Best Bose Earbuds
The best Bose headphones manage to stand out even among an entirely catalogue of (mostly) high-quality audio wearables, so if you want your next pair to come with a serious pedigree, you arguably don’t need to look much further.
Bose has produced numerous members of our best wireless earbuds, best over-ear headphones and best noise-cancelling headphones lists over the years, generally taking a slow and steady approach that means new products don’t come thick and fast — but are usually worth your attention when they arrive.
Bose SoundSport Wireless
- Size and Weight: 1.2 x 1 x 1.2 inches, 0.8 ouncesBattery Life (Rated): 6 hoursBluetooth Range: 33 feet (10 meters)Digital Assistant Support: Yes
- If you want signature Bose sound in a durable, sporty design, and don’t mind having the buds connected by a band, consider the SoundSport Wireless instead of the “true” wireless buds listed above.
Its soft silicone rubber hooks latch onto ears to optimize fit when engaged in sports activities, while IPX4 certification ensures it survive a sweat bath or splashes near the pool area. Bose even integrated cool mobile features like Tile tracking to locate misplaced buds, and NFC, which instantly pairs the buds to compatible Android phones. Battery life isn’t anything to rave about, but it’s suitable for weekly workouts.
PROS
CONS
+Great bass
+Snug, secure fit
+Water-resistant protection
+Tile tracking technology
–Short battery life
–Bulky design
Bose QuietComfort 20i
- A classic from the Bose collection, the wired QC20i is for mobile listeners who are prefer to stick with a headphone jack and want to silence the world around them. It does a phenomenal job of blocking out environmental sounds by forming a tight seal to isolate noise. Another major selling point is its ability to play audio without battery power, retaining the same detail and volume as in ANC mode. Music won’t sound as great as on other Bose headphones, but it’s still crisp. The battery module and in-line mic might also be considered obtrusive for modern standards.
PROS
CONS
+Strong noise-cancelling
+Ambient listening mode
+Plays audio when battery dies
+Very comfortable
_Not the best
-sounding Bose earphones–Bulky in-line mic and battery module
Bose QuietControl 30
- Another higher-end option for in-ear noise cancellation, the QC30 filters out high-frequency rumblings while producing clean, full sound. Users can adjust the ANC levels through the free Bose Connect app to completely silence or listen to their surroundings. The soundstage offers lots of depth, so you’ll pick up on the slightest details in your favorite recordings. Bluetooth range is lower than advertised with music lasting past the 20-foot mark. The price , however, is pretty steep.
PROS
CONS
+Impressive sound
+Flexible design
+Effective noise cancellation
+Ambient listening modes
–Still too pricey
–Finicky connectivity
8. Bose SoundSport In-Ear
- For fitness or leisure, the SoundSport In-Ear is a bargain that music lovers shouldn’t pass on. Bose’s Stay Hear tips provide a stable, relaxed fit for joggers and speedy commuters. Its weather-resistant design protects from perspiration and water. We’re fans of the midrange and treble delivery, but it’s worth noting that the poor seal these buds create can affect sound quality. The lack of modern features, such as digital assistant support, also restricts its capabilities.
PROS
CONS
+Superlight and comfy
+Sounds great across all music genres
+Sweat- and water-resistant
+Very affordable
–Mediocre noise isolation
–No modern features
–Mediocre noise isolation
–No modern features
Bose SoundSport Free
- Bose’s first truly wireless earbuds offer the premium design and sound one would expect from the audio giant. Powerful bass combined with detailed mids creates an energetic soundscape to fuel intense workouts. Portable power is always a huge bonus, and the bundled charging case offers just enough to get through a week’s worth of gym sessions: 10 hours. Quick charging is also available to give the buds 45 minutes of listening time on a 15-minute charge. However, its bulky design is not suited for leisurely listening, making the buds painful to wear after an hour of use. Unreliable connectivity means you’ll experience some dropout on the left earbud from time to time as well.
PROS
CONS
+Rich sound
+Fast charging
+Sleek, secure design
+Find My Buds feature
–Uncomfortable to wear for long stretches
–Poor bud-to-bud connection
FEATURES
One of the best things about Bose products is the variety of features offered within each product line. No two pairs of Bose headphones are the same, and that’s good news for the consumer.
Wireless capability
Wireless headphones are becoming the norm for many listeners. With some smartphone makers removing headphone jacks altogether, it appears that the market is heading the same direction. Bose offers both wired and wireless headphones, as well as hybrids that can work both ways.
Noise cancellation
For those who need a little separation between themselves and the world around them, Bose noise-cancelling headphones are a solid option. Bose did groundbreaking development in the early days of noise-cancelling headphones, and it shows in the quality of their products. They remain some of the best on the market.
Microphone
Some users like the convenience of a built-in microphone on their headphone cord. It makes talking on the go that much easier. Bose has a number of models that incorporate this handy feature.
Connectivity
Bose headphones with Bluetooth capability can connect wirelessly to your phone, Google Alexa, and other wireless devices. If you love the interconnectedness of modern electronics, you’ll want to take advantage of this advancement in headphone technology.
Bose AR
Bose AR, or augmented reality, is a new technology that feeds the listener audio information based on their physical surroundings. For example, if you are standing in front of a restaurant, your Bose AR-enabled headphones can give you basic information such as its hours and the type of food it serves. This feature is only available on higher-end Bose headphones at the moment, though the technology is continuing to develop.
FAQ
Q. Is there a difference in sound quality between wireless and wired headphones?
A. No. Whether your Bose headphones are wireless or wired, you’ll get the same crystal clear sound quality every time.
Q. Is noise cancellation necessary for the best sound experience?
A. Although noise cancellation is a useful feature for those who need an audio barrier between themselves and the noise around them, you can get top-quality headphone sound without the help of noise cancellation.
Q. Does Bose make waterproof headphones?
A. Some Bose headphones are weather-resistant, but that doesn’t make them waterproof. Just as you would with any personal electronic, you should take care not to expose your Bose headphones to water or any extreme weather.
