Bose Unveils Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) With Wireless Charging and Longer Battery Life

17/09/2026

Bose has introduced the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), the second generation of its open-ear earbuds that leave the ear canal uncovered and direct sound from outside it. The new model brings a more powerful driver, longer battery life and new call and video features, while keeping the brand's clip-style fit that skips silicone eartips altogether.

Louder sound and new listening modes

The main change in the second generation is a newly engineered driver that, according to Bose, delivers higher maximum volume and deeper bass than the first-generation earbuds. The proprietary OpenAudio technology directs sound straight into the ear while keeping hearing open to the surroundings, and Bose Immersive Audio's spatial processing, built on TrueSpatial technology, creates a wider soundstage.

Design and colors

The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) keep the clip shape that wraps around the ear via a flexible joint rather than a traditional in-ear fit with eartips. Compared with the first generation, the earbuds get a more metallic finish and a sturdier charging case. They are made of polycarbonate and silicone and carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating. The lineup includes the standard Black and White Smoke finishes plus the limited-edition Cherry Chocolate and Olive Green; a fifth option, Sky Pink, will be sold only in select markets and will not be available in the US.

Battery life and charging

Playback time has grown to 9 hours from 7 hours on the first-generation model, and the case adds up to another 19.5 hours. A full charge in the case takes an hour, while a 10-minute quick charge provides up to two hours of playback.

Connectivity and compatibility

The earbuds connect over Bluetooth 5.4 and support the aptX Adaptive codec through Snapdragon Sound certification, along with Bluetooth Multipoint for pairing with two devices at once. Android owners get support for Google Fast Pair, Google Find Hub and Find My Device, which simplifies pairing and locating misplaced earbuds.

Among the new features is Cinema Mode, a listening mode tuned specifically for video and movies that is meant to bring the sound closer to a theater experience.

The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) case supports wireless charging for the first time in the lineup — just place it on a charging pad aligned with the coil at the bottom of the case.

For calls, Bose added SpeechClarity technology, which isolates the user's voice from background noise to make it clearer to the person on the other end.

The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) cost $299 in the US and €299.95 (~$320) in the Eurozone. My Bose members can order the earbuds now, while general availability begins on October 1, 2026.

Specifications

Fit: open-ear clip design without eartips
Driver: newly engineered dynamic driver with higher volume and deeper bass
Microphones: 2, with SpeechClarity technology
Water resistance: IPX4
Materials: polycarbonate, silicone
Earbud dimensions: 19 x 17.7 x 27.7 mm
Case dimensions: 47.5 x 26.8 x 66 mm
Earbud weight: about 5.9 g
Battery life: up to 9 hours, up to 19.5 hours with the case
Charging: USB-C, wireless charging support for the case; full charge in 1 hour
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, Snapdragon Sound (aptX Adaptive), Bluetooth Multipoint
Bluetooth range: up to 30 feet (9 m)
Compatibility: Google Fast Pair, Google Find Hub, Find My Device