Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds prioritize open-ear comfort with their distinctive cuff design and Immersive Audio technology, making them ideal for users who dislike in-ear insertion. Battery life reaches 7.5 hours per charge plus 19.5 total, supported by wireless charging and aptX Adaptive codec support. Google Pixel Buds Pro deliver traditional in-ear fit with robust active noise cancellation, a critical feature absent from Bose's offering. Pixel Buds provide 7 hours with ANC enabled and up to 31 hours total with the case, plus real-time translation capabilities via Google Translate integration. At $199 versus $299, Pixel Buds Pro offer superior value with more practical features for commuters and travelers. However, Bose excels for users who need all-day wear without ear canal insertion. Choose Pixel Buds Pro if ANC matters; select Bose if comfort and openness are priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
Buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro if…
- →Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- →Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Pros
- Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
- 7-hour battery with ANC is strong — 31 hours total with case
- Comfortable secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Limited to AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- ANC can produce some wind noise in outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.0 instead of newer 5.2 or 5.3
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- IPX4 is basic water resistance — not suitable for swimming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Google Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 6.2 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 7 hrs (ANC on), 11 hrs (ANC off), 31 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | Custom 11mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app | Silent Seal active noise cancellation, Google Assistant with hands-free activation, Multipoint Bluetooth, Volume EQ for balanced sound at all levels, Real-time translation through Google Translate |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Google products. View full details for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or the Google Pixel Buds Pro.