When shopping for wireless earbuds in 2025, you’re faced with an intriguing decision: do you go with the tried-and-true sealed design like the Beats Fit Pro or embrace the innovative open-ear approach with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds? Each design offers distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle and listening habits. Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the right fit.
The Evolving Wireless Earbud Landscape
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the launch of the Beats Fit Pro in late 2021. Back then, noise cancellation and sound isolation were the primary goals. Today, new designs like the Bose Ultra Open emphasize situational awareness and all-day comfort.
Despite these advancements, core factors remain essential:
- Sound quality and audio profile
- Comfort and secure fit
- Battery life
- Special features like noise cancellation
- Versatility for different activities
Design Philosophy: Sealed vs. Open-Ear
Beats Fit Pro: Traditional Sealed Design
The Beats Fit Pro features a classic in-ear design with silicone tips that create a snug seal within the ear canal. Its secure-fit wing tips ensure the earbuds stay in place, even during vigorous workouts.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced bass due to the sealed ear canal
- Noise cancellation for immersive listening
- Stable fit during high-intensity activities
Ideal For:
- Gym workouts
- Commuting on public transport
- Flights and other noisy environments
Bose Ultra Open: Revolutionary Open-Ear Design
Bose takes a different route with its Ultra Open Earbuds, which rest outside the ear canal and use a cuff-like design. This allows users to hear their surroundings naturally while enjoying their music.
Key Benefits:
- Situational awareness for outdoor activities
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Natural-sounding audio without ear canal pressure
Ideal For:
- Office use
- Outdoor walks or runs
- Video calls where hearing your own voice helps
Sound Quality Showdown
The Beats Fit Pro excels with dynamic, bass-forward sound. Its sealed design amplifies low frequencies, making it perfect for energetic workouts or bass-heavy tracks. In contrast, the Bose Ultra Open prioritizes clarity and natural sound through its OpenAudio technology.
| Feature | Beats Fit Pro | Bose Ultra Open |
|---|---|---|
| Bass Response | Deep, powerful | Balanced, less bass-heavy |
| Treble & Mids | Crisp, slightly recessed | Clear and natural |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes (ANC) | No (open-ear design) |
Verdict: If you love bass and immersive sound, the Beats Fit Pro wins. For all-day comfort and clear vocals, the Bose Ultra Open takes the edge.
Comfort and Fit: Which Stays Put?
The Beats Fit Pro uses wing tips to stay secure during high-impact activities, while the Bose Ultra Open rests gently around the ear without inserting into the ear canal.
- Beats Fit Pro: Better for workouts with lots of movement
- Bose Ultra Open: Superior for extended, low-intensity wear
Battery Life & Charging
Both earbuds deliver reliable performance for everyday use, though the Bose Ultra Open slightly edges out its competitor.
| Model | Battery Life (Earbuds) | Total with Case |
| Beats Fit Pro | Up to 6 hours | 24 hours |
| Bose Ultra Open | Up to 7.5 hours | 27 hours |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Beats Fit Pro | Bose Ultra Open |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Open design with natural sound |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Inherent due to open design |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, with dynamic head tracking | Immersive Audio Mode |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | No | Yes |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Beats Fit Pro if:
- You prioritize bass-heavy music and immersive sound.
- You need noise cancellation for commuting or flights.
- You engage in intense workouts.
Choose the Bose Ultra Open if:
- You need to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Comfort is more important than sound isolation.
- You wear earbuds for long durations.
Final Verdict:
For most users, the Beats Fit Pro remains the more versatile option with its strong sound performance and secure fit. However, if you work in an office or enjoy outdoor activities, the Bose Ultra Open is worth the investment for its unique comfort and environmental awareness.
What’s your pick? Share your thoughts in the comments!