OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Bose SIE2i Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bose SIE2i Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Bose SIE2i
5.1/10

Overall score

Score
5.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 95% of headphones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

7.6

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 89%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • bose-sie2i
bose-sie2i
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bose SIE2i

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

7.6

Calls & Controls

5.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Bose SIE2i has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

6.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Bose
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
18.5 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 18.5 g, lighter than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Bose SIE2i vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 91.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (18.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    18.5 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 91.5% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (18.5 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    18.5 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bose SIE2i is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 11% worse value for money
    Bose SIE2i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.55 vs 7.3).
    6.55 vs 7.27
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bose SIE2i is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 11% worse value for money
    Bose SIE2i has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.55 vs 7.3).
    6.55 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    September 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

6.0
Tech Reviews & Tips
≈ estimated
23/09/2013
Unboxing and first look · phone controls and sound check
Verdict
Bose SIE2i sounds about the same or slightly better than older headphones, but volume can't be set from the headset.
8.0
zollotech
≈ estimated
22/01/2013
Long-term review · one month of daily use and travel
Verdict
Bose SIE2i is worth a look for workouts and clear music, but hard to justify over cheaper earbuds.
9.0
Clinton Jeff
≈ estimated
13/10/2012
Hands-on review · sound, mic and armband fit tests
Verdict
Bose SIE2i offers impressive sound and is a clear pick for exercise, though its open design may not suit everyone.
9.0
UnergyTech
≈ estimated
23/05/2014
Hands-on review · fit, sound and Android controls
Verdict
Bose SIE2i is the best pair of headphones overall, with sound and fit both praised, though Android volume and track controls are limited.
9.0
Running Village
✓ explicit
30/11/2012
Hands-on review · running tests over several weeks
Verdict
Bose SIE2i is a thumbs-up for runners: it stays secure in windy weather, sounds great, and is worth the higher price.
8.0
doublethetech
≈ estimated
05/10/2012
Personal review · comfort, fit and Android controls
Verdict
Bose SIE2i has a comfortable, secure fit and works well with Android, but the volume buttons don't work and the price is high.
8.0
DexNotDexter
≈ estimated
24/03/2013
Unboxing · first look and quick iPhone button test
Verdict
Bose SIE2i is a good pair with strong noise isolation, though this is only a first impression based on unboxing and a store test.
7.0
NDTV
≈ estimated
02/10/2012
First look · design, sound and armband fit
Verdict
Bose SIE2i is great for pop, rock and hip hop, but audio purists may take issue with its sound.
Overview video
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
24/09/2012
Hands-on review · Exercise earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a moisture-proof exercise earphone with a secure fit and bass-leaning sound, though its open design blocks less noise than most in-ear models.
cnet.com
12/10/2012
Review · Sweat-resistant earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a comfortable, sweat-resistant earphone with full bass, but it is pricey and the armband misses newer iPhones.
telegraph.co.uk
18/10/2012
Short review · Exercise headphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a comfortable, weather-resistant exercise earphone with very good bass, though its open fit lets street noise through.
blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com
19/08/2013
Personal review · Sport headphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i Sport is a comfortable pair that stays put during jumping jacks and jogging, but it lets in traffic noise and is pricey.
reviewed.com
12/02/2014
Lab test · Workout earbuds
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a comfortable, balanced workout earbud that stays put while jogging, but its open fit leaks sound and suits the gym more than the office.
au.pcmag.com
24/09/2012
Hands-on test · Exercise earbuds
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a secure, exercise-friendly earbud with a bass boost and clean sound at high volumes, though audiophiles will find its tuning far from flat.
hifitest.de
23/06/2014
Test · Sports earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i stays secure without blocking outside sound, offering dynamic, detailed audio with slightly lean bass, suited to running.
A
avguide.ch
12/06/2014
Summary of the review
Nine In-Ear Headphones Review - The Elite of Earbuds
(Translated)Show original
eiswuerfelimschuh.de
17/03/2014
Field test · Running earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a comfortable running earphone whose StayHear tips stay put on hills, though its cable swings loosely in front of you.
connect.de
24/05/2013
Short test · Sport earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a sturdy, comfortable earphone with balanced sound, but it needs the right fit and offers no noise reduction.
digitalzimmer.de
22/10/2012
Long-run test · Jogging earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a bright, punchy jogging earphone whose StayHear tips never slip, though it is pricey and less suited to relaxed listening.
A
avguide.ch
11/06/2014
Summary of the review
Nine In-Ear Headphones Review - The Elite of Earbuds
(Translated)Show original
hifitest.de
20/03/2013
Practical test · Sport earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i Sport is a comfortable, well-equipped running earphone with clear detail and punchy bass that suits regular joggers.
C
connect-living.de
26/11/2012
Summary of the review
Bose SIE2 & SIE2i review
(Translated)Show original
audiocasque.fr
24/03/2014
Full review · Sport earphones
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a sturdy, secure-fitting sport earphone with punchy bass that suits iPhone owners, though its open fit lets in noise on a busy subway.
R
runlovers.it
19/05/2014
Summary of the review
Bose SIE2i Review - Runlovers
(Translated)Show original
iphoneitalia.com
05/06/2013
Hands-on test · Running earbuds
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a secure, comfortable running earbud with very good sound and a short cable for workouts, though its price is high.
macitynet.it
11/04/2013
Hands-on test · Armband and earbuds
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a quality running earbud whose StayHear fit rests without pressure and stays secure during jogging sessions.
I
intogadgets.nl
04/11/2020
Summary of the review
Review: Bose SIE2i In-Ear Sport Headphones
(Translated)Show original
fwdmagazine.be
30/10/2012
Hands-on test · Sport earbuds
Verdict
The Bose SIE2i is a sports earbud whose StayHear fins keep it secure and feel less closed-in than typical in-ears, though its bass lacks punch.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose SIE2i

  • Exceptional comfort and secure fit during intense movement
  • High-quality, tonally balanced audio with pleasant bass
  • Effective sweat and weather resistance
  • Useful accessories including a Reebok fitness armband and extension cable
  • Durable build with Kevlar-reinforced cables
  • Open design allows for situational awareness while exercising outdoors
  • Reliable inline remote and microphone for Apple devices

What customers don't like about Bose SIE2i

  • High price point compared to some competitors
  • Open design provides poor noise isolation and leads to sound leakage
  • Included armband is not compatible with larger/modern smartphones
  • Main cable is very short without the extension, which can be cumbersome
  • Bright color options (orange and green) may not appeal to all users
  • Does not include a protective carrying case
  • Occasional reports of the rubber cable housing wearing out over time

Verdict

The Bose SIE2i is a wired in-ear sport headphone featuring a 3.5 mm connector and exclusive TriPort acoustic technology designed for balanced audio with deep lows and clear highs. Weighing just 18 grams, it is specifically engineered for Apple devices with an integrated inline remote and microphone for call and music control. Key characteristics include StayHear silicone tips (available in S, M, and L) for a secure fit, a sweat- and weather-resistant build using hydrophobic acoustic cloth, and a modular cable design with a short 0.8 m cord and an included 0.5 m extension. Main pros include its exceptionally comfortable, non-occluding open design that allows for situational awareness during exercise and the inclusion of a Reebok-branded fitness armband. However, cons include its lack of passive noise isolation, making it less ideal for loud environments, and the relatively high price point common to Bose products.

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