Bose × LISA Ultra Open Earbuds review: I tested the Blackpink singer's latest collaboration - they're the most comfortable earphones I've ever worn

Daily Mail​

a day ago

K-pop star, White Lotus actress, and now tech mogul – is there anything Lisa can't do?
The Blackpink singer has joined forces with Bose on a new pair of headphones – and they're seriously chic.
The Ultra Open Earbuds have a glossy black finish and a cuff-like fit, and almost look like fancy earrings.
Upon closer inspection, they even feature Lisa's signature chrome star, which is a sweet nod to her latest album.
Unlike traditional earphones which cover your ears, the Ultra Open Earbuds sit a short distance from the ear canal.
This makes them super comfortable to wear, but does result in some sound leakage, which could lead to embarrassment if your playlists look anything like mine.
MailOnline's Science and Technology Editor, Shivali Best, tested them out this week.
At £379.95, they're definitely not cheap – so, would you buy them?
Bose × LISA Ultra Open Earbuds
Our verdict
The Bose x LISA Ultra Open Earbuds are the most comfortable earphones I've tried yet.
They're barely noticeable on your ear, and could easily pass as jewellery amongst your other earrings.
Despite not physically going into your ear, the sound quality is excellent - albeit with some sound leakage at higher volumes.
At £379.95, they're definitely on the pricier side, so unless you're a die-hard Lisa fan, I'd advise saving yourself £130 and opting for the almost identical Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.
How we test earphones
When testing earphones, we try them across multiple real-world settings, including the office, our homes, and out and about.
We evaluate the devices across a range of measures, including design, comfort, price and sound quality.
Each pair of earphones goes through several days of hands-on testing, allowing us to provide an in-depth review to help consumers make informed decisions.
Why trust us
Shivali Best is the Science & Technology Editor at MailOnline and has been testing products and writing reviews for nine years. She completed a Master's degree in Science Journalism at City University London in 2014 and previously worked at The Mirror as Deputy Science & Technology Editor.
Bose x LISA Ultra Open Earbuds review
Design
Lisa is one of the biggest fashion stars around the world, so it comes as no surprise that her earphones are seriously stylish.
The case itself has a glossy black finish, and the chrome star - one of Lisa's signature designs - emblazoned on the back is lovely touch.
Opening up the case, you're met with the chrome earphones, which could easily pass as jewellery.
This is particularly the case when you put them on alongside other earrings, with the shiny wraparound design easily blending in with more traditional hoops and studs.
I wore the earphones around the office to show my colleagues, who all agreed they were much cooler than standard in-ear alternatives.
There's no doubt about it - these are some of the best looking earphones on the market.
Comfort
Unlike traditional earphones which cover your ears, the Ultra Open Earbuds wrap around your helix and sit a short distance from the ear canal.
As someone who usually wears in-ear earphones, this open ear design certainly took some getting used to.
Clipping them over my helixes for the first time, I was convinced I'd done something wrong.
I could barely feel there was anything there at all. Surely this couldn't be right?
Upon inspection in a mirror, I was amazed to discover that they were properly secured - something that I confirmed with a tentative shake of the head.
I also really like that you can slide the earbud slightly up or down the outside of your ear - ideal if, like me, you like to mix up the number of earrings you wear.
This design is an absolute gamechanger for comfort, and it's also probably a lot more sanitary than in-ear earphones, which can accumulate sweat, earwax and dirt.
Sound quality
It's all well and good looking great, but one thing is obviously key with earphones - the sound quality.
Without a bud in my ear, I was initally worried that the sound quality would be compromised, but thankfully this wasn't the case.
The earphones feature Bose's OpenAudio technology, which allows for deep, rich audio, even when they're a short distance from the ear canal.
I tested the earphones in the noisy office, and was pleasantly surprised to hear my songs and podcasts with great clarity.
The one slight downside is the sound leakage.
Bose claims that in most environments and at most listening levels, people around you won't hear a thing.
However, when I cranked the volume up, my colleague could hear that something was playing, and after a few seconds could even name the song.
£379.95 Shop
This could prove rather embarrassing if your playlists are as eclectic as mine...
Price
The Bose x LISA Open Earbuds are some of the most expensive earphones on the market.
At £379.95, they're £150 more than Apple's AirPods Pro 2, £220 more than Huawei's FreeBuds Pro 4, and £190 more than the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.
What's more, they're £130 more than the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which are identical, simply without the Lisa branding.
Unless you're a die-hard fan or desperate for the chrome star emblem, it's probably best to save your cash and opt for the unbranded versions!