Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Shokz OpenDots One
Quick take: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds costs $1 less; the Shokz OpenDots One lasts longer per charge (10 hrs).
| Spec | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Shokz OpenDots One |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$199 | ~$200 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Open-Ear & Bone Conduction | Open-Ear & Bone Conduction |
| Noise Cancelling | None | None |
| Battery (single charge) | 7.5 hrs | 10 hrs |
| Battery (with case) | 27 hrs | 40 hrs |
| Quick Charge | 10 min → 2 hrs | 10 min = 2 hr |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Size | — | — |
| Weight | 6.4 g | 7 g |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No | No |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes |
| App EQ | Yes | Yes |
Pros & cons
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
- ✓Best sound of any open-ear product, period
- ✓6.4g cuffs clip on like jewelry — canal stays empty
- ✓aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- ✓Multipoint added via firmware after rocky launch
- ✓Lowest leakage in the open-ear category
- ✓$100 cheaper than its $299 launch price
- ✗Immersive Audio drops battery from 7.5 to 4.5 hours
- ✗IPX4 is the weakest rating among sports rivals
- ✗Cuff turns pinchy on some ears after hours
- ✗Fit takes a day or two to learn
- ✗No wireless charging case at $199
Shokz OpenDots One
- ✓Best-in-class battery for clip-ons: 10 hours per charge, 40 total
- ✓6.5g buds with soft silicone cuff — owners say they disappear on the ear
- ✓Works perfectly with glasses and sunglasses, no hook conflict
- ✓Dual drivers deliver unusually solid bass for an open design
- ✓Qi wireless charging case
- ✓Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint plus quick charge (10 min = 2 hr)
- ✓Stays secure through running and cycling
- ✗Touch controls are unreliable — the most common owner complaint
- ✗$200 is flagship-earbud money for an open-ear design
- ✗SBC/AAC only, no LDAC or aptX
- ✗IP54 — fine for sweat, not for swimming
- ✗Sound leaks at higher volume like all open earbuds