Bose OE2 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Bose OE2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.6

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Good
4.8

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

3.8

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
8.5

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(485)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(485)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 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

  • 1.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    7.1

    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

  • 4.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.1

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • bose-oe2
bose-oe2

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 OE2 is a wired, on-ear headphone featuring a lightweight 140g frame and a foldable design that stores in a compact 5 x 5.25 inch carrying case. Its main characteristics include an enhanced TriPort acoustic structure for rich audio and memory foam ear cushions for a contoured fit, while its pros are highlighted by a balanced, natural sound profile with clear highs and a detachable 69-inch cable for improved portability. However, available cons include the lack of active noise cancellation, a potential for recessed mid-range frequencies, and possible discomfort after extended use due to its on-ear pressure.

Technical Specifications of Bose OE2

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

52.0%

5.1

Sound

20.0%

3.8

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

4.8
Bose OE2 has a technical score of 4.85 points, which is lower than that of 52.7% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(485)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(485)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.5
Bose OE2 has a user score of 8.54 points, which is higher than that of 72.5% 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.
8.9
Bose OE2 has a popularity of 8.9 points, which is higher than 68.9% 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%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.9
Bose OE2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is higher than 57% 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 OE2 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 OE2 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 OE2 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 OE2 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 OE2 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 OE2 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

0
Bose OE2 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

no
Bose OE2 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

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 OE2 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
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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 OE2 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

?
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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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

140 g
Bose OE2 weighs 140 g, lighter than 72.2% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

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

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Bose OE2 vs the average headphone

  • 35.8% lower weight
    Bose OE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Bose OE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.140 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Bose OE2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose OE2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 35.8% lower weight
    Bose OE2 is lighter than the average headphone (140 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Bose OE2 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose OE2 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    Bose OE2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Bose OE2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose OE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • 6 older release date
    Bose OE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2011
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose OE2 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 OE2 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
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Bose OE2 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 OE2 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 6 older release date
    Bose OE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    October 2011
    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 OE2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
  • 12 dB lower max SPL
    Bose OE2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    Bose OE2 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.98 dB vs 110 dB
  • 6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Bose OE2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 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 OE2 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Bose OE2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Bose OE2?

  • Extremely lightweight and highly portable frame
  • Very comfortable ear pads for shorter listening sessions
  • Convenient collapsible and fold-flat design
  • Includes a small, tough, and protective zip-up carrying case
  • The audio cable is detachable and easily replaceable if damaged
  • Produces a clear, smooth, and pleasant sound profile suited for casual listening

What customers dislike about Bose OE2?

  • Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) and relies purely on passive isolation
  • Audible sound leakage at higher volumes, disturbing others nearby
  • Recessed treble that lacks sparkle, making some frequencies sound a bit muffled
  • Plastics and clicking swivel mechanisms can feel somewhat cheap
  • Some users reported that the on-ear design becomes tight or uncomfortable after extended use
  • Bass fidelity lacks impact and deep resonance for bass-heavy genres

Expert reviews

H
homestudiobasics.com
30/11/2017

This product review comparison by Home Studio Basics outlines the key differences and similarities between two legacy Bose models: the Bose AE2 (Around-Ear) and the Bose OE2 (On-Ear). The author highlights that the single largest distinction between the two lies in their physical fit and subsequent long-term comfort. While both headphones feature a similar, somewhat rolled-off and...Read more

B
bareminimumgear.wordpress.com
07/07/2014

The Bare Minimum Gear review heavily criticizes the Bose OE2 headphonesGo as a disappointing downgrade compared to the original Bose OE model, awarding them only 2 out of 5 stars. The reviewer notes that while the updated design was marketed as lighter, it compromises severely on build quality by replacing high-quality metal and aluminum components with cheap, lightweight plastic....Read more

C
cnet.com
13/06/2014

Bose OE2i Headphones The Bose OE2i headphones are a compact, lightweight, and highly comfortable on-ear model that represents a notable design shift from the brand's original OE line. Executive Editor David Carnoy highlights their exceptional fit, clever fold-up design, and highly portable carrying case, which makes them ideal for everyday use without feeling overly bulky. A major...Read more

M
mensxp.com
05/08/2012

The Bose OE2 headphonesGo are a semi-professional, supra-aural pair designed for everyday use and detailed audio listening. On the positive side, they feature a highly portable, groundbreaking ergonomic design where the earcups twist and fold into a compact bundle, fitting perfectly inside an included semi-circular storage pouch. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver outstanding,...Read more

T
technuovo.com
07/07/2015

The TechNuovo review paints a highly favorable picture of the Bose OE2 headphonesGo, focusing heavily on their outstanding daily comfort and portability. The reviewer heavily praises the physical design, noting that the soft on-ear pads and integrated foam headband make the headset feel incredibly lightweight. During long commutes, these comfort elements prevented any ear fatigue or...Read more

F
futurezone.at
07/12/2011

The Bose OE2i on-ear headphones offer impressive acoustic performance with clean, distortion-free sound even at maximum volume, making them versatile for pop music, movies, and series. A notable pro is their foldable design, allowing them to collapse tightly into a compact, included carrying case about the size of a CD case. The audio profile features a distinct character with...Read more

T
tips.at
23/01/2014

Overview and Features The Bose OE2i is the second-generation model of Bose's on-ear headphone lineup, available in both black and white color options. Priced at approximately €140, these headphones ship in a simple plastic casing and include an inline remote control with an integrated microphone, a detachable cable, and a protective carrying case. The "i" variant is explicitly...Read more

C
connect.de
20/11/2012

The Bose OE2iGo review on connect.de praises these on-ear headphones for providing an excellent portable audio experience, retailing at 180 Euros at the time of review. The design excels in everyday utility with a cleverly foldable headband and an included transport box, making it exceptionally compact for travel. A key pro highlighted by the reviewer is the easily replaceable...Read more

F
forum.lesnumeriques.com
12/12/2013

The Les Numériques Forum discussion centered around the Bose OE2i audio headphones highlights a major shift in the brand's sound signature. A key pro noted from the official test is that the headphones are exceptionally lightweight and structurally adapted to emphasize vocal tracks. However, user feedback reveals several critical cons, notably that the passive noise isolation leaves...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
14/02/2014

The Bose OE2 is a compact, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone weighing 140 grams that received a 4 out of 5 rating from the editors. It is designed as a solid, minimalist portable audio option. However, it lacks modern active noise cancellation features and built-in hands-free calling functionality. The primary strengths of this model include its highly durable construction and clean...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
02/08/2013

The ON-mag review highlights the Bose OE2 / OE2i as an ultra-compact, lightweight (140g), and highly portable on-ear headphone option designed for mobile users. Its core strengths include a highly comfortable design featuring plush, cushion-like memory foam ear pads, alongside a clever folding mechanism that lets the unit pack flat into an included slim leatherette carrying case....Read more

A
audiocasque.fr
28/02/2014

The AudioCasque.fr review gives the Bose OE2 an overall rating of 8/10, highlighting it as an ultra-portable, on-ear (supra-aural) headphone that is both lighter and more compact than its AE2 predecessor. It is sold alongside a sibling model, the OE2i, which targets iOS users by adding an integrated microphone and a remote control for hands-free calling. The review outlines major...Read more

E
erenumerique.fr
30/01/2012

The review covers the lightweight, portable Bose Around-Ear and On-Ear headphones, which are praised for extreme comfort, plush ear cushions, and a warm, bass-driven sound produced by TriPort acoustic technology. Their compact design and detachable cables make them highly convenient for travel, though they lack active noise cancellation. Conversely, drawbacks include fragile plastic...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
02/08/2013

The ON-mag review highlights the Spec Audio RSA-V1/EX as a highly esoteric Japanese integrated amplifier that serves as a genuine auditory revelation. Built around the concept of extreme minimalism, this unit purposefully rejects modern, cluttered trends in electronics to focus entirely on delivering a pure, high-end listening experience. The publication awards the amplifier a...Read more

L
lesnumeriques.com
14/02/2014

The Bose OE2 is an ultra-portable, on-ear wired headphone that shares an identical design and audio profile with the OE2i variant. The primary difference between the two models lies entirely in the included cable; the OE2 features a standard audio cable, whereas the OE2i comes equipped with an inline microphone and smartphone remote control. Since this remote functionality accounts...Read more

F
forbes.com.mx
10/02/2015

The Bose OE2i headphones are a lightweight, compact, and highly portable on-ear model designed for commuting, office work, and travel. Weighing only 140 grams, these headphones can easily fold into their included carrying case to fit into a backpack. In terms of performance, they offer standard volume controls and a built-in microphone for phone calls, which are compatible...Read more

S
saggiamente.com
08/02/2016

The Saggiamente review highlights the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear II as a premium, user-friendly headset characterized by exceptional lightweight comfort, 15-hour battery life, and reliable multi-point Bluetooth connectivity. Sound performance is noted for a warm, consumer-friendly profile featuring clear mids and active EQ, though it lacks deep sub-bass and high-frequency sparkle....Read more

Video reviews

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