Bose IE2 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bose IE2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.5

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%

?

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%

2.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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

  • 2.1
    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

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • bose-ie2
bose-ie2

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

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 IE2 is a wired, open-design in-ear headphone featuring a 1.15m (45.25") intertwined black-and-white cable with an angled 3.5mm jack and a lightweight 18.5g build. Utilizing proprietary TriPort acoustic technology and dynamic drivers, it delivers a stereo frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz characterized by smooth midrange and deep, rich bass. Its main strength lies in its StayHear silicone tips, available in three sizes, which provide exceptional stability and long-term comfort by nestling in the ear's ridge rather than deep in the canal. Main pros include its secure fit for exercise, non-fatiguing audio profile, and included leather carrying case. However, its open nature offers minimal noise isolation, the lack of an inline microphone/remote on this base model limits mobile functionality, and some users report long-term durability issues with the cable coating.

Technical Specifications of Bose IE2

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

3.5
Bose IE2 has a technical score of 3.54 points, which is lower than that of 93.1% 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 IE2 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%

3.5

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.5
Bose IE2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 92.2% 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 IE2 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

?
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 IE2 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 IE2 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 IE2 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 IE2 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
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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 IE2 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 IE2 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 IE2 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

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
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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

18.5 g
Bose IE2 weighs 18.5 g, lighter than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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 IE2 vs the average headphone

  • 91.5% lower weight
    Bose IE2 is lighter than the average headphone (18.5 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 IE2 is lighter than the average headphone (18.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.18.5 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 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 IE2 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 IE2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Open-back design
    Bose IE2 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose IE2 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 91.5% lower weight
    Bose IE2 is lighter than the average headphone (18.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Open-back design
    Bose IE2 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Fixed cable
    Bose IE2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bose IE2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose IE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • Not headset-ready
    Bose IE2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose IE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Bose IE2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 years older release date
    Bose IE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2010
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 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
  • 22.9% worse value for money
    Bose IE2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.48 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 IE2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.48 vs 6.736).5.48 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Bose IE2 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 IE2 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Bose IE2 and

Attribute category
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose IE2?

  • Extremely comfortable for long-term wear due to soft StayHear silicone tips.
  • Highly secure fit that stays in place during physical activities like running or gym use.
  • Rich and smooth bass response suitable for popular music genres.
  • Open-ear design allows for situational awareness of surrounding traffic and ambient noise.
  • Includes a durable protective carrying case and multiple tip sizes for customisation.

What customers dislike about Bose IE2?

  • Virtually no passive noise isolation, making them poor for noisy environments like planes or public transit.
  • High 'Bose tax' with sound quality that some audiophiles feel doesn't match the premium price point.
  • Durability issues reported with the cable housing and wire coating fraying or eroding over time.
  • Treble can occasionally sound harsh, muffled, or lack fine sonic detail compared to dedicated IEMs.
  • Plastic build feels somewhat fragile or 'cheap' given the brand's luxury positioning.

Expert reviews

P
passionforsound.wordpress.com
16/09/2012

In this review from Passion for Sound, reviewer Lachlan Fennen takes an unbiased approach to the Bose IE2 earphones to see if they deserve the negative reputation they often receive within the high-end audio community. The review highlights several notable pros, particularly the impressive level of detail and clarity found in the high frequencies, which manages to stay smooth...Read more

H
head-fi.org
02/05/2012

This Head-Fi review of the Bose IE2 highlights a durable, comfortable design with robust strain relief and a secure fit, offering a, warm, mid-centric, and non-fatiguing sound signature. While praised for its physical build, the IE2 falls short for critical listening due to a lack of detail and a surprisingly narrow soundstage, notes the reviewer. Key downsides include a complete...Read more

N
nbcchicago.com
29/12/2013

The NBC Chicago review highlights the Bose IE2 headphones as a highly comfortable and secure option, particularly praising their performance during active use like running. The standout feature of these earbuds is the unique StayHear silicone tips, which mold smoothly to the ear and sit securely under the ridge of the ear canal. This design successfully prevents the headphones from...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
08/11/2010

The PCMag UK review rates the Bose IE2 earphones as an "Excellent" 4.0 out of 5 product, praising them as a $99.95 bargain that delivers an innovative design and powerful, exciting audio performance. A major standout feature is the unique hybrid earbud/earphone design utilizing StayHear eartips that resemble a Nike swoosh. These tips press against the inner ear to deliver a...Read more

C
cnet.com
19/10/2010

The Bose IE2 in-ear headphones represent a notable ergonomic and acoustic upgrade over their predecessor, highlighted by a redesign that prioritizes long-wearing comfort. Priced at $99.95 for the base model, they feature an "open" design that rests gently on the ear rather than plugging the ear canal deeply. Security and fit are vastly improved by the introduction of proprietary...Read more

D
digitalzimmer.de
22/10/2012

The Bose SIE2 sport headphones provide a secure and comfortable fit during vigorous physical activities like running, cycling, or skiing due to their proprietary "StayHear" silicone ear tips. These tips anchor the earbuds firmly inside the ear without causing pressure points or completely sealing off the ear canal, allowing athletes to remain aware of ambient traffic sounds for...Read more

S
stereo.de
01/08/2011

Stereo.de awarded the Bose IE2 in-ear headphones an overall score of 254 and a 42% sound rating, praising their semi-open design and exceptional comfort for daily, casual listening. The StayHear silicone tips securely anchor the earbuds, offering a pleasant, non-fatiguing sound characterized by a warm, punchy low-end and high transparency for environmental awareness. Conversely, the...Read more

C
computerbild.de
07/12/2010

Bose IE2 In-Ear Headphones The Bose IE2 headphones deliver a warm, voluminous, and fatigue-free audio experience, serving as a comfortable alternative to standard in-ear models. Unlike deep-insertion earphones, these earpieces sit loosely in front of the ear canal. They feature specially shaped silicone tips that fit securely into the ear conch, providing a decent seal that yields...Read more

0
01net.com
16/12/2010

The 01net review evaluates the Bose IE2 in-ear headphones, highlighting their exceptional hi-fi-like audio quality and secure physical design. Weighing a light 18.5 grams, these €99 earphones deliver a very wide, distortion-free frequency response measured from 20.1 to 18,700 Hz. The primary pros include an ultra-clear, highly detailed 2.0 sound presentation, a right-angled jack...Read more

0
01net.com
22/10/2010

The 01net review of the Bose IE2 highlights these in-ear headphones as a high-performing audio solution priced around €99.00. A major pro identified by the editorial team is the exceptional audio fidelity, which they claim is clear and immersive enough to rival the depth of full-sized hi-fi headphones. Additionally, the specialized silicone ear tips provide a highly secure and...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
22/06/2012

The ON-mag.fr review outlines the Bose IE2 as an evolution of the brand's long-standing "Intra" model, launching at a retail price of 100 €. The earphones utilize an open acoustic design with large ports, resulting in a very spacious and airy soundstage that is highly unusual for typical in-ear models. While the standard audio-only model costs 100 €, Bose also offers the MIE2 and...Read more

M
macitynet.it
29/11/2010

The Bose IE2 are in-ear headphones designed with unique, proprietary technologies that offer high-quality sound and an original approach to fit. Instead of utilizing standard round silicone tips that isolate noise by sealing the ear canal, Bose uses a distinctive "StayHear" funnel-shaped tip. This open design allows ambient air and sound to enter and exit, providing a surprisingly...Read more

Video reviews

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