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The right choice depends first on how you want an open-ear earbud to attach: CMF Clip Pro uses a clip-on design, while Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use Bose’s Flex Grip. CMF’s listed strengths include physical buttons, bass adjustment and longer manufacturer-claimed battery life; Bose lists Immersive Audio, multipoint connectivity and app-based EQ. Available evidence does not establish a universal winner for sound, comfort, calls or exercise stability.
How the two open-ear designs attach
CMF Clip Pro: a clip-on fit
What Hi-Fi? describes the CMF design as clip-on; Nothing’s product page lists the Clip Pro as an open-ear model. The attachment style is the clearest distinction between these products. If you prefer the idea of a clip-on earbud, CMF Clip Pro is the design to consider. The available information does not establish that it will fit every ear or remain stable for every activity.
Bose Ultra Open: Flex Grip
Bose describes Ultra Open’s attachment as a “Light-as-air Flex Grip.” Its open-ear design differs from CMF’s clip-on approach, so the more suitable option is a matter of personal fit preference—not a proven comfort advantage. Bose’s February 15, 2024 announcement positioned the product around “immersive audio and awareness”; that is Bose’s own product framing, not an independent finding.
Features and controls
CMF Clip Pro
Nothing lists a 10.8 mm dual-magnet driver and three levels of Ultra Bass customization through the Nothing X app. Each earbud has physical buttons. These are listed product features; they do not, by themselves, establish that CMF sounds better than Bose.
#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
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose lists OpenAudio, Immersive Audio and adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Its support specifications also list Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and a range of up to 30 feet (9 meters). These specifications describe Bose’s stated feature set, not a comparative test against CMF.
Battery life: compare the listening modes
The figures below are manufacturer claims, not results from a controlled head-to-head test. Bose’s estimates vary with audio features enabled, while Nothing’s cited claim gives an earbud figure and a combined figure.
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
| Model | Earbud listening claim | Case contribution or total claim |
|---|---|---|
| CMF Clip Pro | Up to 10 hours, according to Nothing’s official product page | Up to 32.5 hours total with the case, according to Nothing’s official product page |
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Up to 7 hours with Immersive Audio off; up to 4 hours with it on; up to 3 hours with Immersive Audio and Auto Volume on, according to Bose | Up to 19.5 additional hours from the case, according to Bose |
For Bose, the operating mode materially changes the stated earbud runtime. Consider the setting you expect to use rather than comparing its maximum figure alone with CMF’s maximum claim.
Water- and dust-resistance ratings
Nothing lists an IP54 rating for CMF Clip Pro. Bose support lists IPX4 for the Ultra Open earbuds and IPX1 for the charging case. These are the ratings as stated by their respective manufacturers; they are not interchangeable labels, and neither listing supports treating the products or cases as submersion-proof.
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.
Price and availability
Bose’s US product page displayed a price of $299 when accessed in 2026. That is a regional listing price, not a lasting or universal price. The cited Nothing page does not establish a current official US price for CMF Clip Pro. Check the manufacturer or a local retailer for current price and availability in your region before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
Choose CMF Clip Pro if its design and listed controls suit you
- You prefer a clip-on attachment over Bose’s Flex Grip.
- You want physical buttons and three levels of Ultra Bass adjustment in Nothing X.
- You value Nothing’s manufacturer-claimed battery figures: up to 10 hours from the earbuds and up to 32.5 hours total with the case.
- You are comparing the manufacturers’ stated resistance ratings and note that Nothing lists IP54.
These points describe CMF’s listed design and specifications; they do not establish a sound, comfort or exercise-stability win. Consider the CMF Clip Pro if those priorities match your needs.
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.
Choose Bose Ultra Open if its design and features appeal to you
- You are drawn to Bose’s Flex Grip attachment.
- You specifically want features Bose lists, such as Immersive Audio, multipoint or adjustable EQ in the Bose app.
- You are comfortable evaluating battery life against the mode you will use, since Bose’s stated runtime changes when Immersive Audio and Auto Volume are enabled.
Bose’s product features are not proof of better sound or fit for every listener. Review the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds listing and your local pricing before deciding.
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RTINGS has a comparison page for these models and identifies its methodology as version 2.3, but the CMF review was marked early access on the retrieved page. That status does not substantiate a broad verdict on sound, comfort, call quality or workout stability. The listed specifications support a fit- and feature-based choice, not a definitive performance ranking.
Quick Recap
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.
