Bose Sport Open Earbuds vs Sport Earbuds: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Jennifer Moore · 2026-09-18

Bose just dropped the Sport Open Earbuds, a fresh addition to its growing lineup. Designed for running, workouts, and outdoor adventures, how do they stack up against the Sport Earbuds from 2020? If you own the older pair, is now the time to upgrade? We've compared the specs to highlight the key differences. Read on to see what's new and whether these buds deserve a spot in your gym bag. ### Price and Availability The Bose Sport Open Earbuds launch on October 15, priced at $199. They come in Black, White Smoke, and a limited-edition Eucalyptus Green. The original Sport Earbuds are no longer readily available, but they also retailed for $199. So, price-wise, there's no difference. ### Design: Open-Ear vs In-Ear The biggest difference is the design. The Sport Earbuds have tips that plug into your ear, while the Sport Open Earbuds feature an open-ear design with a C-arm cuff that wraps around the ear. They don't sit inside the canal, so you stay aware of your surroundings—traffic, announcements, passers-by—while still enjoying your music. If you've never tried open-ear buds, it might feel odd at first, but they're not meant for noise cancellation. Instead, they offer situational awareness. Bose also includes Auto Volume, which adjusts loudness as ambient noise changes. And with OpenAudio technology and SoundDesign processing, Bose promises rich, personal sound with balanced clarity and deep bass. > "The Sport Open Earbuds are designed to keep you connected to your environment while delivering premium audio," says a Bose spokesperson. ### Durability and Controls Workout buds need to withstand sweat, rain, and drops. The original Sport Earbuds have an IPX4 rating (water splashes only), while the Sport Open Earbuds boast IP54, meaning they're dust-resistant and protected against water splashes. They also have textured physical buttons for easy control, even with sweaty fingers. Bose claims the cuff design keeps them secure during head shakes and cartwheels. We'll test that claim in our full review. ### Battery Life Bose rates the Sport Earbuds at 5 hours per charge (15 with the case), but our tests showed 3–4 hours. The Sport Open Earbuds promise longer battery life, though exact figures aren't yet available. The Sport Earbuds' case lacks wireless charging, which is a minor drawback. ### The Verdict If you own the Sport Earbuds, upgrading to the Sport Open depends on your needs. The open-ear design is a game-changer for outdoor workouts where awareness is key. The improved durability and potentially longer battery life are also pluses. But if you prefer the isolation of in-ear buds, the Sport Earbuds still hold up. Stay tuned for our full review. Not sold on workout-specific buds? Check out our roundup of the best wireless earbuds.