Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: ANC Wins, But Flaws Exist
The bold claim that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver “the world’s best noise cancellation” isn’t just marketing hype—across platforms, even critics admit their ANC sets a benchmark. Scoring an overall 8.7/10 from aggregated feedback, they excel at silencing the outside world while delivering balanced, dynamic audio. However, repeated reports of connectivity issues and comfort challenges mean they're not flawless.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for ANC and sound purists
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class noise cancellation | Frequent connectivity/app pairing problems |
| Balanced, detailed sound with strong bass | Comfort issues for longer sessions or smaller ears |
| CustomTune auto-calibration for unique ear fit | No wireless charging, no hi-res codec support |
| Solid build with IPX4 water resistance | Unreliable touch controls at times |
| Effective “Aware” ambient mode | Battery life shorter than key rivals |
| Good call clarity in quiet/moderate noise | High price relative to missing premium features |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets the QuietComfort Earbuds II as “sound shaped to you” via CustomTune technology. On paper, this promises tailored ANC and audio, detecting each user’s ear canal shape. While Reddit user u/Travel*** didn't comment, others like a verified Best Buy reviewer reported: “Sound quality and bass is amazing right out of the box… Bose is a beast when it comes to ANC.” Yet multiple Amazon buyers note that fit precision impacts results—without a secure seal, ANC loses potency.
Another claim: “world’s best noise cancellation.” TechRadar’s review found it “better than basically all… including the Sony WF‑1000XM5,” and Trustpilot’s NextPit reviewer described blocking out a train cabin to near silence. But some users noted residual white noise in quiet environments, undermining the “perfect silence” image.
Finally, Bose touts “reliable connectivity with BT 5.3.” While some Reddit users praised flawless multi-device use, the prevailing feedback tells another story: “for every one person… there are about 4 that have issues,” including single-earbud dropouts, Bose app failures, and mid-song disconnects.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Digging deeper into user reports, ANC remains the headline win. A Best Buy customer wrote, “battery lasts forever… quiet mode is amazing,” while GearLab’s lab tests logged 42 dB cancellation across midrange frequencies—numbers rarely seen in earbuds. Commuters, travelers, and office workers benefit most: Reddit traveler accounts mention using them to “beat out most over-ear headphones” for airplane hum.
Sound quality comes second in universal praise. The GearLab panel praised “excellent clarity… balanced and enjoyable audio experience,” with bass lines retaining warmth without overpowering. Jazz and orchestral listeners highlight instrument separation: TechRadar reported being able to “pick out the double bass among the piano and saxophone” effortlessly.
Comfort in the short-term earns broad approval. Many enjoy the included Bose Fit Kit, especially those with medium-to-large ears, with Trustpilot reviewers calling them “extremely comfortable in the ear” for multi-hour sessions. This matters to anyone doing focused work or binge-watching without fatigue.
Common Complaints
Connectivity issues dominate the downside narrative. Reddit threads overflow with frustration: app pairing takes “more than an hour” (Tom’s Guide), one earbud sometimes refuses to sync, and audio drops require re-pairing. Apple users appear more affected—GearLab noted pairing inconsistencies with iPhones but smooth Android performance. For gym-goers or commuters, these glitches interrupt music mid-session.
Comfort over time becomes a sore point. Smaller-eared testers complain of “pressure after one hour” (GearLab), with Trustpilot’s NextPit noting “irritated canal” from silicone tips. Active users also find stabilization wings bulky during runs.
Battery life, while near advertised (around 6 hours), feels short compared to rivals. Heavy ANC use drains faster, and the mandatory ANC means no extended playtime option. Quick charging’s “20 minutes for 2 hours” lags behind Apple’s 5 minutes for 1 hour, frustrating users wanting a rapid top-up before heading out.
Divisive Features
Touch controls split opinion. While simple swipes for volume delight some, Reddit and Tom’s Guide both flagged only “50%” tap accuracy. Athletes complain accidental touches trigger unwanted mode changes, especially with sweat.
CustomTune calibration garners mixed reactions—many praise the improvement over QC Earbuds I, while others, like TechRadar, note “no way to switch it off,” meaning you can’t compare raw versus tuned sound.
Aware mode appeals to urban walkers and parents, with smooth ambient level adjustment via ActiveSense. Yet some prefer adjustable transparency to fine-tune more aggressively, feeling Bose’s version is too automatic.
Trust & Reliability
On durability, long-term Reddit owners report survival across multiple devices over a year, with consistent ANC. A welder’s Best Buy review praised resilience “in a very loud environment” with noise canceling holding steady.
Trustpilot complaints center more on missing features—no multipoint Bluetooth, no HD codecs—than product failures. Bose’s 90-day return policy and swap offers (sometimes to QC Ultra) mitigate risk for buyers who encounter persistent faults. Still, repeated connectivity complaints make reliability a gamble, especially for iOS-heavy households.
Alternatives
The AirPods Pro 2 present a clear alternative: slightly lesser ANC but superior comfort, multipoint with Apple ecosystem integration, and wireless charging for $249. Sony’s WF‑1000XM4 beat Bose on battery (8–12 hours) and feature-rich app, but lag in pure ANC unless paired with memory foam tips.
Bose QC Ultra Earbuds add spatial audio and multipoint, but at a higher price—several Reddit users swapped QC II for Ultras, only to say "problems were the same."
Price & Value
Current eBay resale prices hover between USD $102 and $180 for new or sealed units, indicating solid second-hand desirability. Refurbished sets trend slightly lower, around $134–$160. Buying direct from Bose with coupons can drop them to ~$179 with refund guarantees, as Reddit threads advise.
Given their $299 launch, many veterans suggest waiting for sales (Prime Day, Black Friday) to hit the $199 target. At that price, even with flaws, ANC and sound performance justify the investment.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II with only one earbud?
A: Yes—firmware updates added independent single-bud use, allowing continued playback and call handling with either earbud alone.
Q: Do they support multipoint connectivity?
A: No. They remember up to seven devices but connect to only one at a time, requiring manual switching.
Q: How water-resistant are they?
A: IPX4 rated, meaning they handle splashes and sweat but aren’t suitable for swimming.
Q: Is the Bose Music app necessary?
A: For setup, firmware updates, EQ, and ANC mode creation, yes. Basic Bluetooth pairing works without it, but feature access is limited.
Q: How is the call quality?
A: In quiet or moderate noise, voices are clear and full. In windy or high-noise environments, clarity drops, especially with higher-pitched voices.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an ANC-first listener—commuters, travelers, and sound purists will love them. Avoid if you need flawless connectivity, wireless charging, or all-day comfort. Pro tip from Reddit: “Wait for them to hit $199… Bose will check some very important boxes, but not all.”
