Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Stunning ANC, Mixed Verdict
The claim of “world’s best noise cancellation” isn’t just a marketing line for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II—it’s a defining trait that multiple reviewers rated near perfect. Quora’s TechRadar editor called them “at the top of the ANC game as it stands right now,” giving noise cancellation the highest praise, while a Reddit user reported, “amazing noise cancellation 9/10… beats out most over-ear headphones.” But beneath the sonic bliss are notable flaws in connectivity, comfort, and missing features, pulling the overall score to 8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – unbeatable ANC and strong sound make them a top pick, but connectivity issues and lack of wireless charging may frustrate tech-savvy or multitasking users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class adaptive noise cancellation | Frequent Bluetooth/app connectivity issues |
| Balanced, rich sound via CustomTune calibration | No wireless charging support |
| Comfortable fit for small ear canals | Battery life capped at 6 hours |
| Effective Aware mode with Activesense tech | No multipoint or hi-res codecs (aptX/LDAC) |
| Solid call clarity in quiet settings | Fit can cause discomfort over long sessions |
Claims vs Reality
Bose’s official spec sheet touts “world’s best noise cancellation,” “CustomTune sound calibration,” and “up to 6 hours battery life.” On the first two points, users overwhelmingly confirm the performance matches the hype. A Reddit user getaceres described using them in a “noisiest gym… at pub levels” and still being able to block out nearly all environmental sound. TechRadar echoed this, noting loud voices and sirens were “still reduced more than with the older model.”
The battery claim, however, is less universally satisfying. While rated for six hours, both Trustpilot and Tom’s Guide reviewers found this unimpressive compared to rivals offering 8–12 hours by disabling ANC. Importantly, ANC here can’t be turned off, trimming battery life for extended use. Bose’s “quick charge” promise of two hours playback from 20 minutes is real, but rivals like AirPods Pro 2 deliver similar results in five minutes.
As for comfort, Bose advertises “all-day comfort and stability.” For some, like Reddit user getaceres, this holds true even with small ear canals: “They don’t ever move, no matter how much I move my head.” Yet Redditor a-red-guitar-pick and Tom’s Guide point out the ear tip fit test doesn’t guarantee a secure seal for everyone—some felt pressure or discomfort during multi-hour sessions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Active noise cancellation is the standout. WhistleOut called it “by far the best earbuds for noise cancelling on the market,” describing its ability to “filter everything out… even wind.” This makes it a game-changer for commuters, gym-goers, or parents working from home. TechRadar detailed how “four mics in each bud” and the proprietary algorithm muted almost all environmental sound, leaving only faint murmurs without music.
Sound quality, backed by Bose’s CustomTune, earned similar acclaim. Quora’s TechRadar editors found “beautifully balanced sound… detailed textures” across genres, with jazz bass lines and orchestral elements rendered distinctly. Tom’s Guide reviewers pinpointed tracks like Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning, where “separation was impressive… instruments distinctive” even through complex mixes.
The redesign also drew praise for lighter weight and smaller form compared to the bulky first-gen model. For cyclists and joggers, the IPX4 sweat resistance adds functional durability. Stability bands and multiple ear tip sizes make them a secure fit in varied environments, especially for users with smaller ears.
Common Complaints
Connectivity is where the consensus turns sour. On Reddit, multiple posters reported that “one earbud doesn’t connect” or the Bose Music app failed “80% of the time” to recognize the buds. WhistleOut’s positive pairing experience was rare; Reddit users noted frequent random disconnects, app-device mismatches, and lag between left/right audio. Trustpilot reviewers even struggled to get support—with one stating, “their support email doesn’t work.”
Multipoint connectivity, a standard in some competitors, is missing. Users who frequently switch between phone and laptop found the reconnect process cumbersome, breaking the seamless workflow Bose’s premium price should deliver.
Physical durability of ear tips and stability bands also surfaced as a long-term issue. Reddit user sarahx1121 documented tearing and snapping of multiple sizes despite gentle handling, adding constant rotation of bands during use. This undermines the “all-day stability” claim for heavy users.
Divisive Features
Comfort splits opinion. Those with challenging ear shapes found relief—one user noted no pressure inside the canal—while others experienced sore spots after hours of wear. Similarly, Aware mode gets praise for managing loud spikes, but some prefer transparency modes with adjustable openness, finding Bose’s fixed approach limiting.
Call quality is “top-tier” in quiet conditions (Tom’s Guide), but ANC during calls doesn’t mute everything—wind and passing cars can creep into the background. For remote workers in dynamic soundscapes, this can be a compromise.
Trust & Reliability
Durability stories suggest mixed reliability over time. One Redditor stuck with their pair for two years despite “persistent connection problems since the first month” because of sound quality. Others returned units within months due to ear pain or faulty audio balance between buds. Trustpilot notes replacements offered in some cases—an agent swapped a problematic QC Earbuds II for Ultras after repeated app pairing failures.
This inconsistency fuels doubts about Bose’s supposedly premium reliability. While ANC performance didn’t degrade in long-term accounts, accessory wear and software glitches appeared consistently in multi-month use cases.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned by users include Apple AirPods Pro 2, praised for “better call quality” and multipoint; Sony WF-1000XM4/XM5, offering hi-res codec support and longer battery life; and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, preferred by some for connectivity stability. One Redditor returned their QC Earbuds II in favor of AirPods Pro and Buds2 Pro after “hurt my ears… connectivity issues” despite loving sound and ANC.
For bass lovers, WhistleOut notes Bose’s default tuning leans heavy, serving EDM and drum-and-bass well—but Sony’s EQ flexibility and codec range may suit audiophiles chasing precision.
Price & Value
Current pricing fluctuates sharply: refurbished models surface on eBay around NZD 193–295, while new sealed units list closer to NZD 379–410. US sale prices hit $199–229, down from the $299 launch. Community advice emphasizes patience—waiting for Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday can yield significant savings without sacrificing features.
Resale value holds moderately thanks to brand prestige, but durability concerns around ear tips may hurt second-hand appeal. Bose’s own store offers direct discounts and a 90-day return window, which users like tool_belt leveraged for peace of mind.
FAQ
Q: Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II support multipoint pairing?
A: No. They can remember up to seven devices, but only connect to one at a time. Switching requires manual selection in the second device’s Bluetooth menu.
Q: How effective is the Aware mode compared to full ANC?
A: Aware mode lets in environmental sound while muting sudden spikes via Activesense. It’s well-reviewed for safety outdoors, but less adjustable than transparency modes in rival earbuds.
Q: Can the ANC be turned off to extend battery life?
A: No. ANC is always on, which caps battery life at about six hours per charge—less than some competing buds.
Q: Is wireless charging available for the case?
A: No. Charging is USB-C only, despite many competitors including Qi wireless charging at similar or lower price points.
Q: How does call quality perform in noisy environments?
A: Voices stay clear in quiet or moderate noise, but wind and vehicle sounds may still bleed through—less isolating than ANC in music playback.
Final Verdict: Buy if noise cancellation is your absolute priority and you value detailed, balanced audio for focused work, commuting, or gym sessions. Avoid if you need seamless multi-device connectivity, ultra-long battery life, or wireless charging. Pro tip from the community: trial fit multiple ear tips and stability bands early—it’s crucial for unlocking both ANC’s full power and long-term comfort.
