OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Bose AE2 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bose AE2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

6.5

Connectivity

6.0%

8.1

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.1

    Weight

    16.0%

    8.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 1.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    8.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 3.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.1

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight, wired around-ear headphone weighing just 140g, designed with an adjustable, padded headband and proprietary cushioned earcups for exceptional long-term comfort. Utilizing Bose's exclusive TriPort acoustic structure and active equalisation, it delivers a balanced stereo soundstage across a 20Hz–20kHz frequency range with 32-ohm impedance and 97 dB sensitivity. Key pros include its highly portable fold-flat design, a detachable 1.5m single-sided cable that resists tangling, and effective passive noise isolation that creates a tight seal against ambient sounds. However, it lacks active noise cancellation, lacks a 1/4-inch adapter, and its detailed response can occasionally sound slightly brash or over-emphasise flaws in poor recordings.

Technical Specifications of Bose AE2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

5.1
Bose AE2 has a technical score of 5.05 points, which is higher than that of 54.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Bose AE2 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.5
Bose AE2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Bose AE2 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Bose AE2 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bose AE2 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Bose AE2 reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose AE2 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Bose AE2 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Bose AE2 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

?
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

9.1 m
Bose AE2 offers a Bluetooth range of 9.1 m, lower Bluetooth range than 97.7% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bose AE2 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Bose AE2 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bose AE2 supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

?
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bose
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

140 g
Bose AE2 weighs 140 g, lighter than 72.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.5
Bose AE2 has a clamp force of 1.5, lower clamp force than 98.4% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more

Bose AE2 vs the average headphone

  • Spatial audio support
    Bose AE2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose AE2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 35.8% lower weight
    Bose AE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose AE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.140 g vs 218 g
  • 2.8 lower clamp force
    Bose AE2 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose AE2 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.1.5 vs 4.3
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Bose AE2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Bose AE2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Play while charging
    Bose AE2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
    wired mode only
    What it is: Can be used while charging
    When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose AE2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • 35.8% lower weight
    Bose AE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 2.8 lower clamp force
    Bose AE2 has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (1.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Spatial audio support
    Bose AE2 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Bose AE2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • Play while charging
    Bose AE2 can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
  • 7 mm tighter earcup height
    Bose AE2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose AE2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose AE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose AE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Not headset-ready
    Bose AE2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose AE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Bose AE2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 years older release date
    Bose AE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    September 2010
  • No voice assistant support
    Bose AE2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose AE2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Bose AE2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose AE2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose AE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bose AE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 7 mm tighter earcup height
    Bose AE2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose AE2 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.53 mm vs 60 mm
  • 3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose AE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bose AE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose AE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Bose AE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Bose AE2 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Bose AE2 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose AE2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose AE2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Bose AE2 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose AE2?

  • Extremely lightweight and among the most comfortable around-ear headphones for long-term wear
  • Detailed and crisp audio performance with a spacious soundstage
  • Fold-flat design and included carry bag make them highly portable for travel
  • User-replaceable ear cushions and detachable cable improve long-term serviceability
  • Provides good passive noise isolation even without active noise cancellation technology

What customers dislike about Bose AE2?

  • Bass response is often described as lacking punch or being too 'shy' for bass-heavy genres
  • High frequencies can occasionally sound brash or sibilant, overemphasizing instruments like cymbals
  • Build quality feels somewhat 'cheap' or plastic-heavy compared to premium competitors
  • Ear pads are prone to deteriorating or 'flaking' over time with heavy use
  • Proprietary 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable design makes finding generic replacements difficult

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
14/01/2014
Bose AE2w review | What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? review of the Bose AE2w wireless headphones highlights their standout comfort and open, detailed sound design, while noting some clear trade-offs. Tested at £200, these over-ear headphones deliver exceptionally immersive vocals alongside a spacious audio stage. The physical design emphasizes user convenience, offering lightweight construction, soft leather ear pads...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
08/09/2012
Bose AE2 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Bose AE2, reviewed on Trusted Reviews, are highlighted as stylish, lightweight, and cost-effective wired headphones featuring a slim design ideal for daily commuting. They offer exceptional comfort with plush ear pads, yet suffer from a loose headband that makes them unsuitable for exercise, alongside a lack of active noise cancellation. While providing a surprisingly wide...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
17/05/2014
Bose AE2 - PCMag UK

The Bose AE2 headphones provide a highly comfortable and lightweight listening option for $149.95, though they do not feature the active noise cancellation found in Bose's premium QuietComfort line. Weighing only 4.9 ounces and utilizing heavily cushioned, fold-flat ear cushions, they apply minimal pressure to the head and are ideal for long trips. Audio-wise, the headphones feature...Read more

C
cnet.com
21/11/2010
Bose AE2 review: Bose AE2

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight, around-the-ear headphone design that updates the original TriPort ("AE1") model with significant structural and acoustic updates. Priced at $150, it positions itself as a more affordable, non-active noise-canceling alternative to Bose's premium $300 QuietComfort 15 line. Key pros highlighted in the review include its excellent comfort level, driven by...Read more

B
bdtechtalks.com
27/02/2022
Bose AE2 SoundLink: The first one-for-all headphone

The Bose AE2 SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II offer a lightweight, highly durable, and comfortable design weighing just 200 grams, featuring plush memory foam earpads that make them easy to wear for extended periods. Now priced affordably around $150 compared to their original $275 retail price, they deliver a well-balanced, "clean" sound signature optimized by Active EQ...Read more

H
homestudiobasics.com
30/11/2017
Bose AE2 vs. Bose OE2 | ONE BIG DIFFERENCE!

The Home Studio Basics review outlines the critical differences between the Bose AE2 around-ear (circumaural) and Bose OE2 on-ear (supra-aural) headphones. The pros of the Bose AE2 include its vastly superior long-term comfort, a highly balanced and natural sound signature with controlled bass, an emphasized mid-range that highlights vocals, and better passive sound isolation. On...Read more

C
cnet.com
04/07/2013
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Bluetooth Headphones (formerly Bose AE2w) review

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Bluetooth headphones (originally released as the Bose AE2w) offer exceptional comfort and well-balanced, dynamic audio quality that stands out in the Bluetooth category. Built on the design of the popular wired AE2 model, these lightweight headphones feature a highly functional control module with easy-to-navigate buttons, memory foam earcups, and...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
30/11/2010
Bose AE2 - Review 2010

The Bose AE2 circumaural (over-ear) headphones offer a lightweight and comfortable design at a direct price of $149.95, mimicking the classic black-and-silver look of Bose's QuietComfort line but skipping active noise cancellation entirely. Weighing just 4.9 ounces and featuring well-padded, fold-flat ear cushions, they apply very little pressure, making them excellent and highly...Read more

R
reviewed.com
27/07/2011
Bose AE2 Review - Reviewed

In his review for Reviewed, Chris Thomas concludes that the Bose AE2 over-ear headphones are a comfortable yet ultimately disappointing entry-level option that fails to justify its $149 MSRP. On the positive side, the primary pros are their exceptional comfort and portable design; they feature an adjustable band, ultra-lightweight build, and soft padding that feel great on the head....Read more

A
avguide.ch
31/01/2011
Bose AE2 Review - An Inconspicuous All-Rounder

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight, closed-back, around-ear headphone released in 2011 that offers a surprisingly powerful sonic performance despite its compact, 147-gram build. The reviewer notes that it delivers an exceptionally well-balanced and natural sound for classical trios, keeping instruments like violins smooth without sounding harsh. Its standout feature is its precise and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
avguide.ch
31/01/2011
Inconspicuous All-Rounder - Bose AE2 Review

The Bose AE2 review by avguide.ch frames the around-ear headphones as an inconspicuous yet highly capable all-rounder specifically optimized for mobile use. The reviewer notes that while the model name is simply an unglamorous shorthand summarizing its form factor ("Around-Ear") and updated version status ("2"), the physical package delivers incredible lightness. This low physical...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/12/2013
Bose AE2 Review - Les Numériques

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight, comfortable, and circum-aural (over-ear) headphone that earns a 4 out of 5 rating for delivering a neutral and highly pleasant sound performance, making it an appealing option for various music genres like piano, calm music, rock, and electronic. Its core strengths include a flexible construction, a well-balanced acoustic rendering, and effective...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
07/10/2011
Pure comfort

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight (138 g) over-ear headphone that stands out for its exceptional comfort and build quality. Featuring an aluminum-reinforced headband and plush memory foam earcups, it delivers superb physical ergonomics and excellent passive noise isolation. On the practical side, the earcups rotate 90 degrees for flat storage, and the headphone features a unilateral...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
viedegeek.fr
28/01/2011
[Headphones Review] Bose AE2 - Geek Life ON-mag.fr

The Vie de Geek review provides an overall positive assessment of the Bose AE2Go headphones, praising their impressive sonic performance while highlighting mixed feelings about the physical build. Initially, the author notes that the headphones look and feel somewhat "cheap" due to their thin frame and incredibly lightweight, flat design, which raises concerns about whether such...Read more

(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
25/05/2012
Bose AE2: A well-rounded portable audiophile headphone

The Bose AE2 is a lightweight, closed-back, circum-aural headphone designed for portable and home audiophile use. Its technical design stands out due to a unique double-cavity earcup architecture connected by micro-perforated grids, which ensures high-quality noise isolation in transit environments like trains or buses. Key strengths include exceptional comfort, a secure clamping...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
audiocasque.fr
17/02/2014
Bose AE2: Full Review | Powerful and Comfortable Headphones

The AudioCasque.fr review evaluates the Bose AE2 as a lightweight, highly comfortable, and discreet around-ear headphone that serves as an excellent, budget-friendly alternative to Bose’s more expensive noise-canceling line. A major design highlight is its high-quality construction featuring fold-flat earcups for easy packing, backed by Bose's practice of selling individual...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
13/07/2013
Bose AE2w: The Bluetooth headphones that push the limits of wireless

The Bose AE2w are Bluetooth wireless over-ear headphones that build directly upon the design architecture of the wired AE2 model. Instead of integrating the wireless components internally, Bose utilized a unique, detachable Bluetooth receiver-transmitter module that plugs directly into the left ear cup via a standard 3.5mm jack. This module features dedicated power, volume, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
iphoneitalia.com
01/07/2013
Bose AE2i, over-ear headphones designed for iOS users: the iPhoneItalia review

The Bose AE2i are around-ear, prosumer-grade headphones designed specifically for iOS users, offering a highly comfortable and lightweight design. They feature very soft leather earcups that envelop the ears without placing pressure on them, effectively preventing overheating and physical discomfort during extended use. Equipped with Bose's TriPort technology, the headphones deliver...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
23/11/2022
Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II Blue, Black review by vioco

This two-year user review of the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II (Black/Blue) on Tweakers praises the device for its balanced audio profile, featuring a flat bass response with a subtle upper spike, well-balanced mids, and smooth treble. While the sound quality was deemed satisfying and consistent, the reviewer notes that the overall experience was hampered by...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
fwdmagazine.be
17/09/2015
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II Review

The Bose SoundLink Around-ear II (AE2 SoundLink) is a pure Bluetooth headphones model designed for mobile and office use, prioritizing user comfort and extreme user-friendliness over advanced features like active noise-cancelling. A major highlight of the review is its exceptionally lightweight build at just under 150 grams, which makes it vastly more comfortable for multi-hour wear...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
09/11/2012
Bose AE2 (Black) - trunkmonkey25 - Product reviews

The user review of the Bose AE2 Zwart on Tweakers highlights it as an excellent choice that rivals models twice its price in both comfort and sound quality. The reviewer strongly emphasizes the design as a major asset, noting its minimalist and lightweight construction, which makes users quickly forget they are wearing them. In terms of overall audio performance, the sound...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Bose AE2 with

VS
VS

Compare