Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones 2 Review (2026)

9 sections 10 min read

1 Product Overview
2 Key Features & Specifications
3 Pros & Cons
3.1 Pros
3.2 Cons
4 Performance Analysis
5 Who Should Buy This Product?
6 Buying Guide
7 FAQ
7.1 Does the bose soundlink around the ear wireless headphones 2 have noise cancelling?
7.2 Are these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
7.3 Can I use them for phone calls?
7.4 Are they suitable for the gym?
7.5 How do I know which colorway or generation I am buying?
7.6 Can I replace the ear cushions?
7.7 Is this a good first pair of wireless headphones?
8 Final Verdict
9 Related reading

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

The bose soundlink around the ear wireless headphones 2 is aimed at listeners who want a comfortable, portable Bluetooth headset for everyday listening at home, at the gym, or on a commute, without paying for active noise cancelling. It suits people who value a clean, balanced sound signature, a sturdy build, and a battery that lasts through a few days of casual use. It is a weaker choice for anyone who needs strong isolation from loud environments, wants a folding case built for heavy travel, or relies on advanced features such as spatial audio and multipoint pairing. Buyers in those groups will likely be happier with a model built around noise cancelling. Read on for the specs, the trade-offs, and how this model compares with the alternatives we researched.

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II- White

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Product Overview

The SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II is a closed-back, over-ear design from Bose that connects over Bluetooth and uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It is the second generation of the SoundLink around-ear line, and it sits in the brand’s mid-range lineup: more refined than the company’s entry-level wireless options, but without the feature set of the noise cancelling flagships. The white colorway is the version most often listed under this ASIN.

Bose positions this model as a comfort-first, everyday headphone. The ear cups are padded, the headband uses a soft cushion, and the overall weight is moderate for a full-size wireless headset. Owners often describe the fit as secure without being tight, which matters for longer sessions. The design favors a clean, understated look over flashy styling, so it works equally well with office wear and casual clothes.

Because this is a research-based review, the observations below draw on the published specifications and on patterns that owners commonly describe in reviews and forum discussions. They do not reflect any hands-on testing by our editors. Where we are unsure of a detail, we leave it out rather than guess.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists the specifications we can state with reasonable confidence for this model. Check the product page for the current firmware version and any changes to packaging or accessories.

Feature	Detail
Headphone type	Wireless, over-ear (around-ear) design
Ear cup design	Closed-back, padded ear cups
Connectivity	Bluetooth wireless
Microphone	Built-in microphone for calls
Power source	Rechargeable battery
Noise cancelling	Not an active noise cancelling model
Colorway (this listing)	White
Generation	Second generation of the SoundLink around-ear line

Manufacturers typically specify battery life, charge time, and Bluetooth version on the official spec sheet. Verify those figures there before purchase, since they can vary by model revision and region.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comfortable padded design that owners often describe as suitable for extended listening sessions.
Bluetooth connectivity removes the need for a cable for everyday use.
Balanced, pleasant sound signature that many listeners find easy to live with across genres.
Built-in microphone supports phone calls and voice assistant use.
Rechargeable battery reduces the need to replace disposable power sources.
Understated white finish that suits a wide range of settings.

Cons

No active noise cancelling, so background noise on trains, planes, or busy streets comes through.
Closed-back ear cups can build up heat during warm-weather sessions.
Not a dedicated sport or travel-rated design, so it is less suited to rough handling or sweaty workouts.
Advanced features found on newer flagships, such as spatial audio and multipoint pairing, are not part of this model’s core pitch.
The white finish shows smudges and wear more readily than darker colorways, according to owner comments.

Performance Analysis

Sound quality is where this model earns most of its reputation. Owners commonly describe the tuning as warm and well balanced, with a bass response that is present without overwhelming the midrange. Vocals tend to sit forward in the mix, which makes podcasts, audiobooks, and most pop and singer-songwriter material sound clear. Listeners who enjoy heavy electronic music or bass-driven hip-hop may want more low-end punch than this tuning delivers out of the box, and an equalizer app can help if your phone supports one.

Comfort is the second major strength. The cushioned ear cups and headband spread pressure across the head rather than concentrating it at the crown, and the moderate clamping force suits most head shapes. Owners who wear glasses often report that the arms of the frames fit without much friction, though a tight fit will still press on the temples over several hours. Because the cups are closed, sound leakage is low, which is useful in shared spaces, but heat buildup is a common complaint in summer or during intense activity.

Battery life and connectivity are standard for the category. Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, and range is adequate for moving around a home or office. Since this is not a noise cancelling model, the passive isolation from the closed design does most of the work. In loud environments you will likely turn the volume up, which can increase listening fatigue, so consider this when planning your use.

Build quality is generally described as solid. The headband adjusts smoothly, and the hinges feel stable. Over long-term use, the ear cushions are the component most likely to wear, which is why replacement pads are a common topic among owners. Our related guides on ear pad replacement cover what to look for when you need new cushions.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This model fits listeners who want a comfortable, well-balanced wireless headset for home, office, and casual outdoor use. It is a good match if you listen to a wide range of genres, spend long stretches with headphones on, and do not need strong noise isolation. People who work from a quiet home office, students, and anyone who wants a Bluetooth headset without the cost of active noise cancelling will likely find it a sensible choice.

It is a weaker fit for frequent flyers, commuters on loud transit, and gym-goers who sweat heavily. Those buyers should consider the noise cancelling options discussed in our comparison of Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026), or look at compact models designed for movement. Our guide to Wireless Headphones for Travel covers what matters most on the road.

Buying Guide

Before buying any wireless over-ear headset, start with your main use. If you need isolation from noise, look for active noise cancelling. If you mainly want comfort and clean sound at home, a passive design like this one can be a good fit. Our walkthrough on How to Choose Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Buyer’s Guide explains the trade-offs in more detail.

Check the fit before committing. Try the headphones on if you can, or measure your head circumference and compare it with the adjustment range in the spec sheet. Pay attention to how the ear cups sit on your ears; a seal that is too loose leaks sound, while one that is too tight causes pressure. If you wear glasses, test with them on.

Consider the wear parts. Ear cushions and headband pads eventually need replacing, so check whether replacement pads are available for the model you choose. Our guide to Bose Headphones Cushion Replacement: 3 Best Ear Pads Compared (2026) is a useful reference if you plan to keep your headphones for years.

Here are two well-known alternatives to compare against, each with a link to the current listing:

Amazon Renewed SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II Black (Renewed): a refurbished option in the same SoundLink around-ear family. Renewed units can offer a lower-cost route into the line, but check the seller’s condition grading and warranty terms before buying.

Amazon Renewed SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II Black (Renewed)

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View on Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen): a step up for buyers who need active noise cancelling, immersive audio, and a longer playtime rating. It is the better pick for travel and open-plan offices, though it is a different tier of product.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) – Wireless Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging and Lossless Audio, Up to 24 Hours of Play time, Black

View on Amazon

View on Amazon

If you want a smaller, more portable design, our article Selecting Lightweight On-Ear Headphones for Comfort covers a different form factor that may suit you better.

FAQ

Does the bose soundlink around the ear wireless headphones 2 have noise cancelling?

No. This model relies on its closed-back design for passive isolation. It does not include active noise cancelling, so you should expect outside sound to be audible, especially on transit or in loud offices.

Are these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?

Owners commonly describe the padded ear cups and headband as comfortable for extended use. Heat buildup in warm conditions is a frequently mentioned drawback, so comfort depends partly on your environment.

Can I use them for phone calls?

Yes. The built-in microphone supports calls and voice assistant use. Call quality depends on the environment, so a quiet room works best.

Are they suitable for the gym?

They are not designed as sport-rated headphones. Light activity may be fine, but heavy sweating and rough handling are better suited to a dedicated sport model. Our guides to sport headphones list options built for that use.

How do I know which colorway or generation I am buying?

Check the product title and images on the listing, and confirm the colorway (this ASIN is the white version). Compare the model name with the official Bose product page to confirm the generation.

Can I replace the ear cushions?

Replacement ear cushions are a common need for this type of headphone after long use. Check compatibility with the exact model before ordering, and see our guide to replacement ear pads for options.

Is this a good first pair of wireless headphones?

It can be, if your priorities are comfort and clean sound rather than noise isolation or advanced features. Buyers who need noise cancelling or travel durability should look at other models first.

Final Verdict

The bose soundlink around the ear wireless headphones 2 is a comfortable, well-balanced Bluetooth headset that suits everyday listening at home and in quiet spaces. Its strengths are sound tuning, comfort over long sessions, and straightforward wireless use. Its limits are the absence of active noise cancelling, heat buildup, and a design that is not built for sport or heavy travel. If those trade-offs match your habits, it is a sensible choice. If you need isolation from loud environments, compare it with the noise cancelling alternatives above before deciding.