Bose QC Earbuds II Review: Superb ANC with Flaws
Noise cancellation that rivals — and for some, even beats — over-ear headphones. That’s the defining praise for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, which many users rate as 9/10 for ANC performance but warn come with caveats. After digging through thousands of verified user reviews, Reddit threads, and long-term reports, the verdict lands at 8.2/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — unmatched ANC and rich sound, but plagued by connectivity quirks and lacking some premium features rivals offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class ANC — “beats most over-ear headsets” | Frequent connectivity issues for many users |
| Rich, bass-forward sound with EQ tuning | Inconsistent fit/comfort for smaller ears |
| Secure fit for workouts (with right tip/wing combo) | No wireless charging |
| Adjustable ANC levels and aware mode | Mic quality for calls rated poorly by many |
| Smaller, lighter design than QC Earbuds I | Battery life just average |
| CustomTune personalizes sound to your ears | Touch controls finicky for some |
Claims vs Reality
Bose advertises the QuietComfort Earbuds II as the “world’s best noise cancellation” with “reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity”. Marketing also pushes their “personalized sound” promise through CustomTune.
While the ANC claim holds up, user reports show a clear gap in reliability elsewhere. A Best Buy verified buyer said: “ANC is god-tier… I sit next to a noisy window fan and I can’t hear it at all,” yet connectivity issues repeatedly surfaced. Reddit user u/comment removed warned: “For every 1 person that claims they haven’t had issues, there’s about 4 that have.” Problems range from one earbud failing to connect, to the Bose Music app not detecting them, to random audio dropouts.
CustomTune’s personalization does impress most listeners — owners describe subtle improvements in instrument separation and balance. But mic quality claims fall short in reality. A Reddit user summarized: “Amazing ANC 9/10… Mic for call quality 2/10.” This matches multiple Best Buy reviews where clarity in noisy environments was lacking.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The noise cancellation gets near-universal acclaim, especially among commuters and frequent flyers. One Reddit user noted: “They still have measurably the best ANC of any earbuds and beat out most over-ear headphones.” For office workers, the ability to create “custom ANC modes” in the Bose Music app makes them ideal for tuning out chatter. TechGearLab’s measurements confirm cancellation of nearly 42 decibels across frequencies — exceptional in this category.
Sound quality draws similar praise. Many call the bass “top shelf” without overpowering mids and highs. A Best Buy reviewer described rediscovering music: “I can hear lyrics I’d never noticed before.” For genres like hip-hop and EDM, the extra sub-bass from this generation hits hard, while acoustic and orchestral tracks remain clear. Fitness enthusiasts also value the secure fit when pairing the right tips and stability bands.
Travelers tout the design improvements over the QC Earbuds I. The case is now smaller and lighter. Digital artist Kiran, who wears them “all day and night” while caring for a noisy household, said fit was the update’s biggest win: “I can keep them on without the slightest bit of pain — a lifesaver for small ears.”
Common Complaints
Connectivity issues dominate the negative feedback. This isn’t just occasional pairing trouble — multiple Redditors report “the app not seeing the earbuds… random blips… only one earbud connecting”. Best Buy users on iOS echo these frustrations, with slow or inconsistent reconnection after initial setup. Some experience imbalance between left/right audio that requires manual resets.
Call quality is a consistent weak spot. In noisy environments like a windy street or while cycling, voices sound muffled to the other party. A Reddit reviewer bluntly stated: “Calls — shit on both ends.” For business users or frequent callers, this is a major trade-off.
Comfort is also divisive. While some swear by the fit kit’s sizing options, others find the sealed in-ear design causes pressure after an hour or more. Smaller ears report occasional loosening during vigorous exercise, and TechGearLab testers noted the buds “feel weighty” in smaller ears during activity.
Feature omissions also sting in this price bracket: no wireless charging, no multipoint connectivity, no aptX or spatial audio. Battery life at around six hours trails rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM4.
Divisive Features
Aware Mode divides opinion. Some appreciate Bose’s ActiveSense tech that softens sudden loud noises; others feel it still alters music quality too much. Touch controls are another split — while volume swipe gestures work well for many, tap accuracy is inconsistent for others. Reddit users mention that in high-motion activities, accidental touches or missed taps are common.
Fit is perhaps the biggest “love it or hate it” aspect. Kiran’s “perfect all-day wear” contrasts with another Redditor who returned theirs after 60 days due to “hurt my ears after some time — not worth buying.” It largely comes down to ear shape and tolerance.
Trust & Reliability
A less-discussed hazard is counterfeit units on marketplaces like eBay. One Redditor shared a detailed encounter with fakes from China, noting mismatched serial numbers and the Bose app failing to detect them. Others chimed in with similar scam stories. The community consensus is clear: only buy direct from Bose or trusted retailers, and certified refurbished sets from Bose’s own eBay store are a safe discount route.
On durability, long-term owners report the buds’ finish and mechanics hold up, but cases can feel “flimsy.” A Reddit post described a hinge snapping within a week. Other users after a year of use have had trouble-free hardware but still encounter the same intermittent Bluetooth issues.
Alternatives
Where multipoint connectivity and spatial audio matter, many turn to Apple AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM4. One Redditor who switched noted AirPods’ “superior call quality” despite the Bose winning on ANC. Sennheiser Momentum TW3 offer wireless charging and rich sound, but one Best Buy reviewer returned them for the QC II due to better comfort and soundstage.
Price & Value
On Amazon, retail hovers around $250–$299 USD, though sales dip closer to $199. On eBay, brand new units range wildly from $105 (dubious listings) to $295, with certified Bose refurb models at $169 and protected by warranty. Savvy buyers recommend waiting for direct Bose sales — one Reddit tip: “Buy directly from Bose with $20 coupon — $179 plus a 90-day guarantee.”
If ANC performance is your #1 priority, many see the price as justified. For casual listeners or those wanting more features per dollar, rivals may offer better value.
FAQ
Q: Do the Bose QC Earbuds II support multipoint Bluetooth?
A: No, they can remember several devices but only maintain an active connection to one at a time. Switching requires manual selection.
Q: Can I use just one earbud at a time?
A: Yes, single-bud listening works for calls and music, and will automatically swap if one runs out of battery.
Q: How is the battery life compared to other ANC earbuds?
A: Around six hours per charge, plus 18 more from the case — average in class, with some rivals offering 8–12 hours.
Q: Are they sweat and water resistant?
A: Yes, IPX4-rated — fine for workouts and rain, but the case should be kept dry.
Q: How can I avoid buying counterfeits?
A: Stick to Bose direct or certified resellers. Counterfeits often fail the Bose Music app detection and may have mismatched serial numbers.
Final Verdict
Buy if you need unrivaled ANC and rich customizable sound for focused work, commuting, or travel, and can live with occasional connectivity snags. Avoid if flawless call quality, all-day comfort for small ears, or premium extras like wireless charging are non-negotiable.
Pro tip from the community: Wait for official sales or buy certified refurbs direct from Bose to get the performance without paying full price — and to ensure you’re not unboxing an expensive fake.
