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Key Highlights
- The flagship open-ear earbuds offer up to 9 hours of playback.
- A new Cinema Mode uses Bose TrueSpatial technology for a wider, more immersive soundstage.
- Bose says the redesigned driver delivers deeper bass and higher volume than the first-generation model.
- The earbuds support Snapdragon Sound and aptX Adaptive on compatible Android devices.
Bose has launched the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) as its latest flagship open-ear wireless earbuds. Announced on September 17, 2026, the new model retains the distinctive cuff-style design of the original Ultra Open Earbuds while adding improved audio, longer battery life, clearer calls and a redesigned charging case.
The biggest addition is Cinema Mode, powered by Bose TrueSpatial technology. The feature is designed for videos and podcasts, creating a wider soundstage while keeping dialogue centred. At $299, the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) sit in Bose’s premium audio range and are aimed at listeners who want an open design without giving up features associated with higher-end wireless earbuds.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bose |
| Model | Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) |
| Launch Date | September 17, 2026 |
| Product Type | Open-ear wireless earbuds |
| Audio Technology | Bose OpenAudio |
| Immersive Audio | Bose TrueSpatial |
| Cinema Mode | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No |
| Driver | Newly engineered driver |
| Call Technology | Bose SpeechClarity |
| Auto Volume | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Core 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes, two devices |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Snapdragon Sound | Yes |
| aptX Adaptive | Yes, on compatible Android devices |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours |
| Charging Case | Up to 19.5 additional hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Colours | Black, White Smoke, Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green |
| Price | $299 |
| US Availability | October 1 |
Design & Build
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) retain the cuff-shaped open-ear design that Bose introduced with the original model. Instead of sitting inside the ear canal, the earbuds curve around the ear and direct sound toward it while leaving the ear canal open.
Bose says the new model has an adjustable, simplified flex joint designed to curve around the ear and keep the earbuds comfortable during extended use. The company has also updated the exterior with a refined metallic cap featuring a bevelled finish.
The redesigned charging case is more robust and can stand upright. It also adds wireless charging, addressing one of the practical differences between the new model and the original Ultra Open Earbuds.
The earbuds carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating. That provides protection against water splashes, although it is not the same level of dust and water protection offered by the Sport Open Earbuds.
Open-Ear Audio
The main reason to consider the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) is its open-ear approach.
Bose’s OpenAudio technology uses a transducer and controlled acoustic structure to deliver sound near the ear without sealing the ear canal. This allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings.
That makes the design relevant for situations such as commuting, walking, working or moving through public spaces where hearing announcements and nearby conversations can be useful.
The trade-off is that the Ultra Open Earbuds do not have active noise cancellation. Bose’s current product comparison confirms that the second-generation model is an open-ear product without ANC.
For users who want isolation from traffic, conversations or aircraft noise, conventional in-ear ANC earbuds remain a fundamentally different proposition.
Audio & Cinema Mode
Bose has redesigned the driver for the second-generation Ultra Open Earbuds. The company says it produces deeper bass and higher volume than the first-generation model.
The more notable software addition is Cinema Mode, powered by Bose TrueSpatial technology.
Cinema Mode is designed for video content and podcasts. Rather than simply increasing volume, it creates a wider soundstage while keeping dialogue sharp and centred. Bose describes the result as a theatre-like listening experience that works with any content source.
This is an important distinction from the Sport Open Earbuds. The Ultra model supports multiple listening modes, including Stereo, Immersion and Cinema, while Bose’s Sport model does not offer the same immersive-audio feature set.
The actual quality of the spatial effect will depend on the content and listener, so Bose’s claims should be distinguished from independently measured performance.
Call Quality & Auto Volume
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) include Bose SpeechClarity, the company’s AI-enhanced voice-isolation technology.
Bose says the system uses a dedicated microphone and voice pickup unit in each earbud to isolate the user’s voice from background noise while retaining natural vocal characteristics.
The earbuds also support Auto Volume, which adjusts playback volume as the surrounding environment changes. This can be useful for listeners moving between quieter indoor spaces and busier outdoor environments.
These features are particularly relevant to an open-ear product because users are intentionally listening alongside their surroundings rather than blocking them out.
Battery & Charging
Battery life has received a substantial update compared with the first-generation model.
Bose rates the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) for up to nine hours of playback. The wireless charging case provides another 19.5 hours of stored charge.
| Battery | Rated endurance |
|---|---|
| Earbuds | Up to 9 hours |
| Charging case | Up to 19.5 additional hours |
| Total | Up to 28.5 hours |
The nine-hour rating is a manufacturer figure rather than an independently measured battery result. Actual runtime can vary depending on volume, connectivity and features being used.
The addition of wireless charging also makes the new case more convenient for users who already have a compatible charging pad.
Connectivity & Smart Features
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) use Bluetooth 5.4 and support multipoint connectivity with two devices. They also support SBC and AAC codecs and Google Fast Pair.
One of the more notable additions is Snapdragon Sound with aptX Adaptive on compatible Android devices. Bose says this combination is intended to provide high-quality audio, lower latency and reliable connectivity.
Users can configure shortcuts through the Bose app for functions such as Spotify Tap, a phone’s native voice assistant and Bose Immersive Audio modes.
Bose also plans a firmware update after launch that will add Google Find Hub, Alexa+ and Apple Music shortcut support. These should be treated as upcoming features rather than features available from day one.
Bose App
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) work with the Bose app, which provides controls for the listening experience.
Users can adjust a three-band EQ, configure Auto Volume and customise shortcuts. The app also handles Bluetooth device management and firmware updates.
The app therefore gives users some control over the earbuds’ sound and functions without requiring third-party software.
Price & Availability
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) are priced at $299 in the US. Bose says pre-orders begin September 19, while general availability starts October 1 through Bose.com and select retailers.
- Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) – $299 (Approx. ₹28,700)
The available colours include:
-
Black
-
White Smoke
-
Cherry Chocolate
-
Olive Green
Cherry Chocolate and Olive Green are listed as limited-edition colours by Bose.
Bose has not announced official India pricing or availability for the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen).
Competition & Alternatives
The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) compete in a somewhat different category from conventional premium earbuds because their defining feature is the open-ear design.
The original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are one obvious alternative, particularly if their lower current US price is maintained. Bose’s US store currently lists the first-generation model at $199, compared with its original $299 price.
Other open-ear products from companies such as Shokz provide alternative approaches to open listening, while premium conventional earbuds offer a different priority: isolation and, in many cases, active noise cancellation.
| Alternative | Why Consider It? | Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Lower current US price | Newer driver, Cinema Mode and longer battery |
| Shokz open-ear models | Alternative open-ear designs | Bose adds TrueSpatial/Cinema features |
| Premium ANC earbuds | Stronger isolation and noise cancellation | Bose keeps the ear canal open |
The choice therefore depends heavily on whether environmental awareness or sound isolation is more important.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) are primarily aimed at listeners who want premium audio features without closing off their ears from the surrounding environment.
Its biggest upgrades over the original model are the new driver, nine-hour battery, wireless charging case and Cinema Mode. The addition of TrueSpatial technology gives Bose a stronger reason to position this model as a premium everyday listening product rather than simply an open-ear alternative for outdoor use.
The biggest limitation remains the same fundamental trade-off of the open-ear design: there is no active noise cancellation or sealed ear-canal isolation. That makes the Ultra Open Earbuds fundamentally different from premium ANC earbuds designed for flights, offices or noisy commutes.
The $299 price also means buyers need to specifically value the open-ear format and Bose’s additional audio features. The current first-generation Ultra Open Earbuds are also listed at a lower $199 price in Bose’s US store, which gives buyers another option to consider.
Best for: Users who want premium open-ear audio, environmental awareness, spatial audio features and long battery life.
Consider alternatives if: You need active noise cancellation, strong passive isolation or a lower price.
Bottom line: The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) build on Bose’s original open-ear concept with meaningful hardware and feature updates, particularly Cinema Mode, longer battery life and wireless charging. Whether those additions justify the $299 price will depend largely on how much value a buyer places on Bose’s open-ear listening approach.
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