All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
Bose
Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear II
Value for Money
8/ 10
Value for Money — measured in the SoundGuys lab.
Key specs
Weight
184 gAbove average184 g
6 g318 g
above average for on-ear headphones — based on 52 of 63 we've cataloged.
Design
- Weight
- 184 g
- Color Options
- Charcoal black, navy blue
- Foldable
- Yes
- Wearing Time Max
- 10+ h
Build
- Material Chassis Primary
- Plastic
- Material Ear Cups
- Memory foam
Connectivity
- Connection Type
- Wired 3.5mm
- Headphone Jack
- Yes
- Cable Type
- 3.5mm single-ended
Microphone
- Microphone
- Yes
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Closed-back
- Frequency Response Signature
- Flat
Features
- Control Type
- Physical buttons
- Inline Controls
- Yes
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›SOUNDGUYS rating
8.4/ 10
RecommendedAM
Reviewed byAdam MolinaReviewed January 2016Design8.8
Portability8.0
Value8.0
The verdict
The Bose SoundTrue II deliver premium sound quality and exceptional comfort with memory-foam ear cushions suitable for extended listening sessions. The headphones feature a refined design with improved fit over the original model and include a hardshell carrying case. However, the high price point combined with the absence of wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation makes them difficult to recommend for buyers seeking modern features.
✓What we like
✓Very comfortable with memory-foam ear cushions that allow hours of wearing without discomfort
✓Good sound quality with clean, well-controlled bass that doesn't overpower vocals
✓Excellent microphone quality for calls with clear voice transmission
✓Flexible design with lightweight plastic construction that survives twisting and bending
✓Slightly thinner profile than previous model with more natural feel on the head
✓Oval-shaped ear cups that fit ears better with upgraded headband padding
✕What could be better
✕Premium pricing at $180 without Bluetooth connectivity
✕Lacks active noise cancellation despite high price point
✕Plastic materials feel cheap despite good durability
✕Device-specific remote and microphone compatibility—requires correct iOS or Android version for full functionality
✕Bass is not thumping or impactful for users seeking prominent low-end
✕Not suitable for professional audio mixing or critical listening
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
I've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributor
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorMore On-Ear Headphones
See our top picks ›
On-Ear Headphones
Bose SoundLink On-Ear
7.8SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$134.91at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
On-Ear Headphones
beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO
7.3SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$54.29at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
