Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£160
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 15 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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%

5.5

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Good
5.5

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%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

6.0

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

4.7

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

Good
9.2

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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(1820)
amazon
4.4
(110)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(1820)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(110)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    5.3

    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%

    6.8

    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%

    6.8

    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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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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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 On-Ear Bluetooth headphones are ultra-lightweight, weighing approximately 5.4 oz (152.6 g), and feature a compact, foldable design for high portability. Key specifications include a 15-hour battery life with a fast-charging capability that provides 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, a full recharge time of 1.5 hours, and a dual-microphone system with adaptive audio for clear calls in noisy environments. Main pros include its exceptional comfort with soft protein leather cushions, seamless multipoint pairing with two devices simultaneously, and a balanced sound signature utilizing Bose TriPort and Active EQ technologies. However, notable cons include a lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), sound leakage at high volumes, and a noticeable drop in audio quality when using the provided backup audio cable in passive mode.

Technical Specifications of Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth

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%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

6.0

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

4.7

Connectivity

6.0%

6.1

Battery

4.0%

8.7

Calls & Controls

5.5
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a technical score of 5.49 points, which is higher than that of 66.2% 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%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(1820)
amazon
4.4
(110)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(1820)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(110)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

9.2
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a user score of 9.16 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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%

9.7

Price

7.3
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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

4.0
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth uses Bluetooth version 4.0, newer Bluetooth version than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 4.8% 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

9.1 m
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth offers a Bluetooth range of 9.1 m, lower Bluetooth range than 97.7% of headphones and equal to 0.9% 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

150 ms
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has audio latency of 150 ms, higher audio latency than 52.5% of headphones and equal to 4.6% 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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

1.5 hours
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth needs 1.5 hours to charge, lower charging time than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 7% 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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

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

152.6 g
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth weighs 152.6 g, lighter than 69.2% 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

3.6
Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.6% of headphones and equal to 7.9% of headphones.
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Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth vs the average headphone

  • EQ customization
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 30% lower weight
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth is lighter than the average headphone (152.6 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 On Ear Bluetooth is lighter than the average headphone (152.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.152.6 g vs 218 g
  • 0.5 hours shorter charging time
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 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 On Ear Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.1.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
    What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
    When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.

    Importance: LOW

    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Foldable design
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 30% lower weight
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth is lighter than the average headphone (152.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 0.5 hours shorter charging time
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a lower charging time than the average headphone (1.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 more microphones
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • EQ customization
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (350 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 22.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 15 hours shorter battery life
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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 On Ear Bluetooth has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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
  • 0.4 % higher distortion
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.7 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.7 % vs 0.3 %
  • 41.7% lower battery capacity
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth 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 On Ear Bluetooth 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
  • 22.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 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 On Ear Bluetooth has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (150 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.150 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).
    Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth?

  • Extremely lightweight and compact foldable design
  • Exceptional comfort for long periods due to soft, pressure-relieving ear cushions
  • Seamless multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with two devices
  • Reliable battery life (up to 15 hours) with a convenient quick-charge feature
  • Balanced and clear sound signature with detailed highs and punchy bass
  • Intuitive physical controls for volume and playback on the earcup
  • Excellent dual-microphone system for clear voice calls even in noisy environments

What customers dislike about Bose Soundlink On Ear Bluetooth?

  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC); poor isolation from external noise
  • Considerable sound leakage at higher volumes
  • Noticeably lower audio quality when used in wired mode
  • Ear cushions can cause ears to heat up during extended use
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors with similar features
  • On-ear fit may feel insecure or slip during vigorous movement or exercise
  • Uses an older Micro-USB charging port rather than modern USB-C

Expert reviews

S
soundguys.com
01/03/2021

The SoundGuys review of the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless highlights their lightweight, comfortable design and excellent, reliable Bluetooth performance suitable for commuters. Key strengths include the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously via multipoint connectivity and a sound profile that outperforms standard earbuds. SoundGuysHowever, the review cites concerns...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
16/01/2015

The Bose SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones offer a lightweight, 152-gram folding design with comfortable oval leather earpads that are highly portable and convenient for travel. They deliver a well-balanced, clear audio performance with punchy bass powered by TriPort technology, backed by a solid Bluetooth connection and a physical power switch. Key advantages include a 15-hour...Read more

R
rtings.com
06/05/2016

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless headphones offer a lightweight, highly portable design with exceptional comfort and durable build quality, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They provide well-balanced audio for various genres, though they lack active noise cancellation and suffer from poor passive isolation, resulting in high sound leakage that makes them...Read more

G
geekdad.com
10/03/2016

Performance and sound Profile The Bose Soundlink On-Ear Headphones offer a tweaked EQ that delivers a highly pronounced, powerful bass without completely overwhelming the rest of the sound spectrum. While they do not provide the absolutely "pure" audio clarity of high-end studio monitors, they perform exceptionally well across a wide variety of music genres, capturing sharp details...Read more

P
pcmag.com
17/09/2015

The PCMag review highlights the $250 Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth HeadphonesGo as a highly portable, lightweight (5.4 oz) option with a comfortable, secure fit, plush memory foam, and simple controls. Performance pros include a 15-hour battery, a functional passive wired mode, and a sound profile characterized by crisp, well-defined highs and clear vocals. However, the review...Read more

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themobileindian.com
27/03/2015

Direct Answer First: The The Mobile Indian review highlights the Bose Soundlink on-ear Bluetooth headphonesGo as a highly durable, comfortable, and top-tier audio accessory priced at Rs 21,038, providing exceptional sound quality that justifies its premium cost despite minor stability issues during intense movement. The headset features a remarkably robust yet lightweight headgear...Read more

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m.economictimes.com
12/10/2014

Bose SoundLink Headphones & KittenTaxi Game Review The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones offer fantastic build quality, exceptional audio clarity, and a well-balanced sound profile that tempers the heavy bass typical of older Bose models. Users will find high-utility comfort in the soft ear cushions and padded headband, alongside integrated voice prompts and an impressive...Read more

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head-fi.org
25/12/2014

The Head-Fi review describes the Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones as a comfortable, lightweight daily driver featuring reliable, functional on-ear controls and a clear microphone. Audio performance is characterized by a rhythmic, tight bass and enhanced, detailed treble, marking an improvement in clarity over previous Bose on-ear models. Conversely, the review highlights...Read more

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techguide.com.au
04/12/2014

The Bose Soundlink on-ear Bluetooth headphones deliver outstanding audio performance by utilizing proprietary TriPort technology alongside an Active Equaliser, producing a full range of sound with deep bass and high detail across all music genres. Designed for maximum comfort, these headphones feature a lightweight build, a padded headband, and soft leather-feel ear cups that rest...Read more

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yugatech.com
14/12/2014

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones deliver a highly balanced, loud, and crisp audio performance across all music genres, successfully handling deep bass thumps without overpowering the mids and highs. This model is praised for its lightweight, foldable, and highly portable design that can easily fit into a small case or cargo shorts pocket. Users will find it incredibly...Read more

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whathifi.com
17/12/2014

The What Hi-Fi? review evaluates the Bose Soundlink On-ear Bluetooth headphones, praising their compact, foldable design and standout user interaction. Priced at £220, the headphones feature highly helpful pros including a good overall build quality, a straightforward and easy-to-use three-button control layout, and an automated female voice assistant that clearly states battery...Read more

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cnet.com
19/11/2014

The Bose SoundLink Bluetooth On-Ear headphone is a highly comfortable, lightweight (5.4 ounces) wireless headset that delivers excellent, well-balanced sound with strong but controlled bass. It features an effective two-way microphone system with Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology that automatically handles ambient noise, making it highly reliable for calls on busy streets. The...Read more

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hardwarejournal.de
28/04/2015

The Bose SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones are the manufacturer's first wireless on-ear model, delivering an overall good and balanced sound profile with rich bass, clear mids, and balanced highs. The device features exceptional comfort due to its lightweight 153-gram build, soft adaptive ear padding, and a stable metal headband. It provides high physical usability with three...Read more

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avguide.ch
19/10/2014

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth headphones deliver a highly balanced and clear audio experience, featuring powerful yet unobtrusive bass alongside exceptionally distinct mids and highs. A standout feature is the ability to pair with multiple devices simultaneously, and the included 3,5 mm audio cable allows for continued playback on older media devices like iPads or Fiio...Read more

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kopfhoererimtest.de
06/01/2015

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth headphones are highly compact, travel-friendly wireless headphones made entirely of lightweight, premium plastic weighing only 150 grams. Their core strengths (Pros) lie in an exceptionally comfortable, low-pressure ergonomic fit with soft ear cushions and a well-padded headband. Functionally, the headphones offer an impressive 15-hour battery...Read more

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cnetfrance.fr
19/12/2014

The CNET France review for the Bose SoundLink Bluetooth On-Ear highlights it as a highly capable and ultra-comfortable choice in the wireless market. Priced around 250 euros, it stands out for being more affordable than its direct competitors from Beats while maintaining premium build materials. Its standout strengths include a compact, lightweight, and foldable design paired with a...Read more

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01net.com
20/11/2014

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth headphone offers excellent build quality, high comfort, and a very strong battery life that easily clears 15 to 20 hours of continuous playback. Weighing 168 grams, it features well-padded, soft ear cushions that allow for comfortable listening over extended periods, alongside a robust and adjustable headband. It provides versatile connectivity...Read more

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audiocasque.fr
27/01/2015

The Bose SoundLink On-EarGo is a highly lightweight and compact Bluetooth headphone that successfully balances robust physical comfort with an energetic audio experience. According to the review, prominent pros include its exceptional on-ear ergonomics, featuring a flexible headband and plush memory foam earcups covered in leatherette that alleviate the painful "clamp-effect" common...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
26/12/2014

The Bose SoundLink On-EarGo is a compact, lightweight wireless headphone designed for mobile listening, offering up to 15 hours of battery life and a foldable, travel-friendly structure. Weighing exactly 168 grams with a gentle clamping force under 350 gf, it focuses heavily on user comfort, utilizing generous leather-like padding on the ear cups and a soft "peach skin" fabric on...Read more

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saggiamente.com
24/05/2015

The Saggiamente review identifies the Bose SoundLink On-Ear headphones as a lightweight (153g) and highly comfortable option, featuring premium materials and a collapsible design for maximum portability. Delivering a warm, balanced sound profile with 15-hour battery life and intuitive controls, they offer strong performance for music and calls. While lauded for comfort, the...Read more

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av2d.com
17/12/2015

The Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II review highlights a premium audio device priced at €279,95 that delivers an exceptionally full and well-balanced sound signature across various music genres. During a wired testing session with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," the reviewer noted a dramatic improvement over previous headphones, revealing audio depth and nuances that...Read more

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