Design and features:This model has controls for music player transport, call connect/disconnect, and Bluetooth volume. Either earphone can be used alone for one ear monitoring of Bluetooth streamed audio and telephone communications. They support mobile device voice control when used with Bluetooth connected devices that have that feature. The charging/carrying case has a built-in rechargeable battery that the manufacturer claims can be used to recharge the earphone batteries for an additional 19.5 hrs. of playtime for a total of 27 hrs. The free Bose Music app for Apple and Android mobile devices adds additional features.
Sound quality:When they are optimally positioned in the ear we found the Ultra Open Earbuds deliver sound quality that falls in the very good range - they reproduce music and voice very well although they do have some noticeable sonic quirks. The overall sound can best be summarized as a bit bassy, hazy and grainy. With the EQ set to flat (default setting) and the Immersive Audio setting disabled in the Bose Music app the bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good to decent impact depending on the program material and goes fairly deep, but is a bit prominent and boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is even, but is a bit hazy, grainy and congested (think sonic traffic jam). The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is extended, but is a bit subdued and sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying). The sound also has a decent sense of liveliness and is open--sound-wise it is very obvious you don't have anything plugging up your ears. This model also does a good job of recovering the room ambience of recordings. The EQ and Immersive Audio settings of the app have a noticeable effect on the sound of these earphones. As noted in the comfort section, users with larger outer ears may find they can't optimally position these earphones; if this occurs the bass will sound subdued.
Comfort and Fit:These earphones have a unique design - they have a clip that goes around the lower part of the outer ear near the lobe which holds the earphone against the back of the earbowl with the sound being directed toward the ear canal.
As such they do not produce any pressure in the ear canal, but the user may have to fiddle a bit to get them into place and to find the position that provides the best sound quality.
Small/Medium
Users with small and medium sized outer ears will probably find that this model stays in place with no problems for casual use, that they are very stable even during vigorous head movement, and many may find that they are unobtrusive so it's easy to forget they are being worn.
Large
Users with larger outer ears will probably also find that this model stays in place with no problems for casual use and that they are very stable even during vigorous head movement, but some may find that this model squeezes their outer ear and/or puts pressure on the back of the ears where the clip presses.
They also may find that due to the width of their outer ear the earphones can't be positioned to provide their best sound quality.
