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Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

3.9

Technical Score

20.0%

8.6

User score

Poor
3.9

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%

2.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

3.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.6

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(994)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(994)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • bose-mie2
  • bose-mie2
  • bose-mie2
bose-mie2
bose-mie2
bose-mie2

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 MIE2 is a lightweight (18.5g) wired mobile headset featuring a unique 'open' design with StayHear silicone tips in three sizes (S, M, L) for a secure, non-intrusive fit. It utilizes Bose's proprietary TriPort acoustic structure to deliver balanced audio with punchy bass and clear mid-ranges via a standard 3.5mm connection. Key advantages include its exceptional long-term wearing comfort and an in-line microphone with a one-touch button for seamless call management. However, the headset lacks active noise cancellation and offers poor passive noise isolation due to its open-ear design, which also leads to significant sound leakage in quiet environments.

Technical Specifications of Bose MIE2

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%

2.7

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

3.8

Calls & Controls

3.9
Bose MIE2 has a technical score of 3.95 points, which is lower than that of 86.9% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(994)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(994)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.6
Bose MIE2 has a user score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 73.7% 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 MIE2 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.4
Bose MIE2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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

18.5 g
Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 vs the average headphone

  • 91.5% lower weight
    Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose MIE2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose MIE2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 16.64 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Bose MIE2 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119.6 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
    When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=108 dB SPL

    Bose MIE2 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119.6 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.119.64 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 2.15x more popular
    Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
  • 91.5% lower weight
    Bose MIE2 is lighter than the average headphone (18.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 16.64 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Bose MIE2 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (119.6 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Bose MIE2 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose MIE2 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.

Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Bose MIE2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Bose MIE2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose MIE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose MIE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 7 years older release date
    Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 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 MIE2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • Fixed cable
    Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose MIE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 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 MIE2 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose MIE2 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 MIE2 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 years older release date
    Bose MIE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    August 2010
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Bose MIE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2010 vs 2017
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    Bose MIE2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 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 MIE2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.40 vs 6.736).6.4 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Bose MIE2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
994 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
994 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Bose MIE2?

  • Extremely comfortable 'StayHear' tips that sit outside the ear canal without 'burrowing' in.
  • Secure fit suitable for light activities like walking or commuting.
  • Integrated three-button remote and microphone for easy call and playback control.
  • Wide and well-organised soundstage with a full-bodied, warm presentation.
  • Open design allows for situational awareness of surrounding environments.
  • Comes with a protective carrying case and multiple sizes of silicone tips.

What customers dislike about Bose MIE2?

  • Very poor noise isolation; external ambient sounds are easily heard.
  • High level of sound leakage, making them less ideal for quiet public spaces.
  • Build quality concerns, particularly regarding thin cables and lack of robust cord guards.
  • Uneven frequency response with overemphasized bass and potentially harsh or 'dull' treble.
  • Non-replaceable cables mean the entire unit must be replaced if the wire breaks.
  • Requires frequent readjustment for some users as they can jar out of place easily.

Expert reviews

A
allaroundjoe.com
09/05/2012
BOSE MIE2i Headphones Review - AllAroundJoe

The BOSE MIE2i headphones offer an excellent, multi-purpose listening experience for individuals looking to handle phone calls, music, and intensive fitness activities like running. Transitioning from stock Apple earbuds, the reviewer highlights a massive leap forward in audio quality, noting that the overall clarity and punchy bass are immediately impressive. A standout benefit is...Read more

W
whathifi.com
21/03/2011
Bose MIE2i review - What Hi-Fi?

The Bose MIE2i headphones feature a unique "non-burrowing" design that sits outside the ear canal rather than deep inside it. This approach makes them exceptionally comfortable and stable for long-term wear, aided by a soft gel flap that ensures they stay in place better than most competitors. Sonically, the review highlights a wide, well-organized soundstage with a chunky,...Read more

R
reviewed.com
No date
Bose MIE2 In-ear Headphones Review - Reviewed

The Bose MIE2 in-ear headphones feature a unique design with "helix fins" designed to hook under the ear's cartilage, alongside a three-button in-line remote and microphone pendant for easy media and call control. In terms of performance pros, the headphones boast an incredibly strong distortion score with barely any noticeable spikes, offer a solid maximum usable volume of...Read more

C
cnet.com
20/10/2010
Bose MIE2 review - CNET

The Bose MIE2 is a second-generation pair of in-ear headphones priced at $129.95, designed to sit comfortably on top of the ear canal rather than being jammed deep inside it. Utilizing funky-looking but highly effective "StayHear" silicone tips with wings that nestle into the ear ridge, this "open" design provides extra breathing room and an incredibly secure, stable fit. The...Read more

H
hifitest.de
01/03/2011
Bose MIE2i In-Ear Headphones Review

The Bose MIE2i is a lightweight, 19-gram in-ear headset engineered specifically for Apple devices, featuring an inline three-button cable remote and integrated microphone for seamless playback control and calls. A major highlight of the product is its proprietary "StayHear-Tips" made of soft silicone, which utilize integrated wings to securely anchor the earbuds under the ear rim....Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
04/09/2014
Bose MIE2i Review: Comfort and Low-End Performance

The Les Numériques review awards the wired Bose MIE2i in-ear headphones a score of 4 out of 5 stars, praising them as a solid, comfortable option primarily optimized for iOS devices. Weighing 18.5 grams and featuring a non-detachable, anti-tangle 1.15-meter cable with an angled 3.5mm jack, the MIE2i stands out for its exceptional build quality and robust design. Its core strengths...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
nerdvana.it
05/02/2011
Bose MIE2i with microphone: perfect headphones for your iPhone

This comprehensive review of the Bose MIE2i mobile headsetGo outlines a premium alternative to standard Apple bundled earphones, targeting users seeking superior construction and acoustic depth. The reviewer notes that the package justifies its premium presence right out of the box. It bundles a protective carrying case to prevent dust buildup, a clothing attachment clip, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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