Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Review

Editor rating

4.5/5 on July 21, 2016 Reviewed by: Peter Alexander

$169.95
See it

User’s rating

864 reviews

PROS

Compact
Comfortable
Long battery life
Great for calling

CONS

Expensive

VERDICT

When you buy headphones by Bose, you know that you are getting a fantastic sound and build quality. Of course, you also have to be prepared to spend quite a lot of money. Deciding between Bose and their competition, which often cost 3-4 times less is not an easy task. If you like the idea of buying things for life, then Bose is the brand to go with. On the other hand, if you rather get a new pair of headphones ever year or so, you might want to stick with more affordable brands.

Every time we are tasked with reviewing headphones by Bose, we know that we are in for a treat. The Bose SoundLink 714675-0010 On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones are yet another premium offering from this incredibly popular manufacturer of noise-cancelling headphones. This time, the headphones use dual microphones to accurately pick up all background noise and reduce it to virtually nothing.

Design and Build Quality

When designing the SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth headphones, Bose wanted to give customers a lightweight alternative to other headphones that bear their brand name. While the company is known for fantastic sound and build quality, the best-in-class noise cancellation, and remarkable comfort, their headphones also have an unfavorable reputation of being on the heavier side. The SoundLink changes everything. The headphones are approximately 40 percent lighter than any comparable headphones that you can currently buy, yet they still retain all premium features you expect from $200+ pair of headphones.

The adjustable headband rests gently on your head, and earcups can be rotated to achieve the maximum possible comfort. The headphones also neatly fold into the provided carrying case for easy storage.

For once, we actually are looking at headphones that implemented the often dreaded voice prompt feature in a non-annoying way. The native English voice that confirms your actions is muted, and the female narrator is nice to listen to.

You can expect up to 15 hours of playtime with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A full charge takes just 1.5 hours, and charging is done by plugging the included USB cable into any mobile device with a powered port or wall charger.

Sound Quality

Bose uses their own TriPort technology, which works with Active EQ to produce a dynamic sound that rival wired headphones in every conceivable way. Deepest lows play side-by-side with crystal-clear highs. The bass is moderate but well delivered. It’s there when you want it to be there, but it knows when to step away.

Those who buy Bose headphones often do so because of their fantastic noise cancellation. The SoundLink are no different, and the advanced microphone system ensures that no noise gets in no matter which environment you find yourself in.