As of October 3, 2026, the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are the only buy-now choice of these two in the US. Samsung has announced Galaxy Buds On for South Korea on October 27, 2026, but has not announced international release dates or prices. That makes availability—not a proven sound or comfort advantage—the clearest deciding factor today. Bose’s detailed product page covers the original model, so check the generation if you shop: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) also appear in listings.
At a glance: what is actually available?
| Question | Samsung Galaxy Buds On | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (original) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability as of October 3, 2026 | Announced for South Korea on October 27, 2026; global markets are to follow, with no dates stated by Samsung. | Bose lists the original model on its US product page. |
| Price established in the sources | KRW 299,000 announced for South Korea. No international price stated by Samsung. | $199 for the selected color on Bose’s US page when checked October 3, 2026, reduced from $299; price and stock can change. |
| Claimed playback per charge | Up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback, according to Samsung. | Up to 7 hours, or up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio or Auto Volume, according to Bose. |
| Case battery figure | Not stated in the Samsung announcement. | Up to 19.5 extra hours, according to Bose. |
| Design and controls | Clip-on, open-ear design; rear touch controls. | Cuff-like open-ear design; button controls. |
| Other stated features | TwinBoost speakers, automatic volume adjustment, Audio Leakage Reduction, call processing, and Galaxy-device features that may require compatible devices, settings, or apps. | OpenAudio, Immersive Audio, Bluetooth multipoint for two devices, and IPX4 water resistance. |
The Samsung details are from Samsung’s October 1, 2026 announcement; Bose figures and features are from Bose’s original Ultra Open product page. All playback figures are manufacturer claims, not independent measurements.
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Which one should you buy?
Choose Bose if you want clip-on earbuds now
If you are shopping in the US now, the original Bose Ultra Open is the practical choice between these two because it is listed for sale while Galaxy Buds On has not reached its announced Korean launch date. The $199 listing was a snapshot for a selected color on October 3, 2026, not a guaranteed price. Buyers elsewhere should check local availability and pricing rather than treating that US listing as a worldwide offer.
Wait for Samsung if its launch timing and Galaxy features suit you
Galaxy Buds On is worth waiting for if you are in South Korea and want to consider Samsung’s first clip-on model in the Galaxy Buds line, or if its announced Galaxy-device features are particularly relevant to you. Samsung set the Korean price at KRW 299,000 and the release date at October 27, 2026. The company says other global markets will follow sequentially, but has not stated when or at what local prices. A Korean launch price does not establish an official price in another currency.
#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
Do not choose on an unproven sound or fit winner
Both products use open-ear clip-on designs that leave the ear canal unobstructed, allowing some awareness of nearby sounds at the cost of isolation. The available information does not establish that one sounds better, stays on more securely, or feels more comfortable for more people. Those depend on the listener, fit, environment, and use; there is no independent controlled head-to-head test in the sources cited here.
How the open-ear design changes the decision
Clip-on earbuds sit around the outer ear rather than sealing the ear canal. That can make it easier to hear your surroundings than with sealed earbuds, but it does not mean the audio is private or that outside sound will always be clear. In a quiet room, nearby people may hear audio leaking from the earbuds; at higher playback levels, leakage can be more noticeable.
Samsung specifically cautions that leakage can vary with playback level, ear shape, and ambient noise, and may be more noticeable in quiet places. Its Audio Leakage Reduction and automatic volume adjustment are announced features, not proof that leakage is eliminated. Bose describes its OpenAudio as delivering “rich, private sound”; that is Bose’s product description, not an independent finding that sound cannot be heard by others.
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
Fit is equally personal. Samsung says it studied different ear shapes, adjusted speaker and battery placement through simulations, increased contact area to distribute pressure, and tuned band elasticity to remain close during movement. These are design aims from the manufacturer, not independently verified fit results. If possible, assess comfort and security with a return option that suits you, especially if you plan long listening sessions or movement-heavy use.
Battery claims: compare the features you will actually use
Samsung Galaxy Buds On
Samsung claims up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on one charge. The announcement does not state a charging-case total in the material reviewed here. Treat the figure as a manufacturer maximum, not a guarantee for every volume level, device, or listening pattern.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (original)
Bose claims up to 7 hours per charge, falling to up to 4 hours when Immersive Audio or Auto Volume is used. Bose also lists up to 19.5 additional hours from the case, up to 48 hours on standby, and says a 10-minute case charge can add up to 2 hours of playback. These are Bose figures and depend on settings and use.
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.
The headline battery numbers are not a controlled comparison: the companies’ stated conditions are not shown to be identical, and Bose’s own estimate changes when named features are active. If long sessions matter, consider the features you expect to keep on and look for independent battery testing before treating either maximum as a real-world guarantee.
Controls, calls, water resistance, and phone ecosystem
Samsung’s announced feature set
Galaxy Buds On have rear touch controls, three microphones, a voice pickup unit sensor, and machine-learning call processing, according to Samsung. The company also lists hands-free Galaxy AI functions with supported Galaxy devices, Gemini Live voice activation, head gestures, and quick connection with Galaxy phones and tablets. Some functions require compatible devices, settings, or apps; the announcement does not establish that every feature works identically with every phone.
Bose’s stated features
The original Ultra Open uses buttons and supports Bluetooth multipoint to two devices, according to Bose. Bose lists IPX4 water resistance. That rating is a useful specification to check for your intended use, but it is not evidence that the earbuds are waterproof or suited to every workout or weather condition.
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.
The cited Samsung announcement does not state a water-resistance rating for Galaxy Buds On. That is not proof the product has no resistance; it means the available announcement does not establish a rating to compare with Bose’s IPX4 specification.
Check the Bose generation before ordering
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) also appear in search and support results, but the detailed Bose specifications and US price above are for the original Ultra Open. The information here does not establish the 2nd Gen’s local price, availability, or a complete comparison with Galaxy Buds On. Confirm the full product name and generation on the retailer’s page before relying on original-model figures or ordering.
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This is a comparison of announced specifications and current listed availability, not a sound-quality verdict. No independent side-by-side measurements, fit trials, or audio comparisons were established for these products. A longer claimed battery figure does not prove longer use under matching conditions, and manufacturer descriptions of comfort, sound, or leakage control are not independent test results.
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.
