Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review: Top ANC, Mixed Comfort
Few earbuds have stirred both admiration and frustration quite like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. Scoring a solid 8.5/10 from most professional reviewers and garnering praise for “the world’s best noise cancellation,” they’ve also sparked heated Reddit threads over “terrible connectivity” and “odd fit issues.” The verdict? Outstanding for sound isolation and immersive audio, but potentially unreliable for multi-device or app-heavy users.
Quick Verdict: Yes — if noise cancellation is your top priority and you can tolerate occasional connectivity quirks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb active noise cancellation (ANC) — best in class | Common connectivity/app pairing issues |
| Rich, balanced audio with punchy bass and clear mids | Lacks multipoint Bluetooth and wireless charging |
| Smaller, lighter design than predecessor | Fit can cause discomfort over long wear |
| Secure in-ear stability for workouts | Quick charge slower than rivals |
| Decent voice call quality in quiet environments | Pricey compared to equally capable competitors |
Claims vs Reality
Bose markets these as “world’s best noise cancelling in-ear headphones” with personalized sound via CustomTune technology. Digging into user reports, this claim largely holds water for ANC. Reddit user getaceres shared: “In the noisiest gym, I could listen at 60-70% volume clearly… When I take them out I’m always surprised how much noise they remove.”
However, the promise of “seamless, reliable connectivity” is undermined by widespread complaints. A Best Buy reviewer admitted: “The only problem is the connection issue, hopefully the firmware updates fix this.” Multiple Reddit accounts detail scenarios where “only one earbud connects” or “the app fails to recognize them 80% of the time.”
On comfort, Bose promotes “all-day stability” via its Fit Kit. While many applaud the redesign, some found the fit intrusive over hours. Tom’s Guide noted “poor comfort levels,” and one Reddit user returned theirs after “hurt my ears after some time… not worth buying if you ask me.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
ANC is where consensus is loudest. Across Reddit, Best Buy, CNET, and Trustpilot reviews, this is singled out as industry-leading. CNET’s David Carnoy wrote, “It’s really impressive how much is muffled… screaming babies and subway noise reduced by 60% or more.” For commuters, this means train rides without the din; for open-office workers, focus without distraction. A Reddit gym-goer reported it even dulled “HIIT class music at pub levels” to manageable muffled background.
Sound quality also earns consistent approval. Amazon buyers call it “amazing” for both music and calls, with balanced separation of instruments. Bose’s CustomTune feature — measuring your ear canal for tailored EQ — drew praise from audiophiles seeking personalization. On Reddit, lkoroes0 described them as “probably the best in class… for pop, EDM, rock, and classical.”
Design changes resonate: 30% smaller buds and 40% smaller case improve portability. Gym users confirm they “stay in place no matter how much I move my head, jaw or feet.”
Common Complaints
Connectivity issues dominate complaints. Reddit threads swarm with tales like: “App not seeing the earbuds, audio ANC imbalance, random blips.” Best Buy customers echo this: “Coming from Bose Sport earbuds… constantly disconnecting at the gym, hopefully fixed with updates.” Those switching between multiple devices feel the lack of multipoint Bluetooth acutely.
Comfort is divisive. While smaller, some found Bose’s recommended “comfort seal” rotation awkward, loosening fit and pressing against the ear concha over time. Tom’s Guide noted discomfort after two hours, affecting long-session listeners like coders or video editors.
Feature omissions frustrate tech-savvy buyers. No wireless charging, no high-res codecs beyond SBC/AAC, and slower quick charging than AirPods Pro 2. This hits travelers and business users used to fast, cable-free top-ups.
Divisive Features
Bass tuning splits opinion. SoundGuys observed “over-emphasized sub-bass” and “under-emphasized mids,” advising use of presets like Bass Reducer for accuracy. Bass fans welcome the punch, but vocal-centric listeners find detail lost.
Aware Mode, Bose’s take on transparency, is functional but polarizing. Some praise Activesense for auto-softening loud surprises, others prefer adjustable transparency as offered by competitors.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot patterns show Bose’s customer service earning praise for warranty swaps — Reddit users report free upgrades to QC Ultra after persistent QC II issues. The hardware itself is durable; several owners recount months of gym and outdoor use without physical failure.
But firmware reliability lags. SoundGuys warn of “botched firmware updates” breaking ANC or sound until manually reflashed via Bose’s desktop updater. Long-term risk: dependency on the Bose Music app for advanced features means enduring its pairing quirks.
Alternatives
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro emerge as a credible rival at ~$80 less, with comparable ANC and better codec support (aptX, high-res over Bluetooth). For iPhone owners, AirPods Pro 2 offer equally strong transparency, wireless charging, spatial audio, and smoother multi-device switching for $50 less.
Sony WF-1000XM4 also matches ANC closely, adds LDAC support and longer battery (8–12 hours vs Bose’s 6), but fits differently — bulkier for small ears.
Price & Value
Currently retailing around $249–$299 new, with eBay refurbished listings from ~$168–$240, resale value remains robust due to ANC prestige. Bargain hunters on Reddit advise buying direct from Bose with coupons, leveraging the 90-day return policy, or spotting Prime Day deals.
For ANC-first buyers, price premium is justified; for codec-hungry or multipoint seekers, competitors may offer better value.
FAQ
Q: Can I use one earbud independently?
A: Yes, firmware updates enable single-bud use for either left or right, allowing music or calls while the other charges.
Q: Do these support wireless charging?
A: No, charging is via USB-C only — a disappointment for those accustomed to cable-free charging.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Rated for 6 hours with ANC on, case adds three full charges for ~24 hours total. SoundGuys measured slightly over 7 hours per bud.
Q: Is ANC adjustable or can it be turned off?
A: ANC level can be reduced but not fully disabled. Lowest slider settings act as near-off, but still process sound.
Q: Are they waterproof?
A: IPX4 rated — resistant to sweat and splashes. Suitable for workouts, not submersion.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a commuter, gym-goer, or traveler obsessed with top-tier noise cancellation and rich, customizable sound. Avoid if you frequently switch devices, need true all-day comfort, or value codec variety. Pro tip from Reddit: “Delete the Bose app if connections fail — it fixed my pairing forever.”
