Let's explore two very different approaches to wireless audio - the workout-focused Beats Powerbeats Pro ($199) and the innovative Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299). While both deliver sound to your ears wirelessly, they take radically different paths to get there.
The wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically since the Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019. Back then, the focus was primarily on eliminating wires while maintaining sound quality. Today, with products like the Bose Ultra Open (released early 2024), we're seeing innovative new approaches to how earbuds can integrate with our daily lives.
Modern wireless earbuds need to balance multiple factors:
The Powerbeats Pro takes a traditional approach - they seal in your ear canal using silicone tips and secure themselves with ear hooks. This design maximizes bass response and isolation, crucial for workout environments. The hooks, while visible, ensure they won't budge during intense activity.
In contrast, the Bose Ultra Open represents a radical departure from conventional designs. They clip around your outer ear without entering the ear canal at all. This open-ear design allows full awareness of your surroundings while still delivering impressive sound quality through precisely directed audio beams.
The Powerbeats Pro delivers what you'd expect from Beats - powerful, energetic sound with substantial bass. The sealed design helps create a more immersive experience, though it's worth noting the sound signature has matured from the overwhelming bass of early Beats products. They're now more balanced while maintaining that signature energy that makes them great workout companions.
The Bose Ultra Open takes a different approach entirely. Without sealing the ear canal, they can't produce the same bass impact. However, they compensate with remarkably clear mids and highs, and their spatial audio technology (which creates a sense of sound coming from around you rather than just in your ears) can be quite impressive. They're particularly good for podcasts and acoustic music.
Having tested both extensively, they excel in different scenarios. The Powerbeats Pro simply won't fall out - I've used them for everything from running to burpees without issue. However, some users find the ear hooks uncomfortable with glasses over long periods.
The Bose Ultra Open prioritizes all-day comfort. Their lightweight design practically disappears once you're wearing them, though they might not stay put during aggressive movement. They're perfect for office use or casual walks, and they work brilliantly with glasses.
Both offer solid battery life, but with different strengths:
Both support quick charging, though neither offers wireless charging - a notable omission at these price points.
The Powerbeats Pro features Apple's H1 chip, enabling seamless integration with iOS devices. Since their 2019 release, they've received several firmware updates improving connectivity and stability, though no major feature additions.
The Bose Ultra Open, being newer, incorporates more recent technology:
For home theater use, the Powerbeats Pro works well but isn't ideal - the isolation might be too much when you want to chat with family, and they lack specialized features for this use case.
The Bose Ultra Open actually shines here. Their open design lets you hear both your content and your surroundings naturally, and they support Bose's SimpleSync technology for easy connection to Bose soundbars and speakers.
The Powerbeats Pro remains the clear winner for high-intensity workouts. Their secure fit and sweat resistance make them ideal for exercise. The sealed design also helps motivate with powerful bass during workouts.
The Bose Ultra Open works better for activities requiring environmental awareness - running outdoors, cycling, or hiking. They're also excellent for office use where you need to hear colleagues.
At $199, the Powerbeats Pro represents solid value for a premium workout-focused earbud. They're particularly worthwhile for Apple users and fitness enthusiasts.
The Bose Ultra Open's $299 price point reflects their innovative technology and unique benefits. While expensive, they're potentially worth it for users who prioritize awareness and comfort over absolute sound isolation.
Consider your primary use case:
Choose Powerbeats Pro if you:
Choose Bose Ultra Open if you:
The Powerbeats Pro and Bose Ultra Open serve different needs with different approaches. The Powerbeats Pro excels as a workout companion with its secure fit and energetic sound, while the Bose Ultra Open innovates with comfortable, aware design perfect for daily use. Your choice should align with your primary use case rather than purely specs or price.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro ($199) | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299) |
|---|---|
| Design Philosophy - Determines core functionality and use cases | |
| Traditional sealed in-ear with hooks | Open-ear cuff design with no canal insertion |
| Environmental Awareness - Critical for safety during outdoor activities | |
| None - sealed design blocks outside sound | Full awareness - hear everything around you |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without charging | |
| 9 hours (24 with case) | 7.5 hours standard, 4.5 with spatial audio (27 with case) |
| Fit Security - Essential for workouts and active use | |
| Extremely secure with hooks and tips | Moderate - may shift during intense movement |
| Bass Response - Important for workout motivation and music enjoyment | |
| Strong, deep bass due to sealed design | Limited bass due to open design |
| Comfort Duration - Critical for extended wearing sessions | |
| 2-3 hours typical before adjustment needed | 6+ hours with minimal fatigue |
| Water/Sweat Resistance - Crucial for workout durability | |
| IPX4 - fully workout ready | IPX4 - adequate for light exercise |
| Smart Features - Affects daily usability and function | |
| Basic controls, Siri support, H1 chip | Spatial audio, auto-volume, dual device connection |
| Ecosystem Integration - Important for seamless device switching | |
| Excellent with Apple devices | Works equally well with all platforms |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Large case, may be bulky in pocket | Compact case, more pocket-friendly |
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are better for home theater use because they allow you to hear both your content and family members naturally. The Powerbeats Pro isolate too much sound for comfortable home viewing.
The Powerbeats Pro costs $199, while the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are priced at $299, a $100 difference.
Yes, both models can connect to TVs via Bluetooth. The Bose Ultra Open has additional advantages with Bose soundbars through SimpleSync technology.
The Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours of playback versus 7.5 hours for the Bose Ultra Open, making them slightly better for marathon viewing sessions.
The Powerbeats Pro provides better isolation for late-night viewing without disturbing others, while the Bose Ultra Open may leak more sound to nearby sleepers.
The Bose Ultra Open wins for comfort, with its lightweight design causing less fatigue during extended viewing compared to the Powerbeats Pro.
The Bose Ultra Open features dedicated spatial audio processing, while the Powerbeats Pro only supports basic stereo playback.
The Bose Ultra Open allows full awareness of your environment, while the Powerbeats Pro blocks most external sound.
The Powerbeats Pro delivers fuller bass and better isolation for immersive movie watching, while the Bose Ultra Open offers clearer dialogue but less impact.
The Bose Ultra Open supports multipoint connection for two devices simultaneously, while the Powerbeats Pro requires manual switching.
The Bose Ultra Open is better for shared viewing since you can easily hear each other, unlike the isolating design of the Powerbeats Pro.
Both models work with consoles that support Bluetooth audio, but the Powerbeats Pro may have lower latency for gaming compared to the Bose Ultra Open.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - consumerreports.org - runnersworld.com - soundguys.com - bose.com - nfm.com - bose.com - youtube.com - bose.com - bose.com - colorware.com
