Noise cancelling is repeatedly described as class-leading, with especially strong suppression of engine rumble and broad-spectrum everyday noise; a few reviews note minor hiss or occasional artifacts with sudden loud impacts, but overall performance remains top tier. Adjustability is strong via app modes and sliders, including custom levels and adaptive behavior (such as smoothing spikes), though some mode limitations and UI quirks are mentioned.
Android support is repeatedly framed as a strong use case, with modern Bluetooth features and higher-quality codec options that cater well to Android ecosystems.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The Bose app is generally seen as essential and functional for modes, device management, and settings, though some workflows (like mode creation) can feel limited or slightly confusing.
aptX Adaptive (including higher-quality variants cited by reviewers) is a key advantage versus some rivals for Android listeners who want better Bluetooth audio performance when supported by their phone.
Audio/video sync is usually fine for casual viewing and even editing for some users, but multiple comments suggest latency is not ideal for competitive gaming or fast-reaction play.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is consistently described as deep, punchy, and satisfying; some listeners consider it aggressive or dominant, especially out of the box.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life is consistently called average for the category: typically around 6 hours with ANC, dropping with immersive/spatial modes, and supported by multiple case recharges.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Bluetooth stability is generally reported as solid across iOS and Android devices, with few or no dropouts in typical use, though some reviewers mention earlier-gen complaints and suggest toggling certain features if problems appear.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Earbud build quality is generally considered premium, with durability expectations aligned to the price; the case gets more mixed feedback on feel and refinement.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
Controls are easy to learn and include useful gestures (notably swipe volume), yet multiple reviews mention finickiness and accidental activations; the ability to disable touch controls is an important mitigation.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case is frequently described as bulky and less premium-feeling than the earbuds themselves; some reviewers also note the buds can be awkward to retrieve.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is a Gen 2 strong point thanks to wireless charging support, plus fast top-ups via the case; a few notes suggest wireless coil placement can be finicky on some pads.
Codec support is a highlight for many reviewers, especially for Android users, with modern high-quality options noted alongside broad device compatibility.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort is widely praised for long sessions, especially once tips and stability bands are dialed in; a consistent caveat is that the shell size may not suit the smallest ears.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is polarizing: many like the sleek, modern look, but the buds are visually and physically large, which can be a problem for smaller ears.
Tip and wing options are helpful for achieving a strong seal, but multiple reviews note the included range is adequate rather than expansive given the premium price.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ customization is a frequent criticism: it is typically described as a basic 3-band tool with limited precision, which may frustrate listeners trying to meaningfully reshape the tuning.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Accessories commonly include multiple tip sizes and stability bands plus a charging cable; a few reviewers wish for extras like more sizes or a longer cable.
Instrument separation is repeatedly rated as strong, helping busy tracks stay organized and making details easier to pick out.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
At higher volumes, clarity generally holds up well according to multiple impressions, though overall tonal preference still depends on how you feel about the bass-forward tuning.
Noise reduction for calls is frequently praised (including AI-style voice isolation), yet a minority of measurements-based reviews report that wind and background sound can still bleed through depending on scenario.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality is widely reported as improved versus earlier generations, often sounding clear and intelligible; however, some tests still find it can struggle in very windy or extremely noisy environments.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange presentation is generally clear enough for vocals and instruments, but opinions vary: some hear warmth and natural tone while others cite recessed or uneven mids that can affect certain voices.
Cross-platform use is broadly positive across phones, tablets, and computers; iOS works well, though several reviewers still note Apple ecosystem extras remain a separate advantage for AirPods users.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Multipoint is a meaningful quality-of-life feature and is mostly described as seamless for switching between two devices, with occasional notes that pausing one stream before starting another helps.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
No summary yet.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Portability is mixed: the case is pocketable but noticeably larger than key competitors, and runners often find it inconvenient to carry during workouts.
Preset EQ profiles are described as basic and not always effective at fixing core tuning preferences, especially for listeners sensitive to boosted bass or treble.
In-ear detection and related sensors are supported and configurable; at least one review suggests turning detection off if it contributes to unwanted playback behavior or stutters in edge cases.
Setup is usually straightforward, but several reviews emphasize the app is effectively mandatory for fully managing features like multipoint, modes, shortcuts, and certain tuning behaviors.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Overall sound is widely praised as rich, engaging, and detailed, though it is not tuned for strict neutrality; a few reviewers find the stock profile too boosted at the extremes and harder to correct due to limited EQ.
Soundstage is commonly described as roomy and spacious for earbuds, with immersive modes able to expand the sense of space further (sometimes with tonal side effects).
Spatial/immersive audio features are robust and can sound more natural than many implementations, but not everyone prefers the processing, and it typically reduces battery life.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Fit security is a major strength thanks to stability bands/wings, with several reviews calling them suitable for workouts and even running, though some users mention footstep thud in ANC mode.
Touch responsiveness is generally strong and often praised for quick gesture recognition, but sensitivity can lead to accidental triggers during fit adjustments or certain activities.
Transparency/Aware mode is generally clear and natural, with useful loud-spike handling in some implementations, but several reviewers still place it behind the very best competitors and note occasional hiss or wind sensitivity.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble is often described as crisp and detailed without obvious harshness for many, though some reviews report boosted regions that can fatigue sensitive listeners and note limited EQ control to tame it.
USB-C charging is standard and widely appreciated, with fast-charge behavior commonly referenced for quick listening time boosts.
Voice assistant support is present via shortcut customization, with practical use reported (including Google Assistant), though it is not typically positioned as a headline differentiator.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Volume output is frequently described as loud and satisfying, with enough headroom for travel and commuting environments.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
An IPX4 rating is repeatedly cited as sufficient for sweat and light rain, appropriate for workouts but not for full submersion scenarios.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.