Compare SoundPEATS Clip1 vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Reviewers overwhelmingly say the Clip1 sounds unusually good for an open-ear clip-on, with clear, lively tuning and detail that often rivals pricier models. The open design still imposes limits in noisy places and at the deepest bass frequencies.

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.

Software stability is the weakest technical area in a handful of reviews, with wireless hiccups, an early mono/channel issue, Dolby crashes, and occasional dropouts. Other reviewers had stable connections, suggesting firmware version and environment matter.

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 detailed review found the tuning notably balanced, with no frequency range dominating the mix and a natural overall presentation.

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.

AeroVoice and environmental noise reduction usually keep speech intelligible around traffic, wind, and steady background noise. Strong wind is the main exception reported by some reviewers.

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.

Dolby Audio can add width, depth, and immersion, especially for movies and games. Music results are more subjective, with some reviewers loving the added space and others hearing little benefit or preferring it off.

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.

Bass is better than many reviewers expected from an open-ear design, especially with Dynamic EQ, with punchy mid-bass and useful warmth. Deep sub-bass remains the main limitation, and several reviewers say sealed earbuds still hit much harder.

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.

Most reviewers found video and gaming sync good, especially with Game Mode, but Android video playback was problematic in one review and another still detected residual gaming lag.

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

Passive isolation is intentionally weak because nothing seals the ear canal. That is excellent for awareness, but external noise readily competes with music in loud environments.

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

The Clip1 usually sounds open and spacious, with Dolby Audio adding extra width for movies and games. Some reviewers found the stage more tall than wide or relatively two-dimensional compared with pricier open-ear models.

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.

Leakage depends heavily on volume. One reviewer found colleagues could not hear a podcast at about 75%, while others heard noticeable leakage and said maximum volume was audible to people nearby.

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.

Wear detection and related sensors are usually reliable and convenient, automatically pausing and resuming playback. A few reviewers found detection hit-or-miss or encountered accidental behavior.

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 built-in microphone performed very well on phone calls in one hands-on test, supporting the broader positive call-quality consensus.

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

The default preset was criticized for underselling the hardware; one reviewer found the Clip1 noticeably better after changing the EQ.

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

The earbuds themselves are tiny, but the charging case is a recurring portability complaint. Several reviewers call it bulky, chunky, or larger than rival earbud cases.

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

The Clip1 does not support aptX, and one reviewer specifically called that omission a disappointment despite the presence of LDAC.

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.

IPX5 protection is considered well suited to workouts, sweat, light rain, and outdoor use. Reviewers consistently treat it as practical protection, while noting the earbuds should not be submerged.

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.

Volume is one of the more divided areas: some reviewers found it plenty loud, while others said it cannot overcome traffic or crowded environments. Buyers who listen loudly outdoors are the most likely to be dissatisfied.

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

Treble is generally crisp, airy, and detailed without becoming harsh or fatiguing. A few reviewers found the top end slightly restrained or bright at higher volumes, but the consensus is favorable.

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.

USB-C charging is straightforward and quick, with one reviewer specifically praising how rapidly the earbuds and case charge.

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

The package is basic and typical for clip-ons, with little beyond the case, cable, documentation, and occasional stickers. One reviewer judged the contents about average rather than generous.

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

Settings carried cleanly from an iPhone to a OnePlus phone in one review, showing smooth Android use and preserved customization.

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.

The secure fit is another major strength: reviewers ran, jumped, exercised, and shook their heads without the buds falling off. Positioning can be fussier for some ear shapes, but once set they usually stay put.

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.

The case draws some of the most consistent criticism: several reviewers call it cheap, plasticky, slippery, flimsy, or awkward to open. Others like its finish, charging behavior, and easy bud placement, so opinions are mixed.

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 clip design works especially well with glasses, masks, helmets, and even hearing aids in the reported use cases. Reviewers consistently found it avoids the pressure conflicts common with over-ear hooks.

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

Separation is consistently excellent for the form factor, with reviewers easily following guitars, vocals, and individual instruments. LDAC often improves the sense of space and separation further.

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.

Overall sentiment is exceptionally positive, with many reviewers adopting the Clip1 for daily use or calling it one of the best open-ear values they have tried. Complaints center on the case, controls, isolation, and fit quirks rather than the core experience.

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.

One reviewer found very little distortion even above 75% volume, suggesting the drivers stay clean when pushed hard.

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.

Fit is excellent for many ears, but a few reviewers found positioning sensitive or the loop a little large for smaller ears. Getting the speaker angle right can materially affect bass and clarity.

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.

Situational awareness is a defining success: reviewers can hear traffic, coworkers, family, and outdoor surroundings while listening. That makes the Clip1 excellent for running and office use, but less suitable when isolation is the goal.

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.

Vocals and mids are a major strength, repeatedly described as clear, natural, forward, and well defined. A few reviews note slight recession or occasional muffling when positioning is off.

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

The open-ear fit acts like a natural transparency mode, letting outside sound through without electronic processing. Reviewers who prioritize awareness strongly value this behavior.

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

Value is one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly say the Clip1 competes with much more expensive open-ear earbuds while delivering premium features around the $50-$70 range.

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.

The codec selection is unusually broad for the price, giving buyers more high-quality wireless options than expected from budget clip-ons.

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.

Multipoint usually switches smoothly between two devices and is useful for phone-and-computer workflows. A small number of reviewers saw awkward source switching, and LDAC cannot be used at the same time.

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

Siri support is a notable omission for Apple users who rely on hands-free message reading or voice commands. Reviewers otherwise viewed the limitation as understandable at the price.

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.

The tap-based control scheme works for basic playback, but volume adjustment is a recurring usability complaint. Reviewers often wanted simpler volume gestures or the tactile certainty of physical buttons.

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.

EQ flexibility is a major strength, with presets, manual multi-band adjustment, Adaptive EQ, and Dynamic EQ giving users meaningful control. Dynamic EQ in particular often improves bass and overall balance.

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.

Call quality is generally above average for an open-ear design, with many reviewers reporting clear voices indoors and usable outdoor calls. Performance can dip in strong wind or noisy situations, and one reviewer found the mic weak.

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.

Pairing is typically fast and stable, with good everyday range and quick reconnection. A few stutters appear in congested wireless areas or through floors and body obstruction.

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.

The PeatsAudio app is powerful but inconsistent across reviewers. Some praise its clean layout and reliable customization, while others call it basic, unpolished, registration-heavy, or buggy.

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.

Initial Bluetooth setup was described as easy, and the companion app recognized the earbuds without much friction after pairing.

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

Fast charging is universally well received: about ten minutes in the case yields roughly two hours of playback. Full charging times are also considered reasonable.

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.

Battery life is broadly strong, usually around eight hours on standard codecs with roughly 40 hours including the case. LDAC can cut single-charge endurance sharply, and a few reviewers measured closer to five or six hours in mixed use.

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.

At about 5g per bud, the Clip1 feels exceptionally light. Reviewers frequently describe it as barely noticeable or effectively disappearing during long use.

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 clip is generally gentle and secure without painful pinching. A few reviewers noticed tighter pressure than on softer competitors, so ear shape can affect long-session comfort.

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.

Comfort is the Clip1's clearest strength: reviewers repeatedly forgot they were wearing the 5g clips and used them for hours without ear-canal pressure. A minority with smaller ears or tighter fit experienced fatigue after longer sessions.

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.

The earbuds are widely praised as refined, modern, low-profile, and more jewelry-like than many budget clip-ons. The case styling is less universally admired.

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.

The earbuds generally feel sturdy and durable despite their low weight, with the flexible N-Flex arch inspiring confidence. The charging case often feels less premium than the buds themselves.

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

There is no listening ANC, and reviewers who need isolation consider that a meaningful limitation. The Clip1 is better suited to situations where hearing the environment is desirable.

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.

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.

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.

The case has no lanyard attachment point, which one reviewer found inconvenient for carrying and keeping track of the slippery case.

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.

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 reviewer specifically praised the onboard DAC and found the resulting sound natural, clear, and dynamically capable for the price.

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.

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 in-app find function is useful when it works as expected, but reviewers disagree on its execution. One wanted the feature entirely, while others praised sound or map-based locating and one found the stop behavior awkward.

LDAC is widely praised for adding detail, clarity, and separation at an unusually low price. Its tradeoffs are substantial: shorter battery life and incompatibility with features such as multipoint or Dynamic EQ on some settings.

One reviewer reported stable, consistent operation for Apple users while other reviews used Android, laptops, and tablets successfully, supporting broad everyday compatibility.

One reviewer tried scratching the glossy case with a fingernail and found it stayed shiny without visible marks, suggesting a surprisingly resilient finish.

Touch controls are mixed. Some reviewers found them fast and reliable, while others reported oversensitivity, slow or ambiguous taps, accidental commands, or difficulty with triple-tap timing.

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.

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.

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

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.

AutoSense is a standout convenience feature: either bud can go in either ear and the channels usually correct themselves automatically. Most reviewers love the friction it removes, though one review found occasional channel/control mix-ups.