Bose is bringing back the Sport Open Earbuds name, and this time the design has changed pretty significantly. The loop-style form factor that defined the original lineup is gone. In its place is the same clip-on design already seen on the company’s Ultra Open Earbuds. Whether that’s an upgrade or a step sideways depends on how much you liked the original look, but it’s a bolder, more modern silhouette either way.
According to Notebookcheck, the new earbuds are rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, which is reasonable for a pair marketed at active users. Battery life comes in at 7 hours per charge from the earbuds themselves, with the charging case bumping total playback time up to 22 hours. That’s not class-leading, but it’s more than enough to get through a full day of workouts and commutes without stressing about power.
On the connectivity side, these run Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint support, meaning you can stay connected to two devices at once. Bose also added compatibility with Google Fast Pair and Find Hub, the latter letting Android users track the earbuds directly through Google’s device-finding network. That’s a genuinely useful addition, not just a spec sheet checkbox. Losing earbuds is frustrating, and Find Hub support puts these on the same level as competing options from Sony and Samsung in terms of findability.
The specs at a glance:
- IP54 dust and water resistance
- 7 hours battery life per charge, 22 hours total with case
- Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint connectivity
- Google Fast Pair and Find Hub support
- Available in Black, Eucalyptus Green, and White
Pricing is set at $199 in the US and €199.95 in the Eurozone. That puts the Sport Open Earbuds right up against some strong competition, including Shokz and various Sony open-style options. But Bose has serious brand recognition in this space, and the clip-on form factor has been well received on the Ultra Open Earbuds, so the price isn’t shocking.
The open-ear category has exploded over the last couple of years. More people want the awareness and comfort that comes with not blocking your ears, especially during outdoor workouts or city commutes where you need to stay aware of your surroundings. Bose clearly sees that trend and wants a stronger foothold at the more accessible end of the market. The Ultra Open Earbuds sit at $199 currently too, and Bose just announced a second-gen version of those, so there’s a clear push to own more of the open-ear conversation.
US buyers can grab these starting October 1, with European availability following on October 13. My Bose members get early access ahead of those dates. If you’ve been waiting for an open-ear option with solid brand backing and Google ecosystem support, this is worth a close look when it drops.
