I’m a heavy Apple user who tried the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II for an entire week. Here’s what I think.
As an Apple loyalist, I was hesitant to even consider trying the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. Would that be like, cheating? But after much (forceful) prodding from the editorial team, I decided to give them a go.
The price
In Australia, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II retails at AUD 429.95, making them one of the more premium wireless Earbuds in the market. In fact, they’re the most expensive set of wireless Earbuds if you compare them to two of its rivals: the AirPods Pro (retailing at AUD 399) and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro (retailing at AUD 349).
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Compatibility
For Apple users who are worried about the QC II’s integration with your devices, the packaging of the device claims they are made for iPhone, iPad and iPod and work with Android devices. I’d also like to confirm that they work with my 2016 MacBook Pro.
So can the QC Earbuds II seamlessly switch between the devices you’re using, like with AirPods (when using Apple devices)? Unfortunately, the QC Earbuds II don’t have multipoint pairing. But they do use Bluetooth so connecting the Earbuds between each device is relatively quick and easy – especially if you use the free Bose Music app.
After a week of usage, I actually ended up preferring manually switching between Apple devices with the QC Earbuds II. As an AirPod user, I found the multipoint pairing inconsistent. For example, I’d be working on my MacBook, and sometimes, when I’d receive a call, my AirPods wouldn’t automatically switch to my iPhone.
Sound and mic quality
From my experience, the QC Earbuds II offer a rich and balanced sound experience with deep bass and clear treble, which is all adjustable via the Bose Music App. They have a wider soundstage than many of their competitors, which makes them more immersive for listening to music or watching videos.
In terms of microphone quality, they do the job – just don’t expect to use them for professional podcasts. The people I spoke to said my voice sounded clear like I was in an enclosed room; however, I only tested my microphone within my home. I recommend you search sound and microphone tests on YouTube so you can draw your own conclusions.
Fit
The Earbuds come with ear tips and stability bands in different sizes, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your ears. To further help with finding the right fit, the Earbuds have a Fit Test feature in the Bose Music App. To me, they felt light, comfortable and easy to do house chores with. For those with unique ears, you can purchase an Alternate Sizing Kit, which you can purchase online for $15.95.
One odd thing about the QC Earbuds II is that, unlike the latest AirPods Pro, it does not include wireless charging. You’d’ expect wireless charging given its high price point; that being said, charging it via its USB-C port didn’t bother me too much.
Noise cancelling
Bose is renowned for their Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology, but with the rise of comparable market competitors, do the QC Earbuds II live up to Bose’s reputation? In my opinion, they sure do. When you put your Earbuds in, they will sound out a chime to learn your ear canal’s unique shape. The Earbuds will then optimise their noise cancellation and sound performance to fit the unique shape of your ears. The level of ANC you receive is customisable via the Bose Music App, which allows you to choose from multiple levels of noise cancelling, from full noise cancelling to full transparency mode.
I enjoy putting the Earbuds on: there’s a quick transition from hearing everything in my environment to a sudden silence – I imagine myself in some futuristic spaceship, launching into the quiet mysteries of space. I don’t know if it’s just unique to my wife and me (who aren’t used to ANC), but we experienced slight headaches after using the Earbuds for the first time, which eventually went away after more usage.
Final thoughts on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
As someone who wouldn’t dare use a device that didn’t sit in the Apple ecosystem, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. They have remarkable sound and ANC quality and connect easily with my Apple devices. They do come at a premium price point, but if you would like to try them for yourself, the website currently offers a 90-day risk-free trial.
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About the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Each bud is about one-third smaller than its predecessor, weighs less than 7 grammes, and comes with a charging case that fits in a pocket. It also comes with an Eartip Fit Kit, which features a new two-piece system with interchangeable stability bands and ear tips for the all-day comfort and wearability that the QuietComfort brand is known for.
The QC Earbuds II have four microphones in each bud, one on the inside and three on the outside, to detect, measure, and send unwanted noise to a proprietary electronic chip with an exclusive algorithm. In less than a fraction of a millisecond, the system responds with a precise, equal, and opposite signal using tiny transducers.
The QC Earbuds II replace the traditional single-piece ear tip with a two-piece system that includes a stability band that hugs the contour of your ear and an umbrella-shaped silicone ear tip that creates a firm seal at the opening of your ear.
The QC Earbuds II come with a Bose Fit Kit that includes three sizes of ear tips and three sizes of stability bands, allowing for up to nine customisation options for each bud. And, because no two ears are the same — even on the same person — all of the pieces are interchangeable, allowing you to find a comfortable fit that stays in place all day. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques keep the stability bands and ear tips soft and comfortable while also making them durable and easy to replace.
