Choose between these earbuds by attachment style and feature priorities—not on the assumption that one is universally more comfortable or sounds better. CMF Clip Pro uses a clip-on design, while Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use Bose’s Flex Grip. Their makers also publish different battery figures and feature sets, but the available evidence does not establish a definitive winner for sound, comfort, calls, or exercise stability.
How the two open-ear designs attach
The CMF Clip Pro is a clip-on earbud. What Hi-Fi? describes its arrangement as a three-point design, while Nothing’s product page identifies it as Clip Pro. Bose describes the Ultra Open fit as “Light-as-air Flex Grip.” Those are different approaches to securing an open-ear earbud; neither description proves that the fit will suit every ear. Try the attachment style when possible, especially if you are sensitive to pressure or plan to wear earbuds for long periods.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For the makers’ product descriptions, see CMF Clip Pro and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. What Hi-Fi?’s launch coverage also characterizes the CMF model as clip-on: What Hi-Fi? on the CMF Clip Pro launch.
Battery life: compare operating modes, not just totals
Nothing claims up to 10 hours from the Clip Pro earbuds and up to 32.5 hours with the charging case. Bose lists up to 7 hours for the Ultra Open with Immersive Audio off, up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio on, and up to 3 hours with both Immersive Audio and Auto Volume on. Bose says the case provides up to 19.5 additional hours. These are manufacturer figures, not results from a controlled head-to-head test, and the Bose figures vary by mode.
#1 Best Overall
- OPEN YOUR EARS TO THE WORLD: Hear all of what’s around you while enjoying rich, private sound; these open-ear earbuds' design says, “I can still hear you” while OpenAudio technology provides you with high-quality, private sound
- BE IN THE MUSIC, ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE: With Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound, these wireless earbuds feel, look good, and bring you closer to your music, so you’re not only listening, you’re in it
- FEELS GOOD, STAYS PUT: These over the ear earbuds feature a flexible joint and a light-as-air-grip, simply hook it gently around the back of your ear and you’ll stay open to the world around you with these comfortable earbuds even while running
- WATER RESISTANCE WITH IPX4: Get splashed on, dripped on, sprayed on. No worries here. These sweatproof open ear headphones can handle it. Acoustic mesh keeps out moisture and debris, so you can keep on listening
- NEVER MISS A BEAT: Up to 7 hours of play time (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)* along with up to 48 hours of standby***, via the included charging case providing up to an extra 2.5 full charges of power**. USB-C cable included to charge the case
Check the usage conditions that matter to you before treating any maximum as a likely day-to-day result. Bose’s mode-specific figures appear on its product page and support specifications; Nothing lists its figures on the CMF Clip Pro page.
Features and controls
CMF Clip Pro
Nothing lists a 10.8 mm dual-magnet driver, physical buttons on each earbud, and three levels of Ultra Bass customization through the Nothing X app. These are feature descriptions, not independent findings about how the earbuds sound. The maker’s page is the source for the Clip Pro specifications.
Rank #2
- OPEN YOUR EARS TO THE WORLD: Hear all of what’s around you while enjoying rich, private sound; the wireless earbuds' open ear design says, “I can still hear you” while OpenAudio technology provides you with high-quality, private sound
- BE IN THE MUSIC, ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE: With Bose Immersive Audio spatialized sound, these Bluetooth earbuds feel, look good, and bring you closer to your music, so you’re not only listening, you’re in it
- FEELS GOOD, STAYS PUT: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a flexible joint and a light-as-air-grip, simply hook it gently around the back of your ear and you’ll stay open to the world around you with these comfortable earbuds
- WATER RESISTANCE WITH IPX4: Get splashed on, dripped on, sprayed on. No worries here. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds can handle it. Acoustic mesh keeps out moisture and debris, so you can keep on listening
- NEVER MISS A BEAT: With up to 7 hours of play time (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)*, up to 48 hours of standby***, and the included charging case provides up to an extra 2.5 full charges of power**, you’re equipped with long-lasting battery life
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose lists OpenAudio, Immersive Audio, and adjustable EQ in the Bose app. Its support specifications also state Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and a range of up to 30 feet (9 meters). The listed range is a manufacturer specification, not a guarantee for every environment. See Bose’s product page and support page.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Water and dust resistance ratings
Nothing lists the Clip Pro as IP54. Bose support lists the Ultra Open earbuds as IPX4 and the case as IPX1. These are the ratings stated by each manufacturer; they should not be treated as interchangeable, and they do not establish that either product can be submerged. For the Bose earbuds and case ratings, consult Bose Support; Nothing gives the Clip Pro rating on its product page.
Rank #3
- Open Ear Earbuds Over Ear for Running & Gym: Clip-on design sits comfortably over your ear without blocking the ear canal. Perfect for running, workouts, and sports—stay aware of surroundings. More comfortable than in-ear, better sound than bone conduction.
- FlexiClip Design, Secure Fit: Memory titanium FlexiClip adapts to any ear shape for all-day comfort. Ultra-lightweight and stable—won't fall off during intense workouts or running. Designed for active lifestyles.
- Powerful Bass, 12mm Drivers: Custom 12mm drivers deliver deep bass and 86dB max output. Clear, loud sound for gym workouts and running—superior audio quality compared to bone conduction headphones.
- AI Clear Calls: Advanced AI filters background noise for crystal-clear calls during outdoor running, gym workouts, or commutes. Perfect for work calls on the go.
- 28H Playtime : 7 hours single charge, 28 hours with case. IP55 waterproof protects against sweat and rain during outdoor running and gym sessions. Bluetooth 6.0 for ultra-stable connection.
Price and review evidence
Bose’s US product page displayed a price of $299 when accessed in 2026. Treat it as a regional listing that can change, and check the price in your country before buying. A current official US price for CMF Clip Pro is not established by the cited product-page information, so a direct price comparison is not reliable here. Bose’s listing also showed a $49 wireless charging case cover; check the product page for current price and compatibility if you are considering that accessory.
RTINGS’ comparison page identifies its methodology as version 2.3 but marked the CMF review early access. The available comparison evidence therefore does not support a broad verdict that one model sounds better, fits more comfortably, handles calls better, or stays put more reliably during exercise. Bose’s February 15, 2024 announcement framed Ultra Open around “immersive audio and awareness”; that is Bose’s positioning, not an independent performance finding. See RTINGS’ comparison page and Bose’s announcement.
Rank #4
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
Which one should you choose?
Choose CMF Clip Pro if
- You prefer a clip-on attachment over Bose’s Flex Grip.
- You want physical buttons on each earbud and three levels of bass adjustment through Nothing X.
- You value its IP54 rating and the battery life claimed by Nothing: up to 10 hours from the earbuds and up to 32.5 hours with the case.
Choose Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if
- Bose’s Flex Grip is the attachment style you want to try.
- You are specifically interested in Bose OpenAudio, Immersive Audio, adjustable app EQ, and multipoint connectivity.
- You want Bose’s mode-specific battery specifications and are willing to compare the listening modes against your expected use.
These recommendations follow the products’ listed designs and features, not a proven universal advantage in sound or fit. Review current local pricing and, if possible, test the attachment style before deciding.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
