Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: A Deal Worth Listening To

If you’ve been hunting for a set of truly wireless earbuds that don’t hug your ear canal, the Bose Ultra Open might finally feel like the right match – especially now that the price has been trimmed by $50.

Originally listed at $249, a handful of retailers are offering the Ultra Open for $199. That’s a noticeable dip, but the real question is whether the savings offset the earbuds’ already premium positioning.

What makes these buds stand out is the “open‑air” design. Instead of sealing off your ear, the speakers sit just outside the ear canal, letting ambient sounds filter in. It’s a clever compromise: you get the clarity and depth Bose is famous for, while staying aware of traffic, announcements, or a chatting coworker. Bose even bundles a modest level of active noise control that subtly reduces low‑frequency hum without muting the world completely.

On the tech side, the Ultra Open supports Bluetooth 5.3, promising a more stable connection and lower latency – great for the occasional movie night on a tablet. Battery life is modest, offering about five hours of playback per charge, plus an extra 15 hours in the case. It won’t replace a full‑day workhorse, but you can squeeze in a commute or a workout without scrambling for a charger.

The companion app is the usual Bose fare: easy‑to‑navigate, with quick access to EQ presets and a useful “Find My Buds” feature. If you’re already in the Bose ecosystem – say, you own a QuietComfort 45 or a SoundLink speaker – the integration feels seamless.

Now, let’s talk price. At $199 the Ultra Open lands in the same bracket as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 and Sony’s WF‑1000XM4, both of which offer tighter in‑ear seals and longer battery runs. If you value open‑air listening above pure isolation, the Bose discount is a genuine sweet spot. If you’re after maximal ANC and a longer battery, you might still look elsewhere.

Bottom line: the deal trims the price just enough to make the Ultra Open an attractive, if niche, option. It’s not a bargain in the traditional sense, but for fans of Bose’s sound signature who don’t want to block out their surroundings, $199 is a price worth considering.