Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds — True Wireless Earbuds That Blend Audio Quality and Fitness

True wireless earbuds are all the rage nowadays, and the Bose SoundSport Free are no slouch in this arena. As an audio brand, Bose delivers superb sound quality in a fuss-free wireless package tailored for fitness.

Overview

The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds feature a true wireless design that connects to smartphones and devices via Bluetooth. With fitness in mind, these earbuds combine wireless freedom with excellent audio performance.

Highlights

• True wireless design for freedom of motion
• Sweat and weather resistant with IPX4 rating
• Up to 5 hours battery life per charge, charging case provides extra 10 hours
• Track lost earbuds with Find My Buds feature in app
• Crisp and powerful sound motivated you to train longer and harder

Design - Secure and Understated

The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds feature an understated design that tucks neatly into your ears. The smooth matte finish comes in subtle yet stylish colors like black, blue or orange. While bulkier than other true wireless options, the angled shape seamlessly fits into the contours of your ear. Flexible fins keep each earbud stable and prevent any slippage during intense exercise. Despite the modest size, a hidden wallop of Bose sound emanates from these little pods.

Ease of Use - Quick and Convenient

Bluetooth pairing happens swiftly when you remove the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds from their charging case. The headphones instantly connect to your device, eliminating any fuss. Controlling music playback and volume is effortless with the raised buttons on each earbud. Voice prompts update you on battery life, connectivity and more. The Bose Connect app provides battery monitoring, firmware updates and even a Find My Buds tracker - helpful if you misplace an earbud. Overall, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds make listening and managing a breeze.

Build Quality - Signature Bose Craftsmanship

With Bose, you can expect top-notch build quality that feels solid in your hands. The smooth plastic case resists scratches and scuffs well. The earbuds feel lightweight yet sturdy, able to withstand sweaty workouts and accidental drops. The inclusion of an IPX4 water resistance rating indicates they will endure splashes of water and rain if you get caught in a shower. Bose products stand the test of time, and these hardy earbuds should deliver years of wireless listening.

Sound Quality - Motivational and Energizing

Bose is renowned for their excellent sound, and the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds deliver pulsating audio perfect for fitness. The sound profile has an openness that makes music really come alive. Amplified bass kicks energize your workout with some extra oomph. The audio quality remains consistent even at lower volumes, allowing you to clearly hear vocals, guitar strums and percussive beats. Whether you need motivation on a long run or to find your rhythm in a spin class, the lively sound from these earbuds will inspire you to dig deep and push harder.

Microphone - Clear Calling

Thanks to dual beam-forming microphones, your voice sounds natural when making calls. The mic array filters out ambient noise reasonably well, though loud environments may require you to raise your volume a bit. Callers reported no issues hearing me, even when I was walking along a busy street. Just take note that call audio only comes through the right earbud. For voice calls, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds deliver excellent clarity.

Noise Isolation - Let the Music Shine

Being in-ear fitness earbuds, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds do not offer active noise cancellation. However, the snug seal passively blocks out a decent amount of ambient sound. At moderate volumes, you can immerse in music without being too distracted by loud gym equipment or nearby runners. That said, you remain suitably aware of your surroundings for safety reasons. For most exercise contexts, the passive isolation sufficiently shuts out noise so you can better enjoy the motivational music.

Battery Life - Stay Powered for Hours

On a full 2 hour charge, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds provide up to 5 hours of continuous listening. This battery life matches or exceeds most true wireless competitors, giving you plenty of juice for even marathon workout sessions. The charging case provides an extra 10 hours, letting you clock in dozens of hours between charges. Battery indicators on the case and in the app make it easy to monitor levels. Quick charges of 15 minutes can add around an hour of music time when you’re in a rush. With standby times of up to 5 days, power concerns fade away.

Connectivity - Roam Freely in the Gym

With Class 1 Bluetooth 5.0, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds reliably maintain a strong wireless connection to your phone or tablet up to 10m / 30ft away. You can leave your device on the gym floor or bench and still wander freely during your sets. Some users faced dropout issues, but updating firmware seems to have addressed this. Outdoor runners reported occasional cutting out, likely due to body blocking. But for indoor fitness, the Bluetooth connection remains solid so you can move untethered by wires.

Controls - Simple and Intuitive

Unlike touch sensitive earbuds, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds feature easy-to-press physical buttons. The raised + and - symbols adjust volume, while the multifunction button controls playback, calls and activating voice assistants. Single, double and triple presses provide shortcuts, like pausing music or skipping tracks. Tactile feedback ensures you won’t accidentally trigger unwanted actions. The controls become second nature over time, allowing eyes-free operation as you exercise.

Comfort - Lightweight with Personalized Fit

Weighing just 9 grams each, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are incredibly light and easy to wear for prolonged periods. The earbuds come with three sizes of StayHear tips for finding your perfect fit. Once nestled into the ear canal, they feel weightless and secure. The smooth plastic finish does not cause irritation with extended wear. As an in-ear solution, they avoid bulky headbands that can feel constricting. While not the most discrete buds, they strike an ideal balance of comfort and stability.

Water Resistance - Sweat and Weather Proof

The IPX4 water resistance rating indicates the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds can withstand splashes from any direction. Whether you get doused in sweat during a HIIT workout or get caught in the rain during an outdoor run, the earbuds will hold up. You don’t have to worry about damaging the electronics when working up a sweat or running through wet conditions. Just don’t submerge them fully underwater. For active lifestyles, the sweat and weather proof design provides peace of mind.

Usage Scenarios

The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are perfect for:

• Workouts like running, cycling, cardio, strength training, HIIT classes
• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want great sound without wires hampering movement
• Active professionals who like to listen to music or podcasts at the gym
• Outdoor activities like hiking, walking, mountain biking
• Yoga, Pilates, aerobics, Zumba, and other studio classes

User Feedback Analysis

The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds have garnered largely positive reviews from customers, with many praising the excellent audio quality and secure comfortable fit. Here’s a deeper look at what users liked and areas for improvement based on customer feedback:

Sound Quality

Without a doubt, the stellar sound quality stands out as the most frequently complimented aspect. Users describe the audio as “crisp”, “clear”, “phenomenal” and “the best I’ve heard”. The expansive soundstage and lively tuning make music really come alive. Enhanced bass provides a pulsating energy without muddiness. Treble sounds refined, allowing you to hear nuances in vocals, guitars and cymbals. Many customers feel immersed and motivated listening to their workout playlists. The sound quality matches the Bose pedigree and exceeds the experience from most other wireless earbuds.

Comfort & Fit

The majority of customers are impressed by the lightweight and comfortable fit. Once nestled into the ear canal, the earbuds virtually disappear. The angled design and flexible fins keep the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds firmly in place during rigorous exercise without falling out. Users appreciate the ability to customize the fit with three sizes of StayHear tips included. For in-ear buds, the soft smooth plastic and vented design prevent irritation over longer listening periods. The stability gives users confidence to run, jump and move vigorously without worrying about the earbuds dislodging.

Connectivity & Battery Life

Satisfaction with connectivity and battery life is mixed. Some users faced frequent dropouts and connection issues, especially with the left earbud, likely a radio design flaw. However, others did not report any wireless problems after updating firmware. Similarly, battery life generally met the advertised 5 hours for most users, but some found it shorter than expected. The charging case provides a decent additional 10 hours. While not best-in-class, the battery life suffices for the average user’s needs. But a common request is for longer battery life in the next model.

Areas for Improvement

The most common complaint is around the bulky protruding design that some find unsightly. More streamlined earbuds like the AirPods blend in better aesthetically. Lack of noise cancellation is another oft-cited downside, though understandable as these are sport earbuds. Some users struggle with the laggy video syncing when watching videos or movies. A firmware update resolved this for some. Finally, a few users reported build quality issues like easily scratched cases or malfunctioning earbuds after some months of use. But overall, users agree the superb sound, great comfort and reasonable battery make the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds a top choice for sporty wireless listening.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality with crisp mids and deep bass
• Comfortable and secure fit with StayHear tips
• Long 5 hour battery life per charge
• Sweat and weather resistant durability
• Easy controls with buttons on both earbuds
• Reliable Bluetooth connectivity in most conditions
• Compact charging case provides extra 10 hours of charge
• Can locate lost earbuds with Find My Buds feature

Cons

• Connectivity and dropout issues, especially with left earbud
• Bulky protruding design
• Lack of noise cancellation
• Calls only in right earbud
  -Laggy video syncing

Value

At around $200, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are reasonably priced for the superb audio quality, trusted Bose brand, and overall performance they deliver. While not cheap, you get what you pay for with great sound, comfort, and durability. For fitness enthusiasts who want excellent wireless audio, these earbuds are worth the investment.

Conclusion

The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are a top choice for combining audio excellence with fitness, and come highly recommended.

What’s in the Box

• SoundSport Free wireless earbuds
• Charging case
• USB charging cable
• 3 sizes of StayHear tips (small, medium, large)

Specifications

• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Battery life: Up to 5 hours per charge, charging case provides extra 10 hours
• Water resistance: IPX4 rating
• Weight: 9g per earbud, 45g for charging case
• Dimensions: Length 4.1 cm, Width 1.7 cm, Height 2.4 cm
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Bluetooth range: Up to 10m / 30ft
• Year launched: 2017
• Color: Black

How to Use

1. Choose the best fitting StayHear tip size for each ear.

2. Open the charging case and take out the earbuds.

3. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone or device.

4. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the right earbud until you hear “Ready to pair”.

5. On your phone, select “Bose SoundSport Free” from the Bluetooth list to connect.

6. Listen to music and control playback with the buttons on each earbud.

7. After use, place the earbuds back in the charging case until you hear “Charging”.

8. Check the status lights on the case to monitor charging levels.

9. Update firmware via the Bose Connect app for optimal performance.

10. Use Find My Buds feature in the Bose Connect app if you misplace the earbuds.