AISummary

Bose Ultra Open vs. Nothing Ear Open: Open-Ear Earbuds Comparison The Nothing Ear Open and Bose Ultra Open both deliver open-ear audio for situational awareness during workouts, but differ sharply in design, sound, and features. Nothings flexible hook wraps behind the ear, positioning its 14.2mm dynamic driver closer to the canal for superior clarity, solid bass via enhancement algorithms, and customizable 8-band EQ through its appearning high marks (e.g., 9.5/10 sound scores) from experts for balanced mids, treble sparkle, and value at ~$150. Boses bolder L-shaped clip-on sits like an earring, leveraging OpenAudio and Immersive Audio for richer, spatial sound with subtle sub-bass, though it scores lower overall (2.3 timbre/distortion).

Bose Ultra Open

Launch Date8/15/2025
Launch Price299 USD

Expert Reviews

76/100
18 experts

Nothing Ear Open

Launch Date9/23/2024
Launch Price149 USD, EUR, GBP

Expert Reviews

79/100
12 experts

Pros

  • Comfortable open-ear cuff design that doesn't block the ear canal
  • Innovative OpenAudio technology delivers richer bass than traditional open earbuds
  • Bluetooth multipoint connectivity allows easy switching between two devices
  • Good battery life with fast charging and substantial backup in charging case
  • Water resistant (IPX4) suitable for active use
  • Adjustable EQ and other settings via Bose app for personalized sound
  • Maintains situational awareness since ears are not blocked

Cons

  • No active noise cancellation due to open-ear design
  • Sound quality may vary significantly depending on ambient environment
  • No wireless charging support
  • Limited bass and overall lower MDAQS sound score typical for open-ear earbuds
  • May leak sound at high volume in very quiet environments

Pros

  • High contrast transparent design
  • Clear, decently loud sound with just enough bass presence
  • Slim charging case with reasonable battery reserves
  • Excellent fit and comfortable to wear
  • Low price point ($149/129/149)

Cons

  • A perfect fit isnt guaranteed
  • IP54 resistance just OK for fitness-friendly earbuds
  • Doesnt have the wider appeal of regular earphones

Specifications

Group by
2025(1)
76.083.0299 USD-------noBose app for Adjustable EQ, Auto volume, firmware updates7.5271 hourUp to 7 hours (4 hours with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume)5.3Yes, connect to two devices simultaneously42 x 65 x 261.65" H x 2.56" W x 1.04" D0.097 lbIncluded, hard plasticUSB-C portAAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, Snapdragon SoundyesSimple button controls with customizable shortcut via Bose app-0.73" H x 0.67" W x 1.07" D0.014 lbUp to 19.5 hours additionalOpen Ear with cuff-shaped design-noPlastic (PC-ABS), Metal, Silicone, Gold PlatingyesBuilt-in MicrophoneyesNoYesUp to 48 hoursnoIPX1IPX4IPX456.86.4noBluetooth, A2DP, HFP, Bluetooth Low Energy, AAC, SBC
2024(1)
79.082.0149 USD, EUR, GBPNo{"buds":"8hrs","case":"30hrs"}Bluetooth 5.3AAC, SBC{"buds":"51x41x14mm, 8g each","case":"126x44x19mm, 62g"}14.2mm dynamicIP54no-830--5.3-125.9 x 44.0 x 19.0----SBC, AACyes-14.2----20 - 20,000no-yes-yes---noIP54IP54-808.1no-