Bose Sport Earbuds vs Bose SoundSport Free: Detailed Comparison

When it comes to headphones designed for athletes, Bose is a great brand to consider. Recently, Bose has introduced a lower-priced variant of its famous QC earbuds. which has almost similar features to the QC buds.

Whereas, the Bose Soundsport Free is a wireless version of Bose Soundsport Wireless headphones. However, Free is given a tough time with AirPods Pro in the market.

However, when I compared Bose Sport earbuds vs Soundsport Free, I discovered that sports earbuds are superior. Because the buds have a better fit and don’t fall out, which is better for intense exercises. Their closed-back design helps to block out distractions whereas Free is semi-open earbuds. Lastly, the sound profile of Bose Soundsport Free is quite neutral and balanced.

Let’s deep down and find out more about Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free.

General Comparison of Bose Sport & Soundsport Free

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Release DateSeptember 2021September 2017
PriceAround $180Around $130
PredecessorBose SoundSport FreeSoundsport wireless headphones
Parent CompanyBoseBose
Type of EarbudWireless Bluetooth Earbuds (In-ear)Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds (In-ear)
ChipQualcomm QCC5127 chipNot specified
ConnectionWireless Bluetooth EarbudsWireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Back-designClosed-backSemi-open
Driver size6mm10mm
Frequency rangeNot Specified26.7Hz-Not specified
ColorsBaltic Blue, Glacier White, Triple BlackBlack, Blue, Brown
Weight6.8 grams each9 grams each
MicrophoneIntegrated dual-microphoneIntegrated microphone
ControlsSimple Touch ControlsSimple Buttons Controls
Voice assistant“Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” hands-free voice assistant“Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” hands-free voice assistant
Water-protection:IPX4IPX4
Bluetooth:version 5.1version 5.0
Bluetooth codecs:SBC, AACAVDTP 1.3, HFP
Wireless range:30ft (9m)30ft (9m)
Battery life:Up to 5 hoursUp to 5 hours
Charging time:Up to 2 hoursUp to 2 hours
Charging cable type:USB-CUSB-C
Active noise-cancellation & Ambient noise modeYesYes
Spatial AudioNoNo
EQ settingsYesYes

Price: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

When I put them against each other, both appeared to have a clear idea of their respective prices. You can get extensive battery life with the Sport Earbuds, but you have to pay a bit more for it Around ($179).

The SoundSport Free earbuds, which start at around $139, offer a better sound and a more attractive appearance.

However, the SoundSport Free earbuds are not as good as the regular Sport headphones.

Winner: Bose Sport Earbuds

Design and Fit: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Dimensions (H x W x D)0.74 x 1.05 x 0.83 Inches1.2 x 1 x 1.25 inches
Weight6.8 grams (Each Earbud)9 grams each
ColorsBaltic Blue, Glacier White, Triple BlackBlack, Blue, Brown
Earpiece DesignIn-Ear (Intra-Aural)In-Ear (Intra-Aural)
Eartips MaterialSiliconeSilicone
LED IndicatorYesYes
WaterProofing and ResistanceIPX4IPX4

The first thing you’ll notice about the Bose Sport Earbuds is their sleek and compact design. They are truly designed with athletes in mind, as they are incredibly light and fit snugly and securely in your ear. The Soundsport Free earbuds are also very light, but they are slightly larger in size. Both sets of earbuds feature an LED indicator light so you can easily see if they’re powered on.

In terms of waterproofing and resistance, both the Bose Sport Earbuds and the Soundsport Free earbuds are rated at IPX4. This means that they can withstand sweat and rain, making them ideal for use during workouts or when you’re out in the elements.

However, the colors offered for the Bose Sport Earbuds are much more subdued than the bright and vibrant colors offered for the Soundsport Free. The Bose Sport earbuds come in Baltic Blue, Glacier White, and Triple Black, while the Soundsport Free earbuds come in black, blue, and brown.

Controls: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
ControlsSimple Touch ControlsSimple Buttons Controls
Customize Controls YesYes
Voice Assistant“Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” hands-free voice assistant“Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” hands-free voice assistant
Spotify TapNoNo

When it comes to the controls, both the Bose Sport Earbuds and the Soundsport Free have simple controls. However, the Bose Sport Earbuds have Touch controls while the Soundsport Free has buttons controls. 

Both of them allow you to customize the controls and have “Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” hands-free voice assistants.  Both earbuds, on the other hand, lack Spotify touch, which is available on premium headphones like Airpods Pro or Beats Fit Pro. Bose Sport and Soundsport Free pairing are easy with other devices such as PC, laptops, and smartphones.

Noise Cancellation and Transparent Monitoring: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Active Noise CancellationNoYes
Passive Noise ReductionYesYes
Transparent MonitoringYesYes
Mic Active Noise CancellationYesYes
Mic Passive Noise ReductionYesYes

When it comes to noise cancellation and transparent monitoring, the Bose Sport Earbuds and Soundsport Free are very similar. Both have passive noise reduction, which will help to reduce background noise when you’re listening to music.

However, only the Soundsport Free has active noise cancellation. This means that it will actively cancel out any ambient noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.

Both earbuds also have transparent monitoring, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still being able to listen to your music.

Finally, both earbuds have mic-level active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction. This means that they will reduce background noise when you’re on a call, making it easier to hear the person you’re talking to.

the clear winner is Soundsport Free for having Active Noise Cancellation.

Audio Performance: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Sound ProfileSmooth & Warm Sound ProfileNeutral and balanced sound profile
Driver TypeHigh-EfficiencyHigh-Efficiency
Number of DriversNot SpecifiedNot Specified
Driver Size6mm10mm
Frequency ResponseNot Specified26.7Hz-Not specified
Virtual Surround SoundN/AYes

When it comes to audio performance, there is a clear difference between the Bose Sport Earbuds and Soundsport Free. The Bose Sport earbuds have a smooth and warm sound profile, while the latter has a neutral and balanced sound profile.

Additionally, the driver size for the Bose earbuds is 6mm, while the Soundsport Free has a 10mm driver. This means that the Soundsport Free will provide a better bass response and overall sound quality.

Furthermore, the Soundsport Free has a 26.7Hz frequency response. This means that the Soundsport Free will be able to reproduce lower frequencies better than the Bose sport earbuds.

Finally, the Soundsport Free has virtual surround sound. This means that the earbuds will create a simulated surround sound experience. This is ideal for gamers or movie enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their listening experience.

Winner:  Soundsport Free

App and Special Features: Bose Sport Earbuds Vs Soundsport Free

When it comes to apps and special features, the Bose Sport Earbuds, and Soundsport Free are pretty evenly matched.

Both come with the Bose Connect app, which allows you to manage your earbuds, update firmware, and customize your sound profile.

The Bose Sport Earbuds have a few extra features that set them apart from the Soundsport Free. First, there’s the integrated motion sensor, which can track your activity and provide real-time audio coaching.

There’s also a find my buds feature that uses Bluetooth to help you locate lost earbuds.

Winner: Draw

Battery life: Soundsport Free vs. Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Battery TypeLithium-ion (metal-enclosed coin cell)Lithium-ion
Battery Life(single charge) Up to 5 hours of playback timeUp to 5 hours
Quick Charge Time15 minutes for 2 hours15 minutes for 2 hours
Earbud battery charge timeUp to 2 hoursUp to 2 hours
Battery charge methodUSB-C USB-C 
Wireless ChargingNoNo

These Bluetooth earbuds are practically identical in terms of battery life and performance. Both earbuds provide up to 5 hours of playback time, and both can be quickly charged in just 15 minutes which gives 2 hours of listening to music.

The main difference is that Bose Sport Earbuds come with a metal-enclosed coin cell battery, while the Soundsport Free uses a lithium-ion battery.

Also, Both Earbuds take 2 hours to be fully charged, and use the USB-C port for charging.  However, there is no wireless charging option available for either earbud.

Charging Case: Soundsport Free vs. Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport EarbudsSoundsport Free
Additional Runtime12 Hours10 hours 
Charging Time3 Hours2 Hours
Charging InterfaceUSB-C to USB-AUSB-C
Battery type (case)Lithium-ion (pouch cell)1 Lithium-ion battery 
USB Cable Length12 inches20 inches
Wireless Charging CaseNoNo
Dimensions(Case)1.18 x 3.6 x 1.63 inches5.51 x 3.11 x 2.64 inches
Charging Case WeightN/A2.6 ounces
Charging Case MaterialHard plasticNot specified

When it comes to the charging case, there are a few key differences between the Bose Sport Earbuds and the Soundsport Free.

The Bose Sport Earbuds have a longer runtime and charging time, as well as a USB-C to USB-A charging interface.

The Soundsport Free has a shorter runtime and charging time, but comes with a USB-C charging interface. The Bose Sport Earbuds case also has slightly larger dimensions and weight.

The use cable length for the Bose Sport Earbuds is 12 inches, while the Soundsport Free has a 20-inch cable. This may be important to you if you have a preference for shorter or longer cables.

Lastly, both earbuds use the same type of battery, however, the Bose Sport Earbuds use a pouch cell in the case while the Soundsport Free uses a Lithium-ion battery.

winner: Bose Sport Earbuds

What is In the Box Of Soundsport Free?

  • SoundSport Free Wireless Headphones
  • USB cable
  • charging case
Bose soundsport Free box

What is In the Box Of Bose Sport Earbuds?

  • 2 Bose Sport Earbuds (fitted with medium ear tips, labeled size 2)
  • Charging case
  • Small and Large ear tips (labeled sizes 1 and 3)
  • USB-C (A to C) charging cable
  • Quick start guide
  • Warranty card
Bose Sport earbuds box content

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Conclusion

When comparing “Bose Sport Earbuds vs SoundSport Free”, it’s clear that both models have their unique strengths. The Bose Sport Earbuds are truly wireless and offer a more stable fit, making them better suited for intense workouts. 

They also have a closed-back design which helps to block out distractions. On the other hand, the SoundSport Free is semi-open and provides a slightly different sound profile. 

While the Sport Earbuds are newer and have some additional features, the SoundSport Free has been on the market for longer and has proven its reliability. 

Ultimately, the choice between the Bose Sport Earbuds and the SoundSport Free will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

FAQs

What are the main differences between Bose Sport Earbuds and SoundSport Free?

The Bose Sport Earbuds are truly wireless and offer a more stable fit, making them better suited for intense workouts. They’re also closed-back headphones, while the SoundSport Free are semi-open. However, the SoundSport Free has a more balanced, neutral sound profile. It’s always best to try both in person if possible to see which one suits your needs and preferences better.

Which is better for workouts, Bose Sport Earbuds or SoundSport Free

The Bose Sport Earbuds have a more stable fit, so they’re better suited for more intense workouts. However, the semi-open design of the SoundSport Free can be beneficial for outdoor runners who want to monitor their surroundings. Consider the type of workouts you usually do before making a decision.

Which is more comfortable to wear, Bose Sport Earbuds or SoundSport Free?

Comfort can be subjective and depends on the individual’s ear shape and size. Both headphones are designed for comfort and secure fit during workouts. It’s recommended to try them on before making a decision.

Are both Bose Sport Earbuds and SoundSport Free water-resistant?

Yes, both headphones are designed to be sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts. This makes them a great choice for both indoor and outdoor workouts.