Bose introduced the Ultra Open Earbuds in 2024, marking a significant shift in design for a major audio brand. Companies such as Shokz have made bone-conduction and open-ear headphones for years, but the smaller, more fashionable clip-on form factor has become increasingly popular.

Bose is launching two new clip-on open earbuds

Bose is expanding its open-ear lineup with the Bose Sport Open Earbuds and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd generation). Both models are scheduled for release on October 1.

In the meantime, the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are on sale for $199 at Amazon, down from $299. That is a $100 discount and the lowest price I’ve seen for these premium open earbuds.

Why the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are worth considering

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sit around the outside of your ear, leaving your ear canal open so you can hear your surroundings. They do not include noise cancellation, making them a useful option for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while running outdoors, cycling, or doing chores at home.

In my open-ear earbuds guide, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are my pick for the best premium open earbuds. They offer better controls, sound, and comfort than competing models, although they are expensive at full price and do not support wireless charging.

What you get—and what you don’t

• Open-ear design that keeps your ear canals uncovered
• Excellent sound quality
• Comfortable, stylish design
• Responsive controls and solid features
• No noise cancellation
• No wireless charging

For more audio recommendations, check out our guides to the best wireless earbuds, best noise-canceling earbuds, and best soundbars.

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