Compare Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Bose Sport Open Earbuds

Rich, clear sound is a major reason to buy, and several testers place these among the best open earbuds. Some still prefer competing clip-ons for bass impact, while sealed earbuds retain an advantage in outright fidelity.

Sound is often clear and enjoyable for an open design, particularly after tuning. The weakest assessment finds it adequate for workout music but compromised for focused listening, with bass fading outdoors or at higher volumes.

Auto Volume can overreact to background noise. In one desk test it abruptly raised playback to an uncomfortable level instead of providing a useful adjustment.

Personalizing the sound is useful and can improve satisfaction over the default settings. Available adjustment is straightforward but limited to broad tonal changes.

A tester reports that the earlier high-volume fluctuation problem is completely resolved. Playback above roughly 85% volume is no longer affected by that particular issue.

One tester encounters brief glitches that collapse stereo playback toward mono before it recovers. The faults are occasional but noticeable during outdoor use.

Bass is fuller than before and unusually rich for an open design, but it divides opinion. Some listeners find it pleasingly substantial; others hear boominess, limited sub-bass, or less punch than leading rivals.

Bass can sound punchy at lower levels but lacks deep extension. Traffic and higher playback levels make the low end less convincing.

The open design cannot shut out aircraft, subway, or busy-office noise. Listeners who sometimes need isolation may find a sealed pair more flexible.

Very little isolation keeps the surroundings audible but also lets traffic and other noise compete with music.

Moderate-volume listening can be discreet, but higher levels become audible to people nearby in quiet rooms. The design works best when privacy does not depend on playing loudly without leakage.

Privacy depends on volume and surroundings. One user could listen in bed without disturbing a partner, while another found that nearby people could hear leakage at higher levels in a quiet room.

Several listeners enjoy balanced, vocal-forward tuning across different genres. One tester instead finds boomy mid-bass and harsh treble that benefit from EQ adjustment.

Tonal accuracy draws opposing reactions. One listener praises precise mids and highs, while another highlights a bass-light, treble-heavy balance against its preferred target.

Spatial processing draws sharply different reactions: some listeners enjoy its cinematic scale, while others hear warped speech, lost detail, or an artificial effect. Cinema mode is most convincing for viewers who like the added sense of space.

Omitting Immersive Audio and Cinema Mode feels reasonable for exercise-focused listening. These spatial features are absent rather than an available strength.

Wind performance is mixed despite improvements over the first generation. Some testers find outdoor calling much better, while others still experience background intrusion or inconsistent clarity in heavy wind.

Wind performance splits opinion in call tests. One tester finds clear improvement over the original Ultra, while another struggles to hear speech through wind noise.

Noise suppression can keep speech clear on busy streets, and one tester found a substantial improvement in simulated windy conditions. Another still heard considerably more background noise than on competing clip-ons.

Wind rejection is inconsistent across tests: one comparison finds a meaningful improvement, while another finds speech hard to hear in wind.

An airy, wide presentation gives music room to breathe. Cinema processing can widen that space further while keeping dialogue centered, although the natural openness is already appealing without it.

Drums spread convincingly from left to right, giving rock tracks a pleasing sense of stereo width.

Most playback stays clean even at higher volume, but bass-heavy tracks can produce slight distortion. One tester eliminated it by reducing bass and treble with EQ.

A weak distortion-quality result pulls down one lab-based audio assessment, limiting confidence in overall sonic refinement.

The cuff can be fiddly or confusing to put on at first, and an awkward fit on the original may carry over. The softer joint helps with opening and positioning, and practice can make the process feel natural.

The open loops are easy to grasp, helping users handle and put on the buds without fiddling with tiny parts.

The buds generally preserve clarity and bass as volume rises. One tester heard minimal distortion on a few tracks, while another praised the amount of bass retained near maximum output.

Clarity can remain good as volume rises, but the balance becomes less satisfying as bass weakens. One test also finds a sharp edge to cymbals at higher levels.

IPX4 is generally considered adequate for sweat and light splashes, but several testers want stronger protection at this price. Rivals can offer higher water ratings as well as tested dust protection.

IP54 protection is generally considered adequate for sweat, splashes, and dusty workout conditions. One tester wanted a stronger IP57 rating at this price.

One reviewer considers the two-microphone hardware relatively simple for a $299 product, particularly beside rivals with larger arrays and additional voice sensors.

The built-in microphones produce mixed results, from an improvement over the original Ultra to a thin and unnatural voice. Wind remains a weakness in one detailed test.

A power adapter is not included. Buyers without a suitable spare may need to budget for an additional charger.

The missing charging cable disappoints a buyer who expects one at this price.

Missing wearing detection is a disappointment at the premium price. A tester considers it an expected convenience given that some cheaper open earbuds already offer it.

The absence of wearing detection disappoints a tester who expects more convenience at premium prices.

Treble opinions vary sharply. One reviewer hears clear, detailed highs even around ambient noise, while another finds the top end harsh enough to need EQ reduction.

Some enjoy the bright, crisp top end and direct presentation. Another tester finds cymbals shrill when turning the volume up.

Fit impressions range from nicely seated to more prone to sliding than the first generation. Vigorous movement can shift the buds even when they remain attached.

Fit can differ between ears, with one side staying snug while the other moves more. A personal fit check matters before relying on them for active use.

The upright case generally feels more premium, sturdy, and practical, with good pocketability. Experiences differ on docking the buds and the lid: some find it reassuringly easy, while others find it awkward or basic.

The slightly thicker Sport case still keeps a practical pocket-friendly shape.

Instrumental parts remain distinct rather than being overwhelmed by other sounds. Acoustic and orchestral recordings also retain decent separation and a natural sense of space.

Busy mixes remain easy to follow, with distorted guitars clearly separated from the rest of the instruments.

Higher output largely resolves the original model’s loudness limitation. Several testers find enough headroom for noisy surroundings, including a successful subway listening test.

Maximum output is more than sufficient even in a noisy environment, where the open design lets outside sound compete.

This is widely regarded as a meaningful improvement with excellent comfort and strong open-ear sound. The overall recommendation remains conditional on accepting the price and choosing awareness over isolation.

Most impressions are positive about comfortable open listening and exercise use. The strongest reservation is whether those benefits justify the price when less expensive alternatives exist.

Clear, present vocals are a recurring strength. The richer midrange gives voices and instruments body without routinely burying them in the mix.

Vocals retain good presence and clarity, with precise mids and enough definition to keep instruments intelligible.

The cuff is generally secure for walking and everyday movement, but harder exercise exposes disagreement. Some testers endorse vigorous activity, while others report sliding or recommend a sport-focused model.

Most testers report secure attachment during runs and workouts. Fit can vary by ear, and one user lost a bud while bending and scrubbing a car.

Natural awareness is one of the clearest benefits: traffic, conversations, and household activity remain audible. The listening experience suits people who want audio without losing touch with their surroundings.

Keeping traffic and nearby activity audible is the most consistent strength. The open design lets music accompany exercise without sealing off the surrounding environment.

The redesigned case remains pocketable even though it is slightly larger than the first-generation case. Carrying it is still considered convenient.

The case remains easy to pocket despite being slightly larger than the original Ultra’s case.

Initial setup is exceptionally easy. Opening the case starts pairing, and the tested Android phone immediately offered a connection.

Dismissing the first pairing prompt can make initial setup awkward. Once that hurdle is cleared, subsequent pairing is straightforward.

Speech remains understandable, but voices can sound recessed, muffled, or overly processed. Natural vocal reproduction is less consistent than basic intelligibility.

One user reports a distant, nasal, high-pitched voice on calls. Speech remains understandable, but it does not sound natural.

The three-band EQ is useful for broad adjustments and can tame harshness or distortion. Its single bass slider leaves little room to target a specific boomy frequency range.

Three-band adjustment provides enough freedom for useful tuning, and one user found the results excellent. The controls remain basic rather than offering detailed frequency-by-frequency adjustment.

Call quality is improved and usually intelligible, but opinions range from crisp and clear to merely average. Wind and processed-sounding speech keep the microphones from being an unequivocal strength.

Call quality ranges from a clear improvement over the original Ultra to merely serviceable. Wind and an unnaturally thin voice presentation remain concerns in some tests.

Pairing and wireless operation are generally dependable. One tester reported no connection lags or pairing problems, while another praised near-instant setup on an Android phone.

Connections are generally reliable after pairing, but one tester encountered brief downtown dropouts. Another had trouble restarting initial pairing after dismissing the first prompt.

The app is generally straightforward and easy to navigate, with useful customization controls. Its basic EQ and modest depth leave some testers wanting more flexibility.

The Bose app covers the essentials with a fairly basic interface and feature set. Sound tuning can make a worthwhile difference without requiring a complicated setup.

Physical buttons are usually easy to locate by feel and preferable to touch controls during activity. The main exception is the volume gesture, which one article finds slow and prone to misfires.

Textured physical buttons are widely praised for easy operation with sweaty fingers and full playback control. Volume adjustment divides opinion, with one tester regularly reaching for a phone instead.

Volume adjustment lacks the audible step feedback one tester wanted. A confirmation beep would make it easier to tell how much the level has changed.

Volume adjustment would be easier to track with audible feedback for each step.

The premium price is the most consistent complaint. Cheaper clip-ons can offer stronger protection, better microphones, or more battery life, making a discount or a strong preference for Bose’s comfort important.

Value is divisive: some appreciate the premium features, lower price than Ultra, or expected support. Others see too few standout benefits over cheaper clip-on rivals, and a missing cable adds frustration.

The codec offering is a strength for compatible Android hardware. Its practical benefit depends on the source device, so the same latency and quality gains do not apply universally.

Basic codec support is considered an acceptable compromise when outside noise already limits the benefits of higher-quality transmission.

The flexible cuff earns broad praise for avoiding pressure and irritation, with several testers calling extended comfort exceptional. One listener still needed a break after a few hours, and an unboxing account establishes only a comfortable first impression.

Most find the cuff comfortable for hours, sometimes easy to forget. Ear shape matters: one tester found it persistently bothersome, and others preferred a competitor’s fit.

The buds are described as well made and sturdy. Their construction gives reviewers a reassuring sense of quality.

One user calls the product high quality, while another expects better longevity than a cheaper rival. That durability advantage is an expectation rather than a demonstrated long-term result.

Several listeners praise the lightweight feel, and a looser clamp can make the buds feel lighter on the ear. One comparison still slightly favors the lighter Sport model for wearing comfort.

The buds feel light on the ears, helping the cuff avoid a heavy or cumbersome sensation.

The flexible joint and gentle clamp help the earbuds feel unobtrusive during wear. Testers praise softer or lighter pressure, while one appreciates a slightly tighter fit that still feels comfortable.

A balanced, relatively light clamp gives the Sport a comfortable hold without excessive pressure.

The cuff shape, metallic accents, and color choices give the earbuds a polished, jewelry-like appearance. Styling earns strong praise, although one buyer misses the first generation’s Desert Gold option.

Sleek styling and playful color options make the design appealing without changing its familiar cuff format.

Up to nine hours in stereo earns broad approval and can cover a full day of intermittent listening. Spatial processing and Auto Volume can cut that sharply, and some rivals provide more total listening time with their cases.

Runtime attracts consistent approval, with one user going a week or more between case charges. Reported capacity figures vary, but the practical judgments describe enough power for repeated listening sessions.

Qi charging is a welcome convenience, especially for a desk or a shared phone-and-earbud charging pad. The addition helps make the redesigned case feel more complete at this price.

One hands-on account calls wireless case charging handy, but another supplied test says the Sport lacks it. Confirm the case’s charging capability before relying on this convenience.

Quick top-ups are valued for restoring useful playback when the battery is low, and the side port allows charging with the case upright. Wireless charging is another welcome daily convenience.

Wireless case charging is praised as convenient in one account. Another test says the Sport has no wireless charging, leaving that convenience disputed.

Active noise cancellation is absent by design. Keeping outside sound audible is viewed as more appropriate for the open-ear purpose than canceling it.

Adaptive codecs can reduce delay on compatible phones. Results vary by device, so uniformly low latency is not assured.

Compatible Android phones can benefit from adaptive codec support, and Fast Pair worked almost instantly on a tested Pixel. Hardware support matters for accessing the higher-quality audio options.

Adaptive aptX support is a useful advantage over rivals limited to basic codecs. Compatible devices can gain higher-quality playback or lower latency, although results vary with the phone.

Lack of tested dust protection is a weak point at this price. Several comparisons favor cheaper alternatives that add a dust rating alongside splash resistance.

Some ferromagnetic ear jewelry can interact with the earbuds’ magnets. Checking the fit during the return window and adjusting placement may be necessary if a piercing tugs.

The lower cuff position leaves room for glasses arms, and one tester could easily wear sunglasses. Hat brims also have space above the cuff.

Either bud can connect independently, making it convenient to grab just one for listening in bed.

Side-lying comfort depends on placing the projecting bridge carefully against the pillow.

The default tuning is satisfying without adjustment for some listeners. Its balanced, vocal-forward presentation works especially well in quieter surroundings.

The case grows slightly in size but stays compact enough for pocket storage.

Natural transparency earns exceptional praise because the ear canal stays open. One listener hears surroundings exactly as before putting the earbuds on.

Moving the USB-C port to the side allows upright tabletop charging. Reactions range from practical convenience to mild bemusement about the unusual placement.

Missing Auracast is criticized as a conspicuous omission at the premium price. The complaint centers on the absence of a broadcast-audio capability already available on cheaper competitors.

Confidence in Bose standing behind its products adds appeal for one buyer. That confidence comes from earlier replacement experiences rather than a support claim tested on this pair.

Two-device switching is praised as easy and works without manual reconnection. That makes moving between a laptop and a phone convenient.

Battery reporting in 10% steps is too coarse for precise monitoring. One short listening test still displayed 100%, making it difficult to judge the actual drain.

The smoother hinge action is a welcome refinement. One comparison also found the Bose hinge more reassuring than a rival’s, though that confidence is not a long-term durability test.

One user likes being able to move a bud between ears for side sleeping, with some repositioning needed to aim the sound.

A customizable shortcut provides convenient access to the phone’s voice assistant. The benefit is quick control through the earbuds rather than a claim about assistant accuracy.