Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 897806-0010
Updated drivers deliver deeper bass and true-to-source sound, with TrueSpatial Tech and head tracking for a 3D listening experience. The cuffed, open-ear design with OpenAudio Tech keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a flexible silicone joint ensures all-day comfort. Best for music lovers who want private listening without isolating themselves, offering 9 hours of battery and IPX4 water resistance.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the best-built open-ear buds you can buy, but the battery life is a buzzkill. Great for awareness, rough for all-day listening.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class build quality 94th
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings 90th
- Surprisingly good bass for open earbuds 67th
- Wireless charging included 67th
Cons
- Battery life is mediocre, especially with Immersive Audio
- Sound quality is just average compared to sealed earbuds
- Pricey at $299
- No ANC, just transparency mode
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The sound surprised us. For open-ear buds, these pump out real bass and get louder than expected. The spatialized audio with head tracking is a neat trick, and Cinema Mode actually makes phone videos feel bigger. But the battery is the weak spot. Nine hours sounds okay until you realize Immersive Audio cuts that to five. That's a real letdown for a $299 pair of earbuds. The quick charge helps, but you'll be reaching for the case more than you'd like.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.1 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | silicone |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Battery
| Battery Life | 9 |
| Charge Time | 1 |
| Fast Charging | Quick Charge in 10 minutes for 2 hours of listening |
| Charging | USB-C |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Voice Assistant | ✓ |
| App | Bose app |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
vs Competition
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM M5AEBT and Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B both offer better sound and battery for less money, but they're sealed and block out the world. The Technics EAH-A800 is a solid alternative if you want premium sound without the open-ear gimmick. The JBL Tune 670NC and TOZO HT3 are budget picks that beat the Bose on battery life but feel cheaper. If open-ear is non-negotiable, the Bose wins by default. If not, the Sony or Sennheiser are better buys.
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 897806-0010 | Sennheiser HDB 630 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM6 | JBL Tune 670NC | TOZO HT3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 42 | 40 | 30 | 32 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 480 | - | 48 | 32 | 16 |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Battery Life Hours | 9 | 60 | 30 | 30 | 70 | 90 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds 897806-0010 | 66.5 | 64.1 | 94.3 | 47.2 | 19.1 | 67.3 | 90.3 | 53.3 |
| Sennheiser HDB 630 Compare | 98.2 | 82.7 | 75.8 | 98.1 | 91.3 | 44.5 | 98.4 | 95.1 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.2 | 99.3 | 94.3 | 99 | 76.6 | 52 | 97.7 | 95.1 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 Compare | 98.2 | 89.4 | 90.8 | 91 | 76.6 | 80 | 99.9 | 83.6 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.2 | 64.1 | 75.8 | 84.9 | 94.3 | 87.1 | 99.2 | 98.7 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 89.8 | 82.7 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 97.8 | 52 | 96.8 | 95.1 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $299, these are a tough sell unless you specifically need open-ear earbuds. You're paying a premium for the design and build, not for sound or battery. If you want the best audio for the money, get sealed earbuds. If you want open-ear, these are the best built option, but you'll feel the price.
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Overview
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are for people who hate the feeling of earbuds but still want private audio. The cuffed, open-ear design sits outside your ear canal, so you hear your music and the world around you at the same time. That's the whole pitch, and Bose nails it. The build quality is top of the charts, and the sound is surprisingly good for something that doesn't seal. But the battery life is rough, and the price is steep for what you get.
Common Questions
Q: Do these earbuds block out noise?
No. They're open-ear, so they let in everything around you. That's the point. If you want noise cancellation, get sealed earbuds like the Sony ULT WEAR.
Q: Can I wear these while running?
Yes, the cuff design keeps them secure, and the IPX4 rating means they'll survive sweat and light rain. Just don't expect them to stay put during intense workouts like burpees.
Q: How long does the battery actually last?
Up to 9 hours with regular audio, but only 5 hours with Immersive Audio on. The quick charge gives you 2 hours from a 10-minute charge, so keep the case handy.
Who Should Skip This
If you want the best sound quality or long battery life, these aren't for you. Get the Sony ULT WEAR or Sennheiser MOMENTUM instead. If you need noise cancellation for commuting, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds will disappoint. They're for people who want to stay aware, not tune out.
Verdict
Buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if you want open-ear earbuds that feel premium and sound decent. Skip them if you care about battery life or maximum sound quality. They're a niche product done well, but the niche is small.
