All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Bose unveils Ultra Open Earbuds in collaboration with Kith
- Bose introduces the Ultra Open Earbuds, an open-style earbud priced at $300.
- The Ultra Open Earbuds are currently available as an exclusive collaboration with the fashion brand Kith, available in limited quantities starting January 22nd.
- They feature Bose’s OpenAudio technology, 7.5 hours of battery life, and spatial audio processing.
Bose has recently announced a new addition to its audio product lineup, the Ultra Open Earbuds. These open-style earbuds are designed to clip onto the outer ear, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or podcasts. Priced at $300, the earbuds are currently only available from the fashion brand Kith, complete with their branding, but we suspect a proper release from Bose is soon on the way.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds boast a cuff-shaped design with a polished finish for added style. The collaboration with Kith has resulted in a sleek matte black colorway, with the Kith name stamped on the case and each earbud in Bose’s signature typeface. These earbuds will be available exclusively in Kith’s online and physical stores from January 22nd, offered in ‘extremely’ limited quantities — a familiar marketing tactic to amplify exclusivity and desirability.
Regarding technical capabilities, the Ultra Open Earbuds feature Bose’s OpenAudio technology, engineered to direct sound toward the ears without disturbing others, which we previously saw in the Bose Frames Tempo. They promise a battery life of 7.5 hours of continuous listening and include Bose’s proprietary spatial audio processing. However, details such as water resistance and driver design are yet to be disclosed.
Bose’s launch of the Ultra Open Earbuds signifies a shift in its product strategy. Unlike the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which brought minor design changes and major future-proof features, the Ultra Open Earbuds venture into a whole new form factor. This move comes after the lackluster reception of Bose’s Sport Open Earbuds, discontinued in 2022. By partnering with a fashion brand like Kith, Bose appears to be exploring a fresh angle in the increasingly competitive fitness earbuds market. We’re not sure if this fashion-forward approach will resonate with the broader market. Still, we are curious to get our hands on them when they inevitably become available in a more traditional launch.