Bose QuietComfort II headphones review: Block out the world

Image credit: Billy Steele/Engadget

The tech also lends a hand with ANC and ambient sound. For active noise cancellation, CustomTune calibrates the noise reduction signal, which is significantly better at blocking out voices and crying babies than the previous model. For transparency mode, QuietComfort II headphones can pick up loud noises and apply a level of sound blocking so they don't startle you or damage your hearing. It's an aspect of CustomTune called ActiveSense.

For Aware mode, CustomTune helps keep those sought-after environmental sounds "as natural and realistic as possible". I don't understand why most headset manufacturers are bad at transparency mode, Apple being the only exception. Almost always the sound is muffled and far from "natural" because it's obvious that you still have something stuffed in your ears that affects volume and quality. Bose doesn't beat Apple, but it's a definite improvement. Although you'll still notice you have the headphones on, the overall sound is clearer, which also helps you avoid yelling your cortado command at the barista.

Sound quality

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The biggest leap on the QuietComfort II headphones is ANC, but we'll get to that shortly. But first, know that Bose has also made strides in the audio department. Since CustomTune does its job automatically and I haven't found a way to turn it off, I don't have a frame of reference as to whether or not that split second makes a difference in overall sound quality. What I can tell you though is that the QuietComfort II headphones are a big improvement over the first version.

I've always thought Bose headphones sound good. It never blew me away, but it did a pretty good job of complementing the noise-blocking capabilities of the company. On the QuietComfort Earbuds II, the sound is much more dynamic and open. I notice it most in the low end nuance, especially when it comes to things like kick drums and synths. There's texture and detail to these bass elements - they're not just generic thumps. This can be seen on tracks like "Tupilak" by Russian Circles, "Levitating" by Dua Lipa and "Wait In The Truck" by Hardy.

There is also an increased dimensionality to the sound on the QCE II. I talk a lot about open sound, a term I use for audio quality where things seem to exist in space rather than being a compressed mess. Here, the instruments stand on their own, creating depth in addition to fair tuning. Boz Scaggs' drums "Lowdown" and the thunder and sirens of the aforementioned Hardy track are good examples, and the effect is heightened even more when the detail actually moves through the channels.

Gallery: Bose QuietComfort II headphones review | 16 Pictures Gallery: Bose QuietComfort II headphones review | 16 Pictures

When it comes to active noise cancellation, that's where the QuietComfort II headphones really shine. Sure, that's to be expected with a Bose product, but the improvements the company has made from generation to generation are day in and day out. The first QuietComfort earphones were very good at reducing distractions, but version 2.0 can completely block out the world - to the point that you'll forget someone else is there. In fact, I'd say these are the best ANC performance you'll find in a set of true wireless earbuds right now.

Things like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and white noise machines are all completely canceled. True to its promise, Bose has also improved its ability to block out human voices. Even if someone takes a call right behind you, that conversation is much less distracting on QuietComfort II headphones. You will still hear them, but not as much.

Call quality

For calls, Bose says the QuietComfort II headphones' microphones can filter out ambient noise to keep the attention on you...