Bose has doubled down on open-ear listening. On September 17, 2026, the company unveiled two clip-style models at once: the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), its new flagship open-ear pair, and the Sport Open Earbuds, a cheaper (though still not cheap) option aimed at people who sweat. Bose says both are “designed to create more listening moments across active pursuits and everyday life”. Both keep the C-shaped cuff that hugs the ear, so your ear canal stays open and you can still hear traffic, colleagues and the coach’s whistle.
Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): more bass, more battery
The second-generation Ultra gets a newly engineered driver that, according to Bose, delivers deeper bass and higher volume than the first-generation model. That matters here: open-ear designs have always struggled with low frequencies because nothing seals the ear. Snapdragon Sound support with aptX Adaptive handles high-quality audio on compatible Android phones. SpeechClarity technology is there to clean up calls, and Auto Volume adjusts the level to your surroundings.
The headline feature for film fans is Cinema Mode, built on Bose TrueSpatial technology, which “creates a wider, more immersive soundstage while keeping dialogue sharp.” The earbuds also get a “refined metallic cap with a beveled finish” and a redesigned case that stands upright and supports wireless charging.
- Battery: 9 hours on the buds, plus 19.5 hours from the case
- Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
- Colors: Black and White Smoke, plus limited-edition Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green and Sky Pink
- Price: $299
Sport Open Earbuds: built to be knocked about
The Sport model is “built for running, fitness, and a wide range of outdoor activities.” Instead of fiddly touch surfaces it uses textured physical buttons, which are much easier to find with sweaty fingers mid-run. The silicone build is “built to withstand the demands of activity,” and an IP54 rating covers dust, sweat and splashes. Custom-designed dynamic drivers handle the sound.
- Battery: up to 7 hours on the buds, plus 22 hours from the case
- Codecs: SBC, AAC
- Colors: Black, White Smoke and limited-edition Eucalyptus Green
- Price: $199
Longtime Bose fans may recognise the name. Bose already sold a pair called Sport Open Earbuds, announced in January 2021 at $199.95 with a contoured earhook and IPX4 protection. The 2026 model reuses the name but switches to the cuff design of the Ultra line.
Shared features and availability
Both pairs run Bluetooth 5.4, connect to two devices at once through multipoint, and support Google Fast Pair. The Bose app offers an adjustable three-band EQ and Auto Volume control, plus customizable shortcuts for Spotify Tap and voice assistant access. Bose promises that future firmware updates will add Google Find Hub, Alexa+ and Apple Music support.
Pre-orders for both models open on September 19, 2026, and the earbuds go on sale on October 1, 2026.
