Remember the Bose SoundSport Wireless from 2016? Now, cut away those cables to leave you with just the buds.
Presenting the SoundSport Free, Bose's first entry to the truly wireless arena. Launched in late Sep 2017, the entry of the Apple AirPods and the Jaybird Run transition this product category from niche to now, fully mainstream.
Type - Truly Wireless Buds
Price - USD 250 / SGD 319
Read - Advent of Truly Wireless Earbuds
The Lowdown
1. Truly Wireless Hits Mainstream
Bose hits the shops just weeks after the B&O Beoplay E8. Bose on the other hand is representative of the mainstream so it is significant that they hit the market alongside Apple and Samsung.
2. Splash Resistant
An IPX4 rating implies the ability to be used in wet weather conditions. Although the marketing says it's 'water' resistant, you might want to ensure they are not immersed in water.
3. Comfort
The comfort of the StayHear+ buds was tested with the QuietControl 30 and the QuietComfort 20. What can be said is they fit really snugly and we don't see this being any different on the SoundSport Free.
4. Battery Life
The buds hold 5 hours of power, a very decent number when compared to Bragi The Headphone's 6 hours, B&O Beoplay E8's 4 hours and the Samsung Gear IconX's 1.5 hours. It takes 2 hours in the case for the buds to hit full power and the case provides two full additional charges.
Significance
Bose offers a product that consumers will likely love. These are not the most technologically advanced true wireless buds in the market if you consider that others have a transparency mode, full water resistance, touch controls and inbuilt memory. However, they look great and get around to getting the job done - great audio with a Bluetooth connection.
Price & Availability
Three colors (Black, Midnight Blue and Bright Orange) have been launched mid-September 2017 in the US at USD 250. We're checking on availability in Singapore.
Update (12 Feb 2018):
The SoundSport Free hits the shops in Singapore at SGD 319.
Presenting the SoundSport Free, Bose's first entry to the truly wireless arena. Launched in late Sep 2017, the entry of the Apple AirPods and the Jaybird Run transition this product category from niche to now, fully mainstream.
Type - Truly Wireless Buds
Price - USD 250 / SGD 319
Read - Advent of Truly Wireless Earbuds
The Lowdown
1. Truly Wireless Hits Mainstream
Bose hits the shops just weeks after the B&O Beoplay E8. Bose on the other hand is representative of the mainstream so it is significant that they hit the market alongside Apple and Samsung.
2. Splash Resistant
An IPX4 rating implies the ability to be used in wet weather conditions. Although the marketing says it's 'water' resistant, you might want to ensure they are not immersed in water.
3. Comfort
The comfort of the StayHear+ buds was tested with the QuietControl 30 and the QuietComfort 20. What can be said is they fit really snugly and we don't see this being any different on the SoundSport Free.
4. Battery Life
The buds hold 5 hours of power, a very decent number when compared to Bragi The Headphone's 6 hours, B&O Beoplay E8's 4 hours and the Samsung Gear IconX's 1.5 hours. It takes 2 hours in the case for the buds to hit full power and the case provides two full additional charges.
Significance
Bose offers a product that consumers will likely love. These are not the most technologically advanced true wireless buds in the market if you consider that others have a transparency mode, full water resistance, touch controls and inbuilt memory. However, they look great and get around to getting the job done - great audio with a Bluetooth connection.
Price & Availability
Three colors (Black, Midnight Blue and Bright Orange) have been launched mid-September 2017 in the US at USD 250. We're checking on availability in Singapore.
Update (12 Feb 2018):
The SoundSport Free hits the shops in Singapore at SGD 319.
