Bose Bose Ultra Open True Wireless Earbuds (Desert Review

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a niche but excellent product for people who need to hear their surroundings. They're supremely comfortable and sound better than expected, but audio quality and mic performance are just average. At $299, they're a luxury buy for a specific need.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a weird and wonderful pair of headphones. They're not for everyone, but if you've ever wanted to listen to music without sealing out the world, they're the best version of that idea we've tested.

They clip onto the outside of your ear, leaving your ear canal completely open. That means you stay aware of your surroundings, which is great for walking around the city or working in an office. The sound is surprisingly full and private for an open design, but don't expect the deep bass or noise cancellation of traditional earbuds.

Performance is a mixed bag, which is exactly what you'd expect from such a niche product. The sound quality lands in the 41st percentile in our database, which is decent for an open-ear design but can't compete with top-tier in-ear models. The spatial audio feature is fun for movies and some music, but it's a gimmick, not a game-changer. Battery life is solid at up to 27 hours with the case, sitting in the 60th percentile. The real letdown is the microphone, which scores in the 38th percentile; callers will definitely know you're on a headset.

At $299, the value proposition is tough. You're paying a premium for a specific experience—being connected to your audio and your environment—not for top-tier audio specs. If that's exactly what you need, they're worth it. If you just want great sound, you can get much better-performing earbuds for the same money or less.

Stacked up against competitors, the Ultra Opens are in a category of their own. The Sony WF-1000XM5 ($299) will demolish them on sound quality and noise cancellation, but you lose all situational awareness. The Nothing Ear (a) ($99) offers a more balanced sound profile for a third of the price, but it's an in-ear design. Even Bose's own QuietComfort Earbuds ($279) offer legendary noise cancellation. The Ultra Opens only win if your top priority is comfort and awareness.

Skip these if you want immersive sound, powerful bass, or serious noise cancellation. If you're a commuter on a loud train, a gamer, or an audiophile, look elsewhere. The Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose's own QuietComfort Earbuds will serve you much better.

Buy these if you absolutely hate the feeling of earbuds in your ears, need to hear your surroundings for safety or work, and have $300 to spend on a very specific audio tool. They're perfect for all-day office wear, walking or running outdoors, or anyone who gets ear fatigue from traditional buds.