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Bose has long been a benchmark in the audio industry, but with the QuietComfort Earbuds II, the brand takes things to another level.
Released in September 2022 and available in a sleek Triple Black finish, these earbuds were designed for one thing: immersive silence and refined sound. At $299, they sit firmly in the premium tier—but do they deliver enough to justify the cost?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore how Bose achieved such a high-performing design in a small, comfortable form.
From CustomTune personalization to intelligent ANC and real-world usability, here’s how these earbuds aim to become your daily audio sanctuary.
A Compact Design Built for Comfort and Control
Bose made significant refinements in both shape and ergonomics without compromising on quality.
- Lighter and Smaller: Each earbud weighs just 6.24g and is 30% smaller than its predecessor. This redesign makes them feel less bulky and more wearable throughout the day.
- Custom Fit System: Three sizes of oval silicone eartips and stability bands let you fine-tune the fit for your ears. This ensures a secure seal and reduces pressure, even during long use.
- Water Resistance: With an IPX4 rating, the earbuds are sweat- and splash-resistant—ideal for workouts and commutes alike.
- Redesigned Case: Now smaller and pocket-friendly at just over 2.6 inches wide, the new case is far more portable than the original version.
These design changes work together to enhance comfort while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic Bose is known for.
Noise Cancellation That Redefines the Category
What truly sets the QuietComfort Earbuds II apart is Bose’s CustomTune technology, which calibrates ANC based on your unique ear shape.
- Adaptive ANC: CustomTune maps your ear canal and adjusts noise cancellation in real time. The result is consistently stronger isolation than competitors like Sony’s WF-1000XM4 or the AirPods Pro 2.
- Two Key Modes: Full ANC mode blocks virtually everything. Aware Mode uses ActiveSense to let ambient sound in, adjusting dynamically for sudden loud noises.
- Custom Presets: The Bose Music app allows you to create personalized ANC settings for specific environments like offices, airplanes, or city streets.
This level of adaptability makes the QuietComfort Earbuds II particularly valuable for frequent travelers or those working in noisy environments.
Audio Performance That Balances Power and Precision
Beyond silence, the
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- Rich Drivers: 9.3mm dynamic drivers provide a full soundstage with clear highs and a satisfying bass presence.
- Custom Audio Tuning: The same CustomTune system that enhances ANC also optimizes EQ for your ears, improving tonal balance.
- EQ Control: You can tweak the 3-band EQ through the Bose app or choose from presets like Bass Boost.
- Codec Support: While they support Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC, there’s no aptX or LDAC—an unfortunate omission for audiophiles.
Despite lacking high-res codec support, most users will find the audio quality exceptionally clean and immersive for everyday listening.
Smart Features That Streamline Daily Use
The interface and user experience are mostly smooth, though not without limitations.
- Gesture Controls: Taps and swipes are fully customizable via the Bose app.
- Wear Detection: Auto-pause/resume functionality adds a touch of convenience when removing or reinserting the earbuds.
- Voice Assistant Support: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are all compatible.
- Stable Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures low drop-out rates and decent range—20 feet indoors, 30 feet outdoors.
What’s missing, though, is Bluetooth multipoint, which would allow simultaneous connection to two devices. This is a noticeable gap in an otherwise premium feature set.
Solid Battery Life, But Lacking Wireless Charging
Battery performance is respectable but not class-leading.
- Playback Time: 6 hours on a full charge with ANC on.
- Charging Case: Offers 3 full recharges, bringing the total to about 24 hours of use.
- Quick Charge: 20 minutes yields about 2 hours of listening time.
- Charging Method: USB-C only—no wireless charging.
The absence of Qi charging is one of the few areas where these earbuds feel behind the curve, especially at this price.
Call Quality: Adequate Indoors, Less Reliable Outdoors
Call performance is a mixed bag.
- Quad-Mic Setup: Indoor calls are clear and balanced.
- Wind Struggles: Outdoor performance drops in breezy conditions, where background noise can overpower your voice.
- Noise Rejection: Works well for moderate environments but isn’t the strongest in class.
While not a dealbreaker, this makes the earbuds less reliable for those who regularly take calls in unpredictable environments.
Where They Shine—and Where They Fall Short
The QuietComfort Earbuds II outperform rivals in some key areas but leave room for improvement in others.
Advantages:
- Best-in-class noise cancellation via CustomTune
- Comfortable and secure fit for long wear
- Excellent sound tailored to your ears
- Responsive controls and app customization
Drawbacks:
- No wireless charging
- No Bluetooth multipoint support
- Lacks high-resolution codec support
- Wind sensitivity during calls
Despite these trade-offs, they excel at their primary goal: shutting out the world.
Built for Those Who Need Silence First
If your top priority is noise cancellation—whether you’re on a plane, in a bustling office, or just trying to focus—the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are hard to beat. The CustomTune system and redesigned form factor create a quiet, comfortable, and immersive experience that’s easy to live with day to day.
While the missing features like multipoint connectivity and wireless charging may sway some users toward other options, the core performance makes a strong case for the investment.
Available on Amazon Today’s Deals, the QuietComfort Earbuds II offer an unmatched sanctuary for your ears—compact, refined, and stunningly quiet.