By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Bose around ear wireless headphones have long been a popular choice for listeners who want full-size comfort, clear sound, and Bluetooth convenience without the complexity of a feature-heavy flagship. The Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II in black is a good fit for buyers who spend long stretches listening at home or on the go and care more about comfort and balanced audio than about active noise cancellation. It will suit people who want a straightforward Bluetooth headset for music, video calls, and everyday podcasts. It is less suitable for commuters who need strong noise blocking on trains or planes, or for buyers who want advanced app-based customization and the newest codec support.
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II – Black
Product Overview
The Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II is a closed-back, over-the-ear model designed for wireless listening. The cups rest around the ear rather than pressing directly on it, and the padding is built to spread pressure across a wider area of the head. Bose positions this line as a portable, everyday headset, which is a different target from the company’s noise-cancelling QuietComfort models.
Owners who compare this model with the rest of Bose’s lineup often note that it trades active noise cancellation for a simpler design, a lighter overall feel, and a lower-maintenance set of controls. If you are still deciding between a few designs, our guide on How to Choose Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Buyer’s Guide explains how over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear formats differ in comfort and isolation.
Because the headset is wireless, it relies on Bluetooth for connection to phones, tablets, and laptops. A built-in microphone supports calls, and physical buttons handle playback and volume. That combination makes it practical for people who want to keep their phone in a pocket or bag while listening.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the characteristics that Bose and standard product descriptions for this model describe. Where a specific measurement is not something the manufacturer publishes consistently, we have left it out rather than estimate it.
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Design | Around-ear (over-ear) closed-back cups with padded headband |
| Connectivity | Wireless Bluetooth connection to compatible devices |
| Microphone | Built-in mic for phone calls and voice assistant use |
| Controls | On-cup buttons for playback, volume, and call handling |
| Color | Black |
| Use Case | Home listening, commuting, travel, and general portable use |
If you plan to buy a Bluetooth headset primarily for travel, the notes in Wireless Headphones for Travel cover which features matter most when you move between rooms, vehicles, and airports.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Around-ear cups are designed to rest around the ear, which many owners find more comfortable for long sessions than tight pressure-based designs.
- The wireless setup removes cable tangles and lets you move freely while listening.
- A closed-back design provides passive isolation from everyday background sound, such as a quiet office or a home with some ambient noise.
- The simple button layout is easy to learn and works without opening an app.
- Built-in microphone supports phone calls and voice assistant commands.
- Bose’s tuning generally aims for a warm, full sound that many casual and mainstream listeners prefer.
Cons
- This model does not offer the active noise cancellation found in Bose’s QuietComfort line, so it will not block airplane engine drone or train rumble as effectively.
- Owners who want advanced customization, such as detailed EQ control or firmware-driven features, may find the feature set limited.
- As a wireless over-ear headset, it is heavier than in-ear options, which can matter on very long days of wear.
- Battery life and charging specifics should be confirmed against the current Bose product page, since manufacturer figures can vary by model revision.
Performance Analysis
Performance for a headset like this comes down to three things: how the sound is tuned, how well the cups seal and sit on the head, and how reliable the wireless link is in everyday conditions. Owner feedback for Bose headsets in general tends to highlight a smooth, comfortable sound profile with emphasis on midrange vocals and a noticeable but controlled bass presence. Listeners who prefer analytical, flat tuning sometimes find the default voicing more colored than they would like.
Comfort is a recurring theme in owner discussions. The around-ear design spreads clamping force across a larger surface, and many users report that they can wear the headset for extended periods without the hot-spot pressure they associate with smaller pads. Cushion material also affects long-term comfort. Over time, ear pads can flatten or peel, and owners often replace them to restore seal and softness. Our guide to How to Replace Your Headphone Ear Pads walks through that process step by step.
Wireless stability in typical use, such as a phone in a pocket or a laptop on a desk, is generally described as solid. Range and interference vary with environment, so results will differ between a quiet apartment and a crowded transit car. Passive isolation helps in both settings, but without active cancellation, sudden loud noises and low, constant rumble will still reach your ears.
Microphone performance is adequate for calls in quiet rooms. In noisy surroundings, call partners may hear more background sound than they would with a dedicated boom-mic headset, which is a common trade-off in consumer around-ear designs.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This headset is well suited to listeners who want comfortable, full-size wireless headphones for home, office, and casual travel use. It makes sense for people who listen to music, podcasts, and video for hours at a time and value a relaxed fit. Students, remote workers, and parents who want a reliable Bluetooth headset for calls and media will also find it practical.
You should probably skip this model if your priority is blocking out airplane cabins, busy commutes, or open offices. Buyers who want the best possible noise cancellation should look at Bose’s QuietComfort line or at a competitor with stronger active cancellation. If you are weighing those options against each other, Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026) compares how the two brands approach noise control.
Buying Guide
Before buying any wireless around-ear headset, check five things: how the cups seal around your ears, how much the headband clamps, whether you need active noise cancellation, how you plan to use the microphone, and whether the controls suit your habits. Try to test fit in person if you can, because head shape varies widely and no product page can fully predict comfort.
If you are considering a different Bose model, the following alternatives address different needs:
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Sandstone): A better match if you want active noise cancellation for commuting or flying. Owners often cite the noise blocking as the main reason to choose it over a passive design.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Sandstone
- Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds (Black): A good choice if you want a compact, in-ear option for workouts and running. It trades around-ear comfort for a lighter, more secure fit during movement.
Bose SoundSport, Wireless Earbuds, (Sweatproof Bluetooth Headphones for Running and Sports), Black
For readers who prefer a smaller, lighter design, Selecting Lightweight On-Ear Headphones for Comfort explains what to look for in on-ear models, and Over-Ear vs On-Ear Headphones outlines the main differences in fit and sound.
FAQ
Are Bose around ear wireless headphones good for long listening sessions?
Many owners report that the around-ear design is comfortable for extended use, especially compared with tighter or smaller-cup designs. Comfort still depends on head size, clamp force, and how long you wear them, so trying them on before buying is worthwhile.
Do these headphones have active noise cancellation?
No. This model relies on passive isolation from its closed-back cups. If you need active noise cancellation for travel or commuting, Bose’s QuietComfort line is designed for that purpose.
Can I use them for phone calls?
Yes, the built-in microphone supports calls and voice assistant commands. Clarity in noisy places may be limited compared with a dedicated boom-mic headset.
Do the ear pads need replacing over time?
Ear cushions can flatten, crack, or peel with age and frequent wear. Replacement pads are a common maintenance step, and many owners replace them to restore seal and comfort.
Are these headphones good for travel?
They work well for portable use, but without active noise cancellation they will not block cabin noise as effectively as noise-cancelling models. Our travel guide, Wireless Headphones for Travel, covers this trade-off in more detail.
Should I choose wired or wireless?
Wireless gives you freedom of movement and fewer cables to manage. Wired models can offer a more direct signal path for audiophile listening. Our comparison, Wired vs Wireless Headphones, goes through the differences.
Are these a good value for everyday use?
For listeners who want comfortable, full-size Bluetooth headphones without advanced features, this model fits everyday use well. Buyers who need strong noise cancellation or detailed app control should consider higher-tier alternatives.
Final Verdict
The Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II is a comfortable, straightforward wireless headset for home, office, and casual portable use. Its around-ear design, simple controls, and Bose’s familiar sound tuning make it a solid everyday choice. It is not the right pick for buyers who need active noise cancellation or advanced customization, and those buyers should compare it carefully with the alternatives above. If you want a practical, comfortable wireless headset without extra complexity, it is worth considering. View on Amazon
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
