In spite of Bose's reputation, I was a bit skeptical of these headphones, not for any particular reason, but perhaps only because a link over Bluetooth did not inspire confidence in me concerning final sound quality. Looking at the photos of the headphones, too, made me somewhat concerned that these would be a bit uncomfortable in my ear, due to their design and my sensitive ears.
Well, I was proven wrong on both counts the minute I tried out these headphones. Without a doubt, these are the best earbud-style headphones I have ever heard. From the moment I started testing them, I was extremely impressed with their clarity, dynamic range, "presence," and, yes, even comfort. Most earbuds I have used over the years require a few days of use before they start to "break in" (and, yes, I know there is controversy about this issue, but I have experienced it myself on multiple brands of headphones at all price levels), but these sounded wonderful right from the first moment of play.
If it is helpful, let me be clear and say that I am pairing these with an iPhone X and using high-resolution (24-bit, 192kHz) files, and so some individuals might attribute my reaction to those factors. And there is, of course, a sonic improvement with high-resolution files, and the iPhone X certainly has a good onboard sound system. But after those initial trials, I "downgraded" to lossless rips of CD's (16-bit, 44kHz), and then, finally, moved down to mp3 files (128 bps). Although I could certainly hear the sound quality reduce as I went "down the chain," the earphones themselves continued to sound wonderful, bringing new life to even those relatively low-quality mp3 files.
All of this led me to conclude that these headphones sound so good, and are so comfortable to wear, that they are very likely best-in-class. Sure, you can spend over $1,000 on a set of earbuds, but I wonder if there might be a great diminishing of returns, where the tiniest incremental increase in sound quality carries with it a hefty, NON-incremental price hike. The sound from these Bose headphones is rich, easily covers the range from the lowest bass to the highest highs, has an exceptional presence, adds no noticeable noise from the Bluetooth connection, and presents a natural sonic quality that truly makes the headphones "disappear," leaving only the sound. I must say again, I was deeply impressed, so much so that I will now plan to use these with many of my audio players, not just my phone.
Some of the information that is easily available in the product section I will briefly mention here, as well. The length of the cord, which goes around the back of the neck, is just about the right length so that when you take the phones out of your ears, the earpieces hang in front of your chest, but don't go so far down that they become a nuisance. A nicely-placed small clip attaches to the back of your collar to further secure the headphones (and is easy to attach, remove, even when reaching behind you because it is shaped for a "rear-handed" grip) A very intuitive and easily-accessible volume and microphone control are on the right side of the cord in a single housing (see the photos), and a single button for on/off, paring, and charging indication are almost invisible on the one ear housing, but still easily accessible without having to look. Charging is accomplished but pulling a discreet rubber panel open on the earphone body and plugging in a micro USB cable (supplied, but perhaps too short for a lot of situations: you might want to use a different cable). Battery length is rated at about eight hours, although I have not yet been able to absolutely verify this value as of yet, it appears to be accurate.
The photos of the earbuds which led me to wonder if they would be uncomfortable in my ear (the skin of my ears, including my ears themselves, are sensitive, making many earphones uncomfortable for me to wear). Bose here has done a magnificent job of developing a form fit that is both comfortable AND secure. The curved plastic you see in the photos by the earbuds is actually not plastic at all, but a very flexible and gentle silicone. You simply put the earbud near your ear, press in and twist a little back and forth, and the curved silicone piece pops into the outer ear with just enough "grip" (for lack of better word) to very securely hold the earbud in place, yet are almost unnoticeable. In fact, since this curved silicone piece bears some of the body's weight, it turns out, unbelievably, that these are actually more comfortable than most all of my traditional earbuds which have nothing but the ear canal components (and which I have used for years because on-the-ear headphones hurt my ears in just a matter of minutes).
All I can say is that, after testing these out, I thought to myself that there is a reason that Bose has built a reputation as it has. I do not have any other Bose equipment (I did have some of their speakers back in the 1980's), so I cannot speak at all to their other devices, either good or bad. They certainly have maintained an excellent reputation over these years. What I CAN say that these headphones have easily won me over, and I am truly impressed with their ability to put our truly good sound. Seeming a bit expensive when I ordered them, I now view them as a "bargain" of sorts, due to their sound reproduction. Truly an EASY Five Stars, and well worth your consideration, fully understanding that headphones are a very personal choice. But I recommend you try them out if you have not already, because they truly are amazing, particularly at this price point.
NOTE;
These headphones come with the Stay Hear+ tips, not the standard Stay Hear tips. You will currently (mid 2018) not find replacement buds on Amazon. However, you can purchase replacements directly from Bose at a very reasonable $10 for two pairs of replacement buds, with free expedited shipping. Make sure you get the "+" version when ordering replacement buds!
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Bose SoundSport, Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones for Running and Sports), Black (Renewed) $106.88 & FREE Shipping
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From the manufacturer
Soundsport Wireless Headphones
Engineered for performance.
When you work out, you demand performance. So we engineered a wireless sport headphone that delivers exactly that. And with redesigned StayHear+ Sport tips built for your toughest workout, you have everything you need to push to the next level.
Nothing to lose.
The Bose Connect app makes it easier to connect and switch between devices. Personalize your settings so you can power your workout quickly and easily. Tile makes it easy to find your headphones if they ever go missing. Use the Bose Connect app to update your headphones’ software, then download the Tile app and follow the instructions. And you’ll never lose your music.
The only challenge left is your workout.
SoundSport Wireless
Compare Bose Products
Heart Rate Sensor | | |
IPX4 rating | Sweat Resistant | IPX4 rating |
Up to 6 hours | Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
Track lost earbuds | ||
| | NFC Pairing | |
StayHear+ Sport tips | StayHear+ Tips | StayHear+ Pulse tips |
Charging case |
Heart Rate Sensor | ||
IPX4 rating | Sweat Resistant | IPX4 rating |
Up to 6 hours | Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
Track lost earbuds | | |
| | NFC Pairing | |
StayHear+ Sport tips | StayHear+ Tips | StayHear+ Sport tips |
Charging case | |
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This Item  Bose SoundSport, Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones for Running and Sports), Black |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $179.99 | $39.99 | $115.00 | $269.00 | $299.00 | -20% $159.95 List: $199.95 |
| Delivery | Get it May 16 - 20 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 17 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Sold By | bexpress | Litaier | Pro Wireless | Adorama | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| connectivity tech | Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2 | Wireless | वायरलस | Wireless | Wireless, Bluetooth, Apple H1 Chip, NFC |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | Open Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | usb,wireless | wireless | 3.5mm Jack | usb | — | USB Type C |
| noise control | — | sound isolation | — | active noise cancellation | — | active noise cancellation |
| headphones jack | USB | — | — | usb | — | USB |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Tangle Free | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable |
| control type | Volume Control | Volume Control | remote | Media Control | Media Control | Call Control,Volume Control,Media Control,App Control,Voice Control,Noise Control |
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Detailed Review and Comparisons
For several years now, Bose headphones have been a staple in our household. It began with the Bose QC15 over-ear noise canceling headphones. That purchase made us spoiled by great sound and discontent with any lesser pair of speakers of any type. So, could Bose duplicate their incredibly high audio standard on a small pair of wireless and rugged in-ear headphones? The answer is, absolutely! That said, the Bose SoundSport Wireless may not be for everyone. There are trade-offs that you should know about before you buy. I have had my pair for a couple of weeks now. Here are the details of my experience with the headphones...SOUND QUALITYThe sound quality is absolutely fantastic. To describe it with just one word, the sound is RICH! There is a quality depth and warmth to the music that is better than I have ever heard on Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The music also comes across very detailed and dynamic. The high notes on a guitar tickle my ears while a deep bass line has more than enough punch to get me jiving. If you are new to Bose, you will be thrilled with the sound quality. If you already own other Bose speakers, then you will appreciate that the company's rich sound signature has not been lost on this wireless pair of sport headphones.FIT & COMFORTThe Stay Hear ear tips do an amazing job of, well, actually staying in your ears. I also have a pair of Bose QC20 headphones with the same type of tips. With nearly two years of use, the ear pieces have NEVER fallen out with the QC20's. Not even when the wire is caught and tugged. Thus far, my experience has been the same with the new SoundSport. They have never fallen out. Plus there is no tethered wire to worry about getting caught on something. Perfect for activity. While jogging, washing the car and other various activities the headphones just stay in with no adjustment.The silicon tips are also very comfortable though not as soft as those on the QC20. I assume that the extra heft is to hold the additional weight that the SoundSport earpieces have. Understandable as the earpieces house a battery, Bluetooth antenna, buttons and other electronics. It is surprising that they still feel as comfortable and natural in the ear as they do.BLUETOOTHPairing was straight-forward on my iPhone, iPad and iMac. I love that they are NFC enabled.The Bluetooth range is fairly great. I can leave my phone in one place and walk anywhere in our two story 2500 sq foot home without a dropout. When listening away from home (phone in a pocket), I also have never experienced even a hiccup in the connection.My only difficulty with the Bluetooth turned out to be something I appreciate. Let me explain.... once paired, the headphones automatically connect to the last two devices they were paired with. When you first power on the headphones, if one of those two devices is not in range, then the headphones find and reconnect to any other previously paired device. This is great, but for me it worked almost too well. One time I powered on the headphones to listen to music on my iPhone only to find music playing from the iMac that my wife was using. So, my wife wondered why her music was no longer audible on her computer and I was confounded by the mystery music on my headset. This type of scenario happened a couple of times and became very annoying until we downloaded the Bose connect App. With the App, we can now easily tell the headphones which device we want connected. Presently, I have grown to appreciate how "sticky" the Bluetooth pairing is. I have never had to re-pair anything and I can easily switch between devices using the Connect App. By the way, the App also automatically updates the firmware on the headphones when needed. Nice!DURABILITYI read several older reviews where people had faulty units with a malfunctioning earpiece overtime. I also read somewhere that Bose found the issue and fixed the problem in its latest production. I have had no issue with my pair. Everything feels solid and built for abuse. By the way, the included neoprene case feels incredibly seamless and protects the headphones very well.BATTERY LIFEBose states that the headphones get up to six hours battery life per charge. I have found this to be fairly accurate. The battery has never died on me mid-workout. Neither have I ever been surprised when they do need charging because of the voice prompt that announces the battery with each power on. Still, consider that they are yet another thing to charge. For me, a welcome concession to be able to exercise wire free.CONCLUSIONIn the end, I am very happy with the Bose SoundSport Wireless. The bottom-line is that they sound fantastic, are comfortable, they stay in place and keep a reliable Bluetooth connection. If you are in the market for workout ready headphones - I highly recommend the SoundSport Wireless. I expect to enjoy mine for years to come.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2017
Color: BlackVerified Purchase
For several years now, Bose headphones have been a staple in our household. It began with the Bose QC15 over-ear noise canceling headphones. That purchase made us spoiled by great sound and discontent with any lesser pair of speakers of any type. So, could Bose duplicate their incredibly high audio standard on a small pair of wireless and rugged in-ear headphones? The answer is, absolutely! That said, the Bose SoundSport Wireless may not be for everyone. There are trade-offs that you should know about before you buy. I have had my pair for a couple of weeks now. Here are the details of my experience with the headphones...
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality is absolutely fantastic. To describe it with just one word, the sound is RICH! There is a quality depth and warmth to the music that is better than I have ever heard on Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The music also comes across very detailed and dynamic. The high notes on a guitar tickle my ears while a deep bass line has more than enough punch to get me jiving. If you are new to Bose, you will be thrilled with the sound quality. If you already own other Bose speakers, then you will appreciate that the company's rich sound signature has not been lost on this wireless pair of sport headphones.
FIT & COMFORT
The Stay Hear ear tips do an amazing job of, well, actually staying in your ears. I also have a pair of Bose QC20 headphones with the same type of tips. With nearly two years of use, the ear pieces have NEVER fallen out with the QC20's. Not even when the wire is caught and tugged. Thus far, my experience has been the same with the new SoundSport. They have never fallen out. Plus there is no tethered wire to worry about getting caught on something. Perfect for activity. While jogging, washing the car and other various activities the headphones just stay in with no adjustment.
The silicon tips are also very comfortable though not as soft as those on the QC20. I assume that the extra heft is to hold the additional weight that the SoundSport earpieces have. Understandable as the earpieces house a battery, Bluetooth antenna, buttons and other electronics. It is surprising that they still feel as comfortable and natural in the ear as they do.
BLUETOOTH
Pairing was straight-forward on my iPhone, iPad and iMac. I love that they are NFC enabled.
The Bluetooth range is fairly great. I can leave my phone in one place and walk anywhere in our two story 2500 sq foot home without a dropout. When listening away from home (phone in a pocket), I also have never experienced even a hiccup in the connection.
My only difficulty with the Bluetooth turned out to be something I appreciate. Let me explain.... once paired, the headphones automatically connect to the last two devices they were paired with. When you first power on the headphones, if one of those two devices is not in range, then the headphones find and reconnect to any other previously paired device. This is great, but for me it worked almost too well. One time I powered on the headphones to listen to music on my iPhone only to find music playing from the iMac that my wife was using. So, my wife wondered why her music was no longer audible on her computer and I was confounded by the mystery music on my headset. This type of scenario happened a couple of times and became very annoying until we downloaded the Bose connect App. With the App, we can now easily tell the headphones which device we want connected. Presently, I have grown to appreciate how "sticky" the Bluetooth pairing is. I have never had to re-pair anything and I can easily switch between devices using the Connect App. By the way, the App also automatically updates the firmware on the headphones when needed. Nice!
DURABILITY
I read several older reviews where people had faulty units with a malfunctioning earpiece overtime. I also read somewhere that Bose found the issue and fixed the problem in its latest production. I have had no issue with my pair. Everything feels solid and built for abuse. By the way, the included neoprene case feels incredibly seamless and protects the headphones very well.
BATTERY LIFE
Bose states that the headphones get up to six hours battery life per charge. I have found this to be fairly accurate. The battery has never died on me mid-workout. Neither have I ever been surprised when they do need charging because of the voice prompt that announces the battery with each power on. Still, consider that they are yet another thing to charge. For me, a welcome concession to be able to exercise wire free.
CONCLUSION
In the end, I am very happy with the Bose SoundSport Wireless. The bottom-line is that they sound fantastic, are comfortable, they stay in place and keep a reliable Bluetooth connection. If you are in the market for workout ready headphones - I highly recommend the SoundSport Wireless. I expect to enjoy mine for years to come.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality is absolutely fantastic. To describe it with just one word, the sound is RICH! There is a quality depth and warmth to the music that is better than I have ever heard on Bluetooth in-ear headphones. The music also comes across very detailed and dynamic. The high notes on a guitar tickle my ears while a deep bass line has more than enough punch to get me jiving. If you are new to Bose, you will be thrilled with the sound quality. If you already own other Bose speakers, then you will appreciate that the company's rich sound signature has not been lost on this wireless pair of sport headphones.
FIT & COMFORT
The Stay Hear ear tips do an amazing job of, well, actually staying in your ears. I also have a pair of Bose QC20 headphones with the same type of tips. With nearly two years of use, the ear pieces have NEVER fallen out with the QC20's. Not even when the wire is caught and tugged. Thus far, my experience has been the same with the new SoundSport. They have never fallen out. Plus there is no tethered wire to worry about getting caught on something. Perfect for activity. While jogging, washing the car and other various activities the headphones just stay in with no adjustment.
The silicon tips are also very comfortable though not as soft as those on the QC20. I assume that the extra heft is to hold the additional weight that the SoundSport earpieces have. Understandable as the earpieces house a battery, Bluetooth antenna, buttons and other electronics. It is surprising that they still feel as comfortable and natural in the ear as they do.
BLUETOOTH
Pairing was straight-forward on my iPhone, iPad and iMac. I love that they are NFC enabled.
The Bluetooth range is fairly great. I can leave my phone in one place and walk anywhere in our two story 2500 sq foot home without a dropout. When listening away from home (phone in a pocket), I also have never experienced even a hiccup in the connection.
My only difficulty with the Bluetooth turned out to be something I appreciate. Let me explain.... once paired, the headphones automatically connect to the last two devices they were paired with. When you first power on the headphones, if one of those two devices is not in range, then the headphones find and reconnect to any other previously paired device. This is great, but for me it worked almost too well. One time I powered on the headphones to listen to music on my iPhone only to find music playing from the iMac that my wife was using. So, my wife wondered why her music was no longer audible on her computer and I was confounded by the mystery music on my headset. This type of scenario happened a couple of times and became very annoying until we downloaded the Bose connect App. With the App, we can now easily tell the headphones which device we want connected. Presently, I have grown to appreciate how "sticky" the Bluetooth pairing is. I have never had to re-pair anything and I can easily switch between devices using the Connect App. By the way, the App also automatically updates the firmware on the headphones when needed. Nice!
DURABILITY
I read several older reviews where people had faulty units with a malfunctioning earpiece overtime. I also read somewhere that Bose found the issue and fixed the problem in its latest production. I have had no issue with my pair. Everything feels solid and built for abuse. By the way, the included neoprene case feels incredibly seamless and protects the headphones very well.
BATTERY LIFE
Bose states that the headphones get up to six hours battery life per charge. I have found this to be fairly accurate. The battery has never died on me mid-workout. Neither have I ever been surprised when they do need charging because of the voice prompt that announces the battery with each power on. Still, consider that they are yet another thing to charge. For me, a welcome concession to be able to exercise wire free.
CONCLUSION
In the end, I am very happy with the Bose SoundSport Wireless. The bottom-line is that they sound fantastic, are comfortable, they stay in place and keep a reliable Bluetooth connection. If you are in the market for workout ready headphones - I highly recommend the SoundSport Wireless. I expect to enjoy mine for years to come.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Wilson
Solid design for active use case, battery life is a bit short
Reviewed in Canada on December 25, 2020Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Hugo F F
Melhor som no mercado.
Reviewed in Brazil on November 21, 2020Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Eduardo Balbinot
Good sound, but stopped working after 7 months
Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 23, 2021Color: BlackVerified Purchase
