Bose SoundLink Around-ear Review

Key features

• Wireless, over-ear headset design
• 3.5mm Jack
• 8-hour battery life

Introduction

The Bose Soundlink Around-Ear is a variant of the Bose AE2 wired headphone with an around-ear design. The Bose Soundlink Around-Ear is a completely wireless, non-noise isolating around air headphone that connects to your device via Bluetooth connection. The Soundlink Around-Ear were designed to be relatively lightweight (195g) and soft in order to increase comfort for the listener in increased periods of listening. Customers can choose the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear in either black or white.

What is the sound quality ?

The Bose Soundlink Around-Ear have a decent all-round sound quality, but are lacking significant bass layers compared to many other headphones in this price range. This will only be a significant downside if you are a bass-centric individual. The highs and mid-tones are attractively crisp and delicate enough to not cause ringing or harshness to the ears. The microphone on the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear has an `adaptive audio adjustment’ feature that smooths over background noise—this improves the quality of microphone audio significantly by increasing clarity. While not expressly dedicated to noise cancellation, the Bose Soundlink’s do block out some noise due to their over-ear setting. If you are looking for something truly noise cancelling—it might pay to keep looking elsewhere. The maximum volume level of the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear is not so bad, however it may be a lacking feature for some.

What is the performance ?

The maximum volume level of the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear is only average, and some may even find it inadequate. The battery performance of the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear is purportedly good for up to 15 hours of playback. So you will need to charge them more if you happen to listen to music more often. This is fairly decent, and would give the average listener at least a weeks’ worth before needing a charge. Charging takes approximately 3 hours in full.

Conclusion: Should I buy it ?

If you are looking for a very comfortable, wireless over-ear headphone with decent sound quality and performance, and is easy to operate—then the Bose Soundlink Around-Ear could be for you. Despite the many good qualities, the headphones are a bit overpriced for what they offer, and will likely not emit loud enough audio for everyone.