Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I repurchased these yesterday after returning initially and I agree with the sentiment of others that these are simply excellent sounding buds. I've tried the B&O H5, Freedoms and am currently using the Jabra Elite Sport for workouts. These Bose blow them away in terms of sound quality, fit and comfort. Sound quality in particular is impressive. I originally returned these for the QC30 which CNET referred to as a "noise cancelling version of the Soundsport" but I was not impressed with the QC30. The sound profile is different on the QC30 and I much prefer the Soundsports. I agree with AppleRobert that these are the best sounding BT buds on the market if you can accept the somewhat low max volume and open design neither of which bother me.

How is the comfort of the soundsport compared to the qc30? I want to get the qc30 but the neck thing really bugs me and I can't really justify 300 dollars other then the active noise cancelling
 
How is the comfort of the soundsport compared to the qc30? I want to get the qc30 but the neck thing really bugs me and I can't really justify 300 dollars other then the active noise cancelling
Many reviews complain about the neck ring and ANC. Seems they are not as good as the wired QC20s
 
How is the comfort of the soundsport compared to the qc30? I want to get the qc30 but the neck thing really bugs me and I can't really justify 300 dollars other then the active noise cancelling
The neck ring moves around and twists. CNET said they could be used at the gym but that's where the neck ring was the most intrusive. I love the qc35 and soundsports but the qc30 just doesn't work. Perhaps wait for the Hear One if ANC buds are what you want. I have a set on preorder.
 
What impresses me most about the sound quality is instrument detail and soundstage. What else I tried for BT earbuds do not match it.

The SE 215s are very good but they are not BT and I still like the Bose better. They even do a good job with large orchestra recordings.

70 percent of reviews on Amazon are 4 and above, lower ones mostly are other things but not sound quality. No problems for me so far with anything.
 
What impresses me most about the sound quality is instrument detail and soundstage. What else I tried for BT earbuds do not match it.

The SE 215s are very good but they are not BT and I still like the Bose better. They even do a good job with large orchestra recordings.

70 percent of reviews on Amazon are 4 and above, lower ones mostly are other things but not sound quality. No problems for me so far with anything.

It's also nice to have some earbuds that you do not have to jam into your ears to get good sound. the comfort factor of the bose is a big selling point. Usually you give up bass for an open design but with these you don't at all.
 
Thanks for all the replies. That pretty much gives me the info I need to get these. I want ANC but the amount I'll use it is very litgle. Also, the neckband just bugs me. If the soundsport had a ANC version id be all over that haha
 
Thanks for all the replies. That pretty much gives me the info I need to get these. I want ANC but the amount I'll use it is very litgle. Also, the neckband just bugs me. If the soundsport had a ANC version id be all over that haha

Since you don't ANC that much and while these will not cancel out train, subway, etc. you will be good to go.
I cannot really hear my surroundings with volume at 70 percent during my usage excluding what I mentioned.
 
Since you don't ANC that much and while these will not cancel out train, subway, etc. you will be good to go.
I cannot really hear my surroundings with volume at 70 percent during my usage excluding what I mentioned.


Ended up biting the bullet and getting them at best buy. I haven't used in ear/buds in a while because I mostly use my audio technica m50s at home. I got the jaybird x3s but I didn't like the comfort on them at all. I just used these for the first time and wow the comfort is amazing on them. Love them so much
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
Bought them when they first came out in June, the first edition of them were awful, returned them twice as they stopped working after only two runs. After the third set did the same, I contacted Bose and they acknowledged this was a known issue and that there was a recall. They asked me to send my set in and they would send me a wired set and also send me the updated wireless set when the problem was fixed. I received the wired set and they worked great, except they weren't wireless.

About 6-8 weeks later, I received the updated wireless ear phones, and they have been great! I love them, they are as good most of my more expensive over-the-head ear phone. The new pair has a bulkier earpiece that feels much more secure in your ear and the "wing" that fits in under the ear flap that gives you that extra sense of security. I haven't had any issues with them falling out o not working on any of my runs. I definitely recommend these to anybody wanting wireless in-ear headphones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
I also tried one of the first sets in June and wasn't impressed and returned them after a few weeks. I now have a new pair that was manufactured in November and I'm very impressed with the new build quality and sound.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
Even though these are considered "workout" or active headphones, I honestly think they are way better sound wise then anything I've heard for regular headphones, especially for being Bluetooth wireless. I can't wait to use these for day to day things and in general
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
Even though these are considered "workout" or active headphones, I honestly think they are way better sound wise then anything I've heard for regular headphones, especially for being Bluetooth wireless. I can't wait to use these for day to day things and in general

I have the Bose wired headphones and the sound quality is amazing compared to Apple's EarPods. I can only imagine how these sound.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
Many reviews complain about the neck ring and ANC. Seems they are not as good as the wired QC20s

Nope ! Had the QC20 and now have the QC30 (since October). ANC and, more importantly, sound quality are better in the QC30.
Had a pair of Airpods (briefly) but as I expected they wouldn't stay in my ears, thought the sound quality was ok but simply not as good as the QC30. Always end up sticking with Bose as they're the only headphones that comfortably fit my ears.
 
Nope ! Had the QC20 and now have the QC30 (since October). ANC and, more importantly, sound quality are better in the QC30.
Had a pair of Airpods (briefly) but as I expected they wouldn't stay in my ears, thought the sound quality was ok but simply not as good as the QC30. Always end up sticking with Bose as they're the only headphones that comfortably fit my ears.
Got my AirPods in December - not one issue with them staying in my ears.
 
So, I couldn't help myself and as I was still in my 30 day trial for my SoundSport Wireless, I've arranged to return them whilst I get a chance to assess the new BeatsX which I should be able to pick-up on Tuesday....

....any thoughts on Bose SoundSport Wireless vs BeatsX ? (I couldn't figure out how to create a separate thread on this)
 
So, I couldn't help myself and as I was still in my 30 day trial for my SoundSport Wireless, I've arranged to return them whilst I get a chance to assess the new BeatsX which I should be able to pick-up on Tuesday....

....any thoughts on Bose SoundSport Wireless vs BeatsX ? (I couldn't figure out how to create a separate thread on this)

You will have my feedback in a few hours as I just got the Beats X so now I have both. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jason_G
Well, my new soundsport pulse crapped out after exactly 1 workout. This happened to my prior pair as well. Both versions were the new and improved versions. As much as I love the sound, dealing with Bose outside of a return period is a terrible inconvenience and if these can't handle some sweat they are worthless two me. Can't believe two pairs died after a run. Of course beatsx are not even pretending to be sweatproof so that's not ideal either. Be nice if someone could make a product that can handle workouts if they are going to advertise them as being designed for it. I went through several pairs of PB2 as well. Maybe it's just me.
 
I use the QC 20's a lot. I need a wired set, so I can't use the QC 30's, which doesn't really bother me as that neck thing looks God awful.

Just bought the BeatsX for wireless. At least the neck utility looks doable. Should be interesting.

BTW, the QC 20's are unbelievable. I discovered them about 4 months ago, and wish it was earlier. They are fragile though. Just need to be careful.
 
I use the QC 20's a lot. I need a wired set, so I can't use the QC 30's, which doesn't really bother me as that neck thing looks God awful.

Just bought the BeatsX for wireless. At least the neck utility looks doable. Should be interesting.

BTW, the QC 20's are unbelievable. I discovered them about 4 months ago, and wish it was earlier. They are fragile though. Just need to be careful.

Let me know how you like the beats.
 
Having had a chance to listen to both BeatsX and Soundsports, I prefer the Bose. Here's why:

1. Sound. The Bose sound better to me. More punchy, more lively better bass and better highs. The Beats sound good but not great. Sound better than the PB2 I had but I can't compare to PB3. BeatsX have a nice balanced sound with some punch but I think Bose wins here. The difference is not substantial however.

2. Sweatproof. I cannot believe Apple put these out stating they are absolutely not sweat proof. If I can't use these in the gym, there goes 50% of my intended use. That said, I have had 2 pairs of Soundsports die on me from sweat but the difference is at least Bose will warranty them. Not clear what Apple's position will be on water damage but my guess is that they will not cover obvious water damage. This is just unacceptable.

3. Comfort. Beats are really pretty comfortable. They don't jam all the way in your ears which I like and the hooks provide a stable fit. The cord doesn't bother me at all. I actually like the design. the cord keeps things balanced so I think that's a nice design feature. The Bose are probably my favorites in terms of comfort. They also don't jam in your ears but the fit is stable and ultra comfortable. Beats offer more isolation and Bose let some sound in. This is a toss up for preference. I will say that the sound quality of the Bose degrades quickly in noisy environments due to a lack of seal so if your intended use has background noise, the Beats may be a better option.

Overall, a pretty solid effort from Apple but I'm going to stick with the combination of Bose and Airpods. I wish Apple/Beats would focus on sound quality next time and put out a superior sounding product. I'd gladly pay more for that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jason_G
Having had a chance to listen to both BeatsX and Soundsports, I prefer the Bose. Here's why:

1. Sound. The Bose sound better to me. More punchy, more lively better bass and better highs. The Beats sound good but not great. Sound better than the PB2 I had but I can't compare to PB3. BeatsX have a nice balanced sound with some punch but I think Bose wins here. The difference is not substantial however.

2. Sweatproof. I cannot believe Apple put these out stating they are absolutely not sweat proof. If I can't use these in the gym, there goes 50% of my intended use. That said, I have had 2 pairs of Soundsports die on me from sweat but the difference is at least Bose will warranty them. Not clear what Apple's position will be on water damage but my guess is that they will not cover obvious water damage. This is just unacceptable.

3. Comfort. Beats are really pretty comfortable. They don't jam all the way in your ears which I like and the hooks provide a stable fit. The cord doesn't bother me at all. I actually like the design. the cord keeps things balanced so I think that's a nice design feature. The Bose are probably my favorites in terms of comfort. They also don't jam in your ears but the fit is stable and ultra comfortable. Beats offer more isolation and Bose let some sound in. This is a toss up for preference. I will say that the sound quality of the Bose degrades quickly in noisy environments due to a lack of seal so if your intended use has background noise, the Beats may be a better option.

Overall, a pretty solid effort from Apple but I'm going to stick with the combination of Bose and Airpods. I wish Apple/Beats would focus on sound quality next time and put out a superior sounding product. I'd gladly pay more for that.

I was walking around this morning in my local mall and the music piped in was pretty loud, it drowned out the Bose and I was not going to raise the volume any further. Your assessment is spot on and it does not matter which ear tips that come packaged one uses. You cannot get a really good seal with the Bose. If you need better isolation then the Beats is the way to go but be mindful folks they are not noise canceling.

The Bose do sound better no question in my mind but it is not a slaughter.

Both are pretty comfortable, a wash there for comparison.

Sweat proof is not an issue for me since I will not use either in the gym for workouts, to run outside, etc.

The long wires on the Beats and also wrapping around the neck some people have already brought up on the Beats thread. Be mindful of that as well if you plan on getting the Beats as that might be an issue for you.
 
Last edited:
Getting rid of my airpods. Wouldn't stay in my ears, and I was worried about it being sweat resistant. Was going to go with the beats x but it also says nothing on the site about being sweat resistant. So I went with the Bose wireless headphones. Haven't really got a chance to try them out, just going by what you guys have said here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AppleRobert
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.