Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review: Comfort Wins, Calls Fail
Digging into user feedback, the Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds earn a strong but conditional verdict: 8.5/10 for comfort, sound quality, and situational awareness, but held back by Bluetooth quirks and mediocre call performance. Across Reddit, Trustpilot, Sweetwater, and Amazon reviews, a recurring theme emerged — these earbuds excel for music lovers who need to stay aware of their environment, yet frustrate those who demand flawless connectivity or pristine microphone clarity.
Quick Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort for all-day wear | Call quality often described as “atrocious” |
| Rich, immersive open-ear sound | Bluetooth connection can be unstable for some |
| Secure fit even during intense exercise | No active noise cancellation |
| Spatial audio feels natural and spacious | Slight ear “pinch” after hours for some users |
| Stylish ear-cuff design | Sound leakage possible at max volume in quiet spaces |
| Multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device setups | Price remains high compared to competitors |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets the Ultra Open Earbuds as delivering “rich, private sound” with a cuff-like fit that stays secure during any activity. Official specs promise up to 7 hours of playtime and seamless multipoint connectivity. But digging deeper into user reports reveals a nuanced reality.
The comfort claim holds up remarkably well. Reddit user u/[deleted] wrote: “I’ve worn these today for a total of 8 hours… I totally forgot they were even in.” This mirrors Bose’s marketing, which emphasizes their “light-as-air grip” and skin-safe materials. Multiple Sweetwater reviewers echoed that there’s “no cork in your ear canal feeling” and that they “stay secure” even during workouts.
Sound quality is another area where marketing matches user experience — at least for music. A Reddit user described it as “like a movie theater is constantly following you around,” while Trustpilot reviewer soundman praised the “perfect blended state of being in the moment and aware of all your surroundings, while also being in a private audio world of your own.” However, the “private sound” claim falters slightly at high volumes in quiet environments, with Bose themselves admitting that others “may hear something is playing” if volume is maxed.
Connectivity is where a gap appears. Bose touts “seamless multipoint connectivity,” yet several Reddit users expressed concern over “bad Bluetooth connection” and found it “annoying” compared to other models. While some owners report flawless switching between devices, others recommend disabling multipoint in the Bose app to avoid interruptions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Comfort is the standout win. Users across Reddit, Sweetwater, and Trustpilot consistently describe the fit as secure yet unobtrusive. A Bosefanatic on Trustpilot, with an active lifestyle including “running, mountain biking, and cardio workouts,” said: “Once you put these in your ears and find the right spot, they don’t move!” This stability appeals to athletes, commuters, and anyone who needs earbuds to stay put without ear fatigue.
Sound quality also earns broad praise, especially for situational awareness. A Reddit user shared: “The biggest advantage… is to listen to music quite loud while being totally aware of surrounding voices and sounds.” Immersive audio mode is a favorite among Sweetwater buyers; one noted it “provides a fuller, more enhanced audio presence… similar to surround sound.”
Battery life meets or exceeds expectations for most. Sweetwater reviewers cite up to 7.5 hours as “more than enough to tackle the entire workday,” with the charging case adding significant extra runtime. This endurance suits long-haul travelers, cyclists, and remote workers.
Common Complaints
Microphone performance is the most consistent criticism. One Reddit user bluntly stated: “Everything about them is awesome, except for the microphone call quality… downright atrocious.” This makes them ill-suited for professionals who rely heavily on clear voice calls.
Bluetooth stability divides opinion. While some laud the “new improved Bluetooth connectivity,” others on Reddit warn of “bad connection” or find multipoint “annoying.” Bose’s own support pages advise disabling multipoint to avoid interference — a clear sign that the feature can be problematic.
Physical comfort over extended wear is mostly positive, but a few Sweetwater reviewers mention that the ear cuff can “feel like it’s pinching a bit after wearing them for a few hours.” This suggests that while the fit is secure, ultra-long sessions may cause minor discomfort for some ear shapes.
Divisive Features
The open-ear design is celebrated by those needing environmental awareness, but it’s a trade-off for those seeking isolation. Without noise cancellation, they’re unsuitable for noisy commutes or flights. Bose makes clear this is by design, but users accustomed to ANC may find the experience lacking.
Sound leakage is minimal at moderate volumes, but in very quiet spaces with the volume cranked, nearby people may detect audio. For some, this is acceptable; for others, it undermines the “surprisingly private” marketing angle.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit show no major scam concerns — buyers generally receive genuine products and report durable construction. Water resistance (IPX4) has held up well in real-world use, with no widespread complaints about moisture damage. One Sweetwater customer noted wearing them “rain or shine” without issue.
Long-term durability stories suggest consistent performance over months. Reddit users report the fit remains tight and the audio quality stable even after heavy exercise routines. However, firmware updates have been necessary to reduce “hiss” when idle, indicating software plays a role in maintaining quality.
Alternatives
Community discussions often compare these to Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. The QC Ultras offer active noise cancellation and a traditional in-ear fit, making them better for isolation but less comfortable for those with ear fatigue. For city cyclists or runners, the Ultra Opens are preferable, as they allow ambient awareness without sacrificing musical detail.
Another alternative mentioned by users is bone conduction headphones. While they also provide environmental awareness, Reddit and Trustpilot reviewers emphasize that the Ultra Opens’ air conduction delivers fuller sound and richer bass than bone conduction models.
Price & Value
Official Bose pricing sits around $229–$299 USD, depending on promotions, with resale values on eBay averaging $174 for new units and as low as $60–$100 for pre-owned. Given their niche appeal, the high retail price is justified for specific use cases — athletes, urban walkers, and those with ear canal sensitivity. Bargain hunters on Reddit recommend monitoring eBay for sealed units under $180.
FAQ
Q: Do they stay secure during running or intense activity?
A: Yes. Multiple users report they “don’t move” once positioned correctly, even during mountain biking or jogging. The ear cuff design resists slipping without the deep insertion of in-ear buds.
Q: Is the sound truly private?
A: At moderate volumes in typical environments, yes. At maximum volume in a quiet room, nearby people may hear faint audio but not details.
Q: Can I connect to two devices at once?
A: Yes, via multipoint Bluetooth. However, some users suggest disabling it if you encounter connection interruptions.
Q: Are they good for phone calls?
A: Not ideal. While usable, many owners describe call quality as poor, making them better suited for music and casual listening.
Q: How does immersive mode differ from stereo?
A: Immersive mode expands the soundstage, creating a spatial audio effect that feels like music is “in the room” rather than just in your ears.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an active listener who values comfort, style, and environmental awareness — especially for workouts, commuting, or long wear without fatigue. Avoid if your primary need is crystal-clear voice calls or ANC for noisy environments. Pro tip from the community: Position the sound port close to the ear canal for stronger bass, but keep volume moderate to maintain privacy.
