Review of Bose in Ear IE2 Audio Headphones

When it comes to picking out the best headphones based on comfort and sound quality, Bose routinely delivers with top of the line headphones. The IE2 from Bose is an upgraded version of the original in-ear, bud headphones. Having tried this new pair out, I was thoroughly impressed by the comfortable tips, amazing sound quality and durable design.

Comfort

Primarily for an ear-bud style headphone to be effective, it must be comfortable for extended use. The rubber tips rest softly on the interior of the ear, while the new StayHear ear tips rest on the bowl of the ear. The new design is actually very effective and comfortable in comparison to other ear-bud style headphones. The headphones also come with small, medium and large interchangeable ear tips for different ear sizes.

Sound Quality

Having been a long-time Bose audio customer, with Bose speakers and around ear headphones, I was skeptical of the sound quality of bud style headphones. I have used numerous bud style headphones in the past and all of them, no matter the gimmicks and features; they never met my sound quality expectations. However, the IE2 headphones sounded amazing for their size. I was shocked that they were producing the same sound quality as my around ear headphones. The headphones shined when listening to acoustic songs, you can hear all of the instruments clearly, while the voice replication was crystal clear. I plugged the headphones into my iPad and picked a song from nearly every popular genre, ranging from 20's jazz to modern hip/hop. I found nothing negative to write as far as sound quality, Bose hit the nail on the head on this pair.

Durability

Although Bose headphones are designed much better than less expensive headphones, with reinforced cables surrounding the audio wires, they still have a tendency to break. Although the wires can snap with enough pressure (happened to me), they do stand up to repeat using and fraying. The construction is relatively durable, as far as where the audio cables meet the ear buds, but the wires are still thin enough that enough pressure can snap the cords. Although fixing a broken audio wire is a relatively simple do-it yourself job, it does add some level of stress because of the price tag.

Price

Priced at $99.99 (Bose), the headphones offer an affordable alternative to more expensive around ear headphones from the same company. As far as sound quality and durability for the price, you will not find another set that matches the IE2. However, if you are looking for something more durable and with noise cancelling properties, then the IE2's are not a good low priced alternative.

Sources:

http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/headphones/audio_headphones/in_ear_headphones/index.jsp