By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
The bose soundlink around ear wireless headphones ii black is a Bluetooth over-ear model from Bose’s SoundLink lineup, aimed at listeners who want wireless freedom, a comfortable fit for longer sessions, and a familiar, balanced sound without paying for active noise cancelling. It suits people who mainly listen at home, at the desk, or on commutes where passive isolation is enough. It is a weaker match for anyone who needs strong noise cancelling on planes or busy transit, who wants a foldable travel case as a priority, or who expects the latest codec and multipoint features. Because this is a research-based review, the points below rely on manufacturer specifications and patterns that owners commonly describe, not on our own lab measurements.
Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II – Black
Product Overview
The SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II sit in the middle of Bose’s wireless over-ear range. They are built around a closed-back, circumaural design with cushioned ear cups and a padded headband, and they connect over Bluetooth to phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs that support it. The Black colorway is the most widely listed version and the one most buyers compare against the other finishes.
Bose positions this model as a dependable everyday listening pair. It is not marketed as a noise-cancelling flagship, and it does not carry the QuietComfort name. Buyers who want a simple wireless headphone from a brand with a long track record in comfort tuning often look at it first, and buyers who want more features often move up to the QuietComfort line. If you are still deciding between wireless and cabled designs, our guide on Wired vs Wireless Headphones covers the trade-offs in more detail.
If you are comparing this model with other Bose wireless over-ears, you may also find it useful to read Bose Soundlink 2 Wireless Headphones Review: Is It Worth It? and Bose Around Ear Wireless Headphones Review: Features and Performance, which look at neighboring models in the same general category.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the specifications we consider reasonably well established for this product family. Where a figure varies by firmware or retailer listing, we have left it out rather than guess.
| Feature | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| Design | Closed-back, over-ear (circumaural) with cushioned ear cups |
| Connectivity | Wireless Bluetooth; a 3.5 mm audio cable can be used for wired listening |
| Microphone | Built-in mic for calls and voice assistant access |
| Controls | On-ear buttons for play/pause, track skip, volume, and call handling |
| Power | Rechargeable battery; Bose lists multi-hour playback per charge |
| Noise handling | Passive isolation from the closed design; not marketed as active noise cancelling |
| Color | Black finish |
Owners who want exact battery runtime, codec support, or charging port type should check the current Bose product page or the Amazon listing before buying, since these details can differ between production runs and between regional versions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable fit for extended wear, which owners frequently mention as a top reason for buying.
- Closed-back design gives useful passive isolation for home offices and everyday commuting.
- Bluetooth connection with a wired fallback via the 3.5 mm input.
- Simple on-ear controls that do not require a companion app to use the basics.
- Recognizable Bose sound signature that many listeners describe as balanced and easy to live with.
- Available in a plain black finish that suits most settings.
Cons
- Not an active noise cancelling model, so it will not block steady engine or airplane noise the way a QuietComfort headphone can.
- Over-ear bulk makes it less convenient to pack than compact or foldable designs.
- Limited feature set compared with newer Bose wireless models that add app-based EQ and advanced noise control.
- Owners sometimes report that the ear cushions can wear over time, which is one reason replacement pads are popular.
- Bass response is solid for the category but not the focus of this design, so bass-heavy listeners may want to compare alternatives.
Performance Analysis
Performance for this model is best judged across three areas: sound, isolation, and comfort. Because we are working from specifications and recurring owner feedback rather than our own measurements, we describe patterns instead of hard numbers.
Sound Quality
Bose tuning generally favors a smooth midrange and a controlled, moderate bass. Owners often describe vocals and podcast speech as clear, which makes this type of headphone well suited to spoken-word content, video calls, and everyday streaming. Listeners who prefer a flat, analytical presentation may find the sound slightly warmer than they expect. Treble is typically described as non-fatiguing rather than sparkly, which many people prefer for long sessions.
Noise Isolation
The closed-back cups provide passive isolation. This reduces office chatter and household noise, and it works reasonably well on a quiet bus or train. It will not match the steady-state noise reduction of an active noise cancelling model. If your main use is aircraft cabins, a QuietComfort-branded pair is the more appropriate choice, and our overview of Wireless Headphones for Travel explains why active cancelling tends to matter more on flights.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is where this model earns much of its reputation. The headband distributes weight across the crown, and the cushions are generous enough that many owners report few pressure points after an hour or two. Clamping force is moderate. People with larger heads or sensitive ears should try the fit in person if possible, since clamp strength varies by individual head shape.
Battery and Connectivity
Owners typically report that battery life is adequate for a full workday or a long flight-length listening session, though exact runtime depends on volume and wireless conditions. Bluetooth pairing is generally stable at normal distances. Keep devices within a typical room range and avoid placing the headphones behind metal obstacles to reduce dropouts.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This headphone is a good fit if you want a comfortable, wireless over-ear pair for home use, office calls, and everyday music or podcasts, and you do not need active noise cancelling. It also suits buyers who value a familiar brand with a strong reputation for fit and build. Listeners who want a wired alternative for studio-style listening can consider a cabled model; our piece on Wired Over-Ear Headphones: Key Advantages and Uses explains when a cable still makes sense.
You should skip this model if you need strong noise cancelling for travel, if you want a compact foldable design you can slip into a bag, or if you rely on advanced app features and multipoint pairing. For those buyers, a newer noise-cancelling option will serve better.
Buying Guide
Before you buy any wireless over-ear headphone, check the following:
- Noise cancelling needs. Decide whether passive isolation is enough. If you fly often, active cancelling is worth prioritizing.
- Fit. Clamp force and cup size matter more than spec sheets suggest. Try them on if you can.
- Battery and charging. Confirm the stated playback time and the charging method on the current listing.
- Wired backup. If you want to use the headphones after the battery dies, confirm the included cable and input.
- Replacement parts. Check whether ear cushions are available, since owners commonly replace them after a few years. Our guide to Bose Headphones Cushion Replacement: 3 Best Ear Pads Compared (2026) covers the options.
If this model does not fit your needs, these well-known alternatives are worth a look:
- Amazon Renewed SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II Black (Renewed). A refurbished option that keeps the same design at a lower cost of entry for budget-minded buyers. Renewed units vary in cosmetic condition, so read the seller’s grading notes closely.
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones, Black. A step up for buyers who want active noise cancelling, USB-C charging, and longer stated playtime for travel and busy environments.
Amazon Renewed SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II Black (Renewed)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
For a broader look at how to narrow down your choice, see How to Choose Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Buyer’s Guide and 4 Best Bose In-Ear Wireless Headphones of 2026 if you prefer an in-ear format.
FAQ
Does the bose soundlink around ear wireless headphones ii black have noise cancelling?
No. This model relies on passive isolation from its closed-back design. If you need active noise cancelling, look at a QuietComfort-branded Bose model instead.
Can I use it with a cable?
Yes. The headphones include a 3.5 mm input for wired listening, which is useful when the battery is low. Confirm the included cable on the current listing.
Is it comfortable for long listening sessions?
Owners frequently cite comfort as a strength, particularly for multi-hour use. Individual fit still varies, so clamp force and cup size should be considered.
How long does the battery last?
Bose lists multi-hour playback per charge. Actual runtime depends on volume level, wireless range, and how often you use the call features. Check the current spec sheet for the exact figure.
Is the sound good for music, or is it mainly for calls?
Owners generally describe a balanced, smooth sound that works well for music, podcasts, and video calls alike. Bass lovers may want to compare alternatives.
Are replacement ear cushions available?
Replacement cushions are commonly available for Bose over-ear models. Because compatibility can vary by model revision, match the part to your exact headphone before ordering.
Is the Renewed version a good idea?
A renewed unit can be a reasonable value if the seller grades it well and offers a return window. Inspect the condition notes and confirm the warranty terms before purchase.
Final Verdict
The bose soundlink around ear wireless headphones ii black is a comfortable, well-built wireless over-ear headphone that suits home, office, and everyday listening. Its closed design offers useful passive isolation and its sound signature is easy to live with, but it lacks active noise cancelling and a compact design. If those trade-offs match your priorities, it is a sensible choice. If you need travel-grade noise control or advanced features, look toward a newer model.
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.
