Customer Reviews for Bose - x Kendra Scott Ultra Open Earbuds - Mother of Pearl
Customer Rating
4
Top-End Quality On A Unique Concept
on February 22, 2024
Posted by: BIGGSHAUN
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
Had an opportunity to use these buds for over a month now. This is a unique concept, in having an earbud that does not fit into the ear but rests outside of the ear canal. This allows for pass-through of natural sound while playing music/taking phone calls. This is the best "open-ear" earbud on the market. The sound quality is what you'd expect from a Bose product. The sound is "loud;" you don't have to position the bud closer to the ear canal to get a good, clean, crisp sound. The physical buttons make operation much easier and eliminates accidental touches. The flexible ear hook allows for easy on-off of the buds, and you don't have to worry about the bud falling off.
The negative: Call quality is not good. Many callers state that it sounds muffled and underwated-like. While I rarely use these for phone calls, I found it difficult to have conversations because of this drawback.
This is the perfect option for someone looking to buy earbuds but hates placing them in the ear. There is nothing else on the market that matches these.
This was my first time trying an open earbud device, and truthfully I wasn't sure what to expect or if I'd like them. Historically, I've only used over the ear headphones or more traditional in-earbuds. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these! I did find many use cases where I preferred the open earbud design vs. traditional in earbud. However, I also did find multiple occasions where I wished these had a noise cancelling feature (i.e. environments with loud external auditory competition). I'll share some pros & cons below, but overall I'm really happy with these buds. For the price, I know it's not practical for everyone to have multiple pairs of expensive earbuds, but if feasible I think these are a great second pair. Without noise cancelling functionality, I don't think I could commit to these as my sole, primary earbuds.
Pros: - You can't tell I'm wearing them (context: I have long, curly hair) - The audio is great even with the open ear concept - I LOVE that you can control the volume from the earbud - They are very comfortable to wear for a prolonged period (if not, you may have to adjust them; slight repositioning is the difference between my ears aching or not during prolonged wear) - These are GREAT for sports (I used them while skiing / running and loved how secure they were & I could still hear the environment)
Cons: - They often get caught in my hair (while down) and/or get knocked off when I put my hair behind my ears - They aren't as easy to put in your ear one handed and take some adjusting to get the perfect fit - People standing next to you CAN hear your audio - Immersive audio sometimes has an echo when I'm listening to podcasts or talking on the phone - The open ear concept can get frustrating when you're often in environments with loud external audio competition (wish there was a way to block out noise if needed)
All in all, no product is perfect and I would definitely recommend these to others.
Response from bose.comBy Matt, February 23, 2024
Hello, it's great to hear you have really enjoyed these earbuds. I am pleased you find them comfortable, and that they have great audio. For the noise-cancelling to work, the earbuds would need to make a seal, as these do not, adding noise-cancelling would not work. You can find guidance here to ensure you get the best audio from these earbuds https://support.bose.com/s/how-to-page?prodId=01t8c00000OlcI5AAJ&type=Troubleshooting&language=en_US&category=sound&index=0 These are designed to be comfortable to wear. You can follow the steps here https://support.bose.com/s/product/bose-ultra-open-earbuds/01t8c00000OlcI5AAJ?language=en_US to ensure the best fit. Thank you for your feedback on the earbuds. Matt - Bose Customer Support
I have been using the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds exclusively for around a month now and my first impression was that the sound quality that Bose products are known for is there as always. This is the first time I've seen earbuds like these, where they somehow magically work by utilizing the ear pinna in contrast to being inserted into the ear canal. I suspect this will actually help protect hearing, while still being able to achieve great audio quality. I'm very familiar with Bose products, having used their noise-cancelling headsets (both wireless and wired) as well as their awesome aviation headset. Prior to getting the Ultra Open earbuds, I mostly use a competitors product named after a fruit...;) In any case, I actually think that the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds can fit a separate role outside of noise cancelling style of earbuds. First, if you are wanting to listen to music, podcast or whatever yet still want to actually hear what is going on around you, this is where these shine. It's not like wearing a cheap pair of earbuds that you by default can't hear your music when there is too much external noise though. These you can somehow hear important things (like the wife or kid talking to you), while still hearing your audio with perfect quality. Now while I would not recommend wearing earbuds/headphones while driving, these would be the only ones I'd feel comfortable wearing because I can still hear what's going on in the world outside. I also utilized the earbuds while exercising and doing farm work outside. They didn't fall out/off, though I did have to adjust them from time to time to keep it on the sweet spot of my ear for best audio quality. I would say that they stay on the ear better than the competitor product (named after a fruit). Now if you are trying to actually cancel out external sounds AND hear audio in your earbuds, these aren't really meant for that. I tried using them while working on my tractor and the tractor was simply too loud to hear my audio. Not a big deal though because like I said, these earbuds fulfill more of a role when listening to audio when you NEED to hear things externally. Battery life is seemingly infinite (I realize it's not really but it seems like it) when compared to the competitor product I mentioned. I haven't been able to actually deplete the batteries and have used them non-stop for 4 hours or so. I believe there is a battery saving feature of these earbuds where they seem to "turn on" only when audio is detected vs on at all times. It probably helps the battery too that there isn't any noise-cancelling. This battery saving feature did have one downside in limited circumstances though. When listening to something where audio is also intermittent (ie. Instagram Reels, language learning apps like Duolingo) you will sometimes have a slight delay when the earbuds will sense the audio then "turn on". To get around that you just have to replay whatever audio you are trying to listen to once you can tell the earbuds turned on (you will hear them turn on, though I don't know how to describe it). I kind of suspect that Bose may be able to do some software update to turn that feature off in the future (with the downside of reducing battery life?) but I have no idea if that is something that is possible. All in all, I would recommend the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds over any other competitor of a like product if you don't need the noise cancelling features.
I recently had the pleasure of testing out the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and I must say, they exceeded my expectations in every aspect- nothing less can be expected from Bose. I am a single mom in my 40s who works from home. These earbuds helped me with my daily tasks. From taking work meetings to running around doing house chores, not to mention going for walks to get my steps in. From the moment I put in my earbuds, I was immersed in a world of rich, crisp audio that brought my music to life like never before.
The sound is clear and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with incredible detail. The immersive sound feature is an experience. The sound follows your head movements. I was able to pick up on instruments and vocals I had not heard from my favorite songs. My one wish with this feature is for the bass to be more prominent.
The earphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their open design. They fit snugly in my ears and stayed in place even during vigorous activity, making them ideal for workouts or any physical activity.
In addition to their impressive sound quality and comfort, the Ultra Open Earbuds are also built to last, with durable construction and reliable connectivity. I used my earbuds for a week without the need to charge them, they definitely have an amazing battery life. Whether I was listening to music at home or on the go, I never experienced any dropouts or interference, ensuring a seamless listening experience every time.
Overall, I highly recommend the Ultra Open Earbuds to anyone in search of premium sound quality. With their exceptional audio performance, comfortable fit, and open design, they are truly a standout choice in the crowded world of earphones.
Response from bose.comBy Customer Support, February 23, 2024
Hello Anna,
It's wonderful to see that you've been enjoying the earbuds in your day to day life, and that the audio experience has been immersive for you. We aimed to make sure that the often unheard details of music aren't lost when using the earbuds, and I'm really happy that you've picked up on that.
If you go into the Bose Music app, select the earbuds, and then select 'Audio' on the main screen for the earbuds. This is where you can adjust the EQ of the earbuds, and you can increase the bass from the earbuds here. Of course if you'd like help with this then we'd love to help and you can reach out to us https://bose.life/contact for support.
These open earbuds are a great alternative to traditional in-ear buds. They are flexible and lightweight, allowing me to wear them for hours without the ear fatigue I experience with typical earbuds. The design is perfect for those who struggle with in-earbuds. The immersive audio function is fantastic, providing a rich, full audio experience regardless of movement, although it does drain the battery faster. Call quality is hit or miss - I was told I sounded clear on some calls and distorted/hard to hear on others.
They don't provide noise-cancellation, which makes them perfect for those times when you need to be aware of your surroundings, while still being able to listen to your audio. However, I travel frequently for work and the open design and lack of noise cancellation were significant drawbacks on planes and in airports. I frequently had to increase the earbud volume all the way just to hear my audio - and it still didn't drown out the noise around me. So, I'll stick with my QC earbuds while working/traveling and use these for leisure.
Response from bose.comBy Matt, February 23, 2024
Hello, its fantastic to hear you like the earbuds, and that you can wear them for hours. We always aim for the highest quality products, and it's amazing to hear how you feel the immersive audio is fantastic and they they provide a rich and clear audio experience. Due to the open ear design of these earbuds, noise-cancelling as we normally implement it, would not work with these. You can find guidance here to ensure you get the best audio from these earbuds https://support.bose.com/s/how-to-page?prodId=01t8c00000OlcI5AAJ&type=Troubleshooting&language=en_US&category=sound&index=0 Thank you for your feedback on the earbuds. Matt - Bose Customer Support
Stay Connected in Comfort: Bose Ultra Open Earbud!
on February 21, 2024
Posted by: zman
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
I am a product tester who had the opportunity to be part of a user focus group to test the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. I have been testing them for several weeks and this is my honest review of the actual product.
What I liked most about the earbuds
The thing I liked most about the earbuds was the impressive sound quality. The earbuds delivered clear and crisp sound, offering a fantastic listening experience. I was amazed by the spatialized listening feature that made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. The earbuds also let me hear the sounds of the world around me, which made me feel more safe and connected.
What I disliked or found challenging about the earbuds
The thing I disliked or found challenging about the earbuds was the limited bass response. Due to the open-ear design, the earbuds did not deliver enough bass for my preference. I also missed the active noise cancellation feature, which would have improved the sound quality in noisy environments. The earbuds also lacked some customization options, which limited my ability to fine-tune the sound profile according to my personal preferences.
How the earbuds compared to other headphones or earbuds that I have used before
The earbuds compared favorably to other headphones or earbuds that I have used before in terms of design, comfort, and features. The earbuds had a unique design that clipped onto the sides of my ears and did not touch my ear canal at all. They were lightweight and barely noticeable. They also had intuitive controls and a great battery life. The earbuds also had some innovative features, such as Bose Immersive Audio and spatialized listening, that enhanced the overall audio experience.
However, the earbuds also fell short in some aspects, such as bass response, touch sensitivity, and limited customization options. The earbuds did not deliver enough bass for my liking, and they also lacked active noise cancellation, which might affect the sound quality in noisy environments. The earbuds also had sensitive touch controls that sometimes led to accidental taps and adjustments.
How the earbuds fit my lifestyle and needs
The earbuds fit my lifestyle and needs well, as they were versatile and adaptable to different scenarios and environments. I mainly used the earbuds for commuting, meditation, and grocery shopping. I liked that I could listen to my favorite tunes or podcasts while still being aware of my surroundings. I could hear the traffic, the announcements, the cashier, and the people around me. The earbuds also helped me relax and focus. I used the Bose Music app to customize the sound settings and choose from different modes, such as normal, high, or low, depending on my preference and situation.
A little about me I value practicality and efficiency. While I enjoy good sound quality, I prioritize comfort and awareness just as much.
Would I recommend the earbuds to others
I would recommend the earbuds to others who are looking for a new way to listen to music and podcasts without blocking out the sounds of the world around them. The earbuds are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality sound and open-ear design. The earbuds are also suitable for anyone who values comfort, durability, and versatility. However, I would also caution potential buyers about the limited bass response, sensitive touch controls, and limited customization options. The earbuds might not be the best choice for anyone who prefers a more robust low-end experience, active noise cancellation, physical buttons, and extensive customization options.
I've been using these for a couple of weeks in a variety of environments--working out, at work, recreationally (skiing). They are generally comfortable for long periods of use (you can adjust where they sit on your ear), someone sitting right next to you cannot hear what you're listening to, but you can hear them because they don't completely cover your ear. I had some issues with phone calls and callers not being able to hear me when I spoke with them but I think that was a temporary glitch because all other calls have worked well. The sound quality is great. I have tried other wireless earbuds and haven't liked them as much as I like these ones, which solve most of the annoying issues about earbuds--namely that they don't stay in my ears during exercise and other activities.
The open ear fit stood out, letting me enjoy music while staying connected to my surroundings—a distinctive feature that adds versatility. Once you grasp the open ear concept, it reshapes expectations on sound and isolation.
As an active music enthusiast, these earbuds proved to be dynamic workout companions. The comfort and audio quality were stellar, creating an enjoyable overall experience. They seamlessly transitioned from pumping workout beats to handling work calls, showcasing their versatility.
However, phone call quality had occasional hiccups, requiring precise positioning for optimal clarity. Additionally, volume fluctuations across apps posed a minor inconvenience.
In conclusion, these earbuds deliver a delightful journey with innovative features. Despite minor nuances in call quality and volume, they offer a compelling blend of design, comfort, and audio excellence, making them a reliable choice for active individuals seeking a versatile and immersive experience with a unique open-ear twist.