Bose recently introduced the Open Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation), and we’re excited to see how these earbuds are different.
While we’ve yet to review the second-generation pair, we’ve compared their specs to the original and noted the key differences – as well as notable similarities – between the two.
Read on to find out what makes the Open Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen different from the Open Ultra. When you’re done, visit our roundup of the best wireless earbuds and the best open back headphones.
Or for more of Bose’s latest launch, check out our Bose Sport Open Earbuds vs Sport Earbuds.
Price and availability
THE The Bose Open Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are available to buy from October 1, RRP $299 / £299.95.. At the time of writing, if you sign up with MyBose, you can pre-order the buds to ensure they’re ready to go.
The 2nd Gen pair will be available in three colors including Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green and Sky Pink.
Although the Bose Open Ultra Earbuds currently carry the same RRP of £299.95 as the upcoming second generation, expect that price to drop in the coming months. In addition, since it is an older generation, it was also possible to pick up the buds for business.
Both have the same open design, but the 2nd generation has been modified
Let’s start with one of the most obvious similarities between the two: they both have an open-ear design, and sound is emitted through the air near the ear, rather than through bone vibrations like other bone-conduction headphones.
With that in mind, neither of them should be expected to be among the best noise-canceling headphones out there, as both are designed to provide situational awareness. This means you can listen to your voice without completely tuning out important sounds like public transport announcements.
Bose explains that the 2nd Gen is equipped with OpenAudio and SoundDesign technology, which promises rich and personal sound while also ensuring balanced clarity. In addition, thanks to the transducer and the strictly regulated acoustic structure, 2nd Gens also promises minimal sound leakage.
Since we found the original Open Ultra Earbuds never struggled with sound leakage, even at higher volumes, we’re hoping the 2nd generation earbuds will be just as reliable.
Bose Open Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen promises a longer battery life
Although the Open Ultra Earbuds offered a solid battery life of 7.5 hours from the buds and another 19.5 hours in the charging case, Bose managed to eke out a few extra hours with the 2nd generation.
In fact, while it shares the same 19.5 hours in the redesigned charging case (more on that later), the buds promise up to nine hours of playback on a single charge.
Bose Open Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen introduces Cinema Mode
Bose introduced Cinema Mode with the 2nd generation Open Ultra Earbuds. Based on Bose’s True Spatial technology, Cinema Mode creates a wider and more immersive soundstage for a “theatre” listening experience. Since we haven’t reviewed the 2nd generation pair yet, we can’t verify how well Cinema Mode really works. However, given that Buds are open ears, we’re no doubt curious to see how they can create an immersive experience.
The Bose Open Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen have an improved case
Not only the buds have improved, but also the charging case that comes with them. Compared to the original pair, the 2nd Gen’s case has been redesigned and can stand vertically. In addition, the case already supports wireless charging – although we do not yet know how fast it will be.
We should note that you can buy the original Open Ultra earphones with a charging case, but this will cost an extra £49.95.
The 2nd generation will offer Google Find Hub and Alexa+ support
Bose is planning a firmware update after the 2nd generation pair is released that will introduce a host of new features.
These features include Google’s Find Hub, which helps you find your headphones if they’re misplaced — similar to Apple’s Find My service. In addition, the 2nd Gen supports Alexa+, the latest version of Amazon’s voice assistant.
Early judgment
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd generation) look like a solid evolution of the Ultra Open Earbuds, thanks to a refined design, a wireless charging case at no extra cost, and the exciting inclusion of Cinema Mode.
That doesn’t mean the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds aren’t a good choice. In fact, two years after launch, we hailed the buds as “one of the best examples of the open headphone concept.” With that in mind, if you play sports with the 2024 pair or just want a more affordable option, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds remain a brilliant choice.
