Sienna Rhodes
Bose SoundSport wireless earbuds are a popular choice for those seeking wire-free listening during workouts. They offer excellent sound quality and are easy to set up. However, some users have reported that even the smallest size of the earbuds is too big for their ears, requiring creative solutions to keep them in place. This size issue, combined with the lack of noise isolation due to their open design, may be a deal-breaker for those seeking earbuds for everyday use in noisy environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound quality | Excellent, with a slight warm tilt, relaxed and laid back |
| Bass | Low impact without bleeding into the mids |
| Highs | Slightly rolled off |
| Noise isolation | None |
| Design | Open |
| Fit | Secure and comfortable |
| Price | $200 / £180 / AU$300 |
| Comparisons | Rivals offer fewer compromises, e.g. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 offers better sound quality and battery life for less |
| Pros | Wireless, great sound, easy to set up |
| Cons | Too big for some users, no noise isolation, lag issues |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sound quality
The Bose SoundSport earbuds are praised for their sound quality, with some reviews claiming that they have better sound quality than AirPods. The earbuds are said to have a balanced audio profile, with rich bass and a crisp high-end. The bass is described as "thumping" and "rattle-skull", without being overwhelming. The earbuds also perform well across different music genres, from Afrobeat to punk rock.
The Bose Sport Earbuds are also said to have great sound, with a secure and comfortable fit. The earphones have similar frequency responses, and the StayHear Max ear tips create a secure fit without causing discomfort. The Sport Earbuds also do an excellent job of prioritising your voice in windy conditions, although they do tend to pick up sibilant sounds.
The SoundSport earbuds are easy to set up and connect via Bluetooth. They also have an in-line controller for adjusting volume and skipping tracks. The SoundSport Free earbuds are truly wireless and are said to have fantastic sound, although there have been some reports of lag when watching videos on phones or tablets.
Overall, the Bose SoundSport and Sport Earbuds are praised for their sound quality, with rich bass and clear audio. The SoundSport Free earbuds are also said to have fantastic sound, although there are some issues with lag. The Sport Earbuds also perform well, with a secure and comfortable fit.
The Sound Studio Setup: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Noise isolation
The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are designed with an open design, which means they let in outside noise. This feature makes them a great pair of workout headphones, especially for runners who want to stay aware of their surroundings. However, it also means that they offer no noise isolation, which can be a deal-breaker for commuters or those who want to block out background noise.
The lack of noise isolation in the SoundSport earbuds allows users to carry on full conversations with the earbuds in their ears. This level of external noise interference can be frustrating, especially when outdoors, as it interferes with the earbuds' sound quality.
The Bose Sport Earbuds, while praised for their comfort and sound, also face some criticism for their noise isolation capabilities. The earbuds' design prioritises comfort and stability, which means they do not block out as much external noise as other earbuds. This can be advantageous for athletes who want to remain aware of their surroundings, but for those seeking noise isolation, these earbuds may not meet expectations.
The StayHear Max tips on the Bose Sport Earbuds do block out some noise, but much of it remains audible. The isolation performance is not excellent, and the earbuds protrude quite a bit, making them more susceptible to wind noise.
For those seeking noise-isolating earbuds, alternatives like the Jaybird X3, Sony WF-1000X, or the newer Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer better noise cancellation and adjustable noise-cancelling features.
Documentary Sounds: Real or Fake?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Workout suitability
The Bose SoundSport earbuds are a great option for those looking for wireless headphones to wear while working out. The absence of wires means you don't have to worry about them getting tangled up during intricate movements like running, yoga, or weightlifting. The earbuds fit securely and comfortably, and the sound quality is excellent, with a slight warm tilt and a relaxed overall presentation. The bass extends low without bleeding into the mids, and the highs are slightly rolled off, making long listening sessions enjoyable.
However, one issue with the SoundSport earbuds is that they may not fit all ear sizes. Some users have reported that even the small-sized earbuds are too big for their ears, and trying the medium size is not a viable solution as it may not fit in the ear at all. To address this issue, you may need to use a headband to keep the earbuds from falling out, or explore compatible third-party vendors that offer smaller-sized earbuds.
Another consideration is that the open design of the SoundSport earbuds allows a lot of external noise in, which can be distracting during workouts. If you're in a noisy environment, you may not be able to fully appreciate the sound quality of the earbuds. Additionally, the earbuds have been reported to experience issues during "heavy sweat" workout sessions, but Bose has addressed this by replacing affected units and ensuring that newer models do not have this defect.
Despite some minor drawbacks, the Bose SoundSport earbuds are a good choice for workouts due to their wireless design, secure and comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality. They are easy to set up, with a power button and charging port located on the right earbud, and offer Bluetooth and NFC pairing options. For those who prioritize sound quality, comfort, and convenience during workouts, the Bose SoundSport earbuds are worth considering.
Understanding Non-Diegetic Sounds in Media
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Design and fit
The Bose SoundSport earbuds are designed for workouts and fitness enthusiasts. They are wireless, cutting the "annoying audio umbilical cord", and boast an easy setup with a power button and charging port on the right earbud. They are also equipped with an in-line remote for NFC pairing.
However, several users have reported that the earbuds are too big, even the small size. Some have resorted to using a headband to prevent the earbuds from falling out. This issue appears to be specific to individuals with smaller ears, as the medium size is noted as being too large to fit in the ear for some.
The Bose SoundSport Free earbuds offer an open design, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings during workouts. This design choice, however, comes at the cost of noise isolation, making it less ideal for use outside of the gym or in noisy environments.
While the sound quality of the Bose SoundSport Free is excellent, with a relaxed and laid-back presentation, it is best experienced in quiet environments. The bass extends low without bleeding into the mids, and the highs are slightly rolled off to prevent listener fatigue during long listening sessions.
In terms of pricing, the Bose SoundSport Free earbuds are in the higher range, costing $200, £180, or AU$300. Rivals like the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 offer superior features, including sound quality and battery life, at a more affordable price point.
Extracting Audio from DVDs: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost
The cost of the Bose SoundSport varies depending on the model and the seller. The wired version of the earbuds, which is no longer sold by Bose, can be found on Amazon for prices ranging from $100 to $500, a significant increase from their original price of $30.
The SoundSport wireless earbuds are available on Amazon for $129, previously priced at $149. These earbuds offer 6 hours of battery life, water and sweat resistance, and an auto-power-off feature. An accessory charging case costs an additional $3000. The SoundSport wireless earbuds also come in a version with a built-in heart-rate monitor, called the SoundSport Pulse Wireless, which is available in red and offers 5 hours of battery life.
Bose also offers the SoundSport Free, a totally wireless earbud designed for workouts, which features a dual-microphone array for calls and does not employ noise-reduction technology. The SoundSport line of earbuds can be protected with the BoseCare Accident Protection Plan, which covers drops and spills for three years from the date of purchase, at an additional cost.
Vibrations and Sounds: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some users have reported that the earbuds are too big, even the small size. However, there are different-sized silicone tips provided, so you may find that one of these fits your ears better.
You could try using a headband to prevent them from falling out. Alternatively, you may be able to find a third-party vendor that makes smaller-sized earbuds that are compatible with the Bose SoundSports.
Yes, the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 offers outstanding sound quality and battery life for a lower price.
Yes, the SoundSports are easy to set up and have excellent sound quality. They are also wireless, which is great for working out as you don't have to deal with tangled wires.
Some users have reported problems with the SoundSports during heavy sweat workout sessions. Bose has stated that they will replace any defective units and that newer models do not have this issue. Additionally, the SoundSports have an open design, which means there is no noise isolation, so they may not be ideal if you value noise cancellation.
