Typically, when we compare two pairs of wireless earbuds, they are usually quite similar in nature. While manufacturers and prices may differ, it’s uncommon for us to directly compare wireless earbuds that, at first glance, appear to be taking very different design approaches. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Earbuds Which Are The Best Budget Wireless Earbuds For Working Out?
This noticeable design divergence makes the comparison between both sets of Bose earbuds particularly intriguing. Despite being produced by the same well-known brand, the five-star Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds adopt a completely different strategy compared to the innovative, open design of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which forgo the conventional in-ear setup in favor of a less intrusive, more awareness-oriented configuration.
What we have here are two distinct approaches to wireless earbuds: one pair adheres to a more traditional design, while the other ventures into more innovative territory. Ultimately, the only way to determine which one is right for you is by continuing to read. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds debuted at £300 / $299 / AU$450, a considerable price that surpasses the significant cost of their competitor, the Sony WF-1000XM5 (£259 / $299 / AU$419). However, the Bose earbuds have been available for a while, leading to occasional discounts that bring their prices down to around £250 / $250 / AU$400.
The Ultra Open Earbuds are newer than the flagship QC Ultra Earbuds, launching at nearly the same prices as their established counterparts. We also tested the Open Earbuds at £299 / $299 / AU$449, a price that matches the initial cost of the Ultra Earbuds but has not seen significant reductions thus far. Discounts will likely emerge over time, so it may be a matter of waiting if you’re looking for a more affordable option.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds
While they don’t deviate significantly from the design of the award-winning Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, the QC Ultra Earbuds incorporate some noticeable advancements that justify their name. They are shinier and slightly more substantial than the previous QC Earbuds II, and they feature a small yet incredibly useful pair of stability bands attached to each earpiece, which helps secure them in place more effectively. This small addition greatly enhances security and comfort, especially if you decide to use the QC Ultra Earbuds while jogging or at the gym. How To Connect Earbuds To IPhone Easily And Fast Connect Charging
Unlike the competing Sony WH-1000XM5, the Bose earbuds are easy to fit into your ears, thanks to their soft and pliable tips that create a good seal without excessive pressure or difficulty in achieving a secure fit. In terms of comfort, the flagship earbuds excel. They also perform excellently with touch controls, as each stem features a touch-sensitive area that allows you to manage music playback, switch noise-canceling modes, and adjust the volume with just a tap. If you prefer touch controls, the Bose earbuds are hard to criticize.
The Ultra Open, as the name suggests, takes a completely different approach, but “different” should not be interpreted as “worse.” Each Ultra Open earpiece consists of three main components: the cylindrical bud, the battery, and a small silicone band connecting the two, allowing these innovative earbuds to bend, flex, and wrap around the outer ear instead of relying on a traditional bud that inserts directly.
If you discover your ideal listening angle, this design works well. While it can vary from user to user, we found that a 45-degree angle generally keeps the Ultra Open positioned to strike a balance between solid sound performance and secure, comfortable wear. Earbuds Under $50 With Noise Cancelling
You might have concerns about sound leakage, but we didn’t find unwanted sonic bleeding to be a significant issue compared to the more conventional design of the QC Ultra Earbuds. At standard listening volumes, you’re unlikely to broadcast your enjoyment of a cheeky slice of Boney M.
One of the primary purposes of the open design is to allow more ambient sound to reach your ears, making you more aware of your surroundings—essentially the opposite of what the ANC feature of the Ultra Earbuds aims to achieve. As long as you don’t crank the volume to excessive levels, this design serves its purpose well.
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Ultra Open Earbuds: features
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver a premium feature set, but they’re not without a few surprising omissions for flagship wireless buds. Notably, there’s no support for multipoint Bluetooth at launch, which feels underwhelming at this price range, and wireless charging is only available if you invest an extra £50 / \$49 / AU\$80 in a separate charging case. A highlight of the QC Ultra Earbuds is the addition of “Immersive Audio,” Bose’s take on spatial sound designed to project audio away from your head for a speaker-like effect. While the concept is appealing, performance can be inconsistent, with occasional phase and delay issues that hold it back from perfection. Battery life remains comparable to previous models at six hours plus 18 from the case, but drops to just four hours when Immersive Audio is active. On the upside, call quality is superb, and Bose’s ANC is as impressive as ever, effectively silencing background noise while preserving natural vocal clarity.
The Ultra Open Earbuds, on the other hand, are more stripped back by design. With an IPX4 rating and 7.5 hours of playback (27 hours with the case), they perform well for their form factor. Immersive Audio is included here too, though the same limitations apply, making it more of a novelty than a consistently reliable feature. However, compromises are evident: there’s no noise cancelling, no auto-play/pause, and no multipoint connectivity—features that would have been welcome, especially given the cost.
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Ultra Open Earbuds: sound
When it comes to sound quality, the **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds** clearly stand out with their rich, balanced, and highly detailed audio performance. Engineered with Bose’s acclaimed noise-cancelling technology, they create a focused listening environment that allows every instrument and vocal layer to shine without distraction. The addition of Immersive Audio enhances the soundstage by attempting to replicate a more speaker-like experience, giving depth and spaciousness to your music. While this feature isn’t flawless and can sometimes feel inconsistent, the overall audio clarity, punchy bass, and refined mids make the QC Ultra Earbuds a compelling choice for those seeking premium, immersive sound.
By contrast, the **Bose Ultra Open Earbuds** offer a more open and natural listening experience, tailored for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings. Their sound is lighter and less powerful compared to the QC Ultra Earbuds, as the open design naturally lets in external noise, making them less suitable for deep, focused listening. However, for casual use, workouts, or outdoor activities, they provide a pleasant balance that keeps music enjoyable without feeling overwhelming. Immersive Audio is also present here, but its impact is more subtle due to the earbuds’ form factor. While they don’t match the depth and precision of the QC Ultra Earbuds, the Ultra Open buds excel in delivering a comfortable and situationally aware sound profile.
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds vs Ultra Open Earbuds: verdict
The **Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds** are the clear winner for users who prioritize premium audio quality, advanced noise cancellation, and an immersive listening experience. They deliver richer detail, deeper bass, and superior clarity, making them ideal for music lovers, frequent travelers, and professionals who need to block out distractions. While battery life and Immersive Audio could be improved, their overall performance sets a high standard in the premium earbuds category.
On the other hand, the **Bose Ultra Open Earbuds** shine in a very different way, catering to users who value awareness and comfort over isolation. Their open design makes them perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, or environments where staying connected to your surroundings is essential. Although they lack noise cancelling and don’t match the QC Ultra’s depth of sound, they provide a lighter, more natural listening style. In the end, your choice depends on lifestyle: the QC Ultra Earbuds suit focused listening, while the Ultra Open Earbuds excel at blending music seamlessly with everyday life. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Earbuds