For many years now, Bose has been creating some of the best sounding audio gear. This gear ranges from noise-canceling technology headphones to some of the best home audio systems. But their latest addition of wireless earphones has certainly rounded out the Bose brand. The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones are the newest and first Bluetooth sport in-ear headphones that have been specifically designed for active use. Made to last for 6 hours of playtime these headphones are designed to be sweat and weather-resistant. Bose has also designed these headphones to create a comfortable fit with their uniquely shaped StayHear + Sports tips. While these headphones can be on the pricey side, but we will review these headphones to help you make an informed decision.
Design & Construction
The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones are available in several color options - aqua and black. While a wide selection of earbud inline controllers tends to only work with iOS devices, that is not the case for these headphones. Bose has created these headphones to be able to work with both versions.
Upon opening up the headphones box you will notice that the SoundSport Wireless headphones may seem a little larger than its peers. This could be due to the fact that Bose has used some of the strongest plastic that is available. Their choice in high-end plastic makes these headphones feel like they are very well made. Needless to say, the bulkiness of these headphones can be a little off-putting at first. The Bose SoundSport Wireless are currently the largest wireless in-ear headphones out on the market. This can be a drawback for most people since other companies are producing headphones that are getting smaller all the time.
The connecting wire output has been reinforced with a flexible silicone that provides a wide range of flexibility. While so much more range of motion does have us a bit concerned about how the long the devices will last. The cord does not come with a tangle-free option. Which seems like a design error, as most sport ear buds are usually just thrown into a pocket or gym bag.
Overall, the design of these headphones is very good. The Bose SoundSport Wireless is a hybrid deign that has a matte rubber lining the outside and a hard shiny plastic inner casting. Both of which helps to make these headphones sweat-resistant and sturdy.
Super Soft Earbuds
The Bose SoundSport Wireless has been designed with some of the most amazingly soft ear tips. These ear tips easily fit inside every ear so they are able to create a very secure and stable fit. This suburb fit is due to the streamlined integrated wings. These headphones have made working out easier. The secure fit means that you will never need to readjust them while in the middle of a workout session. Not matter how sweaty and intense your workout gets, you will know that these Sound Sports will stay where they should. Being sweat resistance means that you will never have to worry about damaging them while you are out killing your workout.
Ear Shape
The Bose SoundSport Wireless in-ear design means that the headphones will sit right at the opening of the ear canal, and create a gentle seal that works to improve audio performance. This is different than most other earbuds since others will sit on the outside of the ear canal. The protruding piece also allows the sound able to be shot outward. The ear tips come in three different sizes, small, medium, and large. Which means that you are able to get the perfect fit no matter what size your ears are. Having the ear tips come in three sizes means that the Bose SoundSport headphones are one of the most comfortable headphones that are currently on the market. While the earbuds are soft and stay where they should the earbud shape can feel weird to some ears. The gel wing section of the earbud fights right under the antihelix of your ear. If these are worn correctly you will not have to worry about them falling out during your next intense workout. Some people might notice that the unique ear bud design can cause some ears to feel fatigued. This discomfort only starts after you have worn the headphones for over an hour. Plus the design does not offer complete sound isolation.
Battery Life
The battery life on these wireless headphones averages to about 6 hours, thanks to the Lithium-ion battery. This battery life is pretty average for wireless headphones. Right out of the box, the initial battery life will last a few hours before you have to plug them into a charger. To find out how much battery life is left you can sure the voice cue that comes with the SoundSort. For those that have an iOS device, you can check the battery life in the Notification center. The SoundSport headphones will probably not make a good replacement for your everyday earbuds. Since there is a limited 6-hour battery life the ease and convenience of them are lost if you plan on using them for long periods of time.
Bluetooth Connectivity
With Bluetooth 4.1 Multi-Point technology you are given the ability to connect three different devices simultaneously. This means that you also never have to manually go into your Bluetooth settings to pair your device again. SoundSport also supports NFC pairing, with the simple tap of a compatible remote. NFC makes it easy for you to switch from one device to another, by using the in-line remote. The remote also lets you skip tracks, adjust volume and even answer phone calls that are coming through. The range of the Bluetooth is pretty average and works up to 30 feet.
Bose is the first company that has made an effort to ensure that the Bluetooth connection is crystal clear. This clear connection is able to withstand indoor and outdoor situations without there being no interference.
The right earbud is home to the multi-function power button. It allows you to toggle between different paired devices and pair new devices. Which means that you are able to switch between your phone, tablet or computer. Being able to seamlessly switch from one device to another while playing audio. This convenient feature makes these the perfect addition to any body's workout session.
Sound Test
The SoundSport is able to deliver a solid and balanced performance with a good amount of bass. Audio sounds are clean, clear and crisp. These headphones are able to create enough lows in the bass range to make lots of people appreciated the sound. The deep lows are not so low that they start to interfere with the mid and high levels of sound. Although, Bose paid these headphones some extra attention to the low end of the music, they could have spent some extra time in the mid and high range. Listening to music for several hours straight means that your ears will never get tired.
With Bose being a leader in the sound equipment you would expect these headphones to blow away the competition. This is not the case if you like to listen to your music very loud. The SoundSport headphones are underpowered when they are compared to other wireless headphones other there. In order to listen to your music at a reasonable level, you will have to have the volume setting up pretty high. By doing this you are leaving a very small amount of room for the sound to get louder.
Unlike other wireless headphones, these will not block or isolate other noise from your ears. Which means that any background noise will be easily audible, even though you are wearing headphones. This seems like a something that Bose has overlooked since many of their other headphones are created with noise-canceling technology. Although listening to music will help overpower a large amount of external noise, there could be some improvement in that department.
Ease of Use
Setting up wireless headphones has never been easier. Upon turning on these headphones, you will be greeted with a robotic voice that gives you an update on your devices battery life. The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones will also power down if you have not used them for a certain amount of time. While these wireless headphones are able to work with iPhone and Andriod there are some hangups. The Bluetooth connection does not run very smoothly with it is connected to Android devices. While the iPhone on the hand runs more smoothly, but it still has the occasional interference problem.
Bose also comes with Bose Connect, which is a free downloadable app for Android and iOS. This app will let you adjust various Bose SoundSport settings, which includes updating the firmware, and changing the pairing list.
Charging
The Bose SoundSport Wireless headphone is able to be charged through the micro-USB port. The cord can be plugged into a USB port on the computer or a wall charger. Completely charging these headphones will take about 2 hours. Once they are fully charged the battery indicator light will turn green.
Special Features
- LED light indicates battery life
- Sweat and water resistant
- Free Bose Connect app
- Automatically power-downs when not in use
- High level of comfort
- 6-hour battery life
- Designed with hard plastic makes these a durable option
- Bluetooth or NFC pairing
- Volume-optimized EQ produces a well-balanced audio sound at any sound level
- Lithium-ion battery
- StayHear+ Sports tips offer great comfort and stability
The Good
Being an in-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones that are sweat resistant makes these a winning option. The earphones provide a secure fit, thanks to its winged tip design. The StayHear earbuds tips have been specifically designed to be used in numerous sports activities. Being completely wireless means that you are able to pursue all your favorite high adventure activities.
The Bad
Unlike other headphones, these will stick out of your ears quite a bit. Which means they tend to be a little bulky with no extra weight. Having headphones that stick out a little bit means that you could have some issues wearing these under certain helmets. The cord length is no designed to be adjusted. But Bose has included a hook that can be attached to the back of your shirt. This means that the cord will not flop around as much while you are out and about. The short battery life of 6 hours is a drawback as well.
The Verdict
The Bose SoundSport Wireless in-ear headphones overall produce a great sound. They are also very durable, with a good battery life that allows for 6 hours of uninterrupted music listening time. The comfortable design allows you to wear these headphones through many intense workouts. The boosted bass and treble sound that has come to be known as the Bose signature sound can be found in their newly released wireless headphones.The only downside to these headphones is that there are other smaller, less bulky wireless headphones out there. But all in all these Bose headphones are great for those that are looking for a sturdy wireless sport in-ear headphone option.