Bose AE2w Bluetooth Headphones: The Cream Of The Crop

Bose, the leader in audio equipment, has a reputation for excellence. Their Bose AE2w Bluetooth headphones live up to that reputation by delivering high- quality sound in a sleek, fashionable design. Bluetooth technology has flooded the audio market in recent years, but has been criticized for its sound quality in comparison to wired sets.

 Bose recognized this growing trend as well as the sound issues and managed to come up with an innovative set of headphones that give you the audio quality you deserve. The Bose AE2w around-the-ear Bluetooth headphones will cost you around $249, but they are worth the price. These headphones are an upgraded version of Bose's noise-cancelling, wired AE2's. They deliver stereo sound that rivals that of wired headsets. They are lightweight at just 5.3oz so you won't even notice them. The headband adjusts for comfort and they can be folded up for easy, compact storage.

Bose AE2w Bluetooth Headphones on sale  

Bose was smart in choosing the around-the-ear style (that is what AE stands for), as they have recently made a comeback. They are a consumer favorite because their snug fit allows users to wear them for hours without irritation. In comparison, their closest competitor, the Harman Kardon BT has an awkward, square shaped design that limits user use. The difference between these headphones and their predecessor is the improvements on the audio quality and the addition of a Bluetooth module. The module is located where you would normally attach the cable. 

Although it looks permanent the module is in fact removable. Its placement also allows for easy operation of the controls by touch alone. There is a large call/answer/ end button located on top of the module, perfectly placed when you place your hand to your ear. That button is also used as the track, skip, forward and back button. The volume buttons are easy to identify from the all-in-one button. It also works with the iPhone's Siri feature for voice commands. The Plantronics BackBeat Go2, a fellow competitor, has had many issues with its control buttons.

    Although they were recently redesigned they are still difficult to use. Of all its features it's the sound quality that is most impressive. It has an equalizer to provide balanced, life-like stereo sound (Harman Kardon BT boasts stereo sound but consumers have had trouble enabling it). They produce crystal clear vocals, which is an impressive feat for a Bluetooth device. The Bose AE2w's are marketed for the iPad, but they are compatible with most Bluetooth devices that support the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). What is really noteworthy is the fact that when connected to those other devices the sound quality did not diminish. It remained crisp and clear, there was no notable difference. They also, like all Bose audio equipment have superior noise cancelling technology. It is obvious Bose put a lot of thought into the function of these headphones, designing them with your comfort and ease of use in mind. They can connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so you can switch between music and a call with ease.

    They also come with a cable so you can use them without battery power or Bluetooth. The packaging includes a cloth carrying case and a micro USB cable to charge it. Bose though of all your needs and came up with the ideal set of headphones. As great as these headphones are, there are some drawbacks. The biggest drawback is they are priced on the high side. Their predecessor, the AE2's are priced at $99, making the $249 price tag a significant jump, especially if you take into account that the AE2w's are an updated version of the originals. This may limit the number of consumers that can purchase them. The Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 are highly rated also and retail for a little over a hundred dollars, making them very appealing to customers. 

Another sticking point may be their battery life. The headphones, wen fully charged, will last about seven hours. That is a decent amount of time, especially in comparison to the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2, which only last around four hours. However when you compare them to the Harman Kardon BT, which lasts twelve hours, that is a noticeable difference. For customers who are into gaming or travel extensively that might be a factor that makes them purchase another brand. These days consumers are looking to get the most for their money, so an extended battery life is an important selling point. There is also an issue with sound quality in connection with the type of file being played. Certain files that may have been recorded at a lower volume will play low even at the highest volume. Consumers want an even sound, they don't want to be adjusting the volume every time a new song starts. With the Harman Kardon BT's that's not an issue. The volume is level no matter what you're listening to. 

   Some users have also complained that the headphones aren't loud enough. It appears their loudest setting is lower than some other brands, so those craving ear-splitting music will be disappointed. Lastly, many are not impressed with the devices packaging or style choices. The headphones come in a simple box with a clear case inside that houses the device and its accessories. Many other brands, like Beats by Dre, come in cool designer boxes. Beats by Dre also offers around-the-ear headphones and in-the-ear buds in a myriad of colors, while Bose only offers the around-the-ear headphones. Some consumers want versatility when choosing a device. 

   Overall the Bose AE2w's are a great choice for Bluetooth headphones. They have two key components that make it one of the best high-quality headphones: superior sound and style. The ergonomic design makes them extremely comfortable, an essential component when choosing headphones. More importantly, the sound they deliver is second to none. Bose always has been the cream of the crop in audio equipment and with these headphones they will continue to be the best of the best. They are worth every penny of their $249 price tag.