The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Out of the hundreds of earbuds I’ve tested, these are by far the most unique. From the moment I opened the box, I had questions: how do you even wear these? Are they secure, comfortable, and packed with Bose’s signature tech like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)? More importantly, how do they sound?
Let’s break it down and answer these questions one by one.
Design & Fit
When you first take these earbuds out, the design may catch you off guard. They don’t insert directly into your ear canal like most traditional earbuds. Instead, they sit comfortably in your ear’s outer section, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly. It may take a bit of adjusting at first to get the fit right, but once they’re in, they stay put, even during activities like running. The design is sleek and minimalist, available in two colors: black and white smoke. Aesthetically, they resemble an earring or regular buds, blending easily into your everyday look.
Comfort
These earbuds are incredibly comfortable for long-term wear. Unlike traditional in-ear designs that can cause ear canal fatigue or heat build-up, the open-ear design of the QuietComfort Ultra ensures that you can wear them all day without discomfort. In fact, they are so light and unobtrusive that you might forget you’re wearing them at all. There’s no ear fatigue, and because they sit outside the ear canal, they’re ideal for those who find traditional earbuds irritating after extended use.
Security
When it comes to staying in place, these earbuds excel. Even during activities like running, I didn’t need to adjust them once they were properly positioned. The lightweight and ergonomic design ensure they remain securely in your ears, allowing you to move freely without fear of them slipping out.
Sound Quality
Now, for the important part—how do they sound? Surprisingly well! Open earbuds generally struggle with volume, but these provide clear and balanced sound even at lower volumes, which is healthier for your ears. Thanks to Snapdragon Sound, you get high-resolution audio with large 12mm drivers delivering clean, focused bass that’s not overwhelming but still satisfying.
The sound profile is neither entirely in your head, like with typical earbuds, nor does it fill the room. It strikes a balance that provides a unique and enjoyable listening experience. The Immersion Mode, or spatial audio feature, is particularly impressive. I’m typically not a fan of spatial audio, but Bose has executed it beautifully here. Hearing your surroundings blends into the music in a way that feels natural and convincing. There was a moment I heard a siren in a track and instinctively looked over my shoulder—it was that real.
However, the open design does have a trade-off: weak isolation. In loud environments, surrounding noises can bleed into your audio experience. If you need complete isolation, these may not be the best fit.
Additional Features
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Surprisingly, there’s no traditional ANC here. But given their open design, ANC isn’t as practical.
- Controls: The controls are simple and satisfying, even when used with wet hands or in cold weather. The customizable press-and-hold function is a nice touch, allowing you to tweak controls to your liking through the companion app.
- Battery Life: You’ll get about 7.5 hours of playback, extending to 27 hours with the case. If you’re using immersive audio, expect around half that.
- Durability: With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds are water-resistant, making them durable enough for most workouts.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, though multipoint connectivity isn’t fully realized here.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ideal for outdoor activities like biking, where hearing your surroundings is important.
- Well-executed spatial audio that enhances immersion.
- No need for cleaning, making them more hygienic for sharing.
- Ears stay cool and comfortable, even after long periods of wear.
- No interference with glasses or jewelry.
- Easily repositionable, with a 90-day warranty encouraging users to give them a try.
Cons:
- The open design means there’s minimal isolation from surrounding sounds.
- No wireless charging.
- Slightly tricky to put on, often requiring two hands.
- At $299, they are on the pricier side.
Final Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds are a fresh and unique addition to the world of wireless audio. They’re perfect for anyone who wants an open-ear design that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, especially for activities where awareness of your surroundings is key. While they don’t offer the deep isolation of in-ear buds and are missing wireless charging, their comfort, sound quality, and spatial audio experience make them stand out.
At $299, they are an investment, but if you value comfort and situational awareness alongside Bose’s premium sound, these earbuds are worth considering.
