Bose OE2i Review | 93 Data compared

The Bose OE2 is a compact, on-ear (supra-auricular) headphone that weighs a lightweight 140 grams and includes a high-quality carrying case. Evaluated by Les Numériques, it achieved a 4 out of 5 rating for its solid construction, understated design, and its strong audio rendering of the midrange frequencies. However, the review notes a key performance limitation, pointing out a noticeable lack of presence at the extreme ends of the sound spectrum. Additionally, the device does not feature active noise cancellation. User experiences for the headphone highlight a stark contrast between daily functionality and long-term durability. Owners praised the Bose OE2 for its excellent ergonomics and overall sound quality, considering it a highly capable portable headphone for everyday use. On the downside, long-term user feedback explicitly warns of a catastrophic lifespan, indicating that the materials or build quality may fail significantly over extended periods of time.

The Bose OE2i on-ear wired headphones stand out for their highly compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly design. A major pro highlighted in the review is the inclusion of an Apple-friendly inline three-button remote and microphone, allowing users to seamlessly answer hands-free phone calls, activate voice recognition, and adjust volume on iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Additionally, the earcups feature a clever folding mechanism that lets them collapse flat into a small, convenient carrying pouch, making them an excellent choice for daily commuters. Comfort is another significant advantage, as the plush memory foam ear cushions reduce physical pressure points, allowing for hours of comfortable listening. However, the headphones come with notable downsides regarding sound profile and build. In terms of audio performance, Bose opted for a more natural, balanced sound profile rather than their signature manufactured bass boost, which means users seeking deep, energetic bass resonance will likely find the low frequencies underwhelming. Furthermore, because they are an on-ear, closed-back model without active noise cancellation (ANC), they only muffle ambient background sounds passively and struggle to isolate loud noise in chaotic environments like...

The Bose OE2Go is a compact and lightweight supra-aural (on-ear) headphone model that succeeds the brand's original 2008 on-ear series. Available in black or white, it launches alongside an "i" version tailored specifically for Apple iOS devices, adding an inline microphone and remote control for hands-free calling and volume adjustments. The core highlights of its physical build include a highly convenient, fold-in design and an included protective carrying case that makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go listening. A major highlight of this model is its updated sonic performance, which moves away from the heavily boosted bass of its predecessor. Backed by 40mm transducers, Bose’s TriPort technology, and integrated acoustic equalization, the OE2 delivers a much more neutral, well-balanced, and detailed sound profile. This tonal shift makes the headset highly versatile across diverse musical genres, making it a reliable pick for audiophiles who value acoustic balance over artificial punch.

The Bose OE2 is an ultra-portable, 140g on-ear headphone featuring a high-quality carrying case. While nearly identical in design to the OE2i model, the primary distinction is that the OE2 comes with a standard audio cable rather than the inline remote and microphone found on the OE2i. However, the user experience remains flexible, as the smartphone-compatible cable can be purchased separately for €30 if an upgrade is desired. Pros include the lightweight, compact design, while the main difference from the "i" version is the lack of microphone controls.

The Les Numériques review highlights the Bose OE2i as an on-ear headphone utilizing the brand's proprietary Triport technology, which features a triple-vent system specifically designed to reinforce and shape acoustic reproduction. A major pro emphasized in the evaluation is its tailored audio signature, specifically characterized by the "pleins feux sur les voix" (full focus on voices) tuning, which allows vocal tracks to step prominently into the forefront. Additionally, the physical build offers distinct advantages in portability, as it is constructed to be exceptionally lightweight, compact, and foldable, making it practical for daily transit and storage. YouTube· Conversely, the review and community feedback point out notable cons regarding its low-frequency extension and isolation capabilities. The headphone is described as being very light on the lower end of the spectrum, completely deviating from the signature "Bose bloat" or the heavily boosted, flattering bass profile found on the older Bose On-Ear generation. This lack of depth and impact in the bass response is a clear drawback for listeners who prefer a warmer or punchier low-end. Furthermore, the passive acoustic design delivers a poor...

The Bose OE2 and OE2i are ultra-compact, on-ear headphones designed for high portability, weighing just 140g. Constructed with a slim yet refined frame, they feature 40mm drivers and memory foam ear cushions that provide a soft, "mattress-like" fit. A key feature is the modular cable system: the OE2 comes with a standard cable, while the OE2i includes an inline microphone and Apple-compatible remote. The design is highly travel-friendly, allowing the earcups to fold flat and the entire unit to "ball up" into a slim, premium faux-leather carrying case. In terms of performance, the review highlights several pros and cons: Pros: The headphones offer exceptional comfort and a lightweight build that makes them ideal for long mobile use. The tonal balance is smooth and non-fatiguing, making them well-suited for acoustic or classical music. Cons: The low-end response is weak, lacking the impact needed for genres like hip-hop. Additionally, noise isolation is poor, and the reviewer notes that the high price point (ranging from 150€ to 180€) makes them less competitive than other models, such as the Bose AE2.

The Bose OE2i is an on-ear (supra-aural) headphone specifically designed for mobile Apple device users, retailing at a suggested price of 179 euros. Its compact, foldable design allows the earcups to fold inward toward the headband, making it highly portable and robust enough for frequent travel. Weighing just 110 grams, it features faux leather padding and a fabric core on the earcups, and it comes packaged with a protective semi-rigid carrying case. The review highlights several key advantages, notably its excellent communication capabilities. The integrated microphone inside the three-button inline remote delivers exceptional voice clarity and intelligibility, even in noisy or windy outdoor environments. In terms of audio performance, the headphones deliver a neutral and highly regular frequency response measured between 19 and 18,674 Hz, offering strong bass and well-represented mid-tones that are particularly well-suited for modern music styles.