The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds are a revolutionary design that sets them apart from the hundreds of other earbuds available today. Upon first glance, these earbuds look like nothing we've seen before. The packaging itself raised many questions in the mind of the reviewer, starting with the basic query: How do you even wear these things?
The unique design includes two solid pieces connected by a rubbery piece, which helps the earbuds stay in shape. One part of the earbud has a small cylinder with a button, battery, and charging nodes, while the other part resembles a boot shape that fits behind the earlobe. At first glance, it seems like the earbuds wouldn't stay in place, but the reviewer was pleasantly surprised by how easy and comfortable they were to wear. Despite the unusual look, they were told by others that from a distance, the earbuds appeared normal, offering a level of discretion that many didn't expect. These earbuds come in two colors: black and white smoke, giving consumers some variety in style.
Comfort is often a concern with new earbud designs, especially when the fit isn’t familiar. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds, however, deliver one of the most comfortable wearing experiences the reviewer has encountered. The open design means the earbuds don’t block the ear canal, avoiding issues such as ear fatigue, heat, or sweating. The design fits gently around the outside of the ear, a less sensitive part of the ear, making it comfortable for long-term wear. The reviewer even found themselves wearing the earbuds for extended periods without realizing it, further affirming their comfort.
One of the more surprising aspects was their stability. Despite the unique design, these earbuds stayed securely in place even during more dynamic activities. The reviewer tested them during a three-mile run, and the earbuds didn’t shift or require readjustment. The ability to slide the earbuds slightly for better alignment is a helpful feature to ensure an even fit. While the earbuds are secure once adjusted, the reviewer notes that the fit and sound may require a small amount of tweaking initially.
When it comes to sound quality, many open earbuds tend to compromise on volume and bass. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds offer a surprisingly rich sound experience. The volume levels were good even in quieter environments, and while the earbuds don't block out ambient noise, they provide enough sound clarity to enjoy music, podcasts, or other audio. In noisier environments, like a busy road, the sound did need to be turned up, but this is expected with open earbud designs.
The bass, while not overwhelmingly deep or thumping, still provided a clean and satisfying experience, much better than other open earbuds the reviewer had tested. The Snapdragon sound and 12mm drivers contribute to the clear, well-rounded sound. While not a replacement for closed-ear designs, these earbuds are ideal for users who prefer to hear their surroundings, such as cyclists or runners. The sound doesn’t feel like it's coming from inside the head, a common trait with most earbuds, but instead feels more natural, as though it’s coming from around the listener. This makes for a unique and personal listening experience.
A notable feature of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds is their spatial audio or "immersion mode," a feature the reviewer typically dislikes. However, in these open earbuds, the feature feels more convincing and effective. The reviewer recalled an instance where they mistook the sound of a siren in a song for a real siren coming from behind them, which speaks to the effectiveness of the spatial audio. The ability to hear surroundings while enjoying spatial audio creates a more immersive and realistic experience than traditional closed earbuds.
The absence of active noise cancellation is an important distinction to note. These earbuds are meant to keep the listener aware of their environment, so active noise cancellation is not a feature. Users who prioritize blocking out noise should look for other options, as these are not designed to provide isolation. Likewise, while the sound leakage is minimal at lower volumes, it becomes noticeable as the volume increases. This is another consideration for potential buyers.
When it comes to controls, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds use physical buttons placed behind the ear. This design choice eliminates the need for touch-sensitive controls, which are prone to errors, especially in sweaty or gloved hands. The buttons work well for basic functions like play/pause, volume control, and skipping tracks. The earbuds also allow for customization through the Bose app, providing additional control over features like the immersion mode and device switching.
Battery life is impressive, though it falls slightly short of some other premium earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds offer up to 7.5 hours of playtime per earbud and a total of 27 hours with the charging case. This is more than sufficient for most daily uses, although users who rely heavily on immersive audio may see a slightly reduced battery life.
Durability is another strong point. Despite concerns that the rubber components could wear out over time, the earbuds appear to be quite sturdy and resistant to damage from normal use. They are rated IPX4 for water resistance, making them suitable for sweat and light rain exposure, though not for submerging in water.
The case itself is compact and pocketable, offering USB-C charging, but it lacks wireless charging, which some users might find inconvenient. The reviewer believes that given the price point, wireless charging should be a standard feature in 2024. The earbuds also lack a true mono mode, meaning they won't function properly when only one earbud is used, which may be a drawback for some users.
In summary, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open Earbuds offer a unique combination of comfort, sound quality, and secure fit, making them a solid choice for users who prioritize staying aware of their surroundings. They are particularly suited for active individuals such as runners or cyclists. However, they do have some drawbacks, including the lack of active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and the inability to use the earbuds in mono mode. At a price point of $299, they are on the expensive side, but they provide an alternative for users who want something different from the typical earbud design.
