Review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II were flagship earbuds when launched — now at $199, they represent a good value entry into Bose’s earbud ecosystem. The CustomTune personalization system is a genuine differentiator: it analyzes your ear canal acoustics in 1 second on first launch and calibrates both ANC and EQ specifically for your ear geometry.
CustomTune Personalization
The in-ear microphone plays a brief test tone and analyzes the resonant frequencies of your specific ear canal shape. The result is ANC calibrated to your ears rather than a generic fit — particularly beneficial for users whose ear shape causes inconsistent seal with standard eartips. Personalized EQ also adjusts the frequency response to compensate for your canal’s natural resonance characteristics.
Comfort & Fit
The wingtip stability band (included, replaceable) wraps around the outer ear for a secure fit during workouts — more stable than AirPods or Sony XM5 during high-movement activities. For gym users who want ANC during exercise, the QC Earbuds II is one of the better-sealed options.
ANC Performance
Adequate ANC — approximately 75% noise reduction in our tests. In 2024 this was competitive; in 2026, it lags behind AirPods Pro 3 (90%) and Sony XM6 (88%). For typical commuting and office use, the difference is acceptable. For very noisy environments, the gap matters.
Verdict
At $199, the QC Earbuds II is a reasonable buy for Bose brand users who want the CustomTune fit advantage and wingtip stability. For the best ANC or audio quality at this price, Sony WF-1000XM5 or WF-1000XM6 are stronger choices.