Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Great ANC, Mixed Comfort
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II earn an impressive 8.4/10 for their class-leading noise cancellation and refined sound, but they stumble in comfort, app stability, and wireless features. Across platforms, users described them as “by far the best noise cancelling earbuds out there” while others frustratedly labeled them “garbage” due to recurring connectivity headaches.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for stationary listeners, commuters, and noise-sensitive work, but high risk for those prioritizing seamless connectivity or all-day comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class noise cancellation | Frequent Bluetooth/app connection issues |
| Rich, balanced sound with adjustable EQ | Fit can be uncomfortable over long sessions |
| Strong call quality in quiet environments | No multipoint connectivity |
| Compact case and lighter-than-original buds | Battery life average at 6 hours |
| Intuitive touch/swipe controls (when responsive) | No wireless charging, limited codec support |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets the QuietComfort Earbuds II with “world’s best noise cancellation” and “personalized sound shaped to your ears.” Digging into user feedback, these claims largely hold for ANC, but personal sound tuning benefits are more subtle. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “These are the best earbuds I’ve ever used. Excellent noise cancellation and superb audio quality,” while Reddit user nimrod_hawk countered: “Sound quality is acceptable, but constant connectivity issues and bugs make for an infuriating experience.”
The advertised “simple touch controls” and “seamless Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity” proved divisive. Some report smooth setup and reliable pairing — “I’ve had them since they first came out… connected them to my Samsung, Pixel 7, iPhone, iPad, and Macbook Pro without issues” — while others experienced repeated dropouts, mismatched ANC audio balance, or one earbud failing to connect unless reset.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Noise cancellation is the standout feature. Trustpilot’s WhistleOut review emphasized, “the ANC filters everything out… chatty offices, busy main roads, or even wind.” Those commuting or working near heavy equipment found these “a quiet place wherever you go.” Quora reviewer Abriah Wofford rated ANC at 9.5/10, noting removal of “almost 42 decibels of noise in high and low mid-range.”
Sound quality also receives consistent praise, especially for bass clarity. A Twitter customer said, “The bass is top shelf… EQ and ability to customize is unrivaled.” This tunable EQ suits electronic, orchestral, and vocal-heavy genres, with Quora testers highlighting “clarity and separation between instruments” and strong performance even at high volumes.
Call quality is above average, maintaining voice prominence over background noise, though performance drops slightly with high-pitched voices in loud settings. For remote workers and voice-heavy professions, this could provide dependable clarity.
Common Complaints
Connectivity failures dominate negative reports. Reddit user nimrod_hawk warned, “Receiving calls or notifications… will render the earbuds unusable until you reset them.” Others described “the app not seeing the earbuds, only one earbud connecting, random blips and small disconnects.” Apple device users noted more pairing trouble than Android.
Comfort is another downfall. The reduced size and Bose Fit Kit help initial fit, but prolonged wear often causes pressure. Tom’s Guide’s reviewer questioned Bose’s “comfort seal” instructions, ending with discomfort after two hours. Quora’s testing found them “weighty and pressuring after one hour,” especially for smaller ears.
Battery life lands at 6 hours — adequate but outperformed by rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 at 8–12 hours. The absence of wireless charging further frustrates those accustomed to the feature.
Divisive Features
Touch controls swing between intuitive and unreliable. Some love the swipe volume, tap-to-play, and long-press ANC toggles. Others find misinterpreted gestures disruptive — “trying to lie down on a plane, it perceives that as a long press… ‘quiet mode… aware mode’ on repeat.”
Aware Mode transparency is functional but polarizing. Those who prefer adjustable transparency find it limited, while Activesense wins favor for dynamically balancing ambient noise and music during conversations.
Trust & Reliability
Counterfeit risk has emerged, particularly in eBay listings under $160 shipped from China. Reddit user junk_boy0 shared receiving a fake with “serial numbers not matching, Bose app failing to detect, and prompt sounds incorrect.” Bose’s official eBay store offers refurbished units with warranty, which seasoned buyers recommend over third-party sellers to avoid such scams.
Long-term durability shows mixed patterns. While ANC and sound persist over months, repeated connectivity bugs lead some to warranty replacements. Several Redditors successfully upgraded faulty units to Bose’s Ultra model through customer service, praising support responsiveness even as they criticized firmware stability.
Alternatives
Within Bose’s lineup, the QuietComfort Ultra edges ahead with refined ANC and more features — but at a higher price. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 deliver slightly weaker noise cancellation but better comfort, multipoint-like device switching in the Apple ecosystem, and superior call quality in noisy environments. The older Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (first-gen) may offer better long-term reliability for some, though they’re bulkier.
Price & Value
Pricing fluctuates from $199 on sale to $299 retail. eBay refurbished listings hover around NZD 200–260, with official Bose refurbs lauded by Redditors as “brand new… works as expected.” Resale value remains solid due to ANC performance, though counterfeit risk depresses buyer confidence in unofficial channels.
For buyers seeking top-tier ANC under $250, refurbs from Bose’s official store carry the best value and warranty safety net.
FAQ
Q: Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II support multipoint connectivity?
A: No. They remember up to seven devices but connect to only one at a time. Switching requires manual selection on the desired device.
Q: How long is the battery life per charge?
A: Rated at 6 hours, with up to 24 total hours using the charging case. Quick charge gives 2 hours in 20 minutes, but no wireless charging is included.
Q: Are they sweatproof or waterproof?
A: They have an IPX4 rating, meaning resistance to sweat and splashes but not full immersion.
Q: How can I improve connectivity issues?
A: Some users report deleting the Bose Music app or resetting both earbuds resolves pairing problems. Android devices tend to connect more reliably than iOS.
Q: What’s in the box?
A: Two earbuds, charging case, three pairs of ear tips, three stability bands, USB-C cable, quick start guide, and safety sheet.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter, office worker, or audiophile prioritizing the quietest listening environment and customizable EQ. Avoid if constant device switching or marathon wear is essential — comfort and connectivity remain weak points. Pro tip from community: Order directly from Bose’s official eBay store for refurb units; you’ll save money and avoid counterfeit traps.
