Bose Soundlink Around Ear II Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£120
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 15 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

6.2

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%

5.4

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Good
5.4

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%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

6.0

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

Good
9.4

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(33606)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(33606)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    1.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

  • 3.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.9

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 8.8
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

    14.0%

    10

    Companion app

  • 4.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.9

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    2.2

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II are lightweight (195g) Bluetooth headphones featuring TriPort technology and Active EQ to deliver a balanced, neutral sound profile across various volumes. They support multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between two devices and include an advanced microphone system with HD voice for clear calls in windy or noisy environments. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 15 hours of playback with a 15-minute quick-charge option that adds 2 hours of use. Main pros include exceptional long-term wearing comfort due to plush memory foam cushions, intuitive earcup controls, and a reliable wireless connection. However, they lack active noise cancellation (ANC), have noticeable sound leakage at high volumes, and may feel somewhat underpowered in the bass department for fans of sub-bass-heavy genres.

Technical Specifications of Bose Soundlink Around Ear II

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%

4.8

Sound

20.0%

6.0

Features

10.0%

7.9

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

5.4
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a technical score of 5.42 points, which is higher than that of 65% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(33606)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(33606)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.4
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a user score of 9.44 points, which is higher than that of 98.3% 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.3
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is higher than 70.6% 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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 Soundlink Around Ear II reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
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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

yes
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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

2
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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

?
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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

wireless
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.2
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II uses Bluetooth version 4.2, newer Bluetooth version than 67.6% of headphones and equal to 3.2% of headphones.
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

9 m
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers a Bluetooth range of 9 m, lower Bluetooth range than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
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

252 ms
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has audio latency of 252 ms, higher audio latency than 96.2% of headphones.
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

yes
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

yes
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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

yes
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II works with a companion app. 55.7% of headphones support companion apps.
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 Soundlink Around Ear II supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

15 hours
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers battery life of 15 hours, lower battery life than 79.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
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

3 hours
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
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

yes
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

350 mAh
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a battery capacity of 350 mAh, lower battery capacity than 81% of headphones and equal to 1.2% of headphones.
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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

over-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

149.4 g
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II weighs 149.4 g, lighter than 70.7% 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

2.2
Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a clamp force of 2.2, lower clamp force than 94.1% of headphones and equal to 2% of headphones.
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Bose Soundlink Around Ear II vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 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 Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 31.5% lower weight
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II is lighter than the average headphone (149.4 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 Soundlink Around Ear II is lighter than the average headphone (149.4 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.149.4 g vs 218 g
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.2 vs 4.3
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup height
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (76 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (76 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.76 mm vs 60 mm
  • 31.5% lower weight
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II is lighter than the average headphone (149.4 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 2.1 lower clamp force
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.2 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 16 mm more spacious earcup height
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (76 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 15 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (117 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 14 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (117 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 11.3 mm tighter earcup width
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 41.7% lower battery capacity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (350 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 124.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (252 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 124.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (252 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (252 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.252 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery life than the average headphone (15 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.15 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II 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 Soundlink Around Ear II 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
  • 11.3 mm tighter earcup width
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (31.7 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.31.7 mm vs 43 mm
  • 41.7% lower battery capacity
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (350 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
    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

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (350 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.350 mAh vs 600 mAh
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose Soundlink Around Ear II uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Bose Soundlink Around Ear II and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Bose Soundlink Around Ear II?

  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between two devices
  • Crystal-clear call quality with an advanced dual-microphone system
  • Reliable battery life (up to 15 hours) with a helpful quick-charge feature
  • Balanced and natural sound profile that suits most genres
  • Works in passive (wired) mode even if the battery is depleted

What customers dislike about Bose Soundlink Around Ear II?

  • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), relying only on passive isolation
  • Bass response may feel underpowered for fans of hip-hop or EDM
  • Plasticky build quality does not feel as premium as some competitors
  • Noticeable sound leakage at higher volume levels
  • Uses an outdated Micro USB charging port rather than USB-C
  • Included backup audio cable lacks an inline remote/microphone

Expert reviews

E
expertreviews.co.uk
01/12/2020

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II are lightweight (195g), highly comfortable over-ear headphones that feature soft ear cushions and a well-padded, adjustable headband. Priced at £240, they lack Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but their circumaural earcups provide effective passive sound isolation suitable for daily commuting. The headphones offer seamless...Read more

T
themasterswitch.com
26/07/2018

The Bose SoundLink II wireless over-ear headphones offer a neutral, clean, and balanced sound signature with excellent clarity in the midrange and treble frequencies. They feature exceptional build quality despite their plastic construction, and are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours at a time due to their plush headband and soft earcups. Additional pros...Read more

R
rtings.com
06/06/2018

The Bose SoundLink 2 Wireless headphones offer an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight design featuring intuitive controls and Bluetooth multipoint functionality, making them ideal for long-term use. They provide a well-balanced, neutral sound profile with accurate bass and clear vocals, although the soundstage is narrow. However, the build feels plasticky for the price, and they...Read more

P
pcmag.com
02/09/2015

The PCMag review highlights the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear IIGo as exceptionally comfortable and lightweight wireless headphones, featuring robust, rich sound with bright highs. Pros include dual-device pairing, a detachable cable for passive listening, and a sculpted audio profile designed for an enjoyable, distortion-free experience. Cons include heavy reliance on Digital Signal...Read more

T
trendlupe.de
02/12/2015

The Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II are evaluated as a high-quality, balanced product retailing at an MSRP of 280 Euros. The reviewer praises the design for its exceptional comfort, highlighting the softly padded leather ear cups and headband that remain comfortable even after several hours of use. Although the primary build material is plastic, it is constructed...Read more

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techtest.org
28/11/2015

The TechTest.org review praises the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear IIGo for its exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and high-quality build, including a premium carrying case and easy Bluetooth pairing. However, key drawbacks include the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and a high price point exceeding €200. Audio performance is described as balanced and clear, suitable for...Read more

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stadt-bremerhaven.de
24/09/2015

The Bose SoundLink Around Ear 2 over-ear wireless headphones offer exceptional long-term wearing comfort and a lightweight design (150 grams). The reviewer highly praised the headphones for long trips, noting that the soft ear cups and padded headband prevent any uncomfortable pressure, even when worn for hours. Key features include the ability to pair with two Bluetooth devices...Read more

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avguide.ch
29/11/2015

The review by avguide.ch highlights the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless II as a meticulously crafted headset made with premium, durable materials like glass-fiber reinforced nylon and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. On the positive side, it features excellent multi-point connectivity that allows users to simultaneously pair two Bluetooth devices (such as an iPad and an...Read more

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connect.de
09/03/2016

The Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II (SoundLink AE WH II) are exceptionally comfortable, lightweight over-ear headphones weighing just under 150 grams. Built with a combination of impact-resistant plastic, fiberglass-reinforced nylon, and stainless steel, they provide a pressure-free fit that is highly suitable for long listening sessions. The device features...Read more

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computerbild.de
23/10/2015

The Bose Soundlink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II offer a very comfortable fit, a well-built design using robust materials like stainless steel and glass-fiber reinforced nylon, and lightweight handling at 200 grams. During testing, the headphones outperformed their advertised 15-hour battery life by lasting an impressive 22 hours, with a quick 15-minute charge providing 2 hours...Read more

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01net.com
02/09/2015

The 01net review highlights the Bose SoundLink II as a highly practical, comfortable, and well-designed circum-aural wireless headphone set that excels in everyday multi-device usage. A major standout feature is its intelligent multipoint connectivity, allowing it to pair simultaneously with up to 8 devices and seamlessly transition between them—such as automatically pausing a movie...Read more

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on-mag.fr
01/10/2015

The ON-mag.fr review highlights the Bose SoundLink II Over-Ear as a major milestone marking Bose's official entry into the dedicated wireless headphone market. Unlike previous Bluetooth iterations from the brand, this model successfully integrates the reception module directly inside the chassis rather than using an external adapter. The publication praises the product for being...Read more

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on-mag.fr
16/03/2001

The Bose Soundlink II Over-EarGo wireless headphones mark a significant evolutionary step for the brand by fully integrating the Bluetooth module inside the earcups, unlike the bulky, detachable receiver of its predecessor, the AE2WGo. Borrowing its physical frame from the Quiet Comfort 25, this model utilizes fiberglass-reinforced nylon and corrosion-resistant stainless steel to...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
15/10/2001

The Bose SoundLink II is a lightweight (200 g) and durable over-ear wireless headphone that mirrors the design and supreme comfort of the Bose QC25. Its standout features include exceptional long-term comfort with well-distributed pressure points, high-quality call clarity where built-in microphones allow you to hear ambient noise during conversations, and intuitive onboard controls...Read more

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maisonadam.ca
28/04/2020

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II are characterized as a versatile option for daily Bluetooth use, offering exceptional comfort, a lightweight design, and reliable performance when paired with televisions, phones, or computers. They deliver a balanced, open soundstage suitable for various music genres, with particular strength in reproducing clear mid-range and...Read more

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antoineguilbert.fr
28/02/2016

The Bose Soundlink II is a highly comfortable, lightweight (200-gram) wireless headphone that delivers rich, precise audio suitable for various music genres, from soft acoustic tracks to bass-heavy electronic music. It features an impressive battery life that lasts between 17 to 18 hours in real-world testing—exceeding its advertised 15-hour specification—and requires around 3 hours...Read more

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darty.com
08/12/2015

The Darty review of the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear IIGo highlights its lightweight, durable design, offering exceptional comfort with soft ear cushions that do not pinch, even for glasses wearers. The headset features convenient,, intuitive controls on the right earcup for easy, reliable, and stable Bluetooth pairing. Performance is marked by a long-lasting battery, providing roughly...Read more

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saggiamente.com
08/02/2016

The SaggiaMente review highlights the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear II wireless headphones for their extreme comfort, lightweight design, and convenient multipoint Bluetooth pairing. Praised for delivering clean, balanced audio and featuring useful voice prompts, these headphones are described as a highly reliable, "nearly perfect" option. Key drawbacks noted in the review include the...Read more

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av2d.com
17/12/2015

The AudioVideo2day review evaluates the Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones IIGo, assessing whether its €279.95 price tag aligns with its capabilities. Weighing approximately 150 grams, the device is constructed with a high-quality plastic housing and memory foam ear cushions. The reviewer establishes a baseline for audio quality by comparing it directly to the Bose...Read more

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tweakers.net
18/06/2026

The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II are praised for an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight design featuring soft ear cushions ideal for extended use. The audio quality is described as balanced and clear with effective passive noise isolation for office environments. Key drawbacks include an illogical 2.5mm to 3.5mm backup cable, a non-collapsible headband, and a...Read more

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tweakers.net
23/11/2022

The Tweakers review for the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II highlights fantastic sound quality with high clarity, matching brand expectations. Key advantages include a 15-hour battery life and a versatile, adjustable headband suitable for various head sizes. However, the user reports significant discomfort due to sharp plastic edges inside the ear cups, which make...Read more

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fwdmagazine.be
17/09/2015

The Bose AE2 SoundLink Around-ear II is a pure Bluetooth headphone tailored for mobile use and office productivity, moving away from Bose's typical noise-canceling focus. It is exceptionally lightweight at just under 150 grams, making it significantly lighter than top competitors like the Beats Studio Wireless or Sony MDR-1ABT. It provides a highly user-friendly pairing experience,...Read more

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