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Bose Soundsport In Ear Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.6

Good

4.7

Poor

9.1

Exceptional

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
3.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.9
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
7.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
5.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Bose SoundSport In-Ear headphones are durable, sweat-resistant wired earbuds designed for active use, featuring dynamic drivers that provide a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. They utilize exclusive TriPort technology to deliver crisp highs and natural-sounding lows, while proprietary StayHear tips in three sizes (S, M, L) ensure a secure and comfortable fit during vigorous movement. Weighing approximately 18 grams with a 107 cm cable, these headphones include an inline microphone and remote specifically optimized for select Apple or Android devices. Main pros include their exceptional stability, comfortable 'open' design that allows for situational awareness, and reliable moisture resistance. However, they lack active noise cancellation and offer poor isolation, making them less suitable for loud commutes or noisy environments.

Technical Specifications of Bose Soundsport In Ear

Overall score

5.6

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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.

Sound

2.9

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

6.3

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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

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

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

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

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

7.8

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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

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

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Features

5.6

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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

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

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

6.7

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

8.3

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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

in-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

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

open-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

N/A

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Bose Soundsport In Ear vs the average headphone

Why is Bose Soundsport In Ear better than the average headphone?

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91.7% lower weight
Bose Soundsport In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (18 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 Soundsport In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.18 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Bose Soundsport In Ear 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 Soundsport In Ear includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Water resistance
Bose Soundsport In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
IPX4
What it is: Protection level against water exposure
When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Soundsport In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
14.3% higher user score
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.14 vs 8.000).
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.
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a higher user score than the average headphone (9.14 vs 8.000).9.14 vs 8
2.15x more popular
Bose Soundsport In Ear is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
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.
Bose Soundsport In Ear is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
91.7% lower weight
Bose Soundsport In Ear is lighter than the average headphone (18 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
Bose Soundsport In Ear is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
On-device controls
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Bose Soundsport In Ear includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Bose Soundsport In Ear worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No passive noise reduction
Bose Soundsport In Ear does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
No passive noise reduction
Bose Soundsport In Ear does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Soundsport In Ear does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Fixed cable
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Bose Soundsport In Ear 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 Soundsport In Ear 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
6 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Bose Soundsport In Ear has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.97 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL

Graphic comparison of Bose Soundsport In Ear and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bose Soundsport In Ear?

Secure and stable 'StayHear' tips that remain in place during vigorous exercise
Exceptionally comfortable for long listening sessions with minimal ear fatigue
Well-balanced 'open' sound profile that allows for situational awareness outdoors
Sweat and weather-resistant design suitable for intense workouts
Includes helpful accessories like a compact carrying case and clothing clip

What customers dislike about Bose Soundsport In Ear?

Poor noise isolation; environmental sounds easily leak in, making them less ideal for loud commutes
Durability concerns, with reports of cable wear, casing splits, or one earbud failing prematurely
Bass response may feel lacking or 'tinny' compared to noise-isolating models due to the open-ear design
High price point relative to competing sports earbuds
Buttons on the inline remote can be stiff and difficult to press

Expert reviews

jogger.co.uk

01/02/2018

Bose SoundSport Headphones - review by jogger.co.uk

The Bose SoundSport HeadphonesGo review on jogger.co.uk highly praises the wireless sports earbuds, giving them a perfect 10/10 score. The reviewer, Shannon, emphasizes how easy it is to pair the headphones via Bluetooth directly to a smartphone (specifically tested with an iPhone 7) without needing the optional Bose Connect app. Designed with soft silicon material and a distinct...Read more

buzzpoint.co.uk

24/02/2020

Bose SoundSport® in-ear headphones review

The reviewer evaluates the wired Bose SoundSport® in-ear headphones after over a year of personal use, focusing heavily on build quality and long-term durability. Originally retailing at a steep £114 (though purchased on sale for £80), the product is praised for its high build quality. Available in five color choices—Energy Green, Neon Blue, Power Red, Charcoal, and Frost—the...Read more

runningnw.com

27/12/2015

Tech Review: Bose SoundSport Wired In-Ear Headphones

The Bose SoundSport Wired In-Ear Headphones deliver a premium out-of-box experience and exceptional audio performance tailored for runners. A major standout feature is the flexible, "one size fits all" StayHear tips, which comfortably accommodate various ear sizes without the need for multiple rigid adjustments, completely eliminating post-run inner ear soreness. The audio quality...Read more

tomsguide.com

24/03/2021

Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones Review

The Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones provide balanced, clear audio quality across multiple genres, featuring a lightweight, sweat-resistant design tailored for intense gym sessions. The earbuds come equipped with a sleek inline remote for call and music management, packaged alongside a compact carrying case with an attached carabiner. Key advantages include their athletic...Read more

rtings.com

01/07/2016

Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones Review

The Bose SoundSport In-Ear are corded sports headphones featuring a lightweight, highly breathable design with proprietary StayHear tips for a stable, pressure-free fit during active use. They offer an open, spacious soundstage and minimal audio leakage, with a semi-open design that allows ambient noise for increased safety during outdoor activities. Key drawbacks include a lack of...Read more

cnet.com

26/10/2015

Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones review: A sweat-resistant, earbud-style headphone that's ultra-comfortable and stays in your ears

The Bose SoundSport In-Ear headphones ($130 with a remote, $100 without) are highly durable, sweat-resistant earbuds designed specifically for athletic activities. Their primary strength is an exceptionally comfortable "open" earbud design that utilizes StayHear silicone tips to lock securely into the ear without needing to be jammed deep into the ear canal. The headphones include a...Read more

computerbild.de

16/06/2019

Bose SoundSport Pulse Review: COMPUTER BILD (including comparison to the wired model)

The Bose SoundSport Pulse is a robust, Bluetooth-enabled sport headphone designed specifically for workouts and running. It stands out with a warm, füllig (rich) bass response, clear vocals, and a built-in optical heart rate sensor that transmits pulse data directly to fitness apps like Runtastic, MapMyRun, and the Bose Connect app. Despite their large visual appearance, the...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

10/01/2016

Bose SoundSport review on kopfhoerer.de", "Bose SoundSport tested by kopfhoerer.de

The Bose Soundsport is a solid, wired in-ear sports headphone designed for workouts, offering a neutral and balanced sound where no specific frequency range overpowers another. Built with soft silicone ear hooks available in three sizes, the headphones provide a highly secure and comfortable fit that does not press uncomfortably in the ear during physical activity. The durable build...Read more

clubic.com

22/03/2026

Bose SoundSport Review: A masterful pair of headphones reserved for athletes

The Bose SoundSport review from Clubic presents a highly positive evaluation tailored specifically toward athletes, awarding the product an overall score of 8 out of 10. The core strengths of these neckband-style earphones lie in their exceptional comfort and flawless stability during intense physical exercises like running or floor workouts. The reviewer notes that they are...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

29/11/2016

Bose SoundSport Review: Good Wired Earphones for Sports

The Labo Fnac review grants the Bose SoundSport PulseGo wireless in-ear sports headphones a perfect 5 out of 5 stars overall score, highlighting their excellent audio precision. In terms of pros, the earbuds excel in acoustic performance, earning a high 8.4 out of 10 for low distortion and an 8 out of 10 for frequency response. This means they offer highly faithful sound...Read more

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