Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Elite ANC, Some Flaws
Few products split opinion as sharply as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – a model some hail as “the world’s best noise cancelling” while others brand them “a huge let down for Bose.” After dissecting thousands of user reports, lab reviews, and marketplace records, they land at 8.3/10: unmatched ANC and sound for casual listening, undermined by connectivity glitches and missing premium features.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – ideal for commuters and audiophiles craving top-tier ANC, but not for those needing flawless connectivity or advanced codec support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class ANC performance | Frequent Bluetooth and app connectivity issues |
| Balanced, customizable sound | No wireless charging, no multipoint pairing |
| Comfortable fit kit with multiple tips/bands | Noticeable hiss in Aware mode for some users |
| Improved mic clarity over first-gen | Case is bulky for pocket carry |
| Smaller, lighter design than predecessor | Relatively high price vs rivals with more features |
| Adjustable EQ via Bose Music App | Call quality inconsistent in wind/noisy environments |
Claims vs Reality
One of Bose’s core marketing claims is “world’s best noise cancellation”. Trustpilot reviewer Alex Bracetti described it as “unbeatable” and TechRadar flatly stated it “puts the master of ANC back on top.” Digging deeper, Reddit user u/QCBudsFan*** confirmed, “best sounding buds and best noise canceling out of everything I tried,” but added that consistent fit was key to achieving that effect. In practice, users in noisy office or transport environments overwhelmingly back Bose’s ANC claim – even wind reduction drew praise, with WhistleOut noting it “has almost no impact” on playback.
The second claim, “sound shaped to you” through CustomTune tech, garners praise for its richness and separation. CNET’s David Carnoy found vocals “more clear and natural” and bass “punchier with more definition.” Reddit user u/AudioSwitch*** agreed: “The sound they produce…blown away compared to AirPods.” However, lab testing from TechGearLab noted slight clarity loss at highest volumes, suggesting CustomTune’s tuning isn’t magic – high-treble definition can compress when pushed too far.
Third, Bose promotes “reliable wireless connectivity” via Bluetooth 5.3. Here the gap is wide: Reddit threads are peppered with pairing frustration, one stating “about ¼ of my time… fighting with them to make them work,” despite firmware resets. Several users reported deleting the Bose app entirely resolved issues. While range is praised, stable multipoint pairing is absent, and real-world performance shows this “reliability” claim is inconsistent.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation emerges as the chief success story. TechRadar calls it “remarkably effective” against both low hums and high-pitched noise, with Activesense automatically adjusting ambient levels in Aware mode. Trustpilot feedback indicates commuters and office workers relish “full quiet” mode’s ability to mute chatter and machinery. For musicians, WhistleOut cites bass handling in EDM and drum & bass as “extremely well served,” with EQ tweaks available for genre shifts.
Sound quality is a close second. Lab measurements show balanced frequency response, clear separation between instruments, and robust bass that avoids drowning mids. TechGearLab noted that even complex jazz tracks maintained “nuanced listening” without harsh treble. Many Amazon buyers describe a “lifelike and well-balanced” stage, which benefits critical listeners in home settings as much as those on the subway.
Fit and comfort, after initial adjustments, earn cross-platform approval. The redesigned two-piece fit kit lets users mix ear tip and stability band sizes for asymmetrical ears. CNET and TechRadar reviewers found medium bands with large tips offered secure seals – crucial for full ANC effect. Users appreciate long wear comfort for desk work and moderate exercise.
Common Complaints
Connectivity problems top the list. Bose Music App pairing failures, random disconnections, and buds linking to unintended devices plague both iOS and Android owners. Reddit user u/AppDelete*** said removing the app “never had any connectivity problem again,” implying software involvement. TechGearLab’s measured data found QC Earbuds II among the highest in 1-star reviews citing connectivity.
Aware mode hiss drives some users away. Reddit reports describe “unacceptable hissing/noise floor…32db compared to 25db for AirPods Pro 2,” particularly irritating in quiet rooms. Those sensitive to background artifacts – notably in office settings – may find this compromises transparency mode’s utility.
Call quality is mixed. In calm settings, microphones deliver crisp vocals, but wind and direct airflow can degrade clarity fast. Reddit user u/MicFail*** detailed complaints from callers in breezy conditions, echoed by Trustpilot’s note that ANC performance “during calls” didn’t equal that for music. High-pitched voices prove harder to capture cleanly in noisy environments.
Divisive Features
Touch controls split opinion. While WhistleOut calls them “surprisingly smooth” once mastered, others find long-press detection overly sensitive – CNET describes accidental toggling between Quiet and Aware modes when adjusting fit. Volume swipe gestures are praised by some but require practice for responsiveness.
Battery life meets Bose’s stated six hours, with case extending to 24. For light users this suffices; heavy listeners compare unfavorably to Sony's WF-1000XM4 or cheaper buds with longer endurance. Quick charge – 20 minutes for 2 hours – is deemed “not quick at all” by Tom’s Guide, especially against AirPods Pro’s 1 hour in 5 minutes.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit together reveal a mixed durability record. While many long-term owners have buds still performing “perfectly a year later,” hardware faults can appear suddenly. One Reddit user needed a warranty replacement after a case where the buds “developed a hardware issue out of nowhere.” Bose customer service is widely lauded – offering free upgrades to QC Ultra for some persistent connectivity cases – but reliance on support implies product inconsistency.
Firmware updates bring new features like independent single-bud use, addressing early design limitations. However, community caution advises prompt software updates and experimenting with Bose app removal if pairing instability persists.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned by users include Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM4. The AirPods Pro 2 boast cleaner transparency mode (“feels like nothing in your ears”) and superior wind-handling in calls, at ~$50 less. Sony’s WF-1000XM4 delivers longer battery life (up to 12 hours) and broader codec support, but most professional reviews still put Bose ahead in ANC. Beats Fit Pro enters for sports users, offering tighter stability during intense workouts where Bose’s heft may falter.
Price & Value
New QC Earbuds II retail around $249–$299, with refurbished units dropping to ~$200 on eBay. Savvy buyers report scoring them near $199 during sales, aligning with TechRadar’s “target price” recommendation. Resale value holds well thanks to ANC reputation, but missing multipoint and wireless charging temper collectability compared to Apple/Sony products. Community consensus: wait for sale events unless ANC mastery outweighs feature gaps.
Buying tips from community:
- Test multiple tip/band combinations to lock in ANC performance and comfort
- Consider refurb deals directly from Bose for warranty coverage at lower cost
- Delete Bose app if connectivity persists after firmware updates
FAQ
Q: Do they support multipoint connectivity?
A: No. They can remember several devices but connect to only one at a time. Switching requires manual selection in Bluetooth settings.
Q: Is wireless charging included?
A: No. Only USB-C wired charging is possible, with full case charge in 3 hours.
Q: How is the Aware mode quality?
A: Transparency is natural for many, but several users notice audible hiss, especially in quiet environments.
Q: Can each earbud be used independently?
A: Yes, after firmware updates in 2023, either bud can be used solo for calls or music.
Q: Are they stable enough for workouts?
A: Moderate activities are fine with proper fit, but some small-ear users find them heavy for high-impact sports.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter, traveler, or office worker who values class-leading ANC and rich, customizable sound over codec diversity or perfect app stability. Avoid if multipoint, flawless transparency, or premium features like wireless charging are must-haves.
Pro tip from community: Fit is king – experiment with tip/band combos before judging ANC or sound. And for chronic pairing bugs, “get rid of the app” might be the simplest fix.
