Bose SoundLink Around Ear II vs Bose Soundlink On-ear

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II review
vs
Bose Soundlink On-ear review

If you wonder which type of headphones is better for you, on or over ear ones, I hope this review of Bose SoundLink On Ear vs Around Ear will help to make the best choice. Both models have closed back cups, wireless and wired options.

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Features

The headphones have an equal battery life of 15 hours with a charging time of 3 hours. That is great to have a speed charge option. The near field communication (NFC) is supported by the Around Ear model only. Both have no apX/aptX HD support.

Sound

The sound of Bose SoundLink On-Ear is great with very clear trembles and bass. I would call it full and complete at all ranges for any music fan. There is a decent passive noise cancelling that allows some sounds from the surrounding that does not affect the sound quality. The soundstage is limited for its closed cups.

Bose SoundLink Over Ear delivers strong bass, transparent trebles, and neutral mids that will suit various music styles and satisfy audiophiles. They have not the best soundstage, but more than decent for neutral listening.

Comfort and design

Both headphones have adjustable headband and very soft padding on cups. They are incredibly light and do not tighten my head in long wearing. Both come in a soft case. The option of foldable cups is available in the On-Ear model only, however they swivel in both to lay flat. Detachable cable allows it to be used in flights.

Bose Soundlink On-ear pros and cons

Bose Soundlink On-ear pros and cons

Pros

  • Super portable for its compact size and foldable cups
  • Very soft and comfortable fit with nice linings
  • Built-in microphone is great for calls

Cons

  • Too unstable fit for use in sports/jogging
  • Takes more time and efforts to fit it comfy for ears due to smaller on-ear cups

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II pros and cons

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II pros and cons

Pros

  • App control allows more functionality
  • NFC for better connection
  • More than just neutral sound with brilliant transparency
  • Comfortable large cups to fit most ears greatly

Cons

  • Not very portable for its bulky and unfoldable design

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
6.5
Bose Soundlink On-ear
5.8
7
10
8
6
8
8
Bose SoundLink Around Ear II

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II review

May 25, 2020

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II headphones are the product of American company. It supports wired and w...

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Common

Product

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
Bose Soundlink On-ear

Model

SoundLink Around Ear II
Soundlink On-ear

Brand

Bose
Bose

Reviews

16440
1463

General

Wearing style

over ear
on ear

Enclosure

closed back
closed back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

Impedance, Ohm

Frequency response, Hz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

Magnet type

Weight (headphones), g/oz

198/7

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

120/3.9
120/3.9

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

volume, answer/end, play/pause, next/previous track, voice assistant
volume, answer/end, play/pause, next/previous track, fast forward/rewind

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

Bluetooth version

4.2

aptX

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

Bluetooth profiles

A2DP

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

rechargable
rechargable

Battery life, hrs

15
15

Charging time, hrs

3
3

Charging port

micro USB
micro USB

Charging cable

micro USB to USB-A
micro USB to USB-A

Speed charge

Battery free listening mode

Battery level indicator

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
Bose Soundlink On-ear
Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
Bose Soundlink On-ear

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 6.5
  • 5.8
  • 6.5Bose SoundLink Around Ear II
  • 5.8Bose Soundlink On-ear

The Bose SoundLink Around Ear II is better headphones in this comparison. Check Bose SoundLink Around Ear II price