Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review, Are They Worth It?
Honestly, the bose quietcomfort earbuds 2 really caught me off guard—in a good way. Compared to the older model, these earbuds feel way less bulky and much more comfortable, to the point where you almost forget you’re wearing them. As someone who’s tried a ton of earbuds over the years, I can confidently say these pack some serious noise-cancelling power. Whether I’m on a noisy subway, in a busy café, or just trying to focus at home, these earbuds drown out most of the background chaos so I can really dive into my music or calls without distractions.
What surprised me most is how well Bose balances noise cancellation with sound quality. The audio is crisp with clear details, and the bass doesn’t overpower the mids and highs, making every genre of music sound just right—whether it’s pop, jazz, or classical. The StayHear Max tips that Bose uses are another big win; after hours of wearing, I still don’t feel any discomfort or ear fatigue, which is a huge plus for long listening sessions. Sure, the touch controls can sometimes feel a bit finicky, especially when I’m wearing gloves or my fingers are slightly wet, but overall, the earbuds respond well.
Battery life is solid, too—lasting several hours on a single charge, and the compact charging case fits nicely in my pocket. One minor downside is the price, which is on the higher end, so it might not fit every budget. But if you’re someone who values true noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and comfort in a wireless earbud, the bose quietcomfort earbuds 2 are definitely worth serious consideration. For me, they’ve become my go-to companion for commuting, work, and even workouts.
2. Key Specs and Features
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 aren’t just a sequel—they feel like a total reboot. Compared to the first version, these are smaller, smarter, and far more refined. Right out of the box, what stands out is how compact and sleek the earbuds look. Each one weighs around 6 grams, and with the included ear tips and stability bands in three sizes, finding a perfect fit is quick. I’ve worn them during long walks, Zoom meetings, and even while cooking—and they stay snug without causing discomfort.
One of the standout features is CustomTune technology. Each time you put them in, the earbuds play a short tone to map your ear canal and adjust sound and ANC specifically to you. It sounds a bit sci-fi, but the effect is real. Music feels fuller, vocals sound clearer, and the noise cancellation is genuinely impressive. Whether I’m sitting on a noisy train or walking near traffic, background noise fades into the background without that weird vacuum effect some ANC earbuds have.
The sound quality? Easily among the best in the market. The bass is punchy but controlled, mids are detailed, and highs come through clean without harshness. Whether you’re into hip-hop, classical, or podcasts, they handle everything with ease. Bose also nails the touch controls. You can adjust volume, switch between ANC modes, or pause music with a tap or swipe—and it actually works smoothly. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is rock-solid, though sadly, there’s no multipoint support yet.
The charging case is smaller and pocket-friendly, offering 18 hours of backup. The earbuds themselves last about 6 hours per charge. While I do wish it supported wireless charging, the fast USB-C charging helps soften that blow. Overall, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 deliver excellent sound, comfort, and smart features in a more compact design, making them a strong choice for anyone serious about their audio experience.
3. Performance and Testing Results: Real-World Experience with
When it comes to real-world performance, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 deliver on almost every promise. I’ve tested them across a range of environments—noisy city streets, quiet offices, crowded cafes, and even during a flight. The active noise cancellation is simply outstanding. Bose’s CustomTune tech really shows its strength here. Once you insert the earbuds, they tune the ANC to your ear shape, and the result is impressive. I could barely hear the hum of the plane engine, and on the subway, nearby conversations faded into the background. It’s not just silence—it’s clean silence.
Sound quality is just as impressive. During testing, I played everything from jazz to EDM to spoken-word podcasts, and these earbuds handled all of it with balance and clarity. The bass has depth without being overpowering, vocals sound crisp, and the treble isn’t harsh. Compared to other earbuds in the same price range, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 easily hold their own, especially in terms of detail and dynamic range. I noticed small background instruments in songs I’ve heard a hundred times before—there’s a certain richness that’s hard to unhear once you experience it.
Battery life during my testing was pretty spot-on with the specs. I got close to 6 hours on a single charge with ANC turned on, and the case added about three more full charges. I was also pleasantly surprised by how quickly the earbuds charge—about 20 minutes gave me a couple of hours of use. While there’s no wireless charging, USB-C makes top-ups convenient and fast.
Bluetooth connection was solid. I never had any dropouts, even when walking through crowded areas or switching between rooms at home. Call quality also impressed me. I tested calls both indoors and outdoors, and every person on the other end said I sounded clear. Even with background wind or traffic, the microphones filtered out most of the noise. For workouts, walks, commutes, or just zoning out at home, the performance of these earbuds has been reliable and enjoyable from start to finish.
4. Pros and Cons: What I Loved and What Could Be Better About Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. This helps you quickly see the main points before diving into the details.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Top-notch noise cancelling technology | No wireless charging support |
Clear and balanced sound quality | Limited EQ customization in app |
Comfortable fit with StayHear Max tips | Touch controls sometimes miss taps |
Solid battery life with fast charging | Bulky design may not fit all ears |
Water resistance (IPX4) | |
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 excel in noise cancelling and sound quality. However, some minor issues like lack of wireless charging and limited EQ options might affect your choice.
5. Alternatives and Competitors: Comparing Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 with Other Top Picks
When thinking about the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, it’s smart to also look at what else is out there. The wireless earbuds market is packed with strong contenders, so here are some notable alternatives to consider.
Model | Key Strengths | How It Compares to Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 |
---|---|---|
Sony WF-1000XM4 | Industry-leading ANC, longer battery life, wireless charging | Offers slightly better noise cancelling and wireless charging, but Bose excels in comfort and sound tuning. |
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) | Seamless integration with Apple devices, good ANC, compact design | Better for Apple ecosystem users; Bose has stronger noise cancelling but is bulkier. |
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 | Excellent sound quality, customizable EQ, stylish design | Great sound customization; Bose offers better ANC and longer battery life. |
Jabra Elite 7 Pro | Good ANC, multi-device support, robust call quality | More versatile for calls; Bose focuses more on music and noise cancelling. |
Each of these alternatives has its own strengths. If noise cancelling is your top priority, Sony WF-1000XM4 might edge out slightly. For Apple users, AirPods Pro offer unmatched convenience. Meanwhile, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 balance comfort, sound, and ANC well, making them a solid all-rounder.
6. Final Verdict: Should You Choose ?
After spending a few weeks with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, it’s safe to say these aren’t just a minor update—they’re a full-on evolution of what premium earbuds can be. Bose clearly listened to user feedback from the first generation and went back to the drawing board with a focus on comfort, noise cancellation, and overall audio experience. And in almost every way, they nailed it. Whether I was commuting through a noisy subway or trying to concentrate in a busy coffee shop, the active noise cancellation consistently impressed me. It feels almost surreal to be surrounded by chaos and yet hear nothing but your music or podcast, delivered with rich clarity and warmth.
The standout feature for me is still the CustomTune technology. The way these earbuds adjust sound and ANC to fit your unique ear shape makes a noticeable difference. Add to that a well-balanced sound profile, comfortable in-ear fit, and reliable battery life, and you’ve got a product that feels worth the premium price tag. Sure, the lack of wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth pairing is a small letdown, but it doesn’t take away from the core experience. What you get in return is arguably the best noise cancellation in any pair of earbuds right now, along with a sonic quality that’s both powerful and detailed.
These earbuds may not be for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t prioritize ANC, there are cheaper options out there. But if you care deeply about immersive sound, travel frequently, or just want to shut the world out and escape into your own audio space, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are an easy recommendation. They’ve become my go-to for both casual listening and serious focus time. I’ve tried plenty of earbuds over the years, but very few have left the kind of lasting impression these did. In a market filled with great options, Bose managed to stand out again. And that’s saying something.
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Buy Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II on Amazon
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
Q1: Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 support wireless charging?
No, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 do not support wireless charging. You will need to charge them using the included USB-C cable. However, the charging case provides multiple full charges for extended use.
Q2: How good is the noise cancelling on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2?
The noise cancelling feature is one of the best in this category. It adapts to your environment and blocks out most background noise, making them ideal for noisy places like public transport or busy offices.
Q3: Can I use the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 for phone calls?
Yes, these earbuds have built-in microphones that deliver clear call quality. The noise cancelling also helps reduce background sounds during calls, improving voice clarity.
Q4: Are the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 comfortable for long-term wear?
Yes, the earbuds come with multiple sizes of StayHear Max silicone tips, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for most users. Many people find them suitable for hours of use without discomfort.
Q5: Where can I buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2?
You can purchase the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 on Amazon. Check the latest prices and deals by clicking
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