Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: ANC vs Connectivity
When a Reddit user flatly declared the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II “the worst pair of earbuds I’ve ever had the displeasure of owning,” it stood in stark contrast to thousands of glowing Best Buy and Amazon reviews praising their noise cancellation as “god-tier.” With a 4.3/5 rating on Best Buy but repeated connection complaints across multiple platforms, the truth sits somewhere between. On sheer ANC performance, they score a solid 8.5/10 — but buyers need to weigh that against imperfect connectivity and missing premium features.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — unbeatable ANC for noisy environments, but those sensitive to connectivity issues or needing wireless charging may want to hold off.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry-leading noise cancellation | Frequent Bluetooth/app connectivity problems |
| Comfortable, customizable fit for many ear shapes | No wireless charging |
| Rich, balanced sound with strong bass | Battery life beaten by key rivals |
| Compact design vs. previous generation | Limited codec support (no aptX/LDAC) |
| Effective ambient/aware mode with ActiveSense | Touch control misfires |
| IPX4 sweat/water resistance | Occasional muffled or distant call quality |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets these as having “the world’s best noise cancellation” and a personalized sound profile via CustomTune. Multiple reviewers, from T3 to everyday gym-goers, confirm this first claim holds up. A Best Buy buyer wrote: “With these buds on and playing music, I felt like I was the only person in the gym.” Reddit user getaceres echoed this, describing wearing them in a HIIT-heavy “noisiest gym” and still enjoying clear playback.
On ease of use, however, Bose adverts promise “simple touch controls” and “seamless connectivity within 30 feet.” In practice, this is a sore point. A Redditor recounted: “I can’t count the number of times I put them in and one doesn’t connect… Have to put both in the case and try again.” Similar complaints appear in Best Buy’s 3–4 star reviews, with iPhone owners especially affected.
The claim of “all-day comfort” is mostly met for small- and medium-eared users, with thin silicone tips and interchangeable stability bands. Yet, Tom’s Guide noted comfort “remains an issue” for certain ear shapes, with discomfort developing after two hours if worn per Bose’s recommended angle.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Best Buy, and professional reviews, noise cancellation is the star. From blocking out hand dryers to muting screaming toddlers, users report dramatic reductions in ambient noise without the pressure or hiss some ANC buds create. T3’s Simon Lucas described typing on a MacBook with the earbuds in and finding the keyboard “virtually inaudible.”
For public transit commuters, these ANC capabilities can mean turning a chaotic train carriage into a personal sound booth. A Best Buy customer shared: “I sit next to a noisy window fan and can’t hear it at all with these earbuds.” The customization via ANC “modes” also gets praise, allowing fine-tuning for offices, gyms, or outdoor running.
Sound quality earns strong but not unanimous approval. Many highlight a full, bass-friendly profile — “thumping bass… crisp quality” said one Amazon buyer — with enough refinement for jazz or classical. Reddit user call_me_vape_lord, who listens while using sanding equipment, called Bose’s ANC “by far the best” and lauded “top notch” audio.
Fit is another win for many. The two-part Bose Fit Kit (separate tips and bands) helps earbuds stay secure even for dynamic movement. Small-eared users especially value the shallow-seal design: “They don’t ever move… no matter how much I move my head,” wrote one Reddit gym-goer.
Common Complaints
Connectivity instability is the most consistent cross-platform gripe. Reports include buds pairing to the wrong device mid-session, app pairing failures, or one side refusing to play until reset. One frustrated Redditor said: “Receiving calls or notifications… renders the earbuds unusable until you reset them.” Bose’s own support documentation for “poor sound quality” underscores that resets are a known troubleshooting step.
Touch controls also divide opinion. Tom’s Guide said tap accuracy worked “50% of the time,” with unwanted pauses or mode switches triggered by adjusting fit or lying down. Several buyers adapt by avoiding touch controls entirely for critical functions.
Battery life (rated 6 hours, 24 with case) lags behind competitors like Sony’s WF‑1000XM4 (~8–12 hours). There’s no option to disable ANC to eke out more runtime, and quick charge is modest: 20 minutes for ~2 hours playback. For long-haul travelers, that can be restrictive.
Finally, missing features like wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth sting at this price. Multiple Best Buy and Reddit users called out this omission, especially those switching between laptop and phone regularly.
Divisive Features
Sound signature preference is subjective — while many enjoy the warmth and bass emphasis, a subset find Bose’s tuning lacks “sparkle” or excitement. One Best Buy customer returned them for lacking the energy they felt in other buds, even with EQ tweaks.
Aware Mode with ActiveSense gets applause from those who need situational awareness, but others prefer transparency modes that allow user-controlled noise pass-through. Wind interference while running is another occasional complaint; with ANC permanently on, some runners notice audible wind artifacts.
Trust & Reliability
There’s no widespread scam concern, but long-term reliability commentary is mixed. Some Redditors report trouble-free months of use, others had one bud fail within weeks — often swapped under warranty. Best Buy reviewers note the charging case exterior is sturdy, but one cautioned it “broke from a 2-foot drop,” casting doubt on durability for rugged use.
The Bose Music app’s unstable connection is a recurring reliability friction point. Users across iOS and Android describe repeated failures to detect the earbuds, sometimes requiring multiple re-pair attempts.
Alternatives
Sony’s WF‑1000XM4 comes up frequently in comparisons. It offers better battery life, LDAC codec support, and wireless charging, but some find it less comfortable, especially for small ears. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 match battery life but excel in “it just works” simplicity for iPhone owners; however, ANC is slightly less isolating in extreme noise according to multi-device owners. Sennheiser Momentum TW 3 lure some buyers with multipoint and wireless charging, yet Reddit user davidh opted for Bose due to superior soundstage and comfort.
Price & Value
At launch, these carried a $299 MSRP, often discounted now to ~$249 new. eBay listings for refurbished models hover between $150–$200 USD equivalent, showing decent resale retention, particularly for sealed units. Budget-conscious buyers might consider factory refurbs from authorized sellers; quality appears hit-or-miss, with some Redditors reporting needing replacements quickly.
For those prioritizing ANC above all, full retail may be justified. For mixed-use or multi-device workflows, checking sale prices narrows their value gap against feature-richer rivals.
FAQ
Q: Can you use one earbud independently?
A: Yes. Single-bud mode works for calls and music. It will automatically switch if one bud dies, though some users found occasional connection hiccups in solo use.
Q: Do they work well for running or gym use?
A: Many gym users report a secure fit, even in high-intensity settings, and IPX4 sweat/water resistance helps. Wind noise may be noticeable outdoors since ANC can’t be turned fully off.
Q: Do they support high-res codecs like aptX or LDAC?
A: No — they’re limited to SBC and AAC. This impacts those seeking maximum fidelity over Android but is less relevant for iOS users.
Q: How is call quality?
A: Generally clear for the wearer’s voice, though loud background sounds like passing cars may still be audible to the other party.
Q: Any fix for connection issues?
A: Bose recommends resetting both earbuds and the Bluetooth device. Ensuring the latest firmware via the Bose Music app can also help, though app connectivity itself is sometimes unreliable.
Final Verdict
Buy if you need best-in-class ANC — e.g., open-plan offices, public transport, or extremely noisy gyms — and can accept occasional tech hiccups. Avoid if you rely on flawless multi-device connectivity or want wireless charging convenience. A Reddit pro tip: “If you can, get them via Amazon and return them if you don’t end up liking them.” That way, you can judge firsthand whether the noise-free cocoon outweighs the quirks.
