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Bose On-Ear Headphones (black)

Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: 41215

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$179.00 - $179.99 at 11 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
4.0 stars Excellent
Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 33 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: If you're looking for the best value in Bose headphones, the company's On-Ear models makes a strong case--even if they're not cheap.
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CNET editors' review

Bose On-Ear Headphones (black)

price range: $179.00 - $179.99

Reviewed by: David Carnoy
Reviewed on: 05/15/2008

The good: The Bose On-Ear headphones have a compact design, extra-comfortable cushy foam earpieces, full sound, and they fold up for compact storage in their included carrying case. Additionally, Bose offers a 30-day home trial.

The bad: While they're cheaper than Bose's noise-canceling models, they're still fairly pricey.

The bottom line: If you're looking for the best value in Bose headphones, the company's On-Ear models makes a strong case--even if they're not cheap.

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With a potent blend of quality products and what seems like an almost ubiquitous marketing campaign, Bose had managed to persuade thousands of people to spend large sums of money on the company's QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 2 noise-canceling headphones. While those models are mainstays in the business-class section of any aircraft, not everyone can afford business class--or wants to pay upward of $300 for a pair of headphones. So, Bose has come up with a model simply called the On-Ear, which borrows many of the design elements of the QuietComfort 3 but leaves out the active noise canceling and retails for a more palatable $180.

Like the QuietComfort3 headphones, the On-Ear's feature--you guessed it--an on-ear (supra-aural) rather than the cupped around-the-ear (circumaural) design of the QuietComfort 2s or the step-down TriPort headphones. Impressively, the earpieces employ a cushy memory foam that conforms to your ears nicely, and they do a better job than you'd think of passively shutting out noise (on-ear models tend to let in--and leak out--a fair amount of sound). The headphones are very comfortable, but because the deliciously soft leather pads are pressed right up against your ears, they are going to get pretty steamy on your ears if you wear them in warmer environments.

The On-Ears have virtually the same size earpieces as the QuietComfort 3s and offer a similar fit. Where the On-Ears have an advantage over their more expensive sibling is the way they're able to fold up--and flatten out--into a more compact footprint than the QuietComfort 3s. We really liked the case that ships with the On-Ear model: it's about 40 percent smaller than the case that comes with the QuietComfort 3 'phones and is more travel-friendly.

The only "accessories" beyond the case are two detachable headphone cables: one 43-incher and one 16-incher. (You can also daisy-chain them together if a long connection is needed.) Bose seems to have kept iPhone owners in mind when it designed the headphone plug for these headphones. The rubber casing around the base of the plug is not much bigger than the plug itself, which ensures that you won't have any problem plugging into the recessed headphone jack on the first-generation iPhone.

Speaking of phones, it's worth noting that Bose offers a version of the On-Ear headphones that includes an inline microphone that lets you use the headphones as a headset with your cell phone. Four adapters are included to ensure compatibility with various music-enabled cell phones. That product is called the Bose Mobile On-Ear Headset, and it retails for $20 more.

As for sound, we liked what we heard. The On-Ear headphones don't deliver quite the clarity or more thumping bass of the QuietComfort 3s, but users graduating from lower-end headphones will most likely be wowed by these headphones' crisp sound and ample low-end. Discerning listeners may note that the bass is a little on the boomy side (read: not incredibly detailed) and that the On-Ear's aren't quite as clean-sounding as some headphones we've listened to in this price range.

On Rihanna's top-40 hit "Umbrella," you can easily hear the differences between the On-Ears and QuietComfort 3s. The QuietComfort 3s' bass just has more punch to it (though, again, it's not terribly refined)--and when it comes to listening to hip-hop, punchier tends to be better. That said, the On-Ear headphones offer about 80 percent of the sound quality of the QC3s, which is pretty good, considering they basically cost half the price.

But what about the noise-cancellation? Well, as we said, the snug fit of these headphones manages to cut down a lot of outside noise--but it can't cut it like the active noise-cancellation circuitry of the QC2 and QC3 (or even the passive noise-cancellation offered by good in-ear headphones such as the Shure SE310). If we had to put an estimate on it, we'd say that the On-Ear headphones are able to muffle about half the sound of the noise-canceling models. Not bad, but the frequent traveler who wants to deaden the sound as much as possible--and is willing to pay the extra dough--would be better advised to look at the QC2 or QC3, if not the growing number of competing models. One caveat: as we've pointed out before, Bose's noise-canceling headphones, as with other headphones of their ilk, produce a slight sense of pressure on the eardrum, which some sensitive listeners find mildly uncomfortable. If you're part of this group, you'd do better going with the On-Ear headphones, or--if you don't mind penetrating your ear canals--in-ear headphones.

In the final analysis, while we can't call these Bose headphones a bargain--yes, they're still expensive at $180--they're somewhat of a bargain for Bose headphones. They may not offer best in class performance, but their compact size, appealing design, comfortable fit, and full sound make them easy to recommend.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 33 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 33

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8 stars

Not bad, but the headband doesn't seem quite strong

by redskins5926 on October 27, 2006

Pros: Great Bose sound, gentle fit, bundled extras, detachable cord.

Cons: Fragile headband

Summary: I wanted to get the Bose QC3s for sometime now, but I couldn't justify the $349 cost especially since I had no need for noise-cancelling; I just liked the ...

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Summary: I wanted to get the Bose QC3s for sometime now, but I couldn't justify the $349 cost especially since I had no need for noise-cancelling; I just liked the supra-aural style better than the original Triport headphones. I was hoping that Bose would come out with a non-noise cancelling version of the QC3, and these are it! As soon as I learned Bose released with these headphones, I quickly placed the order for them.

I got these last week and have been listening to music like crazy with them, both on my computer and on my iPod. These phones are not noise-cancelling models, but they still block out a noticeable amount of noise. You can wear these in a room and block out the noise of cars outside, the A/C, etc, while still being able to hear someone speak to you. I think these would work ok on a flight, but definitely not the best; that's what the QCs are designed for. I'm no audiophile and the only time I've ever tried Bose headphones before these were the demo Triports and QC2s at the Apple Store, so I can't say anymore about the sound than it is terrific. It definitely is a balanced sound, with the bass at a perfect level and not too-overpowering. The trebles also come out pretty clear too. I was pleased with the sound over my old Sony EX-81 earbuds, which have a muddy and hissy sound compared to these. The bad thing about the sound quality is it really emphasizes how badly compressed some of my mp3s have become, which may not be a good thing if you don't have the original CDs for some of your music. I would give the sound quality five stars, but I warn you again that I'm no audiophile.

The fit of the headphones takes some getting used to, as Bose's design is quite unique. These phones are on-ear being that they are designed to be worn like those cheap headphones that you would get with your walkmans and portable CD players back in the days before mp3 players. However, Bose put cushioned leatherette pads which conform to the shape of your ear; when you put them on, you need to allow several seconds for the pads to adjust and form the perfect fit for you. Once this is done, you are all set to go. The phones do not press on you ears hard; I think they are very gentle and should be good for prolonged use without having to take them off once in awhile. I also wear eyeglasses, and the cups definitely don't press down hard on my glasses. I would give fit 4 1/2 stars.

These headphones come with a semi-hard zipper case similar to what is included with the QC models. The case is nicely padded on the inside and is custom-designed to hold the headphones when folded. There is a little mesh like pocket on the back of the case which can probably hold an iPod nano comfortably, though not a video iPod. Two cords are included: a short cord if you are plugging the phones into a wired remote control, like the iPod radio remote or similar; as well as a long standard sized cord. The cord attaches to only one cup and is detachable, so you don't have to worry about tangles. I would give the features and extras 5 stars.

And now the big con: build quality. I've read the reviews about other Bose headphones having poor-quality headbands which snapped after several months of use. Having tried the original Triports and the QC2s, I don't think Bose made much of an adjustment on strengthening the band of this model. Well, the band is definitely much stronger than the Triport, which has a thin, flimsly and skinny metal band wrapped in cloth, similar again to the cheap walkman headphones of the 90s. The on-ear's headband is very much like the QC2s: thicker, slightly more durable and covered in both leather and cloth. However, I still feel like after a few months these could break easily, just like people have experienced with the QC2s. They do feel kind of stiff and I'm afraid already that if I pull the cups too far apart that the band would snap instantly and without warning. Therefore, I have to give the build quality 2 1/2 stars.

So my final verdict: I think these are a great design. The fit very well without any alterations or "custom fit kits" like those needed on premium earbuds. They have great sound, which I would expect for a pair of Bose phones. However, I'm not pleased with the build quality. I feel like I have to be patient and move slowly when handling the phones for fear of breaking them; not how I would act for the average pair of headphones. I am only in the 2nd week of my 30-day trial, so I'm going to see how this works out. But I am fearful of breaking a wonderful yet expensive and fragile piece. I'll update this review if I do decided to return this at the end of the 30 day trial. Overall, I'll give these headphones 4 stars. The sound and fit quality are impressive, and the bundled extras plentiful. The fragility worries me, especially since this purchase wiped almost $200 off my bank account.

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8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

You will love em

by review_aaa on October 26, 2007

Pros: Sound quality, Comfort

Cons: Price is a lil high

Summary: I got my pair a few days back. I'm in love with them and they do justify the price.
These headphones are very comfortable and easy on your ears.
...

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Summary: I got my pair a few days back. I'm in love with them and they do justify the price.
These headphones are very comfortable and easy on your ears.
BUT they are as good as the input they get. Garbage in - garbage out.
If you are reading this - you probably want to buy them... go ahead you won't regret.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Best portable headphones I've used

by galewisnhp on March 17, 2007

Pros: Balanced sound, lightweight

Cons: braided cord

Summary: These are, without a doubt, the best sounding portable headphones I've owned. I could not justify the price of Bose's QC3s, but I'm not disappointed. The sound ...

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Summary: These are, without a doubt, the best sounding portable headphones I've owned. I could not justify the price of Bose's QC3s, but I'm not disappointed. The sound is well balanced; the bass is deep but not overwhelming or distorted, and the highs are clear and crisp. These are the only headphones that I've used with my iPod's EQ on flat - there absolutely no need to increase the bass. I had been using the Shure E3Cs for a over a year (and I thought they were great), but the Bose OEs blow the Shures out of the water. I listen to all sorts of music - from Mozart to Metallica - and it all sounds fantastic. Plus, they do a reasonably good job at noise isolation; not as good as some of the in-ear models (such as the Shures), but well enough to use comfortably on the NYC subway.

My one complaint - and the only thing preventing me from giving these headphones a 10 - is the braided headphone cord. If you are listening to something quiet, every time the cord rubs against something (a jacket zipper if you are walking, for instance) the sound is conducted right up through the phones. A heavier, non-fabric cord would have been a much better choice so as not to conduct unwanted noise.

All-in-all, if you are willing to drop $180 on a pair of headphones for you MP3 player, these are worth the price.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

Disappointing

by email-collinscanada.com on May 20, 2007

Pros: light weight, nice cord design, comfortable to wear

Cons: sound quality, expensive

Summary: I was looking for a pair of medium size, good quality headphones that would be used while flying, listening to music and plugging into my guitar amp when I don?...

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Summary: I was looking for a pair of medium size, good quality headphones that would be used while flying, listening to music and plugging into my guitar amp when I don?t want to disturb anyone. I read some of the glowing reviews here and decided to give these a try.

My first impression was that they looked and quite felt nice and was hopeful that the sound would justify the expense. It did not. The most important aspect of headphones is sound quality and the Bose OE headphones sound mediocre at best.

I compared these to my larger, but much less expensive Roland RH50 headphones that I use with my guitar and my stock iPod headphones. The iPod headphones were, as you can guess, the worst sounding of the 3, but to my surprise, the $40 Roland ones had tighter bass, a much more robust sound in the mid range and were less harsh in the high frequency range. Although not as efficient as the Bose, my cheap Rolands sound much richer.

I will be returning the Bose tomorrow and will continue my search for something that sounds better than my cheapies and comes in a slightly more portable package.

In conclusion, the Bose OE phones are ok, but do not even come close to justifying the price tag.

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2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

amazing headphones!

by slr_sd on December 26, 2008

Pros: It does block out most of the background noise. In terms of quality, these headphones have very good bass, which is accompanied by perfect mids and highs. There are instruments that I'm hearing for the first times in some songs.

Cons: No cons except these might be a bit too expensive for some.

Summary: These are the perfect headphones to listen to any kind of music with. I don't know why some people are complaining, maybe their EQ isn't set correctly. It ...

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Summary: These are the perfect headphones to listen to any kind of music with. I don't know why some people are complaining, maybe their EQ isn't set correctly. It looks very good and I can't resist squishing the memory foam each time I look at it LOL. Anyways, overall, these are the perfect headphones to buy! :D

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Can't get Better!

by rajagopals on August 22, 2008

Pros: Lightweight, sound quality beyond words.

Cons: None that I can observe

Summary: At first sight you might feel that its over priced.... May be it is! Who cares... I had first seen this product at best buy . I found it really light ...

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Summary: At first sight you might feel that its over priced.... May be it is! Who cares... I had first seen this product at best buy . I found it really light on my head and sound quality was spectacular. The next day I ordered online. The sound quality is substantially better than the normal IPOD earphones that are provided along with the IPOD. You can hear distictly so many sounds that you would have never known existed. I would give it a perfect 10 on 10. I just like their tagline--Lifelike sound. and their product gives that. Its just like the whole orchestra is playing right in front of you. If you love music, this product is for you. If you have only 100$ as the budget, then wait for sometime, make money and then go for this product.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

Bad Ergonomics, So so sound, Should cost a lot less

by SC_PERU on March 16, 2008

Pros: Better than free headphones?

Cons: bulky, bad ergonomics, extremely over priced,

Summary: Hi,

The bose OE has very bad ergonomics, the sound is just a bit better than senheisser PX 100 but not as good as any sennheiser over 60 (the third

...

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Summary: Hi,

The bose OE has very bad ergonomics, the sound is just a bit better than senheisser PX 100 but not as good as any sennheiser over 60 (the third part from the retail price for these BOSE OE).

Ergonomics, difficult to fold difficult to extend, don't know why but they have an angle when they are over your ears imposible to accommodate what make them even more uncomfortable, the size is huge in comparision with the PX 100 which are a truth portable and also the BOSE OE make you look ... very strange.

Sound, the sound is good if you compare them with a US 10 dollars headphones or the ones that came with your mp3 player, the sound is just a bit better if you compare them with sennheiser px 100 (much much more comfortale and portable and at US35 they rock) and the BOSE OE are bad sounding if compared to any sennheiser over US60.

CONCLUSION : The BOSE OE definitively don't worth the price payed.

Greetings from Peru

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Really some of the best headphones I've heard and owned.

by Techran on December 11, 2007

Pros: Very comfy for extended wear; Sound that fills my head with sound and whether it be bass of a Rap song or the amazing rifts of Rock, this set seems to hit it right.

Cons: The cord could be made of something else (sounds like a freight train if you scratch it with your fingernails)... Then again, it doesn't really tangle which is nice. Some cannot justify the price.

Summary: I must say, I love these headphones. They were very much worth the price and I impress everyone I let listen to these. I heard them at target and compared ...

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Summary: I must say, I love these headphones. They were very much worth the price and I impress everyone I let listen to these. I heard them at target and compared them to the around ear option and a pair of Sony MDX's as well as some cheap Coby's (crap).

You really can't compare these with anything under 100$ I'm sorry, there is nothing that can compare lower than that.

Basically, if you are an audiophile at heart and you want some moderately expensive headphones, these are your match. They have an excellent ability to go down low low and have very nice highs. I heard things that I had not heard in some of my favorite songs before. Truly I tell you that these will inspire you to hear true sound from Bose.

If you think you have heard it all, you haven't, try these. They are at Circuit City and Target has a place to try them in most of their store.

Enjoy,

- Techran

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Simply Elegant... worth the price,

by BlackBerry01 on November 11, 2007

Pros: Comfort, Bass, Customer Support

Cons: Cables seem week and fragile (New design offered 12/04/07)

Summary: Ok, I'm no pro but I have good hearing and I love music. I will say these speakers sound amazing. Are there better out there? I'm sure you'...

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Summary: Ok, I'm no pro but I have good hearing and I love music. I will say these speakers sound amazing. Are there better out there? I'm sure you'll find tech specs or better monitors out there but these sound awesome on a portable. Most often times these headphones are compared to ones that are made for hi-fi home stereo or DJ setups. Bose OE's recomended useage is for portable audio/video players. Most of the time, even here at CNET Bose OE are compared with larger more for home use monitors like Grado that are not meant for ipods or mp3 players or portability.

With that said Bose has always been about elegance and quality. One of the aspects of Bose products people dont give credit too is their ability to create an "Efficient" sound environment. This can mean alot of things, but first thing that comes to mind is power consumption... the more efficient the longer your batteries last!! While some cheap monitors will sound distorted at high volumes as a result of being over powered, others are hollow an weak as the are under driven. The ability to create deep rich sound with ear shaking bass at lower levels is amazing! I also own Shure SE310's and at almost $300 bucks they can not reproduce this as good. I love my Shure's and they serve their purpose and sound amazing, but consider what your using them for. Comfort, no cord hassle, portability, quality, fashion, etc. The Bose OE fit the bill! For readers thinking of buying these take note that you will rarely see a review criticizing comfort.

With the prices set for todays electronics its hard to find a real bargin. There's always something undesirable to find when you spend hundreds of dollars. Bose doesn't disappoint when it comes to quality a price. I challenge anyone to name a better on-ear headphone that adds quality, sound, efficiency, comfort, customer support, warranty, cable options, etc. for $180. Not to mention the statement they make when your wearing them. So many people say "oooo wow you have Bose headphones".

Bottom line...
Bose does not disappoint as they do what they advertise! The only thing negative for me is the cables. They seem a bit fragile. But I called Bose CS and inquired about this and I was informed that a new design would be available on 12/04/07. This new design would be more compatable with the iPhone and players with less than forgiving connecting setups along with a more rugged design.

If you love your music and dont want or cant spend $200-$1000... The Bose OE Tri-Port's look, feel, and sound like you did!
Updated
About the new cable option available, at the time of inquire the support agent offerd to place an order for these part#'s "FREE" of charge!!

Part #:
45in. 309767-0010
16in. 309773-0010

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

NOT WORTH THE MONEY!

by Notworththeprice on June 17, 2009

Pros: The sound quality was good. I used it daily for going to the gym and I didn't have any issues with the headphones getting in my way. In fact they really helped my workout.

Cons: Product quality sucks. Not worth $180.

Summary: Had headphones for about a year and a half & the internal wiring has become defective. I contacted Bose but due to expired warranty they will only replace them for $...

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Summary: Had headphones for about a year and a half & the internal wiring has become defective. I contacted Bose but due to expired warranty they will only replace them for $75. For the $180 spent I expected the headphones to last a minimum of 3 years. Now Bose wants me to pay $75 more. $255 total for a pair of headphones. No thank you. I rather invest the money on another reliable brand with great sound quality.

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Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 33

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Bose Corp.
Part number: 41215
Description: Compact and comfortable Bose on-ear headphones reproduce your audio with notable clarity and range for headphones this size. And their lightweight, soft-cushioned earcups rest gently on your ears for hours of enjoyable listening.

General
Recommended Use The noise canceling feature blocks the din on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport.
Product Type Headphones
Width 5.3 in
Height 7.3 in
Weight 5.2 oz
Color Black
Additional Features Foldable
Headphones
Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
Headphones Form Factor Ear-cup
Connectivity Technology Wired
Remote Control
Type None

Connections
Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
Cables Included 1 x Headphones cable - Detachable - 3.6 ft, 1 x Headphones cable - Detachable - 1.3 ft
Included Accessories Carrying case
Power
Power Device None
Battery None

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