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Finding the best bose wireless earbuds under $300 requires looking at published specs. We compared 3 models to help you choose. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) leads because it weighs 2.82 ounces, offering a secure fit for noise cancellation and immersive audio. Our picks are based strictly on the specifications published on the listings. This guide helps you decide which pair matches your needs for size, weight, and features.
Choose based on fit and design
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) weigh 2.82 ounces with an in-ear design, prioritizing noise cancellation. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are lighter at 1.99 ounces and use a clip-on design for situational awareness. Select the in-ear model for isolation. Choose the open style if you need to hear your surroundings while listening.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Best overall | noise cancellation and immersive audio | |
| 2 | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Best budget | situational awareness and comfort | |
| 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Best active noise cancellation | immersive audio and top-tier noise cancellation |
The best fit for you
- You need top-tier noise cancellation and immersive audio – Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – This model offers active noise cancelling and spatial audio for deep immersion.
- You want situational awareness and comfort while moving – Bose Ultra Open Earbuds – The clip-on design keeps your ears open to your surroundings.
- You prioritize the smallest size and lightest weight – Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds – These weigh only 0.71 ounces with compact dimensions for discreet wear.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Best for: noise cancellation and immersive audio
- Noise Control
- Active Noise Cancelling, Aware Mode
- Battery Life
- Up to 6 hours
- Water Resistance
- IPX4
- Fit Style
- In-ear, stability bands
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Charging Type
- USB-C, wireless
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver world-class noise cancellation with ActiveSense technology. CustomTune adapts sound to your ear shape for better clarity. Immersive Audio spatializes music beyond your ears. You get up to 6 hours of battery life in Quiet mode, with the case providing three full charges. Bluetooth multipoint connects multiple devices seamlessly. This model suits you if you prioritize deep noise isolation and high-fidelity audio in a secure, customizable fit.
- ActiveSense technology smooths surrounding sound spikes in Aware Mode
- CustomTune analyzes ear shape to adapt noise cancellation and sound
- Immersive Audio places sound beyond your ears for spatial listening
- SpeechClarity mics filter background noise and wind for calls
- Wireless charging case holds up to three full charges
- Battery life drops to 4 hours when Immersive Audio is enabled
- Weighs 2.82 ounces, which is heavier than many standard earbuds
- Dimensions of 1.06 x 2.35 x 2.6 inches may feel bulky
- You want the strongest noise cancellation available in Bose earbuds
- You need Bluetooth multipoint to switch between phone and laptop
- You prefer a secure fit with nine eartip and stability band combos
- You need all-day battery life without recharging the case
- You prefer open-ear designs that let in ambient sound
- You want the lightest possible earbuds for running or sports
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is the best overall choice for listeners who demand top-tier noise cancellation and immersive spatial audio. It fits you best if you value customizable fit and seamless multi-device connectivity over minimal weight.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Best for: situational awareness and comfort
- Battery Life
- Up to 7 hours (up to 48 hours standby)
- Water Resistance
- IPX4
- Fit Style
- Open ear, clip-on
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, Bluetooth multipoint
- Charging Type
- USB-C
- Connection
- Wireless
These open-ear Bose earbuds use a clip-on design to keep your surroundings audible while delivering private sound via OpenAudio technology. They support Bose Immersive Audio for spatialized listening and feature Bluetooth multipoint for seamless switching between devices. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they handle sweat and splashes. You get up to 7 hours of playtime from the earbuds, plus additional charges from the case. They also include SimpleSync for pairing with Bose soundbars.
- Open-ear clip-on design for environmental awareness
- Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance
- Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
- SimpleSync pairing with Bose soundbars
- Open-ear design provides less passive noise isolation than in-ear models
- 7 hours of playtime is lower than typical sealed earbuds
- No active noise cancellation feature listed
- You want to stay aware of your surroundings while listening
- You prefer a secure clip-on fit over in-ear tips
- You already own Bose smart soundbars for TV audio
- You need deep passive noise isolation for loud environments
- You require active noise cancellation to block distractions
- You prefer traditional in-ear earbuds with silicone tips
Verdict: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds suit listeners who prioritize situational awareness and comfort over noise isolation. They are ideal for users who want to hear their music while remaining connected to their environment.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best for: immersive audio and top-tier noise cancellation
- Noise Control
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Battery Life
- Up to 6 hours
- Fit Style
- Eartips, stability bands
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Connection
- Wireless
- Features
- Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime, Spatial Audio
These Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds deliver world-class active noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio. CustomTune technology adapts sound to your ears for a tailored experience. They offer three listening modes and Bluetooth multipoint for seamless device switching. Battery life reaches 6 hours, or 4 hours with Immersive Audio. Weighing 0.71 ounces, they fit securely with nine included eartip and stability band options.
- CustomTune technology adapts active noise cancellation to your unique ear shape
- Bose Immersive Audio provides spatial audio for an immersive listening experience
- Bluetooth multipoint allows switching between phone and laptop without interruption
- 20-minute quick charge provides up to 2 additional hours of play time
- Battery life drops to 4 hours when using Immersive Audio mode
- Weight is 0.71 ounces, which is heavier than some competitors in this category
- You need world-class active noise cancellation for travel or noisy offices
- You want spatial audio for a more immersive music experience
- You frequently switch between multiple devices like a phone and laptop
- You prioritize maximum battery life over immersive audio features
- You prefer lighter earbuds for all-day comfort
- You do not need spatial audio or advanced noise cancellation
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are ideal for listeners who prioritize immersive spatial audio and top-tier noise cancellation. They suit users who switch between devices often and value customizable fit with multiple eartip options.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancelling, Aware Mode | – | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours | Up to 7 hours (up to 48 hours standby) | Up to 6 hours |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | – |
| Fit Style | In-ear, stability bands | Open ear, clip-on | Eartips, stability bands |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth multipoint | Bluetooth, Bluetooth multipoint | Bluetooth multipoint |
| Charging Type | USB-C, wireless | USB-C | – |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| Features | Active Noise Cancelling, Microphone, USB-C | Bluetooth, Long Playtime | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime, Spatial Audio |
| Color | Black | Lunar Blue | Black |
| Design | – | Clip-On | – |
| Dimensions | 1.06 × 2.35 × 2.6 inches | 1.04 × 2.56 × 1.65 inches | 0.88 × 0.68 × 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 2.82 ounces | 1.99 ounces | 0.71 ounces |
| Size | 1.58 | Regular | Small |
| Model | 896637-0010 | 881046-0600 | 882826-0010 |
How to choose the right Bose earbuds
Check the physical design type
You must decide between an in-ear seal or an open clip. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) use an in-ear design with a width of 2.35 inches. This shape helps block outside noise effectively. In contrast, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a clip-on design. This style weighs only 1.99 ounces and keeps your ears open to your surroundings. Choose the in-ear model if you need isolation. Select the clip-on style if you want to stay aware of traffic or conversations while you move.
Evaluate active noise cancellation needs
You should check if you require active noise cancellation for your daily routine. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) include this feature to reduce background sounds. The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds also offer active noise cancellation and spatial audio. These models are ideal for travelers or noisy offices. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds do not list active noise cancellation. They prioritize situational awareness instead. If you need to focus in loud environments, pick a model with active noise cancellation capabilities.
Compare the earbud weight
Weight affects comfort during long listening sessions. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) weigh 2.82 ounces. This is heavier than the original model, which weighs just 0.71 ounces. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds sit at 1.99 ounces. Heavier earbuds often provide a more secure fit for active noise cancellation. Lighter earbuds may feel less intrusive. You should compare these weights against your preference for a secure seal versus a lightweight feel.
Look for spatial audio support
You might want immersive audio for movies or music. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support spatial audio. This creates a three-dimensional sound experience. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds do not list spatial audio in their features. They focus on long playtime and Bluetooth connectivity. If you value cinematic sound or music immersion, choose a model with spatial audio. Otherwise, standard stereo sound may be sufficient for your needs.
Assess water resistance level
You should check the water resistance if you exercise outdoors. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are sweat resistant. This makes them suitable for workouts where you might perspire. The other Bose models do not explicitly list sweat resistance in the provided data. You should verify if this feature matters for your activities. If you run or lift weights, a sweat-resistant rating is practical. For casual indoor use, standard wireless earbuds may suffice.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bose earbuds have the best noise cancellation?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) offer top-tier active noise cancellation. They also feature immersive spatial audio for deep immersion. The original QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds provide similar noise-canceling performance. Both models are ideal if you need to block out surrounding sounds effectively.
Are there open-ear Bose options under $300?
Yes, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use a clip-on design. This style leaves your ear canal open for situational awareness. They are sweat resistant and weigh 1.99 ounces. This makes them suitable for users who want to hear their music while staying connected to their environment.
Which Bose earbuds are the lightest?
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the lightest option at 1.99 ounces. The original QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are even lighter at 0.71 ounces. The 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds weigh 2.82 ounces. You should choose based on whether you prefer a clip-on fit or an in-ear seal.
Do Bose earbuds support spatial audio?
The original Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds feature spatial audio. This creates an immersive listening experience. The 2nd Gen model also supports immersive spatial audio. These features enhance your audio engagement by placing sound in a three-dimensional space around you.
What connectivity options do these Bose earbuds have?
All listed models use wireless connections. The 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds support seamless multi-device connectivity. The original QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds include Bluetooth. The Ultra Open Earbuds also rely on Bluetooth for wireless audio transmission. All models connect without physical cables.
Which Bose earbuds are best for workouts?
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are sweat resistant. Their clip-on design provides a secure fit for movement. They weigh 1.99 ounces and offer long playtime. This makes them practical for active use where you need to stay aware of your surroundings while exercising.