Looks like the cheapest this has been. Sounds great according to reviews.
If you're lucky enough to have access to TAKE20, use that to drop the price to $190 or $195 with TAKE15! Thanks for the reminder, HuntingDeal.
$296 at JB.
US$199 on Amazon US.
Original PENNY5 5% off Sitewide on eBay Deal Post
TAKE20 on eBay
Do you use them with an iphone? Do they connect seamlessly?
I would like to know as well
I use them with a Galaxy S8+. They connect whenever I take them out of the charge case.
I use these with an iPhone X and they’re great, connect to my phone as soon as I pull them out of the charge case.
I have the non-free (joined with a cord).
Connects seamlessly to both iphone and apple watch (simultaneously).
Fits snug and comfortably.
Sound is nice, non-fatiguing (treble is not harsh) and the bass is smooth and strong (much better than Beats X and Airpods)
I use them with an iPhone as well. Works perfectly.
not trolling here
do these stay in the ear?
I have used basic in ear wired headphones and they keep falling off
so much so that I've had to switch to overhead ones
You mean earbuds.
i have ones like these, in canal ones with wings. Do your ones have wings? I find that the wings help greatly compared to ones without.
Also you need the right size for your ear canal.
My current ones fit perfectly and i don't even notice they are in my ear. Took me a while to find the right ones that fit me.
Yes, they actually 'screw in place' into your ear. I'd probably not wear them on a rollercoaster but at the same time I think they'd stay in place!
i've been using it for months now, everytime i am running. so far so good, the only downside is that they can't drown out the loud music in the gym, and yes, i am using it to the max volume my ipad able to.
Does it work individually and can take calls?
Sometimes I prefer just to have one ear.
Short Answer: yes, you can use the right ear by itself
Yes, you can take calls, but even with both in, you only get the audio in the right ear, which I hate!
Long Answer: I have these, and the SoundSport wireless (the ones that have a wire joining L&R).
The technology they have chosen to use on this model, has the Bluetooth connection to the right ear piece. Then from right to left earpiece is their own propriety protocol (with fairly short range). This means you can listen to audio on your right earpiece only, but if you wanted to listen to left side audio only, you would need to keep the right earpiece fairly high up on your body (generally not practical).
The aspect of these that I hate, is that phone call audio only comes through on the right ear piece. One of the aspects I liked about the SoundSport wireless was call audio in both ears (great for long calls). Sadly, the technology that they have used to send audio from right to left earpiece means that it's not possible to do this with the SoundSport Free. Bose has indicated that this can't be "fixed" with a firmware update or similar, and has no plans to address it.
I wondering between this and the QC 35ii. Please advise
They're for totally different uses so it just depends on how you want to use them.
The QC35s are noise-cancelling headphones, you'd normally use them on a plane, train, or noisy office. They're far, far larger than these, but as a result you get much longer battery life.
These aren't noise-cancelling, they're earbuds without a cable linking the two. They don't do any noise-cancelling and don't sit deep inside your ear like IEMs. As a result I think they're good for places where you still need some situational awareness, e.g. jogging or just walking around in public.
They're IPX4-rated so are sweat-resistant, which makes them great for exercising. You wouldn't use the QC35 in sweaty situations like that.
Would they drown out gym music though?
@0031nek: Depends on the source, mine will. I use mine when I'm starting a very large generator in an enclosed area and it drowns the Honda G690 V-Twin engine out
PROS:
- Great sound quality
- Perfect for normal walks
- So comfy to wear for a long time.
CONS
- Mine fell off while running though.
- Batter life isn't great, but I can survive with it.
- Stick out a bit, don't care too much though.
If yours are failing out you might find that you need to change the wings that you're using as they may be too big or small. I use mine at work, I'm a roofer and have worn them in high winds with no issue of them taking out, I also wear them jogging. No problem at all. The batter I find to be good, 3 hours or so and they charge so fast in the case.
Mkbhd reckons the Jabra Run Free or whatever they're called are better. That being said what do I know
MKBHD is a shill and a "flashy" reviewer who does detailed unboxings instead of detailed reviews. He just has great production quality
'Slap a nice dbrand skin on [insert product]'
Correct on all counts.
Correct, MKBHD is just a content creator who makes beautiful videos, but doesn't cover devices in depth so to speak. He's good at providing an overview but will never get to the nitty gritty.
Correct again.
With the right expectation he's a joy to watch. Just don't look for in depth reviews.
If you really want to know the in-depth review of the jaybird run free look at rizknows. He did a review for these Bose ones here. I own the jaybirds myself.
Cheers will check it. Just bought meizu pop though so not expecting the world from any of these headphones brands.
I don't think the bass will come anywhere near what I have at moment with Xiaomi HD pro earphones I use at moment , could be rong.
These connect great with both my Android and iPhone handsets. They sound better than my AirPods and sit well inside the ear canal and feel more secure when running. I prefer my AirPods simply because they are quicker to fit in my ear and stick out less. Good price.
I have a pair, and I love them - use them everyday. I paid about $230 and that was a good price about 3 months ago.
Looking at getting either these or the Jabra Elite.
Gonna be used for watching videos on my phone and laptop, but also music at the gym.
Do these have audio lag for videos?
Do these have audio lag for videos?
Was about to say, be careful about this. Very important consideration. My Jaybird X2 are connected with a wire and don't have any lag, and the much newer Sony equivalent (forget model name) has lag.
I think it's because they're wire free.
Wonder if AirPods have the same video lag issue, or if the W1 chip solves that.
I think it's because they're wire free.
Yes it is, Bluetooth has lag.
It's more the lag between each earpiece not Bluetooth itself. Probably the processing unit inside
Yep.
Jabra Elites are hands down the best in-ear wireless headphones.
Do you own them? I'm tossing up between the bose and the elite actives but I've heard the Jabra's dont have great bass; something I'd want at the gym, while the bose don't isolate sound very well; also something I'd want.
Both senheisser and audio technica just announced new true wireless buds but the price is much higher than these.
Here's the thing, I've owned two pairs and now I've lost both because the case they come in is super small. I cannot comment on the bass because I don't listen to bass heavy music but the fit gives it great sound isolation, so things sound pretty good (including calls). They honestly were amazing. If you can get them sub $250 (what I paid) they can't be beat.
Code: TAKE20 made me paying $190 in total.
lucky you
:)
I reckon the Sony sp700 may batter. For $170 with ANC
Swimming in the ocean … you'd better make damn well sure they don't pop out when a wave hits. :)
Apparently, the fit is solid (if the WF-1000X are anything to go by) but Sony also provide a spare around the neck band for extra safety.
EDIT: What bugs me is that Sony are always doing this cool stuff and pushing the boundries, while Bose seem to get all the free publicity and the fanboys (and girls) :-)
@elektron: WF-1000X was the worst decision I made. But I stuck to it and still using it as my daily driver because I already spent my money on it. To be fair though, Sony has had about 4 updates since I got it 18 months ago and have fixed some of the issues. Still too weak to walk through a 2.4Ghz field without dropping off signals between the buds.
@bchliu: Sorry to hear that. I did read those underwhelming initial reviews, so decided to wait and only got them a couple of months ago. To be honest, I'm finding them quite sorted and yet to experience a drop out. I've used them in different environments but my primary use for them is the gym. Definitely no regrets for me - perhaps they've made hardware tweaks to them during this time as well?
@elektron: I'm not sure - but maybe because I'm going through numerous areas where there is very strong 2.4Ghz signal noise around the place that is interfering with the left-right bud synchronisation leading to the right one constantly dropping out (the left is the master). Must admit though - it isn't the only one that is doing it. My 1st gen Gear IconX does it as well too so it's not just the Sonys that have an issue unfortunately. :(
Does anyone know if the Bose store willl match price with this listing? It will then allow me to use the Amex vogue offer at Bose emporium in Melbourne
Use code TAKE20 for final price of $190.
Would recommend the Samsung Gear Icon X 2018 over these. Look a lot better in-ear and sound just as good.
These have audio lag when watching videos
I bought these several months ago. It connects seamlessly to my iphone and so far no disconnection problems. I got mine for mainly music and was well aware of the video sound lag issues of the last gen wireless earphones. I have used the earphones on my Android tablet and watching a movie using VLC. I just delayed the audio by -500ms and the sync seemed to be perfect. One thing is that they really stick out, someone said that they look like Shrek ears. Overall, I really like the sound quality and haven't had them fall out yet, even when going for a walk or jog. I think people have to realise the earphones were made for the sports minded and lets you hear environment sounds around you for safety, if going for a run etc.
I think people have to realise the earphones were made for the sports minded and lets you hear environment sounds around you for safety, if going for a run etc.
I think Sony have implemented this a lot better with the WF-1000X (the same as on the WH-1000X and others) - you have the option between noise cancelling on and off, as well as the ambient mode, which amplifies the environment sound. The app also lets you set how much of the ambient sound you want to hear. I like this approach a lot better, than the manufacturer deciding for me what I should and shouldn't hear.
How do you find the sound isolation? I'm concerned if I get them I'll still be able to hear people being loud on the train and at the gym - something I hate about my airpods atm
It's probably the same. The earphones comes with 3 ear insert sizes. I was using the middle size, which was letting in too much noise. So I went to the large and it did muffle the noise better. But if don't want to hear anything around you, these won't do it going by my experience.
Thanks OP. My 2 cents worth.
I don't own them but reviews seem good https://www.cnet.com/reviews/bose-soundsport-free-review/ main drawback is a little bulky for running etc.
I did own the Samsung Gear Icon X 2018 with IP8 and 7 and an android phone. They had great design, good sound but terribly unreliable connection, ended up sending them to samsung who found no problem but still it continued and ended up getting a refund.
Finally purchaed Jabra Elite active 65t, overpriced but good sound and much better connectivity than the samsungs and also good for running etc- think JB has them on special but still pricey.
I did own the Samsung Gear Icon X 2018 with IP8 and 7 and an android phone. They had great design, good sound but terribly unreliable connection,
That's strange. I have the IconX 2018 and the connection is really, really good. I also have the BeoPlay E8 and the reception on that is pretty awful.
No stranger than any item working for one and not another. Thats exactly what the rep said to me, he had them and they were fine. For me diabolical and a bit of googling showed others had same problem, something to do with proximity sensor. Mine would make a connection chime sound unto 20 times a minute then work fine for a while. For me they were terrible.
How do you find the bass / general music quality?
For earbuds, very good.
i own a pair.. you cant beat that Bose sound, and yes they dont fall out, skeptic turned believer, this is so cheap, better than wots going for a used pair.
"you cant beat that Bose sound"
I think many would disagree with that.
Of course, because it's so subjective.
People like (and swear by) anything from Beats to Airpods to Sennheiser.
Personally I only think 1 of the above is good.
Recently bought CX Sports to replace Jaybird X3 and while the sound is better to me they have a lot of audio dropouts whereas the X3 had none that I can recall. So Senn doesn't always get BT right :(
“No highs, no lows, must be Bose”
I've been looking at getting wireless earbuds, I was comparing these with Samsung's IconX but it seems like they dont sell the iconx in australia. Does anyone knoe why?
They do.
Samsung S8 plus owner here, after owning the Samsung Level U Pro I would never buy another set of Sammy headphones, they were terrible and worse still they actually didn't work properly with their own flagship phone and they never fixed it. Secondly I read bad reviews regarding the IconX.
Secondly I read bad reviews regarding the IconX.
You will find bad reviews and comments for any product. Even the Airpods.
No, bad professional reviews. Not people complaining that they've got a problem.
Bought Jabra Elite 65t last month, for use at the gym. Awesome audio and build quality, fantastic battery life. But they won't stay in ear, even at moderate activity levels (my el-cheapo QCY TO Pros stay in better, but has woeful battery life). Now wife uses the 65t at her desk.
I'm ready to pull the trigger on the Bose Soundsport free. I think I can live with the lack of aptX and so the audio lag, with watching videos.
Which colour would you guys recommend?
Go for black.
Thanks.
I have the latest QCY. So good but not staying in the whole gym session as it get sweaty. Also one ear keeps cutting out.
How do you know these will hold better as they look a lot bigger.
The wingtips make a large difference, in my opinion. The Bose Soundsport free is said to be good at staying put, as it is so equipped. Same with the QCY T1 Pro, as I experienced. But QCY s have sync issues between each ear unit, and a barely two hour battery life, but overall is a pair of very good TWS earbuds at that price.
From my research, Bose Soundsport free are one of the best buds when it comes to staying in the ear.
Just bought them ($190 with TAKE20) in black, as rottenpotato123 recommended.
White makes pale skin look darker.
How did you find the bass on the elite 65t?
Just out of interest were they elite or elite active? The actives are designed to stick in the ear better during sports.
I got the elite active 4 weeks ago on special at qantas store and they are amazing. They come with the medium ear buds fitted that works fine and stays snug during my runs and walks. Sound quality is excellent and phone Call audio is on both ears and is very clear. Even in windy conditions the sound heard by the listener is clear. You can switch to small or large ear bud attachments depending on your needs.
I have no hesitation in recommending them however I have not tried the Bose so cannot comment on it.
Gf has a pair. I have a pair of jabra elite 65t for $210 from jb recently and the jabras are far better. I can't understate how big the bose are. The case is massive too.
I've done a side by side comparison and they sound very similar. I wouldn't be able to pick the two apart if I had a gun to my head.
That said, Bose has a captive market with the gf as she doesn't like in ear and these don't really go in ear like most wireless ear phones.
Edit : also jabra has more useful features such as sound pass through and auto pause when taking one side out.
The Bose definitely lack some qol.
Copying my comment from above since you would probably know:
I'm tossing up between the bose and the elite actives but I've heard the Jabra's dont have great bass; something I'd want at the gym, while the bose don't isolate sound very well; also something I'd want.
How do you find the bass on the Jabra's / could you hear too much of the outside world with the bose?
I found the bass to be good enough, and further enhanced with the EQ in the app but YMMV. As i said, i seriously couldn't tell the difference in sound between the two, this includes bass.
In terms of sound isolation - they isolated as expected with in ear silicon tips. I came from Jaybird x2s and the isolation is very similar. Definitely much better than Bose, seeing as they don't go in-ear. I did watch some reviews where people compared the isolation of Jabras to be the same as Airpods… i just can't imagine how that was possible. Maybe they had the passthrough feature on? haha
May i ask how you got that price at JB? They are still listed at $299 - was there a price match or just some good haggling?
I simply asked. I said I wanted them for 240 (as I could have ordered online for that price, I didn't mention this though) and the guy look at his staff computer and said 210.
I mentioned this to someone else in a thread and although it took him 3 stores, he found one that sold for $210.
I saw somewhere jb recently advertising at 275.
You should hardly ever buy online from jb, they're always up for haggling.
How do these compare with the class leading Sony WF-1000X (not to be confused with the WH-1000X) in terms of the sound quality? The Sony's are also the only ones with ANC, which is nice for gym use.
Another neg by a Bose fanboy? Thanks, I'll wear it as a badge of honour!
The Sony's are definitely not class leading. User reviews say they have terrible connection issues, bad audio quality and a noise cancelling feature that may as well not even be there.
Current leaders are Jabra, but they may be knocked down when the Senheissers and Audio Technica true wireless buds that were just announced come out
Just returned my pair of WF 1000x more cons than pros, even with the firmware update. Issues include, lag on video, battery life was under 3 hours, bulky case, constant drop outs, stability issues, mono calls the list goes on. I could not believe Sony would release a product at that price point (rrp $399) that has so many issues.
Really sorry to hear that. I bought them primarily as gym headphones - i.e. same use as these Bose earbuds - and can honestly say that they've are the perfect gym headphones for me, better than anything else I've ever used. They even stay in during vigorous boxing sessions - and I don't even use wings! I agree that the noise cancelling is not nearly as powerful as WH-1000X, or even WI-1000X, so they wouldn't be my first choice for transport, but they do a great job at blocking out the gym music and other noise.
I also don't have any connectivity / stability issues. Considering that I bought them a couple of months ago as factory seconds with a full warranty for less than this deal - I'm happy as Larry.
By class leading, I was referring to the sound quality in this class, hence my question. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I take it you have not used these yourself, at least not lately, after the multiple software (and perhaps even hardware?) updates. These are definitely keepers as far as I'm concerned.
Beware: It doesn't have active noise cancelling. Also, you can't watch movies with it. The audio is delayed by approximately half a second.
Phews you saved me man. Thanks
Movies are a must
I did once experience audio delay on YouTube on IOS. I closed the app and reopened it. All was well. Maybe they have improved things with newer firmware updates?
UPDATE: Just testing with some YouTube now. No delay and I'm watching someone speak. Can any movie watcher provide feedback for longer watching sessions (with recent FW)?
Great buy, I use mine every day and the sound quality is excellent.