The Bose Ultra Open offer a novel approach to open-ear listening that does not compromise on comfort or sound. The behind the back of the ear fit keeps them out of the way of glasses and other headwear, while being secure and light enough to forget they are there.

I don’t doubt that creating a wholly new earbud form factor required comprehensive research and engineering. In fact, I know it did, so stay tuned for more on that in the future. But if Bose wants the Ultra Open Earbuds to avoid the same fate as its other promising but niche gadgets — I still miss that damn neck speaker — it should probably rethink the value proposition before it’s too late. I think there’s a real audience for these, but the concept is too out of the ordinary to ask for so much until that’s proven out. Otherwise, this big swing won’t make much of an impact.

Innovative, small, and comfy design. Clear, warm, and relatively detailed sound. Stylish (if odd) aesthetic. Solid controls, including volume control by default. Wraparound hinge stays put under duress. Good battery playback time. Google Fast Pair and aptX Adaptive support for Android users.