Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: ANC Power, Mixed Reliability
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have been described as “the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the world”, yet beneath the superlatives lies a pattern of exceptional ANC performance paired with frustrating reliability issues. Based on thousands of user reports across Reddit, Trustpilot, Best Buy, Quora, and Twitter, they score an 8.4/10: superb sound and unmatched noise blocking, but plagued by Bluetooth glitches and a few comfort missteps.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy – unbeatable ANC for commuters, travellers and gym-goers, but be prepared for possible connectivity headaches.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Market-leading noise cancellation – “pub-level music in my gym disappears” (Reddit user getaceres) | Frequent app/Bluetooth issues; one earbud not connecting |
| Rich, balanced sound across genres | Uncomfortable for some after 1–2 hours |
| Excellent call clarity in quiet environments | No wireless charging; poor quick-charge |
| Secure fit with stability bands | ANC always active – no true passive mode |
| Compact design, 30% smaller than predecessor | Limited codec support (no aptX/LDAC) |
| IPX4 sweat/water resistance | Microphone can pick up background noise during calls |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “sound shaped to you” via Bose’s CustomTune technology, automatically adjusting sound and ANC to the user’s ear canal. While many confirm the effect — “Prince sounded like he was performing just a few feet away” (Tom’s Guide) — others found the fit test less transformative. Reddit user u/lkoroes0 admitted audio quality was “probably the best in class” for running and cycling, but connectivity “can be a little iffy” and wind interference remains.
Bose touts “world’s best noise cancellation” suitable for flights. Best Buy customer roger confirmed this: “Didn’t need to turn the music up very loud at all to hear almost none of the engine noise you typically get.” Yet another verified Best Buy purchaser described them as “Absolutely infuriating to use… mine constantly disconnect,” showing ANC excellence doesn’t guarantee a smooth day-to-day experience.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation leads the consensus. In tumultuous environments, the QuietComfort Earbuds II excel beyond most rivals. Reddit user getaceres recounted wearing them in a gym with “pub-level” music and shouting instructors: “I can listen to my music at 60–70% volume clearly… outside noise very muffled… when I take out my earbuds I’m always surprised at how much noise they remove.” This makes them ideal for urban commuters or gym members who need a true escape.
Sound quality wins high marks in most genres, from EDM to classical, with rich bass and clear separation. TechGearLab noted “well-rounded frequency mix… treble smooth, bass powerful without overwhelming.” For movie watchers, a Best Buy reviewer claimed “Bose somehow have better music separation than the Apples… with slightly better bass for action movies.”
Comfort for small ears was surprisingly positive for some. Bose’s inclusion of stability bands helps them stay put — Reddit user getaceres, with “really small ear canals,” found them “the most comfortable… they don’t ever move.” This security benefits runners and travellers alike.
Common Complaints
A recurring theme across Reddit and Trustpilot is erratic connectivity. Users reported one earbud failing to connect, random device switching mid-podcast, and app recognition failures — “fails to recognize the earbuds 80% of the times” (Reddit user getaceres). Best Buy’s barry black wrote: “Absolutely infuriating… mine constantly disconnect.” Apple users appear more affected than Android owners, with some needing multiple resets daily.
Comfort can degrade over time. TechGearLab testers found they “feel weighty and pressuring after one hour.” Best Buy’s pearl husky returned them for being “skinnier but uncomfortable” compared to the prior model.
Charging limitations frustrate power users. Bose’s rated 6-hour battery matches competitor standards, but many point to rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 offering 8–12 hours. A 20-minute quick charge yielding just 2 hours playback disappointed Reddit and Tom’s Guide reviewers alike.
Divisive Features
Sound signature warmth is beloved by many but less neutral than audiophile favourites. Quora’s T3 review found a “tiny lack of extension… treble detailed, but not the last dash of sparkle.” For listeners seeking ultra-neutral audio, competitors like Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 may be preferable.
Aware Mode transparency splits opinion — some value Activesense’s adaptive ambient control for conversations, while others prefer adjustable transparency not offered here. Reddit user lkoroes0 highlighted wind interference since ANC cannot be fully turned off.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot narratives reveal long replacement cycles and questionable customer support: one LinkedIn user recounted waiting six months without receiving a functioning pair, calling it “the worst customer service and purchasing experience of my life.” Reddit threads similarly document multiple returns before getting a “hit” unit — “they’re hit or miss” (Reddit user cameo112).
Durability reports are mixed. Some long-term owners connect them trouble-free across devices months later, but others experience progressive sound imbalance between left/right earbuds, requiring time-intensive fixes.
Alternatives
The strongest ANC competitor mentioned is the Apple AirPods Pro 2 — less ANC power, but wider feature set (spatial audio, wireless charging) and slightly lower price. Several Reddit users suggested Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM4/XM5 for those prioritising codec support and battery life. Quora’s T3 review also calls out Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 and Grado GT220 for superior resolution if ANC is less important.
For budget-conscious buyers, Reddit users recommend catching Bose sales at $179 via direct purchase plus coupon, with a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Price & Value
Current new-unit prices hover at $249–$299 USD, with refurbished models seen on eBay between $169 and $240 USD. High resale value reflects ANC dominance, but buyer caution stands: as one Redditor said, “They’re worth a gamble at $199… they still have measurably the best ANC.” Frequent connectivity complaints mean buying from sellers with clear return policies is advised.
FAQ
Q: How do they perform on flights compared to over-ear Bose headphones?
A: Many say ANC approaches over-ear quality. A verified buyer found they “didn’t need to turn the music up… almost none of the engine noise,” making them a viable travel option if over-ears are uncomfortable.
Q: Are they suitable for small ears?
A: Yes, with three ear tip sizes and stability bands. Reddit user getaceres with very small ear canals reported they “don’t ever move,” though others found them uncomfortable over long periods.
Q: Can they be used with one earbud only?
A: Officially only the right can be used solo, but Bose plans an update to allow either earbud. Some Redditors use one until the other loses connection, then swap.
Q: Do they boom while running?
A: No; one Best Buy user confirmed they have a “pressure relief port” preventing booming on footfall, useful for treadmill or outdoor runners.
Q: Are they sweat/water resistant?
A: Yes, IPX4 rated for sweat and splashes. Suitable for workouts and light rain, but not submersion.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a commuter, traveller, or gym-goer who values total noise isolation and rich, balanced sound. Avoid if your priority is bulletproof connectivity, wireless charging, or wearing comfort beyond two hours. Pro tip from Reddit: purchase through Bose direct during a sale for under $180 and use the generous return window — in case yours is one of the “misses” rather than the “hits.”
