In the world of wireless earbuds, Bose is a big name, always coming up with new ideas to meet different people’s needs. Today, I’ll compare two of Bose’s newest earbuds: the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Both are designed to give you great sound, but they focus on different things. Let’s take a close look at each one to figure out which one might be right for you.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
PROS | PROS |
Comfortable cuff-shaped design. Impressive three-dimensional sound. Compact charging case. | Excellent active noise cancellation. Comfortable fit with customizable tips. Warm and immersive sound quality. |
CONS | CONS |
Moderate sound leakage. Limited codec support. | Lack of multipoint connectivity. Potential latency for gaming on incompatible devices. |
CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Let’s start with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Straight out of the box, I was impressed by their design and sound quality. These earbuds have a cuff-style design, but what sets them apart is their three-dimensional sound technology, which minimizes sound leakage while providing exceptional comfort. The earbuds fit snugly in the ear, and I found them comfortable to wear, even during long listening sessions. The charging case, though smaller than expected, is convenient to carry around. It features a USB port for charging and has LED indicators to show battery status. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and easy to operate, with physical buttons for controls. The sound quality is impressive, with deep bass and a wide soundstage. The Ultra Open Earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and offer SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality audio. Additionally, they feature spatial audio support for an immersive listening experience. The Bose Music app allows for further customization of sound settings. Overall, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds deliver excellent sound quality, comfort, and innovative features for a premium listening experience.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Now, let’s discuss the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. These high-end earbuds offer exceptional noise cancellation and comfort, making them ideal for various settings. The earbuds come in a substantial case similar to the previous generation of Bose QC earbuds, with slight design tweaks. What’s notable about these earbuds is their customizable fit, thanks to the different ear tips and fins included. This ensures a secure fit and excellent comfort, even during extended wear. The active noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out external sounds for an immersive listening experience. Whether I was in a noisy city environment or on public transport, the noise cancellation worked flawlessly. However, one drawback is the lack of multipoint connectivity, limiting the earbuds to one device at a time. The Bluetooth codecs include SBC and AAC, with the added benefit of aptX Adaptive for compatible devices, ensuring high-quality audio transmission. The Bose Music app offers comprehensive control over various settings, including equalizer adjustments and shortcut customization. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel in noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality, making them a top choice for audiophiles and frequent travelers alike.
Bose Ultra Open vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Specifications Comparison
Specifications | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
---|---|---|
Fit | Cuff-shaped | In Ear |
Microphones | Built-in | Built-in |
Noise Cancelling | No | Yes |
Noise Control Type | N/A | Adjustable Noise Cancelling |
Water Resistant | N/A | IPX4 |
Case | Charging | Charging |
Bud Single Dimensions (inches) | 0.73 H x 0.67 W x 1.07 D | 1.23 H x 0.79 W x 0.96 D |
Bud Single Weight | 0.0140 lb | 0.017 lb |
Case Dimensions (inches) | 1.65 H x 2.56 W x 1.04 D | 2.61 H x 2.34 W x 1.05 D |
Case Weight | 0.0966 lb | 0.132 lb |
Product Material | Plastic, Metal, Silicone | Plastic, Silicone, Metal |
Product Case Material | Plastic (Hard) | Plastic (Hard) |
Rechargeable | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life | 19.5 hours | 20 hours |
Battery Charge Time | N/A | 2 hours |
Charging Accessory included | Yes | Yes |
Charging Interface(s) | USB C PORT | USB C PORT |
Wireless Connectivity | A2DP Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, AAC Bluetooth, SBC Bluetooth | A2DP Bluetooth, HFP Bluetooth |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Bluetooth Range | 30 feet | 30 feet |
Bose App | Bose Music App | Bose Music App |
Design and Comfort
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds boast a unique cuff-type design that prioritizes comfort and stability. The earbuds sit gently on the ears without fully entering the ear canal, making them ideal for users who prefer an open design. They weigh approximately 6g each, contributing to a comfortable wearing experience, especially during extended use or physical activities like running.
The open design allows ambient sound to pass through, enhancing situational awareness without sacrificing audio quality. Despite concerns about potential sound leakage, Bose employs innovative technology to mitigate this issue effectively. The earbuds feature a long and narrow opening that cancels out leaking sound by producing an opposite sound, resulting in minimal disturbance to those around you.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
In contrast, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds prioritize noise isolation and immersion. They feature a more traditional in-ear design with customizable ear tips and small fins for a secure fit. The ear tips create a tight seal, effectively blocking external noise and immersing the user in their audio experience.
While the snug fit enhances noise cancellation, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who find in-ear designs uncomfortable or experience ear fatigue over extended periods. However, for users who prioritize immersive sound and minimal external distractions, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer an unparalleled listening experience.
Sound Quality
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Despite their open design, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds deliver impressive sound quality. With Bluetooth version 5.3 connectivity and support for codecs like SBC and aptX Adaptive, these earbuds offer a wide soundstage and rich bass. The spatial audio feature further enhances the listening experience, providing a sense of depth and immersion.
The Bose Music app allows users to customize their sound preferences using the built-in equalizer, adjusting bass, mids, and treble levels. This customization option ensures that users can tailor the audio to their liking, whether they prefer punchy bass for workouts or balanced sound for casual listening.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds excel in providing immersive sound with deep bass and crisp highs. Thanks to their in-ear design and tight seal, they offer superior noise isolation, allowing users to focus solely on their music or media. With support for codecs like SBC and aptX Adaptive, these earbuds deliver high-fidelity audio with minimal latency.
While the sound profile is well-balanced out of the box, the Bose Music app provides additional customization options, including an equalizer for fine-tuning the sound to individual preferences. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a movie buff, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver an exceptional audio experience.
Features and Functionality
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come equipped with a range of features aimed at enhancing user convenience and versatility. With an IPX4 rating for water resistance, they’re suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. The intuitive physical button controls allow for easy operation, and the earbuds offer seamless connectivity with Bluetooth-enabled devices.
One standout feature of the Ultra Open Earbuds is their ability to maintain situational awareness while providing immersive sound. The innovative technology that cancels out sound leakage ensures that users can enjoy their audio content without disturbing others in their vicinity.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds prioritize advanced noise cancellation technology, making them ideal for users who demand absolute silence or focus. With an IPX4 rating for water resistance, they’re suitable for various environments, including workouts and travel. The earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls for effortless operation, and they offer seamless connectivity via Bluetooth.
One notable feature of the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds is their industry-leading noise cancellation, which effectively blocks out external noise for an uninterrupted listening experience. Whether you’re commuting, working in a noisy environment, or simply seeking tranquility, these earbuds excel in creating a bubble of serenity.
Microphone Performance
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The microphone performance of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is decent, providing clear voice transmission for calls and voice commands. While it may not rival dedicated headset microphones, it’s suitable for everyday use and online communication.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Similarly, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer satisfactory microphone performance, ensuring clear and intelligible voice transmission during calls and voice interactions. While it may not excel in noisy environments, it performs admirably in typical usage scenarios.
Battery Life and Charging
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer up to 19.5 hours of battery life, including both the earbuds and the charging case. The case can be easily recharged via USB-C, providing added convenience for users on the go.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds provide similar battery life, with up to 20 hours of total playback time including the charging case. Like their counterpart, they feature USB-C charging for quick and hassle-free recharging.
Which One you Should Buy Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds?
Based on the comparison between the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, I would recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Let me explain why.
First, let’s talk about the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. These earbuds have some impressive features, such as three-dimensional sound and a comfortable design. The sound quality is good, and the earbuds come with a charging case that is compact and easy to carry around. They also offer Bluetooth version 5.3 and support various codecs for wireless connection, providing a wide sound space and decent bass. Additionally, they support spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience for movies, games, and music. However, the sound leakage may be a concern for some users, as it can reach around 60% to 70%, although this can be mitigated by the noise-canceling properties.
Now, let’s discuss the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. These earbuds also come with impressive features, such as excellent active noise cancellation that works well in various environments, including during sports activities, commuting, and in-office settings. They offer a comfortable fit with customizable tips and fins, ensuring stability during movement. The sound quality is warm and immersive, making them suitable for music, movies, and gaming. However, they lack multipoint connectivity, which means you can only connect to one device at a time, and they may have noticeable latency for gaming if your mobile device does not support certain codecs.
In conclusion, while both earbuds have their strengths and weaknesses, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds seem to offer better overall performance, especially in terms of active noise cancellation and comfort during extended use. Therefore, if you prioritize noise cancellation and comfort, I would recommend choosing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.