Listening to music, podcasts, and phone calls on the go has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. With top audio brands like Bose headphones & Earbuds offering excellent wireless headphones and earbuds, you can immerse yourself in rich audio no matter where you are.
Bose is known for its noise-canceling technology, premium build quality, and great sound. The brand offers Bluetooth headphones and earbuds that work seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices.
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In this article, we list down the 10 best Bose wireless headphones and earbuds that are compatible with Android and iOS in 2023. We’ve picked these based on critical product reviews, audio quality, battery life, comfort and fit, and important factors like Bluetooth codec support on Android vs. iOS.
Overview of Bose Wireless Headphones and Earbuds
Here’s a quick overview of the types of wireless headphones and earbuds Bose offers:
- Over-Ear Headphones: Feature on-ear cups that fully enclose your ears. Provide excellent noise isolation and long battery life. Models like the 700, QuietComfort 45, and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 fall in this category.
- On-Ear Headphones: Have smaller earcups that rest on your ears instead of around them. They are lightweight and portable. The Bose SoundLink Around Ear II is a popular on-ear headphone from Bose.
- Truly Wireless Earbuds: Feature two separate earbuds with no cords between them. Popular models include the QuietComfort Earbuds, Sport Earbuds, and SoundSport Free. Known for their portable design.
- Wireless Neckband Earbuds: Have a neckband that connects the two earbuds. Allows you to wear them around your neck when not in use. Examples are the Bose SoundSport Wireless and QuietControl 30.
Now let’s look at the top 10 Bose wireless headphones and earbuds you can use with your Android or iOS device.
1. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Key Features
- Active noise cancellation with 11 levels
- Aware mode to let ambient sound in
- Weather and sweat resistant (IPX4 rating)
- Touch controls on both earbuds
- Up to 6 hours of battery life (18 hours with case)
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the brand’s first noise canceling truly wireless earbuds. Released in 2020, they quickly became popular for their excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) in a portable design.
These earbuds come with silicone tips and fins for a secure in-ear fit. The ANC can be cycled through 11 levels via the Bose Connect app. There’s also an Aware Mode that lets ambient sound in for situational awareness.
With an IPX4 rating, the QuietComfort Earbuds are protected from splashes and sweat. You get about 6 hours of playtime with ANC on, extendable to 18 hours with the charging case. The touch controls on both earbuds make it easy to control music, calls, and ANC.
These earbuds support Bluetooth 5.1 and use the AAC and SBC codecs. While audio quality over AAC is reliable on iOS, Android users may notice inconsistent streaming quality. But the deep soundstage and punchy bass make these suitable for most music genres.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds give you excellent noise cancellation in a portable design that works well with both iOS and Android.
2. Bose QuietComfort® Ultra Earbuds
Key Features:
- Adjustable noise cancellation with Custom, Aware, and Quiet modes
- Supreme sound quality and call clarity
- Ultra-comfortable fit with 3 ear tip sizes
- Up to 8 hours battery life (24 hours with case)
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose QuietComfort® Ultra Earbuds are Bose’s newest pair of premium noise-canceling earbuds launched in 2023. They offer the world-class noise cancellation Bose is renowned for in a sleeker design.
These earbuds have a Custom mode that lets you set the level of noise cancellation via the Bose Music app. There are also preset Quiet and Aware modes. The sound quality is rich, clear, and delivers punchy bass.
With their slim profile and angled ear tips, the QuietComfort® Ultra Earbuds provide a more comfortable in-ear fit. You get three sizes of patented Staifit® tips for a secure seal. Battery life is a decent 8 hours with ANC on. The charging case provides up to 24 hours.
The QuietComfort® Ultra earbuds work over Bluetooth 5.3 and support AAC and SBC codecs. Like other Bose earbuds, streaming quality will be more consistent over AAC on iPhones than Android devices. But you still get premium noise cancellation and sound with any phone.
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Key Features:
- Adjustable 11-level noise cancellation
- Clear calls with 4-mic system
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- 20 hours of battery life
- Stream audio and take calls simultaneously
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are among the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy today. They feature a sleek over-ear design with glass-filled nylon headband and aluminum cups.
These headphones provide crystal clear audio with punchy bass you can feel. Their noise cancellation uses 11 levels you can control via the Bose Connect app. For voice calls, the 4-microphone system ensures your voice sounds clear on the other end.
You get touch controls on the right earcup to manage music, calls, volume and your phone’s voice assistant. These headphones also let you stream audio and take calls simultaneously. Battery life is 20 hours with ANC on.
The Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 pair easily with both iOS and Android devices using Bluetooth 5.0. They rely on AAC and SBC codecs for audio transmission. If you want comfort, stylish looks and adjustable noise cancellation, these Bose headphones deliver.
4. Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Sport Headphones
Key Features:
- Sweat and weather resistant (IPX4)
- Secure and comfortable earbuds
- Up to 5 hours playtime (15 hours with case)
- Crystal clear audio with deep bass
- Single or multi-point pairing
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
With an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, the Bose SoundSport Free earbuds are ideal for workouts. Their StayHear+ Sport tips provide a very secure and comfortable fit that stays put during intense training.
These truly wireless earbuds pump out clear audio with deep, powerful bass you’ll love during your runs. Each earbud has controls to manage music and calls. You get up to 5 hours of playtime and can extend it to 15 hours with the charging case.
The SoundSport Free earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0 and AAC/SBC codecs for high-quality streaming. You can use them for taking calls and streaming music from your iOS or Android device. With their sturdy build and sweat resistant design, these are easily among the best Bose earbuds for fitness.
5. Bose QuietControl 30
Key Features:
- Adjustable active noise cancelling
- Aware mode to hear surroundings
- Sweat and weather resistant
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- Inline mic and controls
- Optional neckband for extra stability
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose QuietControl 30 are versatile noise canceling neckband earbuds suitable for travel and fitness. They offer the signature Bose ANC that lets you control how much ambient noise to block out or let in.
You can manage the ANC modes – from full noise cancellation to aware mode – using the inline controls. Volume is also adjusted using the controls instead of your phone. The neckband offers a stable fit and optional stability band for exercise.
Despite their in-ear design, the QuietControl 30 earbuds still deliver the premium Bose sound with deep lows and clear highs. They have an IPX4 rating making them sweat and weather resistant. Battery life is a helpful 10 hours per charge.
These earbuds support the AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, so you get reliable connectivity with both iOS and Android devices. Overall, the QuietControl 30 combine portability, sweat resistance and trademark Bose noise cancellation.
6. Bose QuietComfort 45
Key Features:
- World-class active noise cancellation
- Aware Mode to let ambient sound through
- Acoustic Noise Cancelling and volume-optimized Active EQ
- 24 hours battery life
- Comfortable fit with plush earpads
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are an excellent pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones for all-day wearing comfort. They continue Bose’s legacy of providing industry-leading ANC using dual microphones.
For audio, the QuietComfort 45 feature proprietary tech like Acoustic Noise Cancelling and volume-optimized Active EQ. This allows them to deliver crisp, powerful sound across a range of frequencies. You also get an Aware Mode when you need to tune into your surroundings temporarily.
These headphones are designed for comfort, with plush synthetic protein leather earpads. The controls are mounted on the earcups for managing music, calls and ANC modes. Battery life is an incredible 24 hours with ANC on.
As with all Bose wireless headphones, the QuietComfort 45 work over AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. So connectivity is smooth with both Android smartphones and iPhones. If you want comfortable over-ear ANC headphones, these should be on your list.
7. Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
Key Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable on-ear design
- Clear audio with deep bass
- 15 hours continuous playtime
- Multi-point pairing with two devices
- Voice prompts for battery life and pairing status
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II deliver the renowned Bose sound in a lightweight on-ear design. The headband and earcups feature a durable glass-filled nylon construction. Memory foam ear cushions ensure they are comfortable for prolonged wearing.
With powerful bass and clear mids/highs, these headphones are suitable for all types of audio – from EDM to podcasts. You get 15 hours of battery life on a single charge. Bluetooth 5.0 allows multipoint pairing with two devices at once.
On the right earcup, the headphones provide controls for music playback, calls, volume and Bluetooth. The SoundLink Around-Ear II headphones use AAC/SBC codecs for wireless streaming. This ensures stable connectivity and audio quality with iOS and Android.
8. Bose SoundLink Color II
Key Features:
- Portable on-ear design
- Balanced audio with deep bass
- Tap controls on earcup
- 8 hours battery life
- Voice prompts for battery status and pairing
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: AAC and SBC
The Bose SoundLink Color II are affordable on-ear Bluetooth headphones focused on portability. Available in fun color options, these headphones feature a durable silicone outer material. The headband is flexible and foldable for easy storage on the go.
Despite the small size, these on-ear headphones pump out surprisingly balanced audio with Bose’s signature powerful bass. You get tap controls on the earcup for managing music and calls. Battery life is about 8 hours per charge.
As an entry-level Bose headset, the SoundLink Color II uses Bluetooth 4.2 and supports AAC/SBC codecs. Connectivity is reliable with both iPhones and Android smartphones. If you want portable Bose sound on a budget, these lightweight headphones deliver.
9. Bose Frames Tempo
Key Features:
- Stylish unisex sports sunglasses
- Open-ear audio through mini speakers
- IPX4 rating for sweat and weather resistance
- Touch controls on temples
- Up to 8 hours runtime
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC
The Bose Frames Tempo are innovative sports sunglasses that let you listen to music on the go. They use OpenAudio technology to provide immersive sound without covering your ears. Mini speakers are embedded in the temples with optimized airflow for clear audio.
Despite the open-ear design, the Bose Frames Tempo still offer deep bass you’ll enjoy during outdoor workouts. They have an IPX4 rating making them sweat, splash and weather resistant. You get up to 8 hours of playtime per charge.
These sunglasses pair with Bluetooth 5.0 and rely on the SBC codec for audio streaming. Pairing and connectivity is smooth with both iOS and Android smartphones. The Bose Tempo Frames give you a stylish way to listen during your active lifestyle.
10. Bose SoundLink Micro
Key Features:
- Ultra compact and portable
- Integrated strap for easy mounting
- Waterproof design with IPX7 rating
- Crisp balanced sound with deep bass
- 6 hour battery life
Compatibility: iOS and Android
Bluetooth Codecs: SBC and AAC
The Bose SoundLink Micro is an incredibly tiny yet powerful wireless speaker. It measures just 3.5 x 1.3 x 1.25 inches and weighs 10.24 ounces. You can easily fit it in your pocket or bag.
Despite the tiny size, this speaker pumps out crystal clear audio with trademark Bose bass. It has an IPX7 rating making it fully waterproof. The integrated tear-resistant strap allows mounting the speaker to bikes, bags etc.
Bluetooth 4.2 provides easy connectivity with iOS and Android devices. The SoundLink Micro relies on AAC and SBC codecs for high-quality streaming. You get about 6 hours of playtime at moderate volumes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bose Headphones for Android or iOS
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing Bose wireless headphones or earbuds to use with your Android or iOS device:
Noise Cancellation
Bose is renowned for its industry-leading active noise cancellation technology. Over-ear models like the 700 and QC 45 provide the most effective ANC, while earbuds like the QC Earbuds also offer different ANC modes. Consider your need for noise cancellation when choosing a model.
Audio Quality and Codec Support
While audio quality is uniformly excellent across Bose headsets, Bluetooth codec support affects connectivity. Android devices don’t support the AAC codec well, resulting in inconsistent sound quality over AAC. The SBC codec works better for Android.
Battery Life
Battery runtimes for Bose headphones and earbuds range from 5 hours to 24 hours. Noise canceling models tend to have lower battery life. If you take frequent long flights or don’t have easy access to charging, opt for headphones with longer battery runtime.
Weather/Sweat Resistance
If you plan to use your Bose headphones for workouts, get a model with IPX4 or higher rating. The SoundSport earbuds are a lightweight and sweat-resistant option suitable for fitness.
Portability
Forlistening on the go, Bose earbuds or on-ear models like the SoundLink Color II are ideal. Over-ear headphones offer better sound quality and noise isolation but aren’t as portable.
Voice Assistant Support
Most Bose headphones support voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Check for compatibility if you want to control your headphones via voice commands.
Price
Bose headphones are available across price points starting at around $100 for basic on-ear models.
Summary
Bose makes some of the best wireless headphones and earbuds that work seamlessly with iOS and Android devices. Their portfolio includes over-ear ANC models like the 700 and QC 45 to truly wireless earbuds like the QuietComfort Earbuds.
While connectivity and audio quality is reliable over AAC with iPhones, Android users may experience inconsistent streaming over AAC. This is because very few Android phones properly support the AAC Bluetooth codec.
The SBC codec generally provides better quality over Bluetooth on Android smartphones. That’s why headphones like the Bose Frames Tempo and SoundLink Micro rely only on SBC for audio transmission.
Other than codec support, most features and performance factors like noise cancellation, comfort, battery life and voice assistant access are similar across iOS and Android.
Conclusion
When choosing Bose headphones or earbuds to use with your Android or iOS device, consider factors like noise cancellation needs, battery life, wearability and voice assistant support. Checking Bluetooth codec support ensures you get reliable connectivity and audio quality.
While iPhone owners enjoy AAC streaming, Android users should look for SBC codec support. With their user-friendly controls, refined noise cancelling performance and great sound, Bose headsets are versatile performers compatible with leading mobile platforms.