Bose SoundSport Wireless

[ApplePersonFreak]

I'm a fan of Bose and the price is pretty reasonable for these, so I am wanting to grab them. I haven't seen too much talk on it, but was wondering if anyone own them and what they think about them. AirPods have nice reviews from what I've seen, but I'm not a fan of the design. Maybe next year's model? But anyways, if you have the Soundsport wireless, let me know what you think about them and if they're worth the money.

 

[ibookg409]

I'm a fan of Bose and the price is pretty reasonable for these, so I am wanting to grab them. I haven't seen too much talk on it, but was wondering if anyone own them and what they think about them. AirPods have nice reviews from what I've seen, but I'm not a fan of the design. Maybe next year's model? But anyways, if you have the Soundsport wireless, let me know what you think about them and if they're worth the money.

I just bought a pair. Leagues better than the AirPods imho.

 

[Night Spring]

Have been using the SoundSport since October. I love them. Sound quality is as good as the Bose wired earphones. I haven't tried the AirPods, but all reviews I've seen seem to indicate that the sound quality of the AirPods isn't as good as the Bose. The wire on the SoundSport is very sturdy and comfortable around the neck, and doesn't get tangled when I stuff them into my pocket. It comes with a carrying case, but I'm finding I don't need to use the case so often, because it's sturdy enough to just roll up and stuff into my coat pocket.

And the Bose app that you download from the App Store is great for fast connecting and switching between devices. Interestingly, from what I've been reading about AirPods, it seems the SoundSport is better at switching devices if you use non-Apple devices along with at least one iOS device. I use mine to listen to my TV, and because the SoundSport connects to two devices at once, I can keep it connected to my phone and tv, and if a phone call comes in while I'm watching tv, it seamlessly switches to phone, and once the call is over, sound from tv automatically comes back on. I thought AirPods would do this, but from what people are saying, it doesn't quite work as smoothly like this.

 

[Neitin]

I bought myself one and its amazing. Quality is top notch and sound is perfect for my taste.

 

[ApplePersonFreak]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I like the design of them as well and how they look. The aqua are my favorites. Hoping they go on sale soon like the Jaybird x3 did this past week.

 

[whsbuss]

Tried the Bose SoundSport back in October at their store. Both me and my wife didn't like how flimsy they felt. Using the controller on the wire was awkward as well. We both got AirPods on Monday and could not be more pleased. I will agree the Bose have a bit better sound quality.

 

[cavemonkey50]

I have both the SoundSport wireless headphones and AirPods.

In terms of sound quality, the SoundSport wireless headphones are the best sounding Bluetooth earbud-style headphones I've used. The earhooks that Bose uses are a brilliant design and perfect for running as they keep the headphones super-secure. The clip on the cable for attaching to the back of your shirt is also a well thought out addition to eliminate cable bounce when moving.

The only downside I have with them is the style of sticking out of your ear. That was not a problem in the summer and fall months, but now that it's winter and I want to wear a hat on my head, the design is uncomfortable. The headphones get pressed into my ear or can fall out of my ear if I adjust my hat.

I've been dealing with the inconvenience of the design because the sound quality is just that amazing. If they can get rid of the protruding receivers sticking out of the earbuds, even with the wire connecting them, Bose will how have made the perfect athletic Bluetooth headphones.

With that being said, I'll still love my AirPods. The are the perfect Bluetooth headphones for everyday life. The convenience of them is astonishing and the sound quality is very, very good. I just don't trust them for hitting the elements with.

I've used quite a few headphones over the past year, so if this helps, here's the order I would rate the sound quality (best to worst):

- Beats Studio
- SoundSport Wireless
- AirPods
- SoundSport Wired
- PowerBeats 2
- EarPods

 

[whsbuss]

I have both the SoundSport wireless headphones and AirPods.

In terms of sound quality, the SoundSport wireless headphones are the best sounding Bluetooth earbud-style headphones I've used. The earhooks that Bose uses are a brilliant design and perfect for running as they keep the headphones super-secure. The clip on the cable for attaching to the back of your shirt is also a well thought out addition to eliminate cable bounce when moving.

The only downside I have with them is the style of sticking out of your ear. That was not a problem in the summer and fall months, but now that it's winter and I want to wear a hat on my head, the design is uncomfortable. The headphones get pressed into my ear or can fall out of my ear if I adjust my hat.

I've been dealing with the inconvenience of the design because the sound quality is just that amazing. If they can get rid of the protruding receivers sticking out of the earbuds, even with the wire connecting them, Bose will how have made the perfect athletic Bluetooth headphones.

With that being said, I'll still love my AirPods. The are the perfect Bluetooth headphones for everyday life. The convenience of them is astonishing and the sound quality is very, very good. I just don't trust them for hitting the elements with.

I've used quite a few headphones over the past year, so if this helps, here's the order I would rate the sound quality (best to worst):

- Beats Studio
- SoundSport Wireless
- AirPods
- SoundSport Wired
- PowerBeats 2
- EarPods

I wouldn't worry about the AirPods in the elements - check out 9to5mac's website. They had a full write up about how they survived water emersion

 

[kingston73]

I've had them for a few weeks and am very happy with them. Everything everyone else has said is true, can't add anything other than they're worth the price.

 

[ApplePersonFreak]

Thanks guys!!

 

[objektør]

I am interested in them as well. Watched some reviews on YouTube.
Most of it is mentioned here.
I had the non wireless Bose and really liked the sound and fit. I don't like the earbuds that go really in to your ears. Very uncomfortable even though they might sound better and keep the outside world outside (something I do not prefer).
For me the biggest disadvantage of the Bose wireless is the protruding receivers. They will catch a lot of wind while cycling (or just walking on a windy day) and it was mentioned on YT that they were quite 'heavy'. Compared to the AirPods everything is heavy I presume.
Not everyone on YT was pleased with the neck cable either.

 

[ibookg409]

I am interested in them as well. Watched some reviews on YouTube.
Most of it is mentioned here.
I had the non wireless Bose and really liked the sound and fit. I don't like the earbuds that go really in to your ears. Very uncomfortable even though they might sound better and keep the outside world outside (something I do not prefer).
For me the biggest disadvantage of the Bose wireless is the protruding receivers. They will catch a lot of wind while cycling (or just walking on a windy day) and it was mentioned on YT that they were quite 'heavy'. Compared to the AirPods everything is heavy I presume.
Not everyone on YT was pleased with the neck cable either.

I don't mind the neck wire. The sound is awesome and when paired with the Bose charging case you have a real winner through and through. The protruding receivers are a bit annoying in cold weather as I can't quite comfortably cover my ears all the way because the receivers interfere a bit with my ear muffs. Other than that they are perfect.

 

[MajicSho]

I've been using the Bose Wireless Sports since September and I'm almost never seen without them.
They sound great, very light in the ears, never fall out and great at connecting two devices and switching between them without any hiccups.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I have both the SoundSport wireless headphones and AirPods.

I also have both the Bose SoundSport wireless and AirPods. I've had the Bose since they were released this summer.

The Bose are better-sounding for my tastes, with a richer, deeper base. I run 40-60 miles per week and they also feel more secure in my ears. I run with my phone in a belt, so having the inline play/pause and volume controls is convenient (if not essential).

But I use the AirPods now for day-to-day activities (generally, non-exercise activities). They sound fine and are very light. Not having the cord between the two pods is great. I've even run with them a few times when I've needed to were a hat (which is a struggle with the Bose) and they've worked well (other than not being able to adjust the volume or repeat tracks without my phone).

If I could only have one pair, I'd probably opt for the AirPods...but they both have their strengths.

 

[gui0312]

I also have both the Bose SoundSport wireless and AirPods. I've had the Bose since they were released this summer.

The Bose are better-sounding for my tastes, with a richer, deeper base. I run 40-60 miles per week and they also feel more secure in my ears. I run with my phone in a belt, so having the inline play/pause and volume controls is convenient (if not essential).

But I use the AirPods now for day-to-day activities (generally, non-exercise activities). They sound fine and are very light. Not having the cord between the two pods is great. I've even run with them a few times when I've needed to were a hat (which is a struggle with the Bose) and they've worked well (other than not being able to adjust the volume or repeat tracks without my phone).

If I could only have one pair, I'd probably opt for the AirPods...but they both have their strengths.

I just got these as a gift and I couldn't help noticing how low they sound (iPhone 7P, MBP 2016, iPad Pro) It's not just the volume, but the fullness? (Idk if that's how you refer to it). I downloaded the Bose app and did perform the update. I am contemplating the AirPods now after seeing a couple of reviews. I love the fact how they pair to all my devices seamlessly, at least of they show. To pair the Bose from iPhone to mbp, or iPad is cumbersome.

 

[Night Spring]

To pair the Bose from iPhone to mbp, or iPad is cumbersome.

You do have to pair it manually the first time, but once you do, then you can use the Bose app to switch from one paired device to another. Personally, I find it very quick, and in some cases, it appears easier than with the AirPods, which, from what I'm reading, can only be connected to one device at a time (SoundSport connects to two), and only switches seamlessly between an iPhone and an Apple Watch. For all other devices, you have to be at the device you want to connect to in order to switch. The Bose app lets you switch from one device to another from the app. So say you are connected to your iPhone and iMac, and want to switch to your TV. Bose lets you disconnect from the iMac and connect to your TV right from the app on your iPhone. No need to walk to your iMac to disconnect. I find it brilliant.

 

[ibookg409]

You do have to pair it manually the first time, but once you do, then you can use the Bose app to switch from one paired device to another. Personally, I find it very quick, and in some cases, it appears easier than with the AirPods, which, from what I'm reading, can only be connected to one device at a time (SoundSport connects to two), and only switches seamlessly between an iPhone and an Apple Watch. For all other devices, you have to be at the device you want to connect to in order to switch. The Bose app lets you switch from one device to another from the app. So say you are connected to your iPhone and iMac, and want to switch to your TV. Bose lets you disconnect from the iMac and connect to your TV right from the app on your iPhone. No need to walk to your iMac to disconnect. I find it brilliant.

Agreed. It works really well.

 

[kingston73]

I just got these as a gift and I couldn't help noticing how low they sound (iPhone 7P, MBP 2016, iPad Pro) It's not just the volume, but the fullness? (Idk if that's how you refer to it). I downloaded the Bose app and did perform the update. I am contemplating the AirPods now after seeing a couple of reviews. I love the fact how they pair to all my devices seamlessly, at least of they show. To pair the Bose from iPhone to mbp, or iPad is cumbersome.

Mine pair immediately to both my iphone and ipad, zero effort to switch from one to the other. I don't need to do anything at all, when I turn on the earphones it says "connected to iphone, connected to ipad" and I can put one down and pick the other up and continue listening or watching a video or whatever I was doing.

 

[Jason_G]

I had the Bose Soundsport Wireless, used them daily throughout the 30 day trial, then returned them as I took delivery of my AirPods.

Although after using my AirPods for about 2.5 weeks they've never fallen out, they don't feel as secure in my ears as Bose Soundsport Wireless. This suggests to me that AirPods just don't fit my ears well enough to get the best sound or give me the confidence they won't fall out at some point. I also found myself constantly adjusting the AirPods as I felt them slipping.

So, I'm now returning my AirPods and have ordered the Bose Soundsport Wireless again.

AirPods are a no brainer for convenience and they would be perfect if they fit properly.
Bose Soundsport Wireless fit much better and therefore produce superior sound quality, but without the same convenience of AirPods.

Personally, I wasn't prepared to sacrifice sound quality for convenience and Bose Soundsport Wireless seem a pretty good compromise!

Hope that helps.

 

[andresandiego]

I have both the Apple AirPods and the the Bose SoundSports Wireless headphones. I love them both and use them both for different reasons. The Bose ones are my go to gym and run headphones. They are extremely comfortable and the sound quality is awesome! The AirPods are my every day headphones. I usually sit at my desk at work and listen to podcast and music. I use them to make phone calls as well. I love the no wires things because I can walk around my house and work and just leave my phone on desk. And I have to say the best feature to me for them is when I take one AirPod of out my ear the music or podcast stops. This alone to me was worth buying them. No regrets on either purchase.

 

[kingston73]

I actually prefer the way the Bose does it, taking one out doesn't do anything. I often only have 1 in because I don't want to be completely isolated/unaware of what's happening around me. I'm not really understanding the airpods convenience argument, what exactly do they do that the bose don't? I'm not trying to argue, I really want to know how they are more convenient than anything else.

 

[Night Spring]

I actually prefer the way the Bose does it, taking one out doesn't do anything. I often only have 1 in because I don't want to be completely isolated/unaware of what's happening around me. I'm not really understanding the airpods convenience argument, what exactly do they do that the bose don't? I'm not trying to argue, I really want to know how they are more convenient than anything else.

I have the Bose, and don't have the AirPods, but I can kind of see how the pause when you take one out could be useful. Like sometimes I'm out walking with a friend, with both earbuds on listening to music, and when my friend tries to talk to me, I have to hit the pause button on my inline remote and remove one ear bud. The way the AirPods work, that would be one step instead of two -- I'd just have to take out one AirPod. Same thing if I'm sitting indoors listening to music with both earbuds, and someone wants to talk to me. So yes, I do think remove one AirPod to pause could be more convenient. Other than that, the Bose app makes it so easy to switch between multiple devices, I don't think the AirPods are more convenient than Bose.

 

[JNGold]

I actually prefer the way the Bose does it, taking one out doesn't do anything. I often only have 1 in because I don't want to be completely isolated/unaware of what's happening around me. I'm not really understanding the airpods convenience argument, what exactly do they do that the bose don't? I'm not trying to argue, I really want to know how they are more convenient than anything else.

With the exception of the initial pairing and not having a wire connecting the two pods, there's really nothing really "convenient" about them. In fact, I would have to say they are probably less convenient than traditional (good) BT devices due to the fact that they very minimal control over basic audio functions (volume, track skip, etc) without reaching into the pocket for the phone, or using Siri.

I don't own a pair of the Soundsports, but I do have the QC30's and QC35's.

Update: Add the lightning connector to charge the battery case over the use of Mini USB to charge traditional BT buds as a plus for the "convenience" part.

 

[Night Spring]

Add the lightning connector to charge the battery case over the use of Mini USB to charge traditional BT buds as a plus for the "convenience" part.

Agree on this. I'm always squinting trying to figure out which way to plug in the micro USB cable. Actually, for the SoundSport, an inductive charging stand like the one for the Apple Watch would be perfect.

 

[whsbuss]

All I can say about the Bose soundsport is they seem a bit flimsy to me. And where the control buttons are placed I find it hard to reach. That's me.... AirPods are fine and convenient. The Bose sound a bit better because of the way they sit in the ear.