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Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) Review: Affordability Is a Concern, but I Dig the Upgraded Sound
CNET • • technology
Key Points:
- Bose has released the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), which feature improved sound quality, voice-calling performance, and battery life compared to the original model, but come with a $299 price tag, $100 higher than many competitors.
- The new earbuds retain the comfortable cuff-clip design with minor tweaks and introduce a redesigned charging case with wireless charging, a rubberized base, and USB-C port on the side.
- Sound enhancements include new drivers for louder, clearer audio with deeper bass, TrueSpatial technology with head-tracking, and a Cinema mode, making them some of the best-sounding clip-on earbuds available.
- Voice-calling capabilities have improved with Bluetooth 5.4 and Bose’s AI-driven SpeechClarity Technology, though performance is still not top-tier, with some background noise audible in loud environments.
- While praised for quality and comfort, the earbuds face stiff competition from lower-priced alternatives and Bose’s own $199 Sport Open Earbuds, leading to the recommendation to wait for sales before purchasing.
