Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: ANC Excellence
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have been praised as delivering “the world’s best noise cancellation from any headphone” according to user reports and expert reviews, with many rating their ANC performance a near-perfect 9 or 10/10. For commuters and travelers, this means a genuine escape from the chaos around them. But digging deeper reveals that behind the impeccable sound and comfort, there’s a trail of frustrating connectivity issues and missing features that some users can’t overlook. Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, many agreed: “Sound wise and ANC they’re amazing, though,” as one Reddit user summarized — but getting them to connect reliably is sometimes the bigger battle.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — unmatched ANC and premium sound, but marred by connection instability and lack of modern extras.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry-leading noise cancellation | Frequent connectivity/app pairing issues |
| Balanced, detailed sound with strong bass | No wireless charging |
| Comfortable fit options with ear tips & stability bands | Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only) |
| Lightweight, smaller design than predecessor | Touch controls less responsive than rivals |
| IPX4 water/sweat resistance | Call mic struggles in wind/noise |
| Simple, intuitive controls | Case build feels flimsy for price |
| Adjustable EQ in Bose Music app | No multipoint connectivity |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts CustomTune™ technology that adapts sound and ANC to each user’s ear canal for “lifelike and well-balanced sound.” Multiple owners confirmed this works wonders for music lovers. A Best Buy customer described: “I absolutely love the crisp quality of sound and sometimes the thumping bass... with these buds on and playing music, I felt like I was the only person in the gym.” Bose’s promise of “world’s best noise cancellation” also holds up under scrutiny — Reddit user u/Pixel7Pro*** shared: “Amazing noise cancellation 9/10... great sound quality and bass.”
However, convenience claims around “seamless, reliable connectivity” don’t match all user experiences. Bose says the QC II “start connecting as soon as you take them out of the case,” but many buyers hit repeated snags. One Reddit poster noted, “The app not seeing the earbuds, only one earbud connecting, random blips and small disconnects… super annoying.” Even after firmware updates, some reported ongoing pairing frustrations.
Finally, the “life made easier” pitch is weakened by missing industry-standard features. Bose advertises up to six hours battery life with a compact case, yet omits wireless charging and multipoint pairing — two perks offered by rivals. Best Buy reviewer Akashp put it candidly: “The only problem is that it does not support wireless charging.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation is the undisputed darling of user feedback. Commuters, office workers, and caregivers spoke of newfound peace. Best Buy user Kiran shared how the QC II were a “life saver” in a noisy home caring for a sick relative: “I can keep them all day and night and not experience the slightest bit of pain after… incredible noise cancellation.” Similarly, TechRadar’s review backed this up with lab and field tests, stating the QC II are “better than basically all the other best noise-cancelling earbuds” including Sony’s WF-1000XM5. Travelers appreciated the versatility of adjustable ANC modes; Dad of 3 Inga on Best Buy said, “It allows me to customize noise cancellation… decadent tones make listening enjoyable.”
Sound quality also earns near-universal praise, particularly for bass-heavy genres. Fitness users valued how playlists felt “fuller” and more immersive. Praveen Sid described experiencing Bose’s bass for the first time: “Until I listened to the first ever song on full volume… I did not realize how much I missed bass-centric music.” Instrumental detail and soundstage impressed audiophiles, with many citing the EQ as a strong personalization tool.
Comfort and fit options are another win — the shrink from the bulky first-gen model to the smaller QC II means more users can wear them for hours. Technically-minded reviewers noted the soft silicone tips and stability bands accommodate asymmetrical ear shapes. Methos described them “basically disappear unlike some huge stemmed alternatives.”
Common Complaints
Connectivity hitches top the complaint list. Reddit discussions teem with reports of Bose Music app glitches, buds not appearing as connected, and mid-session dropouts. A user advised others to “browse this subreddit… for every one person without issues, there are about four that have.” This frustration stretches across iOS and Android ecosystems, though some, like Methos, claim flawless performance — underscoring the hit-or-miss nature.
Microphone quality is another sore point, particularly outdoors. Wind noise, traffic, and even directed air from an AC vent can overwhelm the mics. Reddit user GymGoer** rated call quality at “2/10… multiple complaints while in call.” Best Buy reviewer Arii lamented: “Call quality is… muffled and distant… people I talk to daily all mentioned it.”
The case quality and lack of wireless charging drew ire, especially for a premium-priced product. Multiple buyers felt the plastic hinge could break easily. Trustpilot user LinkedIn26k** endured months of faulty replacements: “It took them 2 months... lost 2 pairs sending them to me.” Bose’s decision to retain physical LED battery indicators instead of app readouts for case charge also puzzled some owners.
Divisive Features
Fit comfort saw opposing views. While many small-eared users called the QC II revolutionary compared to the painful fit of QC I, others still could not get a seal without discomfort after long wear. ANC aware mode also splits opinion — some like Activesense’s automatic volume moderation; others, like AwareModeHater** on Reddit, said the hissing noise floor in quiet spaces “was driving me crazy.”
Touch controls earned mixed reviews. A Reddit user found the swipes responsive, but Jaylov1011 on Best Buy said they’re “decent but not the most responsive” and Tom’s Guide measured 50% tap accuracy.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot highlights serious fulfillment and warranty woes. One user endured half a year without a functioning pair due to repeated shipping errors and stock shortages. They vowed to post weekly complaints until refunded. This contrasts sharply with Reddit stories of stellar support, including free upgrades to newer QC Ultra models when issues persisted. “Bose may be… when it comes to firmware and connectivity, but they have the best customer support… by a mile,” wrote one.
Longevity-wise, feedback is mixed. Some report consistent ANC and audio performance months in, while others experience gradual imbalance between buds. Reddit user LeftEarQuiet** struggled with ongoing uneven volume.
Alternatives
Multiple reviewers compared directly to Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM4/5. Bose holds the ANC crown, but Apple offers multipoint-like ecosystem pairing and faster quick-charge times. Sony counters with longer battery life (up to 12 hours buds/35 hours case) and high-res codec support (LDAC) plus wireless charging. Best Buy’s Davidh summed it up: “TW3’s [Sennheiser Momentum] had wireless charging and multipoint… but Bose sound was so open and wide… I’m keeping them.”
Price & Value
Originally launched at $299, the QC II now often retail nearer $199–$254 depending on sales — significantly better value if ANC is your top priority. eBay listings show steady resale activity, with sealed units fetching $276–$321 in various colors, indicating healthy secondhand demand. Reddit buyers advise purchasing direct from Bose during promotions for deeper discounts and extended return windows.
FAQ
Q: Can I use one Bose QuietComfort Earbud II independently?
A: Yes. Firmware added “independent single-bud use,” allowing music playback or calls from either bud, which is handy if one runs out of battery mid-commute.
Q: Do these support high-res wireless audio codecs?
A: No. Only SBC and AAC are available — aptX, LDAC, or Snapdragon Sound are absent, limiting appeal for high-res streaming fans.
Q: How long does the battery really last?
A: Most users get between 5.5–6 hours per bud with ANC active. The case holds 3 extra charges for a total of ~24 hours.
Q: How good is the microphone for calls?
A: Indoors, voices are clear; outdoors, wind and ambient noise often interfere. Users in noisy environments may find call quality lacking.
Q: Is aware mode suitable for running?
A: Runners caution about “thuds” from internal sealing without ambient pass-through enabled — turning on aware mode reduces this.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a frequent traveler, commuter, or audio purist who values class-leading ANC and rich, balanced sound over extra features. Avoid if you need rock-solid connectivity or care about wireless charging/high-res codecs. Pro tip from community: install firmware, test fit with the Bose app, and buy during Bose’s direct sales for better return terms — just in case your pair falls into that unlucky connectivity camp.
Slug: bose-quietcomfort-earbuds-ii-review
