AirPods 5 vs Bose’s New Open Earbuds: What Is Available Now?

Apple’s AirPods 5 and Bose’s new Sport Open Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) have reached different points in the launch cycle. Apple says AirPods 5 reached stores on September 18. Bose announced US preorders from September 19 and a planned October 1 launch. That timing matters more than treating all three as products already available to buy everywhere.

This comparison uses published manufacturer information checked on September 22, 2026. SoundPath Lab has not worn, measured or auditioned these models. Prices below are US announcement prices, not live prices or worldwide availability claims.

The Apple announcement distinguishes the $149 Wireless Charging Case version from the $129 base version. The case version has Apple Watch charger, Qi and USB-C charging support, and Apple specifically lists stem swipe volume control for it. We have not treated a feature omitted from the base version’s cited material as proof that the base version lacks it. Check Apple’s exact technical specification and model code before ordering.

The buying distinction is ANC and launch timing, not a sound-quality ranking

Apple promotes active noise cancellation in the AirPods 5 range. Bose explicitly says its two new open-ear models do not include ANC. That is a real feature difference in the published information, but it is not a measurement of how much outside noise Apple reduces in practice, nor a verdict on comfort, call quality or sound. Those require controlled use and testing.

Bose lists Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connection for both new models. Its Sport model carries an IP54 rating; the Ultra model adds aptX Adaptive for compatible Android devices. Bose also lists some functions, including Google Find Hub, Alexa+ and Apple Music shortcuts, as later software features. They should not be counted as working at launch. The full conditions are in Bose’s announcement.

Apple lists Siri AI and Live Translation features, but their availability depends on a compatible device, software version, language and region. Do not treat the feature names alone as proof they will work on every phone or in every country.

Which should you investigate first?

If you need a pair that Apple says is already on sale, start with the exact AirPods 5 variant and verify its case, controls and phone requirements. If you want one of the two Bose designs, check the October 1 launch and local stock before deciding; a US preorder is not evidence of shipping in your market. If ANC is essential, Bose’s stated absence of ANC rules out these two Bose models on that criterion. If ANC is not essential, the choice still depends on fit, controls, phone compatibility and independent listening evidence that is not yet in this comparison.

SoundPath Lab will not rank sound quality or award a “winner” from manufacturer specifications. The next useful checks are actual fit, connection stability, microphone behavior, battery life under matched conditions and any post-launch firmware changes.

Sources: Apple launch announcement, Apple store availability announcement, Bose launch announcement. Checked September 22, 2026.