BOSE QUIET COMFORT EARBUDS
Arguably the best sounding true wireless buds to date, these are real big hitters
They fit as comfortably and unobtrusively in your ear as you could wish
Bose has previously focused its true wireless efforts on headphones for the gym and running, but these are about soundtracking your less strenuous activities.
The first thing that you’ll notice about the QuietComfort Earbuds is that they are decidedly on the large side, as is their battery case. If you are a complete newcomer to true wireless, it’s important to note that they all have cases that double as chargers, with a built-in battery. That way, when you’re not wearing them, the case not only protects your precious – and eminently loseable – buds, it also recharges them.
However, while the size of the case means you may struggle to fit it in your trouser pocket, the buds themselves fit as comfortably and unobtrusively in your ear as you could reasonably wish. Yes, they will make you look much more Uhura from Star Trek than the other buds on test here, but they are well designed in terms of the comfort and security of the way they fit.
Of course, given all the other great choices on offer, you would not put up with such comparatively bulky buds if they didn’t offer significant compensations in other areas, and the good news is that Bose QuietComfort Earbuds undoubtedly do. They are arguably the best sounding true wireless buds ever and, unlike their most obvious competitor, Sony’s WF-1000XM3, their fit makes them just as suitable for walking to the shops as it does for enjoying your music while seated.
The noise cancelling, allied to their in-ear noise isolation, is truly impressive, and can be adjusted to suit your tastes – although surely everyone will just whack it up to 10. Music played through these buds has the usual Bose quality of sounding involving without requiring the addition of huge amounts of whomping bass. Whether you’re listening to a hi-res stream or a YouTube rip, these buds do a great job of making everything sound polished. They’re also very good indeed when taking calls or using your favourite AI voice-controlled assistant.
Battery life could be better at six hours per full charge, plus a further 18 hours from the case, but we wouldn’t say that’s a deal breaker here. If you can live with the undeniably plus-size nature of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, they will not let you down.