or proof that the 2nd Gen has reclaimed a category crown.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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