Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Buy or Skip?
The surprising twist with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II isn’t just that they deliver elite active noise cancellation—it’s that many users place them above most over-ear headphones for noise suppression, yet connectivity instability and missing premium features leave some feeling shortchanged. Across platforms, they average around 8.5/10 for audio and ANC, but drop notably in usability and app reliability scores.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Market-leading ANC—praised as “best on any earbuds” | Frequent connectivity/app pairing issues reported |
| Balanced, detailed audio with strong bass | No multipoint pairing, lacking aptX/LDAC codecs |
| Comfortable fit for small ear canals (with correct tips) | Can feel bulky or cause ear fatigue after 1–2 hours |
| CustomTune adapts sound to ear shape | No wireless charging despite premium price |
| Clear call quality in most environments | Mediocre quick charging speed |
| Smaller, lighter than first-gen model | ANC cannot be fully disabled |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets these earbuds as having “the world’s best noise cancellation” and personalized sound shaping via CustomTune™. Multiple Reddit and Trustpilot users back up the ANC claim, with one noting they “beat out most over-ear headphones” for suppression, even in loud gyms. On sound personalization, TechRadar confirmed audio adapts “remarkably well” to ear canal acoustics—provided the fit is correct.
A third big claim is “seamless, reliable connectivity” via Bluetooth 5.3. Here, the gap is wide. Reddit user u/GetAceres praised a stable Pixel 7 connection, but others document dropped one-earbud connections, the Bose app failing to detect buds 80% of the time, and random device switching mid-podcast. Bose’s own support pages acknowledge distorted audio in noisy environments and recommend extensive troubleshooting, hinting at persistent real-world connection issues.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation tops every praise list. A Bose subreddit contributor described drowning out “pub-level gym music and HIIT classes” with volume at 60–70%. Even small-eared users noted that, unlike intrusive canal designs, these seal from outside without discomfort, achieving “the most comfortable of them and they don’t ever move.” For commuting, GearLab’s lab tests showed ANC cutting nearly 42 dB of midrange noise—rare even among elite models.
Sound signature wins consistent approval. Trustpilot called it “beautifully balanced,” while TechGearLab highlighted “rich, thick bass… without overwhelming the mix.” Genre versatility is strong: orchestral layers, jazz double bass, and pop vocals each retain clarity. Reddit travellers backed this up, saying these are their “go-to when I travel… don’t want outside distractions.”
Call quality generally impresses in office and quiet spaces. Tom’s Guide labeled them “a top-tier calling headset,” and GearLab’s subway noise tests found voices remained “full” and intelligible under heavy interference.
Common Complaints
Connectivity instability is the Achilles’ heel. A Reddit user summarised: “For every one person that claims they haven’t had issues, there are about four that have.” Frequent grievances: only one bud connects, app struggles to recognise earbuds, lag between L/R audio streams, and random pairing to unintended devices. Apple users appear hit hardest.
Comfort divides opinion. The redesign is 30% smaller and lighter, yet Tom’s Guide found the Bose-recommended fit technique caused “cavity pressing up against the concha” and discomfort after two hours. Long sessions can feel heavy in small ears, echoed by GearLab: “weighty and pressuring after one hour.”
Feature omissions sting at this price. No support for aptX or LDAC codecs limits appeal for Android audiophiles, and absent wireless charging raises eyebrows when rivals (Sony WF-1000XM4, AirPods Pro 2) include it.
Divisive Features
Aware Mode’s ActiveSense tech earns mixed feedback. It automatically tempers loud ambient sounds, which TechRadar called “neat to have,” but others prefer manual transparency control for fine-tuning. Custom EQ in the Bose Music app is sufficient for bass/treble tweaks but lacks depth compared to Sony’s expansive presets.
App experience itself is divisive—clean interface and useful Fit Test, but unstable pairing undermines feature access. As one Reddit user discovered, deleting the Bose Music app actually eliminated their connectivity problems, at the cost of EQ control.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit show patterns of long-term reliability tied closely to firmware updates. Early adopters reported hardware replacements under warranty for unexplained shutdowns. Some upgraded free to QuietComfort Ultra models when persistent issues were flagged to Bose support—an indicator of “best customer support I’ve seen by a mile” per one user.
Durability reports are positive: IPX4 water/sweat resistance survives workouts and rain, and plastic/gold-plated shells resist drops. Fit components (tips and stability bands) retain elasticity months in, though replacements are Bose-exclusive.
Alternatives
Direct comparisons lean on Sony and Apple. The Sony WF-1000XM4 boast longer battery (8–12 hours), richer EQ flexibility, and multipoint pairing—yet ANC is generally rated lower than Bose’s. AirPods Pro 2 offer spatial audio, wireless charging, and smoother Apple ecosystem integration, but noise cancellation falls short in harsh environments. Bose QuietComfort Ultra adds aptX Adaptive and spatial audio—recommended if you need codec variety and feature parity, albeit at a higher price.
Price & Value
Launch price $299 USD has softened; eBay refurbished listings show $200–230 USD common, sometimes lower during Prime Day or Black Friday. Community advice is to avoid paying full retail—TechRadar suggests a $199 “target price” as Ultras aren’t much better except in features.
Resale holds well due to ANC reputation, but app instability may deter second-hand buyers. Buying directly from Bose nets a 90-day return, and some credit cards offer additional rebates (Amex $25 off was noted).
FAQ
Q: Can ANC be fully turned off?
A: No. Even in custom modes, microphones remain active for environmental adjustment, meaning there is no passive mode.
Q: Are they good for running?
A: Secure for medium/large ears with correct tip/band combo. Small ears may experience slippage under high impact.
Q: Do they support spatial audio?
A: Not on the QuietComfort II. That’s reserved for the QuietComfort Ultra.
Q: Is multipoint pairing possible?
A: No—can remember up to 7 devices but connect to only one at a time.
Q: How does quick charging compare to rivals?
A: 20 minutes yields 2 hours; slower than AirPods Pro 2’s 1 hour in 5 minutes.
Final Verdict: Buy if ANC supremacy and balanced audio trump missing features. Avoid if you need flawless connectivity, multipoint pairing, or wireless charging. Pro tip from the community: secure them under $200 and invest time in the Bose Fit Test—comfort and ANC both depend on it.
