Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review

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The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a popular choice for anyone looking for high-quality noise-cancelling earbuds. Bose is a brand well-known for its top-notch audio products. My overall impression is that these earbuds excel in noise cancellation but have some areas that could be improved.

The earbuds are perfect for various types of users. Audiophiles who appreciate clear sound will enjoy these. They are also great for travellers who need to block out noise on planes or buses. Athletes will appreciate the secure and comfortable fit during workouts.

In this review, I’ll cover the key aspects of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II:

1. We’ll look at the noise-cancelling feature, which is one of the best I’ve ever tested.
2. We’ll discuss sound quality and see how it compares to other top earbuds. I’ll also talk about the different features like touch controls and Bluetooth connectivity.
3. I’ll share my thoughts on the comfort and fit of these earbuds, which are important for long-term use.

Noise Cancellation and Isolation

The noise cancellation on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is top-notch. These earbuds can block out a lot of noise in different environments. Whether you’re on a noisy bus, in a busy café, or just trying to focus at home, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works very well. It’s especially good at blocking low-frequency sounds.

Using the earbuds with ANC is a great experience. These earbuds can even block out higher-frequency sounds like voices better than many others, making them ideal for anyone who wants peace in loud places.

The ambient sound mode, also known as aware mode, lets you hear what’s going on around you without taking the earbuds out. This mode is useful if you need to have a quick conversation or stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music. Additionally, there’s a feature called SmartSense that reduces sudden loud noises. However, this feature sometimes reacts to sounds that aren’t very loud, which can be a bit distracting.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is impressive. The sound is balanced with more emphasis on the bass compared to the first generation, giving the music a nice punch without being overwhelming.

Bass: The bass on these earbuds is pronounced and tight. It adds depth to the music, making it enjoyable for bass lovers. The bass doesn’t drown out other parts of the music, so you still get a clear and rich sound.

Midrange: The midrange is clear and present. The vocals and instruments sound crisp and natural. Whether you’re listening to your favourite singer or an acoustic guitar, everything sounds detailed and vibrant.

Treble: The treble is detailed and extends well without being harsh. You can hear the high notes clearly, and there is no sibilance that makes the sound sharp or piercing. The treble adds a nice sparkle to the music.

Soundstage and Imaging: The earbuds create a good sense of space. You can feel where different sounds are coming from, which makes the listening experience more immersive. It feels like you’re in the middle of the music rather than just having it in your ears.

Supported Codecs

The earbuds support standard codecs like SBC and AAC. They don’t support more advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC, but the sound quality is still excellent with the supported codecs.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have a sleek and modern design. These earbuds look stylish and come with a compact charging case that is smaller than the first generation, making it easy to carry them in your pocket.

The materials used for these earbuds feel high-quality. The earbuds themselves are smooth and lightweight. They feel sturdy and well-made when you hold them.

These earbuds come with different ear tip sizes and stability bands, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. The earbuds fit securely and comfortably, making them great for long wear. They stay in place even during activities like running or working out.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light splashes of water. This durability makes them suitable for everyday use and workouts. Just avoid submerging them in water, and they should last a long time.

Battery Life and Charging

The battery life is solid. Bose states that you get about six hours of playback time on a single charge. This estimate held true whether using the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or not.

The charging case can provide up to 24 hours of total playtime, which means you can recharge the earbuds about three more times before needing to charge the case itself.

These earbuds support fast charging. Just 20 minutes of charging gives you around two hours of playtime. This feature is really handy if you need a quick boost before heading out.

Connectivity and Controls

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II uses Bluetooth 5.3. The connection is very stable, and the range is good. You can move around your house without losing the connection.

Pairing the earbuds with different devices is easy. You open the case, and they show up on your device’s Bluetooth menu. Select them, and they connect quickly.

These earbuds do not support connecting to multiple devices simultaneously. However, you can remember multiple devices and switch between them using the Bose Music app.

The earbuds have touch controls. You can play or pause music, skip tracks, adjust the volume, and activate the voice assistant with a few taps. The touch controls are responsive and easy to use.

The Bose Music app lets you customize settings. You can adjust the noise cancellation levels, change the EQ settings, and update the firmware. The app is user-friendly and adds extra functionality to the earbuds.

Additional Features

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II come with several extra features that make them even more useful.

These earbuds support voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. You can activate them with a simple touch and give voice commands without needing to pull out your phone.

Using the Bose Music app, you can customize the sound profiles to your liking. You can adjust the EQ settings to boost the bass, treble, or midrange to suit your music taste.

Standout Features:

• Wear Detection: The earbuds have in-ear detection, which pauses your music automatically when you take them out of your ears.
• Transparency Mode: Also known as aware mode, this feature lets you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
• SmartSense: This feature reduces sudden loud noises, protecting your ears from unexpected loud sounds.

Call Quality

The microphones pick up your voice clearly, so the person on the other end can hear you well. Even in quiet conditions, your voice sounds natural and clear during calls.

These earbuds also excel at isolating your voice in noisy environments. When surrounded by background noise in a bustling setting, they effectively minimize ambient sounds. This feature enhances clarity for the other person, facilitating easier conversations even amidst noise.

Who Should Buy These Earbuds?

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a great choice for several types of users.

Travelers: These earbuds are perfect for travellers who need excellent noise cancellation to block out the sounds of planes, trains, or buses.

Audiophiles: If you love high-quality sound and want clear, balanced audio with good bass, these earbuds are for you.

Athletes: These earbuds are also great for athletes. They fit securely and comfortably, making them perfect for running, working out, or any other physical activity.

Busy Professionals: For those who take a lot of calls and need clear voice quality, these earbuds are a smart choice. They reduce background noise, making your voice sound clear even in noisy environments.

Everyday Users: Anyone who listens to music or podcasts daily and values comfort, good battery life, and easy-to-use controls will appreciate these earbuds.

Conclusion

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are a great pair of earbuds with excellent noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and a comfortable fit. They have useful features like touch controls and transparency mode. However, they lack some advanced audio codecs, wireless charging, and the ability to use each earbud independently.

For their price, these earbuds offer good value, especially if you prioritize noise cancellation and sound quality. They are perfect for travellers, audiophiles, athletes, busy professionals, and everyday users.

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