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Bose Freestyle Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.7

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%

3.5

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Poor
3.5

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%

2.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
9.2

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(37624)
amazon
4.2
(614)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(37624)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(614)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 8.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • bose-freestyle
  • bose-freestyle
  • bose-freestyle
  • bose-freestyle
bose-freestyle
bose-freestyle
bose-freestyle
bose-freestyle

Best prices in UK

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 FreeStyle is a wired, in-ear headphone featuring proprietary TriPort technology for balanced, lifelike audio with deep bass without the need for electronic boosting. Designed for active use, these earbuds are sweat- and weather-resistant and include StayHear silicone tips in three sizes to ensure a secure, comfortable fit that conforms to the ear's natural shape. Key technical specifications include a 1.15-meter cable with a 3.5mm connector, a three-button inline remote with an omnidirectional microphone, and a lightweight build weighing approximately 18 grams. Main pros include a very stable and comfortable fit for sports, high durability with reinforced connections, and a clear soundstage suitable for various music genres. Major cons are the lack of passive noise isolation due to the open-ear design, full remote functionality being limited primarily to Apple (iOS) devices, and a lack of wireless connectivity.

Technical Specifications of Bose Freestyle

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%

2.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

3.5
Bose Freestyle has a technical score of 3.53 points, which is lower than that of 93.3% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(37624)
amazon
4.2
(614)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(37624)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(614)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.2
Bose Freestyle has a user score of 9.16 points, which is higher than that of 90.5% of products in this category.
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.
10
Bose Freestyle has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.2
Bose Freestyle has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 74.9% 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 Freestyle 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

10 mm
Bose Freestyle uses a driver size of 10 mm, smaller driver size than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% 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 Freestyle 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 Freestyle 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

no
Bose Freestyle does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Bose Freestyle is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
Bose Freestyle has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

no
Bose Freestyle does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
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 Freestyle 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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 Freestyle 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

yes
Bose Freestyle supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

in-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

18 g
Bose Freestyle weighs 18 g, lighter than 86.5% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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

open-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

N/A
Show more

Bose Freestyle vs the average headphone

  • 91.7% lower weight
    Bose Freestyle is lighter than the average headphone (18 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 Freestyle is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.18 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose Freestyle includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Freestyle includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Bose Freestyle includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose Freestyle includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 14.4% higher user score
    Bose Freestyle has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Bose Freestyle has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.16 vs 8.000).9.16 vs 8
  • 2.15x more popular
    Bose Freestyle is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 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 Freestyle is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 91.7% lower weight
    Bose Freestyle is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose Freestyle includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Bose Freestyle includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Bose Freestyle has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bose Freestyle does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Bose Freestyle has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Freestyle has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bose Freestyle does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Freestyle does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Bose Freestyle has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    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

    Bose Freestyle has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Bose Freestyle has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Freestyle has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Freestyle 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 Freestyle 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
  • 7.9% worse value for money
    Bose Freestyle has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Bose Freestyle has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 vs 6.736).6.25 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Bose Freestyle and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
37624 Reviews
amazon
4.2
614 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
37624 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
614 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Bose Freestyle?

  • Secure and comfortable fit using 'StayHear' wing-like tips that don't need to be jammed deep into the ear canal
  • Lightweight and durable design, with sweat-resistance suitable for workouts and active use
  • Clear audio performance with strong mid-range detail and balanced, pleasant bass for most music genres
  • Youthful and vibrant design options (Ice Blue and Indigo) that stand out compared to traditional Bose styles
  • Includes a high-quality, roomy semi-rigid carrying case and a built-in clothing clip

What customers dislike about Bose Freestyle?

  • Open design provides almost no passive noise isolation, making them difficult to use in noisy environments like city streets or subways
  • Limited remote and microphone compatibility; while fully functional for iOS, volume controls often do not work with Android or Windows devices
  • Lacks advanced modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity or active noise cancellation
  • Considered expensive by some reviewers for a 'barebones' wired model when compared to similarly priced competitors
  • Straight-plug cable design is noted as potentially less durable over time than an L-shaped plug

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
11/09/2014
Bose Freestyle EarbudsGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review: A sporty in-ear headphone that stays in your ear

The Bose Freestyle earbuds are a sporty, water-resistant option priced at $129.95, designed with visual improvements and color choices like Indigo and Ice Blue to appeal to a younger demographic. Architecturally similar to the SIE2i sports model, they feature a 45.3-inch medium-length cord and an integrated inline remote with a microphone that is fully compatible with Apple devices,...Read more

I
indianexpress.com
31/07/2014
Bose FreeStyle review: Good earbuds, but lacking a bit of newness

The Indian Express review positions the Bose FreeStyle in-ear headphones as a vibrant, youth-centric product featuring excellent, balanced audio quality driven by TriPort technology, along with comfortable StayHear tips and a durable, weatherproof design. While the integrated inline mic/remote ensures high-quality calls, the device is criticized for a lack of innovation, being an...Read more

S
soundguys.com
05/05/2014
Bose FreeStyleGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review

The $129 wired Bose FreeStyle earbuds feature a colorful, 90s-inspired aesthetic with a focus on extreme comfort, thanks to their lightweight, open-ear design. Pros include this comfortable, secure fit and surprisingly punchy bass, while a key con is that the design allows significant ambient noise to enter, making them poor for noisy environments. Despite being wired, the audio...Read more

T
techradar.com
28/05/2014
Bose FreeStyle review

The Bose FreeStyle earbuds are a durable, active-focused audio option available at a mid-range price point of $130. They feature sweat- and weather-resistant construction paired with reinforced, flexible rubber cords designed to resist tangling and fraying. A major highlight is their comfortable "StayHear+" crescent-shaped silicone eartips that hook securely into the outer ear,...Read more

P
pcmag.com
08/10/2014
Bose FreeStyle Review 🔍 Quick Summary of Results The Bose Freestyle was a specific 2014 model of wired earbuds characterized by its bright, multi-col...

The PCMag review rates the $129.95 Bose FreeStyle earbuds 3.5 out of 5, highlighting their vibrant, stylized design as a major aesthetic departure aimed at younger users. While the colorful look is a key feature, the earbuds deliver a powerful, heavily sculpted sound featuring rich bass and crisp high-mids, making them ideal for bass-heavy genres. However, the intense, non-flat...Read more

K
kopfhoerer.de
10/06/2014
Bose FreeStyle review on kopfhoerer.de

The Bose FreeStyle in-ear headphones deliver a clear, balanced, and detail-rich audio performance across genres like rock, dance, and classical music. A major highlight is the punchy, powerful bass that avoids the common pitfall of over-emphasized, harsh high frequencies. Designed for an active lifestyle, these sweat- and weather-resistant earbuds feature a secure, highly...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
08/11/2014
Bose FreeStyle In-Ear Headphones Review

The Bose FreeStyle in-ear headphones feature a bold, weather-resistant design crafted to stand out against standard grey competitors. Built from durable materials that withstand sweat and weather, they include reinforced cables and specialized StayHear silicone tips in three sizes for a highly secure, lightweight fit ideal for sports. Functionally, they offer an inline microphone...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
14/11/2014
Review: Bose Freestyle In-Ear Headphones - COMPUTER BILD

The Computer Bild review rates the Bose Freestyle In-Ear Headphones "good" (2.0), highlighting their secure fit, comfort, and smooth sound profile. The design features distinctive colors and "StayHear" wings for stability, along with an inline microphone for calls. However, at 130 euros, the earphones are considered expensive. The open-ear design provides minimal ambient noise...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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