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Bose Sport Earbuds Review: Designed with Runners in Mind

This expert-tested pair has excellent sound quality and solid sweat-resistance

4.8

Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport Earbuds displayed with box on path next to gravel

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

What We Like
  • Excellent sound quality

  • Comfortable, secure fit

  • Durable and water-resistant

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Not as discreet-looking as some competitors

  • Shorter battery life than other earbuds

The Bottom Line

The Bose Sport Earbuds are ideal for runners and athletes because they offer outstanding sound and exceptional comfort, all at an excellent value.

4.8

Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport Earbuds displayed with box on path next to gravel

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

We purchased the Bose Sport Earbuds so our reviewer could put them to the test by running with them. Keep reading for our full review.

I started running decades ago as a middle schooler, and my experience with running headphones goes back almost as far—starting with the foam, on-ear pair that came with my beloved, yellow Sony Sports Walkman. Since then, I’ve tried countless brands and styles of running headphones, and in recent years I’ve been won over by the convenience and performance of wireless earbuds.

With a comfortable fit, exceptional sound quality, and solid water resistance, the Bose Sport Earbuds are a top pick among athletes. To see if they checked all the boxes for reliable headphones for runners, I charged up a pair and hit the road (and treadmill). For weeks, I ran 60 miles with the earbuds, testing their fit, ease of use, sound quality, durability, battery life, and overall value.

Who It’s For

The high-quality Bose Sport Earbuds are designed with athletes in mind. Their high-quality sound, secure fit, protection from moisture, and ease of use make them an ideal choice for runners of all levels. While runners and other active people will appreciate the earbuds’ stellar features, they’re also a solid option for anyone who wants reliable earbuds for listening to music or taking hands-free calls.

Fit: Comfortable and secure

During test runs, the earbuds felt comfortable to wear and secure from start to finish, even when I picked up the pace to a sprint or wore them on a nine-mile run. I also wore them during some pre-run dynamic warm-ups, which involved jumping and quick movements, but the earbuds didn’t budge.

The earbuds come with three sizes of Bose’s silicone StayHear Max ear tips, so you can customize them for the right fit. The ear tips create an airtight seal to the ear canal, while the flexible wings and umbrella shape grips your ear to keep the buds in place. As a result, these earbuds scored a 5 out of 5 for fit. 

bose sport earbuds review

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Ease of use: Simple set-up and controls

Setting up the earbuds was quick and easy, as they immediately paired with an iPhone. As soon as you put them in, the earbuds announce the device to which they’re paired and their battery level. It was also easy to adjust the volume, pause music, and take a call using the touch controls, which were very responsive. The wireless connection was solid and I had no issues with dropped connections.

The charging case is also extremely user-friendly, as it’s simple to open the lid and slide the earbuds into place. Unlike other charging cases that only have one battery indicator light, the Sport Earbuds' case has five lights that indicate their current battery level, so you’re never left guessing whether they need to be charged. These features all add up to a perfect 5 out of 5 score for ease of use.

“During test runs, the sound was powerful and clear at all volume levels.”

Sound Quality: Clear, crisp, and robust

When it comes to sound quality, this pair is truly best in class for wireless earbuds. During test runs, the sound was powerful and clear at all volume levels. 

The high tones, low tones, and bass notes while listening to music are impressive, especially for earbuds. The sound quality was also excellent when I listened to podcasts and took calls. Plus, the secure fit of the buds creates a tight seal, earning a 5 out of 5 for sound quality.

Durability: Well-made and water-resistant

The earbuds are backed by the Bose brand, which is well-known for its durable products that hold up to repeated use. Their IPX rating, which reveals how resistant an electronic device is to water, is a 4 out of 9, so they'll stand up to sweat and rain. Even during long runs, the earbuds functioned properly and stayed securely in place. But since they’re not fully waterproof, the Bose Sport pair earned a 4.5 out of 5 for durability.

bose sport earbuds review

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Battery Life: Suitable for running

The battery life is listed as five hours—sufficient for running, but not ideal if you like to wear your earbuds all day or at work. However, a quick, 15-minute charge on the go will add two more hours of listening time, earning them a 4.5 out of 5 for battery life.

“The pair felt comfortable and secure from start to finish, even when I picked up the pace.”

How We Tested

I ran with these earbuds for about four weeks, compiling about 60 miles on roads, trails, and the treadmill. Some runs were shorter distances of only 2 to 3 miles, while others were longer at 8 or 9 miles. I varied my pace quite a bit, so I could test whether the earbuds stayed securely in my ears. I also ran in light rain as well as hot, sweat-inducing temperatures, to put the earbuds’ moisture protection ability to the test.

Price: An excellent value for the money

The Bose Sport Earbuds price usually ranges from $150 to $180, which is similar to its direct competitors. It’s a worthwhile investment for runners who want high-performance, water-resistant headphones with exceptional sound and good battery life. While you can find less expensive wireless earbuds with many of the same features, they likely won’t deliver the same sound quality, fit, and durability. And if you wear them while doing other types of workouts, like strength training on a balance board or walking on a treadmill desk, you will definitely get your money's worth.

bose sport earbuds review

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

The Competition: Smaller size, better battery life

If sound quality and a comfortable fit are your top priorities for running headphones, it’s tough to beat the Bose Sport Earbuds. Here’s how the competition stacks up:

“While you can find less expensive wireless earbuds with many of the same features, they likely won’t deliver the same sound quality, fit, and durability.”

Jabra Elite 4 Earbuds: The price may be lower, but you’ll sacrifice some key features. Compared to the Jabra Elite 4 Earbuds, the Bose Sport Earbuds offer a crisper sound and more powerful bass. Plus, the buttons aren’t as easy to use as the Bose’s touch controls. 

Apple AirPods Pro: The Apple AirPods Pro charging case is a favorite for its design and portability, but the Bose Sport’s case is still fairly compact and charges quickly. And the Bose Sport’s 5-hour battery life easily tops the AirPods Pro’s 4.5. 

Beats Fit Pro Earbuds: One trade-off is that the Bose earbuds are a bit bulkier compared to options like the Beats Fit Pro Earbuds, but the size is necessary for the technology. And while their sound is top-notch, Bose earbuds don’t completely block noise like these earbuds do. But when running outdoors, some people actually prefer earbuds without active noise canceling like the Bose pair, so they can stay safely aware of their surroundings.

Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds: If you do want the option of noise cancellation and are willing to pay a little more, Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds offer that feature, with all the other benefits of the Sport Earbuds.

bose sport earbuds review

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Final Verdict

Yes, buy these if you’re a runner looking for best-in-class earbuds.

Engineered for runners and active people, the Bose Sport Earbuds offer impressive, well-rounded sound and a reliable fit. They’re also durable and water-resistant, so they can stand up to even the longest, most sweat-inducing runs.

Specs

  • Product Name Sport Earbuds
  • Product Brand Bose
  • Price $149.00
  • Color Black, White, Blue
  • Battery Life 5 hours
  • On-ear controls Yes
  • Water/sweat resistant Yes
  • What’s Included Earbuds, charging case, three sets of ear tips, charging cord