As an avid headphone user, I have probably tried no less than 100 models, and since last year, when I started paying attention to open-back headphones, I have used no less than 30 products. Bose, being the pioneer of open-back headphones, deeply attracted me with its 2024 release of the Bose Ultra flagship open-back headphones, due to its distinctive design, unique wearing experience, and the support of the second-generation Qualcomm S5 audio platform and Snapdragon Sound technology.

After receiving the product and using it continuously for a while, this article is here to share my genuine user experience with everyone. I will guide you through more details of the Bose Ultra open-back headphones from aspects such as appearance, wearing comfort, audio experience, and the second-generation Qualcomm S5 audio platform.

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Distinctive Appearance, Stylish and Trendsetting

The Bose Ultra open-back headphones feature a clip-on design, which can be described as bold and avant-garde.

The model I received is Morning Mist White, which is not a pure white but more of an off-white color. The earphone case is designed to be compact and exquisite, with a fashionable and minimalist style. For specific details, you might want to refer to the actual product appearance shots from different angles:In contrast to mainstream over-ear sports headphones, the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones feature a brand-new clip-on design for wearing:

The wearing method is clipped onto the ear.

From a distance, this design looks more like an exquisite piece of jewelry than headphones, especially in colors like Morning Mist White. Wearing them to a café, library, or office is very eye-catching.

In terms of size, the earphone case is appropriately sized, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. The design is simple and low-key, blending seamlessly into any environment.

Comfortable and imperceptible all-day wearing experience

Unlike mainstream semi-in-ear and in-ear headphones, the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones emphasize an open-ear listening experience. This means you can hear the sounds of your surroundings in real-time while also enjoying the music from your headphones. Coupled with its over-ear wearing design, it is sure to provide a new wearing experience for many compared to previous semi-in-ear and in-ear headphones.

In terms of wearing comfort, since there is no insertion into the ear canal, there is naturally no feeling of pressure or foreign objects. Sometimes, you can forget that you are even wearing the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones for a long time after turning off the music—until a phone call comes in. So, I can even wear them all day long.As for stability, even in scenarios of intense physical activity, no matter the direction—front, back, left, right, up, or down—Bose Ultra open-ear headphones can firmly grip the ears, remaining utterly motionless.

I tried various shaking methods: up and down, left and right, and there was no loosening, the headphones remained utterly motionless.

This wearing method, being non-insert, is more comfortable for extended periods.

Considering that most users have not experienced open-ear headphones with a unique wearing design, it is recommended to carefully read the manual before use. Additionally, the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones also provide detailed guidance in the APP, using animations to help users quickly get through the beginner phase.

Intuitive wearing illustrations

Second-generation Qualcomm S5 audio platform, providing a top-tier audio experience

The sound quality of wireless headphones relies not only on the headphones themselves but also requires a high standard of audio quality throughout the entire chain. The Bose Ultra open-ear headphones are equipped with the second-generation Qualcomm S5 audio platform, supporting Snapdragon Sound technology, and feature technologies such as aptX™ Lossless audio and aptX Adaptive audio. Theoretically, this is a mature solution capable of providing CD-quality lossless audio and achieving an ultra-high-definition listening experience.

Comparison of lossless and lossy audio—image from industry forum 52audio

Official introduction of the second-generation Qualcomm S5 audio platformSupport for Mobile Phones + Codecs

So if the mobile phone supports it, more Bluetooth audio codecs can be enabled:

In terms of my personal listening experience, under normal stereo mode, the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones have a spacious sound field and a more enveloping feel. The depth of the low frequencies is also powerful, and the human voice enters the music naturally and loud. The separation between orchestral instruments and human voices is clear and natural.

In spatial audio mode, Bose's sound field and immersion are dedicated to recreating the listening experience of a live concert. Once spatial audio is enabled, the sound field immediately becomes spacious. Taking "Ferry" as an example, the low-frequency drum sounds, clear human voices, and the delicate instruments are all distinctly separated and naturally clear.

And if static spatial audio is enabled, as you turn your head, you will hear simulated sound effects from different spatial positions.

This improvement in audio quality is extremely noticeable and is not a difference that only some 'golden ears' in the esoteric field can perceive. The actual effect can even be partially reproduced by recording equipment (of course, the effect heard by the human ear is still much more delicate and astonishing than the recording).

If the songs you listen to daily contain rich spatial and positional information, such as tracks with multiple instruments or live recordings, then spatial audio will unlock a new audio experience: in the immersive audio mode, you will feel the main drum in the center and slightly behind, the guitar in the front left, with the accompanying maracas in the far left and far right, and the lead singer appearing in the front center...

Old tunes shine with new experiences in spatial audio mode.

Immersive audio mode can maximize the reproduction of the music creator's intent, helping ordinary users to feel an extremely realistic live performance effect. For a pair of open-ear headphones like the Bose Ultra, this immersive audio experience can be considered beyond the standard.Perfect Fit for All Daily Scenarios

I've been wearing the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones almost all day during the trial period, and their battery life is quite impressive. Although not every minute is spent playing audio, wearing them for a full day is not an issue. You can even go out for the day without needing to carry a charging case.

Moreover, during daily use, the headphones are equipped with an adaptive volume control feature that intelligently adjusts the volume based on the environment: it automatically lowers the volume in quieter settings and raises it in noisier environments, which is very convenient.

The IPX4 rating ensures that there's no need to worry about splashes during everyday activities and exercise.

Overall, the Bose Ultra open-ear headphones maintain Bose's world-class standards in terms of appearance, wearing experience, and audio quality. The innovative coiled open design is both secure and unnoticeable. Equipped with the Qualcomm second-generation S5 audio platform and supporting Snapdragon Sound technology, it offers added benefits such as aptX™ Lossless audio and aptX Adaptive audio technology. For an open-ear headphone, the enhancement of spatial audio to the listening experience is particularly significant.