By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II in white is a good fit for listeners who want a comfortable, Bose-branded, Bluetooth over-ear headset for everyday listening at home, at the desk, or on a commute, and who do not need active noise cancelling. It suits people who value a familiar sound signature, a fold-flat design and a straightforward controls layout. It is less suitable for buyers who need strong isolation on flights or in busy offices, who want the latest codec and multipoint features, or who expect a headset built for long calls or intense workouts. Read on for a research-based look at what this model offers and where its limits lie.
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II- White
Product Overview
The SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II is a Bluetooth over-ear model from Bose, sold in a white colorway. It belongs to the SoundLink family, which Bose positioned as its mainstream wireless line, sitting below the QuietComfort series in the company’s lineup. The second generation kept the around-ear cup design of the original and focused on comfort, wireless convenience and a balanced, consumer-friendly tuning rather than on advanced features.
If you have been comparing models, our brand tracker covers how the SoundLink line has changed over time. For context on the earlier version, see Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II White Review (2026), and for a lighter-weight relative, see Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones Review (2026). Owners often describe the headset as a straightforward daily driver: pair it, put it on, and listen. That simplicity is part of its appeal.
Because this is a passive-leaning wireless design rather than a flagship noise cancelling model, expectations matter. Buyers who want a true quiet environment should look at the QuietComfort line instead. Buyers who want comfortable, familiar Bose sound without paying for advanced electronics will find the SoundLink II easier to justify.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the features that the product name and widely documented information for this model support. Where a specific figure is not confidently established for this exact listing, we have left it out rather than estimate it. Always check the product page for the final numbers before buying.
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Around-ear (over-ear) closed-back cups |
| Connectivity | Wireless Bluetooth |
| Color | White |
| Wired use | Typically supported via an audio cable for listening when the battery is low, per common Bose SoundLink guidance |
| Controls | On-cup buttons for playback, volume and call handling, as is standard on this line |
| Microphone | Built-in microphone for calls and voice assistant access |
| Noise cancelling | Not a primary feature of this model; passive isolation from the cup design only |
| Battery | Rechargeable battery; check the listing for playback hour figures |
| Portability | Designed to fold for storage and carrying |
Manufacturers generally specify the battery life and charging time for each SoundLink revision in their product documentation, and those numbers should be confirmed on the official listing before purchase, since they can vary by firmware and usage level.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Around-ear cups that owners frequently describe as comfortable for extended listening sessions.
- Familiar Bose tuning that leans toward a warm, balanced presentation rather than a bass-forward or harsh one.
- Simple on-cup controls that do not require learning a companion app for everyday playback.
- A folding design that makes the headset easier to pack than a rigid, non-folding model.
- Wired fallback use is available for when the battery runs down, which many owners appreciate for travel.
- Clean white finish that many buyers prefer over the usual black options.
Cons
- Not positioned as an active noise cancelling headset, so isolation in loud environments is limited.
- Lacks the advanced feature set found in newer premium Bose models, such as adaptive modes and extensive app customization.
- Some owners report that the clamping force can feel firm during the first few days of wear.
- Ear pads are a common wear item over time, and replacements are the usual fix when they start to flatten or crack.
- Not a dedicated workout or sweat-resistant design; sweat and rain are best avoided.
Performance Analysis
Performance for a headset like this comes down to three things: sound balance, comfort over time, and how well it handles the wireless link. Owner feedback for the SoundLink line tends to describe a smooth, pleasant sound with clear mids and vocals, a bass response that is present without being overwhelming, and treble that stays controlled. Listeners who like detailed, analytical sound may find it a little soft, while listeners who prefer an easy, relaxed presentation often find it satisfying.
Comfort is where around-ear designs earn their keep. The cups are sized to surround the ear rather than press on it, and many owners report that they remain comfortable through long sessions. Clamp force is the most common complaint. Expect a short break-in period, and if the fit still feels tight after a week, the headband and cup angle can be adjusted within their normal range.
Isolation is passive only. The closed cups block some ambient sound, which helps on a train or in an office, but they will not silence a loud room or an airplane cabin the way an active noise cancelling model does. For steady background noise such as a fan or road hum, the passive seal does reduce the perceived level, but sudden voices and sharp sounds still come through.
Wireless performance is generally stable at normal distances from a source device, as is typical for Bluetooth headsets. Interference from crowded wireless environments and walls can cause dropouts, so keep the source device within a clear line of sight and away from microwaves or dense metal objects. Battery life and charging behavior should be checked against the official figures for the revision you are buying.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This headset is a sensible choice for several types of listener:
- People who want comfortable over-ear headphones for home, office or commuting, with no need for active noise cancelling.
- Bose fans who like the brand’s sound signature and want an entry point into the ecosystem.
- Buyers who value a folding design, easy controls and a wired backup option.
- Users who watch video, listen to podcasts and stream music in relatively quiet spaces.
You should skip this model if you need strong noise cancelling for flights or open offices, if you want multipoint pairing across several devices, or if you plan heavy workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. In those cases, a dedicated noise cancelling model or a sport-rated earbud will serve you better. For a broader look at how to match headphones to your life, see How to Choose Wireless Over-Ear Headphones: A Buyer’s Guide and Wireless Headphones for Travel.
Buying Guide
Before you buy any wireless headset, check a handful of practical points. First, confirm the exact model and color on the listing, because the SoundLink name is used across several generations and form factors. Second, decide whether passive isolation is enough for your environment. Third, look at the battery and charging figures in the manufacturer specifications rather than relying on memory or secondhand claims. Fourth, think about the fit: if you wear glasses, try to test a headset with a comfortable clamp and soft pads.
If the SoundLink II does not match your needs, consider these well-known alternatives:
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones – A step up if you want active noise cancelling and a more advanced feature set.
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
- Replacement earpads for the SoundLink Around-Ear II – A useful option if you already own a headset in this family and want to refresh comfort or fit.
for SoundLink Around-Ear II (Model BA2) Over-Ear Headphones Earpads for Bose SoundLink AE2 – Black
For readers who are weighing over-ear against smaller designs, Over-Ear vs On-Ear Headphones explains the trade-offs in more depth. If you are also considering a Sony option, Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026) is a useful comparison.
FAQ
Does the Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II have active noise cancelling?
No. This model is positioned as a wireless around-ear headset with passive isolation from its closed cups. If you need active noise cancelling, look at the QuietComfort line instead.
Can I use the headphones with a cable?
Common Bose SoundLink guidance indicates that a wired audio connection is supported, which is useful when the battery is low. Confirm the cable type and port on the official documentation for your revision.
Are the ear cushions replaceable?
Yes, replacement ear pads are widely available for the SoundLink Around-Ear II family. Owners typically replace them when the foam flattens or the covering wears.
Is this model good for workouts?
It is not designed as a sport or sweat-resistant headset. For gym use, a sport-rated earbud is usually the better choice.
Does it support multiple devices at once?
Multipoint pairing is not a headline feature of this model. Check the listing details before buying if you plan to switch between two sources regularly.
How do I get the best comfort out of it?
Allow a few days for the headband and clamp to settle, adjust the headband evenly on both sides, and keep the cups centered over your ears. If discomfort continues, replacement pads can make a noticeable difference.
Is it a good choice for travel?
It folds for storage and works well for quiet travel, but it will not block engine noise on a flight the way an active noise cancelling model would. For more on this, see Wireless Headphones for Travel.
Final Verdict
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II is a comfortable, familiar, Bose-branded headset for everyday listening without the need for active noise cancelling. It rewards buyers who prioritize comfort, a pleasant sound signature and simple controls, and it disappoints those who expect advanced isolation, multipoint pairing or workout durability. Confirm the battery figures and the exact revision on the listing, and weigh the alternatives above against your priorities before you decide.
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.
