Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds prioritize comfort and ambient awareness with their distinctive cuff-style design, delivering 7.5-hour battery life and directional audio technology ideal for those who want situational awareness. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro focus on isolation and audio fidelity, featuring active noise cancellation, dual-driver setup (10mm woofer + 5.5mm tweeter), and Hi-Fi audio codec support, though battery dips to 5 hours with ANC enabled. Both support Bluetooth 5.3 and wireless charging, but differ fundamentally in purpose: Bose suits open-ear enthusiasts and professionals needing ambient sound, while Samsung excels for immersive listening and commuters. Galaxy Buds2 Pro's superior water resistance (IPX7 vs IPX4) and lower price ($229 vs $299) add value, though they lack multipoint pairing. For most users seeking versatile earbuds with strong ANC and audio quality, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro deliver better overall performance and value. Bose remains the choice for unique open-design preferences.
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 Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →Strong ANC performance that rivals leading earbuds
- →24-bit Hi-Fi audio via SSC codec when paired with Galaxy phones
- →IPX7 water resistance is among the best in class
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
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- Strong ANC performance that rivals leading earbuds
- 24-bit Hi-Fi audio via SSC codec when paired with Galaxy phones
- IPX7 water resistance is among the best in class
- Compact, comfortable fit with multiple eartip options
- 360 Audio with head tracking on Samsung devices
Cons
- Best features locked to Samsung Galaxy ecosystem
- No Bluetooth multipoint support
- 5-hour bud battery life is below average with ANC on
- SSC Hi-Fi codec does not work with non-Samsung devices
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 5.5 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), 18 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 10 mm woofer + 5.5 mm tweeter |
| 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 | 360 Audio with head tracking (Galaxy phones), 24-bit Hi-Fi via Samsung Seamless Codec, Intelligent ANC with Voice Detect, Bluetooth 5.3 for stable connection, Compact ergonomic design |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | SSC Hi-Fi, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX7 (buds) |
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.
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