Unlike even earbuds , open - ear headphones do n’t block your pinna canal and instead sit down just outside your ear , allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings .
We ’ve equate two sets of open - earbuds , theBose Ultra Open Earbudsand theShokz Openfit , so you could determine which distich is unspoiled for you .
Keep reading to study the remainder between the two loose - earphones .
Price
The Shokz OpenFit are the older of the two earbuds , having launched back in June 2023 , and have an RRP of £ 179/$180 .
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched sooner this year and come up with a much higher RRP of £ 299 / $ 299 .
Design
TheShokz Openfitlook very unlike from other Shokz headphones , swapping the common titanium admixture neckband frame for a pair of earhook earbuds instead . The earhook conception , coin as a “ Dolphin Arc ” by Shokz , wraps a flexible come-on over the top of the capitulum to keep it secure .
Even with the dolphin arc design , it felt as if the earbuds might fall out ( although they never did ) . The weightiness between the earhook and the primary earbud feel mad .
Alternatively , the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a manacle pattern that ’s made up of three portion . An uncommon design , we found the earbuds do n’t purloin or have irritation and can be switch easily on your ear to notice the perfect perspective to befit your ear shape .
While the Bose Ultra Opens have dedicated buttons on each earbud for controlling playback , volume and enabling any shortcut , the Shokz Openfit have touchpad controls rather . Although by and large , these touchpads make well , we did discover this more difficult to employ over physical buttons .
Finally , the Shokz Openfit boasts a higherIP54rating compared to the Bose Ultra Open’sIPX4 .
Features
Both pairs of earbuds are accompanied by a respective app that ’s compatible with Android and iPhone . The Bose app allows users to monitor battery life story , volume control and switch between Stereo or Immersion modes . Although utile , the Bose app had a propensity to disconnect or become unresponsive .
Otherwise the Shokz app is relatively issue - free with a clear interface , allow you to beak from preset EQ modes or create your own .
The two pairs of earbuds are fairly play off when it comes to barrage fire sprightliness . Although the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer 7.5 hours with an extra 19.5 hours from the charging case , the Openfit offer seven hours with an extra 21 time of day from the case .
When it come to call quality , the Openfit take the profits , with the earbuds benefiting from Shokz AI noise cancelling to present clear call quality . In comparability , we found that the Bose Ultra Open suffers from patchy call quality , even in hushed areas .
Sound Quality
Neither curing of open - earbuds would be recommended for use on public conveyance or especially in use sphere , as you ’ll struggle to get wind anything .
However , both put up a square sound carrying out in the right environment , with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds being one of the better sounding open earphone we ’ve tested , thanks to the crisp and set midrange .
Where the earbuds do falter is with basso and the lack of noise closing off . Even so , enabling Immersive Audio which turn stereo audio frequency into 3D help to make a more immersive soundstage around you .
On the other hand , the Shokz Openfit deliver a larger soundscape overall , although at the disbursement of a more balanced profile . Unlike the Ultra Open Earbuds , there ’s a consecrate Bass Boost mode which supply a obtrusive increase of bass voice although can cause the cartroad to sound muddy .
Verdict
Although there are pro and bunco game to both pairs of earbuds , overall we would recommend the Bose Ultra Open earbuds .
While the Shokz Openfit will be much cheaper and can deliver a larger soundscape with a dedicated Bass Boost , and in bitchiness of the Bose Ultra Open Earbud ’s lack of bass and noise cancelling , the latter are a more balanced bent of buds .
In accession , we find that the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds were more well-heeled to wear thin and never matt-up as though they would fall out , which is something the Openfit lack .
