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Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 2: Sound Upgrade, Big Price Tag
16 Oct
Summary
- Second-gen earbuds boast improved sound, call quality, and battery life.
- New charging case features an upright design and wireless charging.
- Price remains $299, sparking debate amid numerous lower-cost alternatives.
Bose's new Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) have arrived, aiming to refine the clip-on earbud experience. These earbuds offer noticeable improvements in sound quality, voice-calling performance, and battery life, now rated for up to 9 hours. The design remains comfortable with a secure cuff-clip, and the charging case has been updated with a stable upright design and wireless charging capabilities.
The sonic performance sees a significant boost thanks to new drivers, delivering louder volume and richer bass without distortion. The earbuds also feature Bose's TrueSpatial technology with head-tracking and a new Cinema mode for an enhanced audio-visual experience. Voice-calling quality has also seen improvement, handling noisy environments better, though still not reaching the top tier.
Despite these enhancements, the $299 price tag positions the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) at the higher end of the market. This steep price is a key consideration, especially with Bose's own Sport Open Earbuds available for $100 less, and a wide array of other functional clip-on earbuds from various brands offering more budget-friendly options. While earning a CNET Editors' Choice, the value proposition at full price is questioned.
