Bose bt earphone: Wireless Bluetooth Headphones & Earbuds for Any Lifestyle

How to pair Bose Bluetooth headphones to any device

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A new pair of Bose headphones comes with the promise of blocking the world out and tuning into your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook. 

I can personally say that Bose makes listening easy, but the pairing and connecting process is a little less so. 

To avoid pairing frustration and skip straight to the sound, we broke down the easiest ways to pair your Bose headphones with whichever device you desire. 

Also: The best noise-canceling earbuds

Let’s get into it. 

How to put Bose headphones in pairing mode

After pressing the button on the back of my QuietComfort II buds charging case for a few seconds, the light will slowly pulse blue, showing the buds are ready to connect to my device. 

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How to pair Bose headphones to an iPhone

To quickly make sure your Bluetooth is on, swipe down on the upper right corner of your iOS device home screen and select the Bluetooth quick toggle.

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Under the “Other devices” option in the iPhone Bluetooth menu, you’ll see your Bose headphones pop up. Tap on the name to finish the connection process. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

How to pair Bose headphones to a Mac

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

To connect Bose headphones to a Mac, make sure Bluetooth is on and press the Connect button next to the name of your device. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

How to pair Bose headphones to an Android device

To get to the full Bluetooth menu, select the gear icon in the upper right corner. If you just want to make sure Bluetooth is on, look at the widget in the quick settings interface. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

To finish the connection process, select the Pair button when prompted by your Android phone. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

How to pair Bose headphones to a PC

Screenshot by Addison Murray/ZDNET

How to pair Bose headphones using the Bose Music App

The Bose Music app is an easy way to connect and control your headphones. When setting up your headphones, make sure to select the app’s Headphones and Frames option. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

Press Connect to add your headphones to the Bose Music app library. 

Screenshot by Christina Darby/ZDNET

FAQs

Where is the pairing button on Bose headphones?

Sneakily camouflaged in the hardware, the Bose pairing button can be hard to find. For over-ear headphones, the pairing button is actually a switch located on the side of the earcup. For earbuds, the button is located on the back of the charging case. 

What do I do if the Bose App won’t connect? 

If your Bose app isn’t connecting, here are some quick troubleshooting suggestions:  

• Clear the Bose Connect app cache
• Enable location permissions 
• Check the app for updates 
• Connect manually through Bluetooth 

Will my Bose headphones automatically connect to my device after I pair them?

Unless you’ve paired the headphones with multiple devices, your phone should recognize your Bose headphones and automatically connect them once you take the earbuds out of the case or turn the earphones on and place them on your ears.

Featured reviews

Bose Sport Earbuds review: Great sound and comfort

Everyone deserves a second chance, or at least Bose hopes you feel that way. The Bose Sport Earbuds is the company’s sophomore true wireless workout earbuds, and is sure to be a mainstay among gym-goers. Did Bose actually make improvements from the original SoundSport Free, or did it just repackage old issues? Let’s find out in our full Bose Sport Earbuds review.

Editor’s note: this Bose Sport Earbuds review was updated on May 15, 2023 to include answer user submitted FAQs, and update formatting.

About this Bose Sport Earbuds review: We tested the Bose Sport Earbuds over a period of 10 days. It was running firmware version 1.0.7-10904+620b71c, and the Bose Music app ran version 4.1.1. SoundGuys purchased the unit for this review.

Athletes should get these earphones because they have an IPX4 rating and feature easily operable touch contorls. Anyone can use the Bose Sport Earbuds, because the proprietary ear tips keep the buds in place no matter what. The embedded mics make it easy to take hands-free calls from anywhere, and you can charge the bud and case up in a pinch.

What’s it like to use the Bose Sport Earbuds?

Bose selected plastic for its Sport Earbuds, which is a smart move since weight and durability are key to great workout earbuds. The earbuds’ design is very plain, but in a modern way. There isn’t a rough edge or corner to be found on the Sport Earbuds. The oblong shape protrudes from the ear, but it doesn’t draw nearly as much attention as the original SoundSport Free true wireless earbuds.

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The Bose Sport Earbuds boast an IPX4 water-resistance rating.

The earbuds are free of any buttons, and the outside of each housing serves as a touch panel. Initially, controls were very limited, but Bose has since added the ability for you to use the right earbud to make volume adjustments. You can pause playback with a double-tap of the right earbud, or by removing it. Only the right bud houses a sensor for automatic ear detection for automatic play/pause functionality. Another thing exclusive to the right earbud is mono listening. If your right ear is hearing impaired, you can’t yet use the left earbud alone, which is a real shame.

The StayHear Max ear tips are one of the best features the Bose Sport Earbuds has to offer. At a glance, the ear tips look intimidating and are much larger than your standard sleeve, but they work wonders. No matter how much I shake my head, the earbuds stay in place. They’re also extremely comfortable: the wing tips lightly grip your concha, and the ear tips create a relatively pain-free seal to your ear canals. (Ed. note: this won’t be true for everyone. Some people just can’t wear in-ears without some discomfort)

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

Be careful if you decide to rock climb with these earbuds because they’re not dust resistant.

The case isn’t anything special, though it’s much more compact than the one included with the Bose SoundSport Free. Unlike most true wireless headset cases, the Bose Sport Earbuds case doesn’t rely on magnets to keep it shut. Instead, you have to press a button which releases a lever, opening the lid. While it’s not as satisfying to use as something like the Google Pixel Buds A-Series case, it’s more functional because it guards against accidental openings anytime you drop it.

Four LEDs line the outside of the case and indicate the remaining battery levels, while a single Bluetooth pairing button rests inside. This is something you’ll end up pressing a bit, because the Sport Earbuds has its fair share of connection quirks.

How do you control the Bose Sport Earbuds?

The Bose Sport Earbuds has far fewer onboard controls than the original Bose SoundSport Earbuds. The possible controls for the Bose Sport Earbuds are as follows:

Should you get the Bose Music app?

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

The most useful thing about the Bose Music app is access to firmware updates, otherwise it’s very barebones.

You should get the Bose Music app (Android/iOS) for firmware updates, and to assign a function to the left earbud, but otherwise, it’s pretty sparse. Initially, you couldn’t create a custom EQ but with firmware 2.0.7+ and app version 5.0.2+ (iOS) or 5.0.1+ (Android) you can. For those who don’t want to tinker, you can rely on Bose’s championed Active EQ software. When you download the app, you must agree to its EULA and give it some permissions before accessing it.

You can use the Bose Music app to switch between paired devices. Alternatively, you can just use your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and disable call and audio streaming, but that is a little more involved than the Bose Music app options. You can also toggle Bose’s voice prompts, if you find them redundant. The app also displays clear battery readings and lets you customize the name of the earbuds. I don’t really care for the latter feature, but Bose does have some creative name options.

How does the Sport Earbuds connect?

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

If you want to listen in mono mode, you must use the right earbud.

Both the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs are supported, which is good news for iPhone owners since AAC plays well on iOS. If, however, you have an Android phone, your handset may have trouble maintaining high-quality AAC streaming to the Bose Sport Earbuds. If connection issues become too egregious, sometimes the best option is for you to force SBC streaming from the developer settings of your smartphone.

The Bose Sport Earbuds operates via Bluetooth 5.1. At first go, connection quality was unstable, but Bose fixes this with an update to firmware version 1.0.7-10904+620b71c.

Bluetooth 5.1 has more advanced location features than Bluetooth 5.0, in that it can pinpoint the directionality of your peripheral’s location, relative to its source device (the distance and direction between your earbuds and smartphone). Bluetooth 5.1 can improve the accuracy of features like “find my earbuds,” which isn’t supported by version 4.1.1 of the Bose Music app.

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

Headphone apps don’t collect location data to track users, instead it’s to locate and connect to the designated Bluetooth headset.

The 5.1 firmware has a revamped caching system which makes it even more energy-efficient than Bluetooth 5.0. You can expect a minor bump in battery life between 5.1 and 5.0 Bluetooth devices. With this new caching system comes the ability to make faster connections, so automatically connecting to a smartphone should be instantaneous, though it isn’t quite perfect with these earbuds. It also makes it easier to broadcast the Bose Sport Earbuds connection status if you’re trying to pair it to a device.

Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.1 both fall under the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard; they are not a part of LE Audio. LE Audio is supported in Bluetooth Core Specification version 5.2.

How long does the battery last on the Bose Sport Earbuds?

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

You need to press a button to open the charging case.

Upon subjecting the Bose Sport Earbuds to a constant 75dB(SPL) output, the earbuds last 5 hours, 17 minutes before the batteries depletes. This is above average for true wireless earbuds, and you can always fast charge the earbuds when in a bind: 15 minutes in the case provides two hours of playback. It takes two hours to fully charge the earbuds, and three hours for the case. The Bose Sport Earbuds case doesn’t support wireless charging, so you can keep that Qi charging mat tucked away.

Unfortunately, true wireless earbuds are subject to physical limitations which directly affect battery life and product longevity. See, your earbuds house tiny lithium-ion battery cells, much like your smartphone, and these degrade over time. More often than not, you use earbuds for one hour, maybe two, at a time before you place them in the case to be topped up completely. This constant partial-depletion, full-charge cycle hastens battery degradation and results in earbuds that may be unable to hold a significant charge past the two-year mark.

How well does the Bose Sport Earbuds block out noise?

Although a little noise is blocked out by the StayHear Max tips, much of it remains audible, which is a good thing for outdoor athletes.

Isolation performance isn’t excellent, or even good, really. It’s clear that Bose prioritizes comfort and stability with its ear tips over blocking out as much external noise as possible. This is actually a good thing in the context of workout earbuds because it allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. Even if you exercise at the gym instead of outdoors, it’s important to be aware of what your fellow gym mates are doing, and could save you from injury. As the chart shows, this is not the pair of earbuds for blocking out low-frequency sounds like a loud A/C unit at your office.

How does the Bose Sport Earbuds sound?

The Bose Sport Earbuds (cyan) follows our ideal curve (pink) closely, except for in the sub-bass frequencies.

The Bose Sport Earbuds features a tame frequency response for workout earbuds, and it reproduces vocals and string instruments well. Typically, anything billed as a workout headset receives a hefty dose of bass emphasis, but here, bass notes sound reasonable. This makes it a bit easier to hear low-end sounds like a kick drum, without introducing much auditory masking. Bose under-emphasizes treble frequencies between 5-9kHz, but it’s otherwise not far off the mark of our ideal.

Lows, mids, and highs

Devon Cole’s song July For the Whole Year opens with a C-E-Am-F chord progression, which is produced to sound quiet and distorted. While these chords are strummed, finger snaps ring through clearly, thanks to the exaggerated upper-midrange response. Cole begins the chorus at 0:42, which happens to be when the initial bass drops. Despite Cole’s high vocal range, her voice remains audible on the downbeat. A great example of this is when she sings the phrase, “and the days got colder,” at 2:35.

The earbuds don’t block out much outside noise, but this is more of a feature than a drawback.

During the final chorus, Cole harmonizes with herself while singing the lyrics, “July for the whole year.” Her background vocals are easy to hear, even amid the din of the song’s outro, which is an impressive feat for workout earbuds. Again, the bass notes may feel a bit underwhelming for your taste, but to get the best bass response, all you have to do is find the best-fitting ear tips.

Can you use the Bose Sport Earbuds for phone calls?

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

These earbuds are much more compact and covert than the honking beasts that are the SoundSport Free earbuds.

The Bose Sport Earbuds have a four-microphone array, which is impressive, but it’s still an embedded microphone system. Low-frequency sounds are heavily attenuated to reduce the proximity effect, but it’s taken to an extreme and can make those with moderately and extremely low voices sound “off.” Bose deserves credit where credit is due, though: the mics do a great job at reducing predictable, low-frequency background noise like the hum of a microwave.

The Sport Earbuds does a good job of prioritizing your voice in windy conditions, though it still picks up the noise. It also has a tendency to sometimes catch some sibilant sounds (those s and sh sounds), although it isn’t distracting.

Bose Sport Earbuds microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Bose Sport Earbuds microphone demo (Windy conditions):

How does the microphone sound to you?

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Should you buy the Bose Sport Earbuds?

The Bose Sport Earbuds goes unchallenged as the most comfortable workout earbuds you can buy. Bose’s proprietary StayHear Max ear tips create a secure fit, without causing any discomfort from a strong suction-like sensation.

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

Bose’s StayHear Max ear tips may not look the most comfortable, but they most certainly are.

Even though Bose’s earbuds are very good, the company shouldn’t grow complacent: there are plenty of improvements it can make to its earphones via firmware updates. We’ve seen other companies release big feature drops after the initial release of a product, and Bose already added features and improved connection stability, which is a good sign. Bose soon added a custom EQ module to the Bose Music app, which is a trend for the company as it did the same for the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 at the behest of its users.

Though there’s plenty of room for improvement, there’s a lot to love about Bose’s second-generation totally wireless workout earphones. If you want a versatile pair of earbuds that sound very good, you might want to snag this on promotion. Anyone interested in the Bose Sport Earbuds but wants something bone conduction-esque should consider the Bose Sport Open Earbuds.

Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport Earbuds

Secure fit • Fast charging • Custom and Active EQ

The Bose Sport Earbuds is the most comfortable set of workout earbuds around, and makes huge improvements over the original Bose SoundSport Free. Bose’s feature set is always expanding as the company reliably releases useful firmware and app updates. For a comfortable, durable, and capable set of workout earbuds, look no further than Bose.

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If you want a similarly durable set of Bose earbuds with some of the best noise canceling around, we recommend the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (yes, over the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II). The Bose QC Earbuds is a great deal now that the QC Earbuds II is out. The active noise canceling is very good and the default sound profile is significantly better than that of the QC Earbuds II. You even get wireless charging with the first-gen QC Earbuds, which is missing from the Sport Earbuds and QC Earbuds II. The original QuietComfort Earbuds costs $189.99 at Amazon and the QuietComfort Earbuds II costs $279 at Amazon.

What should you get instead of the Bose Sport Earbuds?

The competition is stiff these days in the market of workout-friendly true wireless earbuds. Newer models appear to directly challenge the Bose Sport Earbuds, but the Sport Earbuds still makes our list of best wireless workout options. What else is out there, you say?

If you have an iPhone, consider the Apple AirPods Pro

Software support for both of these earbuds is excellent if you have an iOS device, but Android users are still parched for support.

The AirPods Pro (1st generation) compares favorably against the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), with a similar feature set and ANC performance. You get automatic device switching across deviced synched up to the same iCloud account and features like personlized Spatial Audio. While the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is more future-proof with its h3 and U1 chips, the AirPods Pro (1st generation) is a great deal and costs $179.99 at Best Buy. You’ll pay a higher price tag for the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) ($229 at Amazon).

What makes the Beats Fit Pro a great alternative to the Bose Sport Earbuds?

Lily Katz / SoundGuys

Beats includes three pairs of ear tips for its wing-tipped workout buds.

Like Bose’s workout earbuds, the Fit Pro from Beats features a stable fit for athletes. The Fit Pro earbuds have built-in ear wings that secure the buds to your ears no matter how hard you shake your head. Some may prefer the more malleable material of the Bose Sport Earbuds’ ear tips, but that boils down to personal preference. Similar to the Beats Studio Buds, the Fit Pro works nearly as well on Android as it does on iOS because Android phone owners can download the Beats app to customize their experience. When paired with an iPhone, you get all the premium comforts like personalized Spatial Audio, Apple Find My support, automatic device switching, and more.

What makes the Beats Fit Pro stand out from the Sport Earbuds is Beats’ noise canceling technology. This is quite good and rivals the AirPods Pro (2nd generation), though the AirPods has better ANC. You also get automatic ear detection on the Fit Pro, which Bose’s earbuds lack. The Beats Fit Pro comes in a few colors (Beats Black, Beats White, Sage Gray, Stone Purple; and Kim K Special Editions Earth, Dune, and Moon) and costs $159.95 at Walmart.

The Jaybird Vista 2 brings solid noise cancellation and durable construction

The Vista 2 is Jaybird’s debut noise canceling earphones.

The Vista 2 builds upon the success of the first-gen Vista earphones, and this time around, Jaybird includes active noise canceling. While the Vista 2 can’t compete with the Sony WF-1000XM4 or even the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless, the passive isolation does most of the heavy lifting to keep background noise out.

The earbuds feature an IP68 rating while the case merits MIL-STD-810G certifications. This headset is pretty pricy, but for the right buyer, it’s worth it ($144.99 at Amazon).

Try the Jabra Elite Active 75t instead

The IP57 rating means the Elite Active 75t are resistant to dust and water.

Don’t forget that there are plenty of attractive alternatives like the Jabra Elite Active 75t. With an IP57 rating you can feel safe it’ll survive whatever workout you throw at it. Audio tinkerers will appreciate Jabra’s custom EQ settings where you can tone down the emphatic bass response.

You can even hold meetings while running, because the microphone is quite good. The onboard ANC leaves something to be desired, but if that’s not a deal breaker, the Elite Active 75t may make you reconsider if you want Bose. With newer Jabra earphones on the market, you can get the Elite Active 75t for a pretty good deal. Currently, the Elite Active 75t costs $149.99 at Verizon.

Frequently asked questions about the Bose Sport Earbuds

No, the Bose Sport Earbuds does not have internal storage.

Yes, the Sport Earbuds will work with Bose SimpleSync. If you have something like the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, you can synchronize audio output with the Sport Earbuds and even non-Bose earbuds and headphones.

Yes, the Sport Earbuds case charges via USB-C cable, which Bose provides.

The Bose Sport Earbuds makes huge improvements over the Bose SoundSport Free, but it’s far from perfect.

While some may prefer the more futuristic touch controls found on the Sport Earbuds, it’s more limited than the SoundSport Free’s buttons. The company’s debut true wireless earbuds let you control playback, access your smart assistant, and control the volume. The Sport Earbuds have automatic ear detection in the right bud, but I prefer more comprehensive controls at the expense of newer, less functional tech.

Neither headset’s app supports any kind of EQ, so the sound profile Bose provides is all that you get. The earphones have similar frequency responses. If you like how the older model reproduces your favorite songs, you’ll be pleased with the Sport Earbuds. Bose’s Sport Earbuds is the better overall headset, despite the few onboard controls. The SoundSport Free costs $143.95 at Amazon and is hard to find.

The Bose Sport Earbuds and the Sony WF-SP800N offer very similar experiences, but there are definitely some meaningful differences. The Sony earbuds are more expensive, but they feature a superior IP55 rating, which will be important if you need something a little more rugged. Basically, if you exercise outside, rather than at the gym, you may want them instead of the Bose earbuds.

Sony WF-SP800N

Sony WF-SP800N

Sony 360 Reality Audio • Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration • IP55 rating

360 Reality Audio is cool, but not enough to make these buds worth it.

With so many other great options available at this price point, the Sony WF-SP800N is too finicky for me to recommend to anyone. Sure, Sony 360 Reality Audio is super cool, but this isn’t the only headset with full compatibility. Plus, it shouldn’t be the main selling point for a pair of workout earbuds.

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Bose in-ear headphones

Bose in-ear headphones

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Bose Quiet Comfort

Comfortable in-ear headphones from Bose

In-ear headphones have been very popular for many years. They are very convenient to use in urban areas. When crossing the road, you can pull out one earphone and ensure your safety. Sports in-ear headphones allow you to listen to music comfortably even in noisy environments.

The main advantages of Bose in-ear headphones:

• Compactness. They are convenient to carry. Bose headphones come with a stylish case;
• Sound quality. The earbuds provide a wide range of sound. Bass and ringing highs leave an indelible listening experience;
• Convenience. The earbuds sit well in the ear thanks to the anatomical shape of the earbud. They do not spoil the hairstyle, do not interfere during movement, sports;
• Lower prices than full size headphones.

Bose offer several lines of in-ear headphones. A headset marked “soundsport” is perfect for going to the gym or jogging. It is protected from moisture and sweat, holds a charge well. The Bose headphones soundsport pulse version is even equipped with a heart rate reading system.
The mark “quitecomfort” and “quietcontrol” indicates the presence of a soundproofing system. With these headphones, you can forget about the sounds of the outside world and be left alone with your favorite music. Listening to music will be an exciting way to enjoy all the sound richness of the world. The provided noise reduction will be enough to drown out even the sounds of an aircraft engine.
The highlight is the Bose sleepbuds sleep headphones. They function as earplugs and will be a great helper for those who sleep extremely sensitively. Headphones suppress the slightest noise in the room. They also allow you to fall asleep to the sounds of nature or just your favorite music. This little device takes the quality of sleep to a whole new level. The headset is not felt in the ears and provides comfort all night.
The American company Vose creates equipment for both lovers of standard, wired in-ear headphones, and for those who appreciate the convenience of Bluetooth models. When choosing wireless options, you can not worry about the quality of music and the state of charge. The earbuds charge quickly and hold a charge well. There is a possibility of quick recharging. The silence will definitely not take you by surprise!

If you are interested in BOSE products, you can buy them in our company on the most favorable terms: we offer affordable prices and long-term warranty for certified products of a time-tested manufacturer

Bose earplugs

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Bose’s Best Headphones for Earplug Lovers

At one time, earplugs became a real revolution in the world of audio headsets. They are incredibly comfortable and perfect for use in the realities of city life. These headphones are suitable for walking, jogging, sports. They are convenient to use when traveling on public transport and when you just want to isolate yourself from the outside world. If necessary, you can simply pull out one earpiece to hear the interlocutor or cross the road safely.
First of all, they became popular because of the ability to isolate hearing from ambient noise. The earplugs sit comfortably in the ear and provide direct contact with the sound waves. They deliver impressive sound quality with strong bass and crisp highs. This happens due to vacuum ear pads. Carrying earplugs is also extremely convenient. The presence of a convenient case minimizes the chances of losing a wireless headset. All these pluses are in the headphones from Bose.

Which earbuds Bose makes:

• Bose sleepbuds are the perfect sleep headphones. They eliminate the noise in the room and are suitable for people with even the most sensitive sleep;
• Вose headphones soundsport free – work via bluetooth, provide up to five hours of continuous work and are not afraid of sweat;
• Вose headphones quitecomfort 20 are wired headphones with a powerful active noise isolation system. It allows you not only to listen to music without being distracted by extraneous sounds, but also to create the illusion of complete silence. This is a very useful feature for those who find it difficult to concentrate. There is a version for Android and Apple;
• Bose headphones soundsport pulse is a sporty wireless model that is sweat and moisture resistant. The plugs are connected by a cable. An interesting innovation is the presence of a heart rate reading system. All information is transmitted directly to your smartphone;
• Wired Soundsport in-ear is suitable for Apple. The earplugs are equipped with anatomically shaped pads and fit perfectly in the ear. Like other models of sports headsets, they are protected from moisture and sweat. This version perfectly tolerates even heavy rain due to the outer fabric;
• Bose QuietControl 30. Here the emphasis was also placed on noise reduction. Wireless earphones hold a charge very well.
  Whichever Bose model you choose, you’ll find breathtaking sound, original design and user-friendliness thought through to the smallest detail.