Bose SoundSport, in-Ear Sports Headphones for Apple Devices, (Water and Sweat Resistant Headphones), Charcoal

I purchased the Bose SoundSport in-ear headphones because I either lost on vacation or severely misplaced within my house my Bose IE2 set after using and LOVING them for 4 years. The IE2 was basically the same product, but the earbuds were black and silver (and slightly larger). Simply put, they were the most comfortable and best-sounding earbuds I have ever used, and I have tried A LOT of sub-$100 options. But the IE2 was discontinued/replaced by this models, and this one has the volume and play/pause control for Apple devices, so I decided I would try it out.In terms of sound quality, the SoundSport earbuds perform exactly like I remember my beloved IE2 set. Pretty much every earbud on the market tries to promote its low end capabilities with buzz words like "EXTRA BASS", but the Bose sets really deliver. Actually they have outstanding clarity across the audio spectrum. Some people are generally critical of all Bose products for applying their own EQ curve (it sounds a bit scooped in the mids to me - it may not be ideal for every kind of music, but I happen to like the Bose sound). But the reality is with earbuds you are usually giving up so much ear quality, that even getting 90% of the way towards the quality of a over-ear Bose headphone set would be a major accomplishment, and I think they've done it here again.It's arguable, however, that none of this would matter if the darn things fell out of my ears all the time or were generally uncomfortable. That's why the very unique StayHear tips are probably my favorite feature about the Bose earbuds. They appear cumbersome, but it's actually a very soft and flexible silicone that bends and forms into the shape of your inner ear. The sound comes out of a silicone "nozzle" that inserts into the ear hole, and then the "C"-shaped portion rests around the inner part of your ear cartilage. It sounds weird, but at least for me, it 100% works. I've used them for running, doing push ups, or even sedentary activities like working on my laptop. They never fall out on their own, even if you are jostling around a lot. They will get ripped if you catch the cable on something, but that is true of any earbud that doesn't vice grip to your ear. I have what I guess are larger-than-average ears, so many earbuds that are intended to wedge into a smaller ear simply fall out of mine. The large sized StayHear tip is perfect for me, and it's really spoiled me for all other earbuds (well, that and the quality of sound).NOTE: I should point out that that the standard "StayHear" tips are not really intended for sound isolation. If you like earbuds that block out ambient noise or wind noise while running, these don't really do that. However, some people prefer to be able to hear what's going on (for safety or socializing reasons). Also, there is a StayHear+ version where the ear hole insert looks more like a mushroom and can be purchased separately for $10. These are a much snugger fit and are better at sound isolation, though I find that the extra snugness emphasizes the bass frequencies to a fault, so I don't think I would recommend those unless you have a problem with the buds always falling out.A final note on build quality - I was and still am concerned by some of the other reviews I came across for this product, particularly as it relates to the cords pulling out of the earbuds or other connection points. Like I said, I used the IE2 set for 4 years, and that included balling them up and throwing them in my pocket, workout activities, and so on. I was, however, generally careful not to tug on the set or stress the cables excessively. So, I truly hope that the people who experienced this problem were just being rough on them. If I see cables pulling back out of the earpieces, that is a major defect, and I will revise my review. I also am not a fan of how they changed the 3.5mm plug to a longer, more rigid plug. This tends to be protrude and be a little more noticeable in my pocket while working out.Those caveats aside, I'm still giving the SoundSport a 5-star review because I've never found anything close to this level of sound quality, and I think they are actually fairly priced for what they deliver.

These are my 3rd pair of Bose in ear headphones and I would buy them once again, if need be!COMFORTLet me start off by saying that they're supremely comfortable, and I personally prefer this design of in ear headphones as anything more intrusive than this makes my ear canals hurt! They fit like a charm, and even on wearing them for 6-7 hours straight, I can't complain of ear aches or anything of the sort. They come with 3 sized of ear tips too.BUILDThe Build quality is great, and they last comfortably for around 2 years of very rough use. The reason this is my third pair is because I've used the other two pairs I've owned for 2 years each. The cable began to fray, and on the previous one the in line controls stopped working. Nothing happened to the sound drivers, and the headphones sounded the same as they did on day 1.When i talk of very rough use, i mean 3 hours of working out, a couple of hours in the day and perhaps an hour or so at night as I personally require some sound in the background to help me sleep.This pair comes with a nice, neat, well built carrying case which has an attached clip for added use. No complaints here either.SOUNDMy reference pair of headphones are the Bose QCs. Regardless of making a comparison, the in ears sound great! They sound better than the J bird X2s, and the freedoms, to my ears, though some would argue they're similar give or take a few blows.The Bass is deep (in relative terms of course), not overpowering, the highs are crisp, but i occasionally find the mids a little unclear. I've used them over 3 generations now and this is the best iteration , but still, there is of course some room for improvement, even if very mildly so!They get pretty loud, and in general are the best at their price point imo.CONS-The wire really inst all that tangle free. It has improved over generations, but it still needs work.-Over time i'm afraid that the outside rubber coating on the wires will give way and begin to tear like my previous two pairs. They are relatively fragile and need to be taken care of a little. Mine have gone in the washing machine multiple times and have by god grace come out fine, but by no means should they be subjected to such careless use!-Price wise, they are expensive but you get what you pay for.-Over time the ear tips may become yellow (couple of years)-No warranty extension available, but if you go back with an old spoiled pair to a Bose store, they offer a 25 percent off on the new pair you can purchase to replace the old non functional ones.