Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Sony ULT Wear serve distinctly different listening preferences. Bose prioritizes open-ear comfort with its innovative cuff design, lightweight 6.5g earbuds, and immersive spatial audio via head tracking,ideal for awareness-focused users. Sony delivers closed, powerful sound with 40mm drivers, exceptional battery longevity (30 hours with ANC), and hi-res LDAC codec support for audiophiles. Bose lacks ANC entirely but offers wireless charging and innovative directional sound technology. Sony's over-ear form factor provides superior passive isolation and bass control through the ULT button, though it weighs 255g. For all-day listening without removal, Sony excels with 30-hour ANC battery. For active users needing situational awareness and portability, Bose wins. Sony ULT Wear edges ahead overall due to superior battery life, ANC capability, and audio fidelity, making it the more versatile choice for most consumers.
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 Sony ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
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
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 40 mm |
| 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 | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
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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