Bose has introduced a new category of earphones with their Ultra Open Earbuds. These open-air earbuds provide a unique listening experience by maximizing awareness of your surroundings. Unlike traditional earphones, the Ultra Open Earbuds do not have active noise cancellation. Instead, they allow ambient sounds to come through naturally without relying on artificial transparency modes.
The design of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is quite different from what we are accustomed to. The earpiece, which houses the driver, sits at the entrance of the ear canal rather than inside it. It is held in place by a flexible band that wraps around the ear. The battery is located in a small column behind the ear, completing the distinctive look. While this design may seem odd at first, it is surprisingly comfortable and secure, making it suitable for activities like running.
Wearing the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feels like wearing jewelry for your ears. The fit is stable, allowing you to go about your activities without worrying about them falling off. Even during a windy run, these earbuds stayed securely in place while my baseball cap was blown off multiple times. Bose's commitment to comfort remains evident with this new design.
The Ultra Open Earbuds excel in providing a heightened sense of awareness. With zero sound blocking, they allow you to hear your surroundings in unprecedented clarity. This is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities like running, where it is essential to stay aware of vehicles and other potential hazards. However, this heightened awareness does come at the expense of sound immersion. You become more aware of your breathing, and background noise can compete with the audio playing through the earbuds.
It is important to note that the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds may not be suitable for all situations. In places with high levels of ambient noise, such as public transport, these earbuds do not provide adequate sound isolation. They also lack the highest level of water resistance, with an IPX4 rating. However, the absence of active noise cancellation does allow for decent battery life, rated at 7.5 hours, and minimal power drain when not in use.
In terms of sound quality, the Ultra Open Earbuds deliver a solid performance. The open design compensates for the bass loss typically experienced in open-air earphones, resulting in a fat and voluminous sound. The bass is prominent without muddying the audio. However, the mid-range feels somewhat lacking, with emphasis primarily on the mid-bass and treble. These earbuds are not ideal for critical listening or audiophiles seeking tonal fidelity.
One advantage of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds over traditional open-back headphones is that they leak less sound, making them suitable for use in office settings as long as the volume is kept at a reasonable level.
Overall, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds provide a unique listening experience that prioritizes awareness and comfort. They are particularly well-suited for runners, gym enthusiasts, and individuals who want to remain present and aware of their surroundings. While they may not deliver the highest level of audio fidelity in the Bose lineup, they offer a distinct option for those seeking a different kind of earphone experience.
