Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: ANC Shines, Quirks Remain
The phrase “world’s best noise cancellation” gets thrown around a lot, but with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, it’s one claim that users and experts keep circling back to — even as other aspects frustrate them. After digging through hundreds of accounts, the consensus lands around an 8.3/10: phenomenal ANC and excellent sound shaping, but paired with connectivity quirks, middling battery life, and a feature set that lags behind some newer rivals.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — buy if ANC and sound are your top priorities, but skip if you need rock-solid connectivity or premium convenience features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Class-leading noise cancellation, adapts to your ear | Frequent connectivity/app pairing issues |
| Balanced, customizable sound with deep, controlled bass | No wireless charging or hi-res codec support |
| Comfortable for many users with Bose Fit Kit | Can feel bulky; discomfort reported after long sessions |
| Solid call clarity in quiet and moderate noise | Battery life (6 hrs) lags behind competitors |
| IPX4 sweat and water resistance | Finicky touch controls; accidental taps and mode switching |
| Secure fit options for sports and travel | Lacks multipoint connectivity |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets these earbuds with “world’s best noise cancellation,” “customized sound via CustomTune,” and “reliable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.”
On noise cancellation, the marketing holds up. Reddit user u/[name hidden] said, “They still have measurably the best ANC of any earbuds and beat out most over-ear headphones.” Owners describe blocking office chatter, airplane engines, and even wind. TechRadar called it “practically as good as the Ultras,” noting only slight bleed for high-pitched noises like sirens.
The sound personalization claim is similarly validated. A PCComponentes buyer wrote, “Sound quality is incredibly good… ergonomically excellent, I can move however I want and they stay put.” Reviewers from Tom’s Guide to TechGearLab reported a “balanced and enjoyable audio experience” with clear separation between instruments, especially after EQ tweaking in the Bose Music app.
Where the hype falters is Bose’s “reliable connectivity” language. Multiple Reddit threads are filled with frustration: “About ¼ of my time with these has been spent fighting with them to make them work,” one commented, citing app detection issues, single-earbud dropouts, and random blips. While Bluetooth 5.3 works well for some, reports suggest Bose underestimated the app’s stability troubles.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
If there’s one thing everyone from hardcore commuters to home-based coders agree on, it’s ANC performance. TechRadar’s reviewer said, “These… are at the top of the ANC game as it stands right now.” This is a real boon for users in noisy environments: office staff drown out chatter, travelers get relief from jet engines, and gym-goers tune out treadmill thuds. The Activesense feature, which blends transparency for conversations with ANC’s quiet, also gets nods from those who need to hear the outside world selectively.
Sound quality also earns consistent praise. Trustpilot feedback describes “refined and well-balanced sound,” and WhistleOut notes the “slightly bass-heavy” profile suits EDM and hip-hop, with EQ allowing subtle reshaping. Classical and jazz listeners highlight the clarity of low bass lines and the distinction of wind and string sections.
Comfort, while not universally perfect, wins approval from many — especially with the Fit Kit’s mix-and-match ear tips and stability bands. For runners and gym users, the IPX4 rating and snug fit make them viable workout companions.
Common Complaints
Connectivity is the most recurring sore spot, cutting across Reddit, Trustpilot, and expert reviews. Problems range from the app failing to detect the earbuds, to one bud not connecting, to random mid-use disconnects. A Redditor summed it up: “They’re too unreliable with connectivity… sound-wise and ANC they’re amazing though.” Apple users see slightly higher rates of trouble in TechGearLab’s internal data, though Android isn’t immune. Some found deleting the app improved stability, but at the cost of EQ and fit test access.
Battery life is another sticking point. Officially rated for six hours, many note this matches or underperforms rivals. Tom’s Guide reported just over 2.5 hours daily before needing to recharge, and the quick charge (20 minutes for two hours) is slower than competitors. Without wireless charging, convenience suffers further.
Touch controls spark annoyance. The large, touch-sensitive surface registers accidental taps when adjusting fit or lying down, leading to unintentional mode switching — one Twitter/X user described it toggling repeatedly between Quiet and Aware “on repeat”.
Divisive Features
Comfort splits opinion. Some praise the 30% smaller design and light 6.2g weight per bud, while others get ear fatigue after an hour or two: “Hurt my ears after some time. Not worth buying if you ask me,” wrote one Reddit user. Stability also varies: snug for medium/large ears after tuning, less so in smaller ears during vigorous activity.
Call quality garners mixed reviews. In calm or office settings, voices are “loud and crisp” (Tom’s Guide), but in windy outdoor calls, filtering isn’t as strong as Bose’s over-ear models.
Trust & Reliability
From a reliability standpoint, concerns center on firmware and app quality, not hardware build. Reddit accounts show some users exchanging defective units under warranty for the newer Ultras — often at no extra cost — which speaks to Bose’s strong customer service. TechGearLab logged higher-than-average connectivity complaints compared to other earbuds, but durability of the buds and case themselves sees positive marks, even after months of daily use.
Long-term users report consistent ANC performance and no major wear issues with ear tips or stability bands. However, several note that firmware updates can introduce or resolve connectivity quirks, so ongoing support remains key.
Alternatives
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds add multipoint pairing, spatial audio, and aptX Adaptive — addressing several QC II omissions — but at a higher price. Some Redditors upgraded for free under warranty swaps. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 trail slightly in ANC and sound detail, but beat the Bose on connectivity stability, wireless charging, and touch control reliability. Sony’s WF-1000XM4/XM5 models offer longer battery life, more codec support, and richer app features, though ANC is narrowly behind Bose.
Price & Value
New units launched at $299, but current prices often hover around $199–$249 during sales. eBay listings show pre-owned units from ~$145, with refurbished around $170–$230 depending on condition and accessories. Community wisdom suggests buying directly from Bose during promotions for perks like a 90-day return window — and potential loyalty credits.
If ANC is your primary driver, that sub-$200 price sweet spot makes them compelling. But for those valuing feature breadth and battery longevity, the premium might feel harder to justify when alternatives match or beat them on those fronts.
FAQ
Q: Can I connect the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II to two devices at once?
A: No — they remember up to seven devices but only connect to one at a time. To switch, you need to manually select them on the second device’s Bluetooth menu.
Q: Are they good for running or gym workouts?
A: Yes for fit and sweat resistance (IPX4), but be aware the ear seal can transmit thuds from footsteps, especially without Aware Mode enabled.
Q: How do I fix pairing issues with the Bose Music app?
A: Users have resolved problems by resetting the buds, clearing pair lists, or even uninstalling the app (though you’ll lose EQ and customization options).
Q: Does the ANC work during calls?
A: Partially — it reduces background noise, but some outdoor sounds, like wind or traffic, may still be audible to the other party.
Q: Can I disable ANC entirely to save battery?
A: No — there’s no true passive mode. The mics are always active, either canceling or passing through sound.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a commuter, office worker, or traveler who demands elite noise cancellation and rich, adaptable sound. Avoid if seamless multi-device use, wireless charging, or faultless app integration are must-haves. As one Redditor advised: “They’re worth a gamble at $199. Still the best ANC I’ve heard — but don’t expect perfection everywhere.” Pro tip: monitor Bose’s own store for discount codes and generous return policies — they can turn a gamble into a safe bet.
