Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
As of October 3, 2026, the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the only one of these two you can buy in the United States. Samsung has announced Galaxy Buds On for a South Korean launch on October 27, 2026; it has not announced international release dates or prices. Choose Bose if you need open-ear earbuds now. If you can wait, compare Galaxy Buds On when it is available where you live—and check that any Bose listing is for the original model, not the 2nd Gen.
Availability and price: what you can buy now
Samsung announced a black-only South Korean launch for Galaxy Buds On on October 27, 2026, at KRW 299,000. The launch is still in the future as of October 3, and Samsung says other markets will follow sequentially without giving dates or local prices. The Korean price is not an announced price for another country. Samsung’s announcement has the launch details.
Bose’s US product page listed the original Ultra Open in the selected color for $199, reduced from $299, when checked October 3, 2026. That is a changeable listing, not a guaranteed price. Availability and pricing outside the US may differ. Check Bose’s original-model product page for the current listing.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThere is also a Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). The detailed Bose specifications and price below refer to the original model, not the 2nd Gen; confirm the generation on a retailer’s listing before comparing or buying.
#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
What the open-ear design means in daily use
Both earbuds use a clip-on or cuff-like form that leaves the ear canal unobstructed. That can help you remain aware of nearby sounds, but it does not provide the isolation of an earbud that seals the canal. Open-ear does not mean sound-proof to people nearby: Samsung cautions that Galaxy Buds On audio may leak depending on volume, ear shape, and ambient noise, particularly in quiet places.
Samsung describes Galaxy Buds On as hanging lightly around the ear. It says it analyzed different ear shapes, used simulations to optimize speaker and battery placement, increased the contact area to distribute pressure, and tuned the band’s elasticity to stay close during movement. These are Samsung’s design claims, not independent fit trials. Bose describes its original Ultra Open as cuff-like and says its OpenAudio technology delivers sound while ears remain open. Neither source establishes which model fits more securely or comfortably across different ears, or how much sound each leaks in a controlled comparison.
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
Battery life: compare the stated conditions
| Model | Manufacturer-stated playback | Case and charging |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds On | Up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on one charge, according to Samsung. | Extra case playback and charging figures are not stated in the Samsung announcement. |
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, original | Up to 7 hours; Bose lists up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume. | Up to 19.5 extra hours from the case. Bose also says a 10-minute case charge can add up to 2 hours of playback. |
These are manufacturer claims, not independent battery tests, and actual runtime depends on settings and use. Samsung’s 9.5-hour figure is for continuous music playback; Bose’s shorter figures apply when Immersive Audio or Auto Volume is enabled. The available figures do not establish which lasts longer under matching conditions.
Features, controls, and phone compatibility
Galaxy Buds On
Samsung lists rear touch controls, TwinBoost speakers intended to reinforce bass, automatic volume adjustment, and Audio Leakage Reduction. The announced hardware includes a Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and Class-D amplifier. For calls, Samsung lists three microphones, a voice pickup unit sensor, and machine-learning processing.
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.
Samsung also lists Galaxy AI hands-free features with supported Galaxy devices, Gemini Live voice activation, head gestures, and quick connection with Galaxy phones and tablets. Some functions require compatible devices, settings, or apps, so do not assume every feature works the same way with every phone.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, original
Bose lists button controls, OpenAudio, Immersive Audio, and Bluetooth multipoint for connection to two devices. These listed capabilities are not evidence that Bose sounds better than Samsung: no independent, controlled head-to-head audio test of these products is established.
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.
Water resistance and workout suitability
Bose lists IPX4 water resistance for the original Ultra Open. The Samsung announcement does not state a water-resistance rating. That means the available information supports a rating for Bose but not a direct water-resistance comparison; it does not establish Galaxy Buds On as resistant or non-resistant. If sweat or rain protection matters, verify the rating for the exact model and market before buying.
Quick Recap
Which clip-on earbuds should you buy?
- Choose the original Bose Ultra Open if you need a model available now in the US. Its listed price is a snapshot and can change; confirm the current price and generation on the product page.
- Wait for Galaxy Buds On if Samsung’s announced features and Galaxy-device integration matter to you. Before deciding, check local availability, local price, compatibility, and independent fit and battery testing once those are available.
- Prioritize fit and your surroundings over advertised design language. Both leave the canal open, but the sources do not establish a universal comfort, security, or leakage winner. Consider where you will listen: quiet rooms may make leakage more noticeable.
- Compare battery life with your actual settings. Bose’s listed playback falls when Immersive Audio or Auto Volume is used; Samsung’s stated 9.5 hours is a manufacturer figure, not a matched comparison.
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.
