Bose QC Earbuds II Review: Top ANC, Connectivity Flaws
Some owners call it “the ANC king,” others label it “a gamble worth $199.” The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are pulling scores from 4.1 to 4.8 across review platforms, settling roughly at 8.5/10 from averaged user ratings. The verdict? Nearly unmatched noise cancellation and luxurious audio, undercut by recurring connectivity gripes and missing modern features like multipoint pairing and wireless charging.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — unmatched ANC and customizable sound for commuters and travel enthusiasts, but connectivity quirks mean gym-goers or multi-device users should think twice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class noise cancellation | Frequent connectivity/app pairing issues |
| Detailed, balanced sound with deep bass | No wireless charging |
| Comfortable fit with Bose Fit Kit | No multipoint Bluetooth |
| IPX4 sweat and splash resistance | Call quality weaker than some rivals |
| Customizable ANC and EQ via Bose app | Higher price than similar flagships |
| Compact design vs. previous generation | Mediocre 6-hour battery life |
| Secure fit for active movement | Missing hi-res codecs like aptX/LDAC |
Claims vs Reality
Bose’s marketing centerpiece is “world’s best noise cancellation from any headphone.” Digging deeper into user reports, the claim largely holds up. A Best Buy customer enthused: “Best noise canceling ear buds I have owned. Sound quality is amazing. Noise cancellation works well… battery life is excellent.” Reddit users stack similar praise: multiple reports compare QC Earbuds II ANC favorably even against over-ear Bose models.
On comfort, Bose touts an ultra-secure fit with three tip and stability band sizes. CNET found the redesign “30% smaller” and significantly more wearable, while a Reddit user who travels often added: “These are my go-to when I travel… they stay put, don’t want outside distractions.” Yet other owners hit the other side of reality—one Reddit poster returned theirs after 60+ days citing, “hurt my ears after some time… AirPods Pro have been my best headphones.”
Finally, Bose’s promise of “personalized sound” via CustomTune does please many. TechRadar noted the EQ balance remained consistently clear for jazz, classical, pop, and rock, regardless of track complexity. However, the limitation to SBC and AAC codecs frustrated Android audiophiles. As one Trustpilot review bluntly assessed: “No HD codecs in this price range is outrageous.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation sits atop every praise list. Commuters describe blocking out train clatter, while welders report effective suppression of industrial noise at half volume. A Best Buy reviewer recounted using them during shop work: “Noise canceling is huge… only need them at half volume.” Reddit’s consensus is similar—one comment claimed, “They still have measurably the best anc of any earbuds and beat out most over-ear headphones.”
Sound quality satisfaction spans genres. CNET highlighted more definition in bass and “clarity and separation between instruments.” Best Buy buyers gush about “deep rich bass” and “vocals clear” without sacrificing treble. For travelers, multiple custom ANC modes allow tuning for different environments, making them suitable for flights, offices, or gyms.
Comfort, when fit is correct, earns strong marks. Musicians and teachers find the Bose Fit Kit’s customization keeps them secure for extended use. One Best Buy review mentioned wearing them “four hours straight the first day… didn’t feel loose once.”
Common Complaints
Connectivity emerges as the dominant sore spot. Problems include random disconnects, app failing to detect earbuds, or one bud refusing to play. Reddit user feedback warns: “For every one person that claims they haven’t had issues, there are about 4 that have.” A Best Buy reviewer echoed: “Keeps disconnecting… have to undo Bluetooth then start all over.”
Call quality divides—some praise clarity, others say far-end listeners hear a muffled or distant voice. One Best Buy comment criticized: “Call quality… everyone says my voice sounds muffled and distant.”
Battery life, fixed at six hours per charge, disappoints heavy users who expected long-haul endurance. Several expert reviews underscore that rivals are hitting 8–12 hours with ANC. Quick charge offers 2 hours from 20 minutes, but users call it only “average.”
Divisive Features
Comfort is highly personal. While TechRadar and CNET found the earbuds much lighter and easier to wear, some users simply never achieve the perfect seal. This affects ANC performance and can cause ear fatigue.
The Bose Music app splits opinion—praised for its EQ and ANC customization, but notorious for pairing hiccups. A Reddit user suggested bypassing its Bluetooth access entirely to resolve dropouts.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term anecdotes vary. Wells Fargo-level ANC fidelity often remains consistent over months, but connectivity issues sometimes worsen. One Redditor noted progressive imbalance between left and right earbuds after extended use, leading to frustration and eventual replacement.
Trustpilot criticisms point toward “sluggish in-app control” of multi-device management and absence of multi-point. Some owners faced dead or non-functioning earbuds within weeks but reported quick replacements—Bose’s customer support offered swaps to QuietComfort Ultra in multiple Reddit threads, suggesting brand awareness of ongoing issues.
Alternatives
Sony’s WF-1000XM4 appears repeatedly in comparisons; reviewers admit its ANC is excellent but marginally less effective than Bose’s, with richer codec support (LDAC) and longer battery. AirPods Pro 2 gather mention for superior call quality and iOS integration, though ANC is slightly less aggressive. A Reddit user comparing all three concluded: “Sound wise and anc they’re amazing though… but connectivity too unreliable, so going back to AirPods Pro.”
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Beats Fit Pro are likewise mentioned—both offer spatial audio and seamless pairing within their ecosystems, but regular reports state Bose retains ANC advantage.
Price & Value
Prices hover around $199–$249 during sales, down from the $299 launch. eBay resale shows sealed units between NZD 230–295, with refurbished dropping sub-NZD 200. Savvy buyers advise purchasing directly from Bose during promos (“$179 with coupon… 90-day money back guarantee,” per Reddit). Resale values remain reasonably strong due to Bose’s reputation, but depreciation accelerates with known connectivity issues.
FAQ
Q: Can the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II connect to two devices at once (multipoint)?
A: No. They remember up to 7 paired devices but only connect to one at a time. Switching requires manual selection in Bluetooth settings or the Bose app.
Q: Is wireless charging supported?
A: No. The case charges via USB-C only. This omission is noted as a key drawback given competitors offer it at similar or lower price points.
Q: How’s the fit for active use like running?
A: IPX4 sweat resistance and stability bands keep them secure for most users, though some hear thuds from footfalls unless using Aware Mode. Fit comfort varies per ear shape.
Q: Can I use just one earbud at a time?
A: Yes. A firmware update in 2023 enabled independent single-bud use for music and calls on either side.
Q: Do they block voices as well as mechanical noise?
A: ANC heavily reduces voice frequencies, though high-pitched sounds may still filter through. Multiple modes allow tuning for specific environments.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want top-tier ANC and premium sound for commuting, office work, or travel—with patience for fixing potential connectivity quirks. Avoid if you need glitch-free multi-device pairing or wireless charging. Pro tip from Reddit: update firmware via the Bose Music app immediately after purchase to access the latest single-bud and stability fixes.
