The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 (QC Earbuds 2) offer a compelling blend of comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation at a competitive price point. Positioned as Bose's entry-level noise-canceling earbuds, they undercut more expensive competitors like the AirPods Pro 2 and Beats Fit Pro, making premium audio technology more accessible. This review dives deep into their performance, particularly focusing on their suitability for runners. We'll examine the secure fit, sweat resistance, and effectiveness of the noise cancellation during workouts, alongside evaluating sound quality, battery life, and overall usability.Are the QC Earbuds 2 the ultimate running earbuds? We explore this question by analyzing the pros and cons of their design, including the touch controls and their performance in various weather conditions. From long runs to everyday use, we assess their versatility and compare them to rival models from Jabra and Apple. Discover whether the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 deliver on their promise of exceptional audio and a comfortable, secure fit for even the most demanding workouts.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive compared to competitors.
- Good fit, comfortable for extended use (even hours at a time).
- Secure fit, especially with the largest wing tips.
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance.
- Good battery life (8.5 hours on a single charge, 31.5 hours total with case).
- Multipoint connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3.
- Good sound quality, particularly in the upper ranges, with customizable EQ.
- Effective noise cancellation (ANC) for general use (planes, trains, office).
- Useful transparency mode.
- Good quick charge feature (20 minutes for 3 hours of playback).
- ANC brings in significant wind noise during runs, making it less useful in windy conditions.
- Touch controls can be sensitive and accidentally activated while adjusting the earbuds.
- Touch controls are unreliable with gloves.
- Voice controls can be annoying and prone to accidental activation.
- Case could have better battery life.
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Pricing and Design
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2nd Gen) are positioned as Bose's entry-level noise-canceling earbuds, sitting below the QC Ultra. They offer a significant price advantage, retailing for $179.95 in the UK and $179 in the US. This makes them noticeably cheaper than competitors like the AirPods Pro 2 or Beats Fit Pro.
A key design difference from previous Bose QC earbuds is the absence of the stem. This results in a more compact, in-ear design that sits closer and more comfortably in the ear. The earbuds come in three colors: white, black, and lilac, and include multiple ear tip and wing sizes for a customized fit.
Fit and Durability
Achieving a secure and comfortable fit is crucial for running earbuds. The Bose QC Earbuds 2 achieve this with a combination of multiple ear tip and wing sizes. I found the largest wing size with a medium ear tip provided the best, most secure fit without compromising comfort. This was crucial for my long runs.
With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, suitable even for intense workouts in wet conditions. While not fully waterproof, the protection offered has been more than sufficient during my runs.
Controls and Connectivity
The Bose QC Earbuds 2 feature touch controls on the earbuds themselves, along with voice controls, both customizable via the Bose Music app. While the touch controls are generally responsive and provide tactile feedback, they can be a bit sensitive, leading to accidental actions when adjusting the earbuds during runs.
Winter running presents a challenge with touch controls. Using them with gloves significantly reduces their reliability. The voice controls, while convenient in some situations, can also be prone to accidental activation.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Sound quality is excellent, with clear and loud audio, especially in the higher frequencies. The bass is adequate, not overwhelming but sufficient for various music genres. A customizable EQ in the Bose Music app allows for further personalization.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is impressive for general use, effectively blocking out sounds on planes or in busy environments. However, during runs, the ANC brings in significant wind noise. The transparency mode and the off mode provided better options for running.
Battery Life and Additional Features
Battery life is a strong point, with 8.5 hours of playback on a single charge and a total of 31.5 hours with the charging case. While impressive, a larger battery capacity in the case would have been beneficial. A quick charge feature provides 3 hours of playback after 20 minutes of charging.
Bose Immersive Audio is a feature to consider, though it might slightly reduce battery life. Overall, the battery life surpasses many competitors, offering a good balance between longevity and charging speed.
Verdict and Comparison
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are a strong contender for runners seeking high-quality earbuds for both workouts and everyday use. The combination of exceptional sound, effective ANC (for non-windy conditions), and a secure, comfortable fit makes them a compelling choice. The price is competitive, especially when compared to AirPods Pro 2 or Beats Fit Pro.
Compared to Jabra Elite Active earbuds, the Bose QC Earbuds 2 offer arguably better sound and ANC, though Jabra offers longer battery life in some models. AirPods Pro 2 provide excellent comfort but may not stay in ears as well as Bose during runs. Beats Fit Pro offers a superior secure fit with ear hooks, but lacks the superior ANC found in the Bose.