Bose Ultra Open Headphones Are Now $50 Off
The Bose Ultra Open Headphones, priced at $249 (down from $299), look like something out of a sci-fi movie, thanks to a clip-on design that eschews the conventional in-ear fit, instead opting for 12mm drivers that direct sound to your ear. channel, leaving the ears open. This allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while using the headphones. It’s great for a variety of fits (it’s secure yet soft with a flexible silicone strap that fits easily to your ear), but achieving consistent stereo balance between ears may require some trial and error. And, unlike some headphones that start to feel uncomfortable after a while, they are reported to be pleasant on the ears even after prolonged use.
These headphones excel at highlighting the lows and mids, giving bass lines and deeper vocals a warm, rich feel. However, they don’t quite hit the sub-bass or kick of the bass drum, which is quite typical for open-ear headphones. On the upside, high notes sound bright and clear, and the stereo image seems more expansive than what you get from most true wireless models, as noted in this PCMag review . If you want to get more granular, the Bose Music app lets you adjust EQ settings and more. The manufacturer recommends placing the clips just above your earlobes to ensure the best bass response.
The battery life of the Ultra Open headphones is pretty decent, but it depends on how you use them. With Immersive Audio enabled, you’ll get about 4.5 hours of listening time, which can increase to 7.5 hours if you turn it off. In terms of durability, they are rated IPX4, so they can withstand light splashes, but aren’t the best choice for intense workouts or heavy rain. If you want something more rugged, the Jabra Elite 10 ($146.02) has an IP57 rating for better water resistance, although you’ll have to ditch the open-ear design. If you’re considering alternatives, the Apple AirPods 3rd generation ($169.49) are a good choice.