OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Bose AE2w Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:7 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bose AE2w Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose AE2w
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.5

User score

▲Better than 64% of headphones
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

▲Better than 56%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.9

Features

10%

8.1

Design

8%

6.3

Connectivity

6%

3.4

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

▲Better than 58%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 81%
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
  • bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
bose-ae2w
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bose AE2w

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.9

Features

10%

8.1

Design

8%

6.3

Connectivity

6%

3.4

Battery

4%

8.8

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
8.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.1/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
Bose AE2w has a popularity score of 8.1 points, which is higher than that of 77.3% of products in this category.
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.4
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
2.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 2.1, newer Bluetooth version than 54.9% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
9.1 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 9.1 m, lower Bluetooth range than 97.6% of headphones and equal to 1% of headphones.
Audio latency
170 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 170 ms, higher audio latency than 60% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
?
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
Battery life
7 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 7 hours, lower battery life than 97.8% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
120 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 120 mAh, lower battery capacity than 97.6% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Bose
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
149.6 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 149.6 g, lighter than 70.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
2.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.7, lower clamp force than 85.5% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
Show more

Bose AE2w vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 31.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (149.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    149.6 g vs 218 g
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 5.7% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Bose AE2w
    the average pair of headphones
    Bose AE2w has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.45 vs 8).
    8.45 vs 8
  • 31.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (149.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    149.6 g vs 218 g
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 23 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (7 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    7 hours vs 30 hours
  • 79.3% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (120 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    120 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bose AE2w is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 20 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (170 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    170 ms vs 150 ms
  • 2 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (58 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    58 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bose AE2w is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (58 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    58 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 23 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (7 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    7 hours vs 30 hours
  • 79.3% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (120 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    120 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 20 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (170 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    170 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
H2TechVideos
≈ estimated
25/09/2014
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and wireless tests
Verdict
Bose AE2w is worth buying despite quieter wireless volume and a loose fit during activity.
9.0
gmanist1000
≈ estimated
12/05/2013
Hands-on review · comfort, sound, calls and battery tests
Verdict
Bose AE2w is recommended to everyone for comfort, sound quality and phone calls, despite a few drawbacks.
9.0
GadgetsToUse
≈ estimated
09/06/2013
Quick hands-on overview · design, build and battery
Verdict
Bose AE2w is well built, light and portable, with good battery life for its price tier.
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
14/01/2014
Lab test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a light, comfortable travel pair with open, detailed sound, though its bass and treble lose control at the extremes.
cnet.com
04/07/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is one of the most comfortable wireless over-ears, with natural, balanced sound, but its bass is light and the price is high.
techwalls.com
27/10/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a light, sturdy-feeling pair with clear, detailed midrange and treble, but its bass is thin and it has no noise cancelling.
trustedreviews.com
12/12/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a comfortable, clear-sounding wireless pair whose chunky Bluetooth module looks awkward, though its controls are easy to use.
gqindia.com
24/07/2013
Hands-on test · Wireless over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a comfortable pair with pure, uncoloured sound, but its Bluetooth module feels out of place and comes off quite easily.
illgaming.net
27/01/2014
Hands-on review · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is very comfortable with clear, detailed sound and touch-friendly controls, but its bass lacks punch and sound leaks into the room.
M
macwelt.de
26/05/2014
Summary of the review
Bose AE2w Bluetooth Review - Macwelt
(Translated)Show original
connect.de
17/12/2013
Short test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a light, comfortable Bluetooth headphone that sounds balanced even at low volume and can connect to two devices at once.
connect-living.de
28/05/2013
Practical test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a Bluetooth headphone that pairs in seconds and sounds balanced, suiting film and TV with comfortable pads.
01net.com
01/08/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is comfortable and versatile across music styles with strong power, but its Bluetooth module sticks out and the price is high.
on-mag.fr
30/09/2014
Test with measurements · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a comfortable, well-balanced headphone that isolates noise well and suits travel, but it sounds a little less clean over Bluetooth than with a cable.
audiocasque.fr
04/01/2014
Full test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a light, comfortable Bluetooth headphone with simple controls and good sound, suited to mobile use, though the wired mode sounds a little weaker.
wearemobians.com
13/09/2014
Three-week test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a very light, comfortable headphone with strong isolation and a detachable Bluetooth module, though bass is lighter than on the QC15.
lesnumeriques.com
09/03/2014
Lab test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a very comfortable, versatile Bluetooth headphone with a soft, pleasant sound, though its bass lacks impact and the Bluetooth option is a bit steep.
casquebluetooth.fr
30/07/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a very comfortable wireless pair with strong sound for Bluetooth, though its bass is a little soft and it is a bit pricey.
macitynet.it
13/07/2013
Hands-on test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a comfortable, balanced Bluetooth pair that holds its connection 7 to 8 metres away through a wall, but its module works only with this model.
T
tweakers.net
30/11/2015
Summary of the review
Bose AE2w Bluetooth Headphones Black Review
(Translated)Show original
id.nl
09/08/2013
Hands-on test · Wireless over-ear
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a light, comfortable wireless headphone with lifelike sound and two-device pairing, but it fits loosely on the head.
diskidee.be
26/06/2013
Hands-on test · Travel Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Bose AE2w is a very easy-to-use Bluetooth pair for travellers, with dynamic Bose sound and comfort, but its price is steep.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Bose AE2w

  • Extremely comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft ear cushions and lightweight design
  • Clear and well-balanced sound quality with impressive performance in mid and high ranges
  • Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously
  • Includes a detachable Bluetooth module that allows for easy switching between wireless and wired modes
  • Effective passive noise isolation that blocks out a decent amount of ambient room noise
  • Intuitive controls on the Bluetooth module for volume, playback, and hands-free calling

What customers don't like about Bose AE2w

  • Thin or weak bass response compared to other headphones in the same price range
  • The external Bluetooth module (dongle) is bulky and has a somewhat unusual or 'clumsy' appearance
  • Battery life is relatively short (around 7 hours) compared to competitors
  • Relatively high price point for the features offered
  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a staple in many other Bose models
  • Comes with only a soft carry bag rather than a protective hard-shell case

Verdict

The Bose AE2w is a lightweight, around-ear wireless headphone featuring a detachable Bluetooth control module and exclusive TriPort technology for balanced, natural sound across a 20Hz–20kHz frequency range. It offers a comfortable fit with protein leather cushions, dual-device multipoint connectivity, and a battery life of approximately 7 hours of playback with a 3-hour full charge time via USB. Main pros include its exceptional long-term wearing comfort, clear midrange and high-frequency performance, and the flexibility of a detachable module that allows for wired use with an included 3.5mm cable. However, notable cons include its relatively short battery life compared to modern standards, a bulky and protruding external Bluetooth dongle design, and a lack of punchy bass response for low-end enthusiasts.

Compare Bose AE2w with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Bose AE2w and other products in the Headphones category

No results found