The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Diamond (881046-0040) promise a unique listening experience: open-ear audio that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. After extensive testing, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether these earbuds live up to the hype.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the OpenAudio technology. This allows for a surprisingly rich and private sound experience while maintaining ambient awareness. The design itself is comfortable; the earhooks are flexible and lightweight, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, even during workouts. The IPX4 water resistance rating is a welcome addition, making these suitable for various activities. The included charging case adds significantly to the overall battery life. The Type-C charging is convenient and quick.

Sound quality is surprisingly good for an open-ear design. While bass is not as prominent as in closed-back earbuds, the clarity and mid-range are excellent. I found the audio to be clear and crisp, even in noisy environments. The claimed battery life of up to 7.5 hours was easily achievable during my testing with moderate volume levels. Adding the charging case significantly extends the usage time making it very convenient for all-day use. Pairing with my devices was seamless via Bluetooth. The immersive audio spatialised sound feature enhances the listening experience, though it does affect battery life slightly, as mentioned in the product description.

I tested these earbuds extensively during workouts and commutes, and the secure fit remained consistent. The open-ear design was particularly beneficial for staying aware of my surroundings while running or cycling. However, in extremely loud environments, the ambient noise sometimes overpowered the audio.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality for an open-ear design.
• Comfortable and secure fit.
• IPX4 water resistance.
• Long battery life with the charging case.
• Easy Bluetooth pairing.
• Ambient awareness.

Cons:

• Bass response could be improved.
• Can be overpowered by extreme ambient noise.
• Slightly bulky for some users.

Overall, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Diamond (881046-0040) offer a compelling listening experience. The combination of open-ear comfort, decent sound quality, and long battery life makes them a solid choice. While bass heads might find the bass response lacking, for those who value ambient awareness and a comfortable fit, these earbuds are highly recommended. I particularly appreciated their performance during workouts and outdoor activities. I would highly recommend the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Diamond (881046-0040) for its impressive sound and unique open-ear design.