I would argue that Bose helped popularize clip-on open earbuds—the kind of bud that wraps around the outside of your ear like a statement earring. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched in 2024 and were a big swing on the form factor, especially for a major brand. Other companies like Shokz had been making bone-conduction and open-ear headphones for years before, but this small, fashionable form factor really took off.
Bose is expanding its clip-on open earbud offerings with the new Bose Sport Open Earbuds and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), both of which launch October 1. Hence, the original Ultra Open Earbuds are on sale, matching the lowest price I’ve seen for them.
For more audio recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds, Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds, and Best Soundbars.
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Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz
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Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz
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Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are premium open earbuds that wrap around the outside of your ear, leaving your inner ear open to hear the world around you. They do not have noise-canceling of any kind. That makes them a great option for when you want to listen to music or an audiobook but still be aware, whether that’s outside going for a run or in your home washing the dishes.
In my open earbuds guide, they are my pick for the best premium open earbuds. They have better controls, sounds, and comfort than the competition, and their big con, price, is much more palatable at 33 percent off. I love them particularly for outdoor running and cycling, where I like a podcast or audiobook, but still need to hear all my surroundings.
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