Bose Connect Reviews

This review is for the October 2017 update. I update BoseConnect , which is required with Bose QC30 Bluetooth ear pieces, after each update so my one star review isn't unfair. Problem with BoseConnect is that function has steadily gotten worse not better. Boses latest update reduced the frequency of one problem only to create another. Around half of the time the sound in the headphones will spontaneously rise until a shrill warning beep sounds 2-3X per second which won’t shut off. The latest problem is a voice command telling me to select English goes off; it can't be turned off until the unit powers down. There is no way to get either of the glitches to stop. Push buttons, disconnect the Bluetooth, charge it, nothing. The volume spontaneously rises or falls and the sound is either earsplitting or non existent. None of the button functions work. If i switch to Apple phones the problems go away. Uninstalling used BoseConnect used to correct the problem for a day or so, now it doesn't . BoseConnect won’t allow itself to be turned off if BT function is on so you can’t install in on two devices. When running the phone can’t be carried in a pocket, because it keeps turning the screen on resulting in garbled sound. Never a problem with $29 apple Headphones. BoseConnect needs serious work. Not recommended. One star for great audio quality, minus 4 for poor execution.

I hate the notifications I get while I’m on one device, that another device is not connected (or trying to connect). I mean, if I am listening on a device, if I can hear the notification, why should it matter if another device is trying to or not at all connecting. And if it wasn’t connecting to the device I was trying to listen to, I would know this without the dumb voice telling me so. It is incredibly annoying to hear this voice telling me it’s trying to connect to my iPad every 10 seconds while I’m trying to listen to something on my iPhone! I know that BoseConnect is supposed to show you the devices it’s connected to, and you can unconnect this way, but in my experience, this part of the part app disappears and is no where to be found most of the time. That is one problem which I think is probably an update issue, but the real issue IMO is the device notification: does anyone really need to know what devices are connected at all times when you’re listening to the device you want to listen to? Please allow BoseConnect to disable notifications about every device you own that at one point or other have been connected to the headphones.

What is the point of having an extra app to connect to Bluetooth? What I find is that it blares in my ear “connecting to my iPad connecting to my iPad connecting to my iPad” when it’s already connected to my phone. If multiple devices are registered and one isn’t within range, good luck because it will continue to blabber on about not being able to connect to the other device. If you don’t have your credentials for the Bose app and you’re trying to stop the stupid thing from connecting to a device that isn’t even in the house, good luck. When I’m listening to music already and then interrupts to say it’s connected to another device, what good is that? I had removed it but because the headphones can’t connect multiple devices there are situations where I have to reload it, I totally don’t see what BoseConnect gives me beyond that. A good “Bluetooth connection app“ (if there is such a thing) should be seen, not heard. I am writing this review in a fit of frustration from having just missed an entire song listening to nothing but “connecting to my iPad“ which is 200 miles away.

I’d really like to be able to edit and/or manage saved connections when the headset isn’t connected. For instance, our Apple Tv always wants to connect automatically when the QC35’s are turned on, but that interrupts playback from those watching it or interrupts the current listener of the headphones themselves on a different device. All I want to do is connect to my phone with the headset, when *I* want it to. Disabling the connection prior to connecting would resolve that.

Another thing I want is more music EQ functionality. It doesn’t seem as if the QC35’s or BoseConnect support any sort of EQ function, something that Sennheiser sort of rules at. Would definitely like to see this and further functionality implemented already, we are on v.9.x at this point and all BoseConnect really does is allow one to see meager device stats and play Apple Music through it for whatever reason.

I’d like to hear a more humanistic voice for voice prompts. It sounds like Hawking in female form right now, and it takes me back to the 90’s when we had to endure that when websites would try and speak text, remember that? Modernize.

Another sound thing - the low battery warning is great, but JARRING and loud. Lower the pitch of the tone and perhaps add user controlled “high, med, low” options for alerting the user so they don’t jump out of their skin when the tone goes off right next to their ears suddenly.

The Bose App works as intended. If you have noise cancelling headphones like the Quiet Control 30 it is especially nice because you can easily dial up or down the level of noise cancellation and see a visual graph. You also use BoseConnect for firmware updates. This area needs improvement because the process is very slow. Firmware update needs to be redesigned because you have to have BoseConnect up and running plus the headphone turned on and in range for BoseConnect to transfer the data into the phone. After data transfer to the phone is complete, update to the headphone is fast. What needs to happen is once the data starts transferring to the phone you should be able to turn off the headphones and the data should keep downloading to the phone until complete. Then the next time you turn on the headphone the data should transfer from the phone to the headphone. Currently you have to leave the headphone on for the data to download to the phone. This is a slow process and a pain in the you know where. If you turn the headphone off during this process the data stops downloading to the phone. It will pick back up when you turn the headphone on.

I first got BoseConnect with my purchase of the Bose Sound Sport Free Earbuds. I instantly loved the interface & simple layout of BoseConnect . It was very easy for me to navigate through it and set up my device. I would give it five stars but there is ONE change/upgrade I would like to suggest.

When I receive or make calls while using my Sport Free, the call is automatically processed through the phone’s sound system, not the earbuds (I need to manually click on the bluetooth button of my phone screen to continue the call with my earbuds). There isn’t a settings page in which I can change it to automatically connect with my device for calls. Also, the sound of the call is only accessible through the right earbud. It kind of threw me off when it first occurred, and still to this day whenever I make a call with my earbuds in, it feels awkward to have sound coming out of only one ear. I’ve used Bose earphones before and they didn’t process calls like this so it would be great if the Sports Free were also like that too.

But with all that considered, it is still a great app for Bose users!

BoseConnect is very easy to use the Bose Connect app with the QC35 ii headphones—it makes setting up the headphones like setting up an iPhone for the first time, but faster. It is not gimmicky; I am mostly pleasantly surprised.

The one thing BoseConnect needs is an option to disable the dynamic range compression and other sound processing algorithms that come with the QC35 ii headset (similar to how it allows the user to disable voice prompts). I see why dynamic range compression can be a nice feature, but it dramatically reduces the listener’s ability to distinguish between the extreme differences in dynamic that are the emotional highlights of a superb classical music recording (and never mind any subtle differences, because those are simply inaudible with the sound processing). Because the noise cancelling is so incredibly good on these headphones, having an option to let the headphones produce exactly what the recording engineers intended for us to hear, quiets and louds and all, would be phenomenal. The QC25 headphones were much better at this.

I love BoseConnect but I am encountered an issue with the “find my buds” feature. I recently got myself a pair of Bose SoundSport Free with no problems except “find my buds”. The first time enabling the find my buds feature I was greeted with a pop-up notification asking if I would allow BoseConnect to using my location. I was given “Always”, “Only when using BoseConnect ” and “Never”. I chose only when using BoseConnect restricting me from using the feature. When I try to click the “enable find my buds” it navigates me to the iOS settings of the Bose app with no option to enable location services. I’ve tried various ways of trying to fix this issue by deleting and downloading BoseConnect again.

I’ve concluded, after a long time of testing and failing, that by disabling location services for all apps... -switching to the Bose connect app “enable location services” it brings be to the settings for the connect app with a grayed out option asking if I would enable location services.

If a developer or someone with knowledge on this topic, kindly assist me in troubleshooting this issue.

Overall, these headphones have been pretty freakin awesome. Unbelievable sound quality, and .... eh, more or less reliable where the Bluetooth connectivity is concerned. It does get patchy from time to time, and kinda seems to get confused with the two device thing more often than not.

While it’s really nice that it can connect to two devices at once, I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary, firstly. Secondly, I really wish there was a different way to tell it to NOT connect to a second device when you don’t want it to other than making it forget the device and have to re-pair all over again when you do wanna connect.

Admittedly a petty concern. Doesn’t cause me to regret the purchase in the slightest, just an inconvenience is all. Would be great to see an update that allows for a little more control over the connections. Like an option for setting a particular device to only allow connecting explicitly through BoseConnect .

Overall BoseConnect is great! I love the option to turn off noise reduction via BoseConnect (sometimes using the noise reduction feature for long periods of time gives me a headache). I just wish they would add the ability to keep the noise cancelling feature off when you turn the headphones off. Right now, you need to have your phone with you (to access BoseConnect ) in order to turn the noise reduction feature off, and when you power off the headphones, it automatically turns noise reduction back on the next time you turn the headphones on. It’s not a HUGE deal, especially if you always have your phone on you, but there have been times when I wanted to keep my phone in a different room (to prevent distraction while studying), so I couldn’t turn the noise reduction feature off. Again, I realize it’s not a huge deal, but I just wish they would add this feature or have BoseConnect available for download on laptops!

Purchased the QC35II in February of this year, the Bose connect app at that time was limited in it's functionality for the QC35II Headphones. When linking the headphones to BoseConnect this literally snuffed or bricks functionality on the headphones previously advertised when purchasing. I could not adjust the application of noise cancelling via the on device buttons, not adjust phone call or voice settings. I am very glad that Bose has since improved the iOS Bose connect app to allow QC35II owners to have full control on their headphones functionality. I can now adjust the voice over prompts to be off, and change the "Voice Command Button" away from being for ALEXA or GOOGLE, to now be exclusive for changing Noise Cancelling Levels from High, Low or OFF. I can now control the headphones simultaneous (self)voice playback feature to mute or off, which has been an anonyance of mine especially when using my headphones for ZOOM, DISCORD, or GOOGLE VOICE sessions when connected via Bluetooth on my desktop (Windows 10). Seems that Bose has been listening to customer reviews and criticisms. Thanks Bose for the important improvements. 5 stars from me for resolving these issues.

Hey, LOVE my pair of BOSE SOUNDLINK Micro. Really great for ACTUAL STEREO*. But... your speakers attempt to hijack my phone calls on my iPhone. I start my calls by selecting iPHONE but the speakers reconnect automatically every 30 seconds or so. As it takes a few steps to set up both speakers for stereo I don’t wanna have to do that again... this should be fixed. The speakers should not attempt to automatically reconnect more than once. Please update BoseConnect or the devices through BoseConnect . thanks.

*Stereo is very hard to come by these days for audio in the absence of video systems WTH consumers? You have two ears, FPS, you need stereo to get anything close to what the artists intended. I assure you that you will enjoy stereo MUCH more than the stale 1D sound coming from your Alexa or even just one BOSE speaker. Don’t sacrifice great sound for convenience. GET TWO.

AirPods are just a fancy name without wires. I tried having one and almost even three out my Bose headphones which btw would have been a HUGE mistake like many of the reviews the distance away you can be from your phone is unbelievable. The creators obviously know what they’re doing unlike the AirPod creators. I could barely hear any sound and apparently you have to go through a five-step process JUST TO CONNECT your phone. But I had overlooked that fact because the case of the AirPods was going to look so sophisticated but boy am I glad that I didn’t waste money on a case. Literally the only thing you can not do with the state of the art headphones that is always worth the price no matter what price it may be, is get a case for it. Now I am an “aesthetic person” but quality should come before anything when buying a product.

I am an older professional male who has own a previous model of BOSE headphones and I took it for granted that other manufactures had similar products......so I tried to own and enjoy the SONY 1000 series headphones. After one day of use I was relieved that it had troubles connecting to my iPhone because I was able to return them without a restocking fee. Here is why I was relieved. The 1000 series Sony have HORRIBLE sound when making or receiving phone calls. BOSE connected immediately and allowed me freedom to walk away from iPhone so I didn’t worry about becoming untethered at work by walks up to 20 feet away. This is a BIG thing for me since I wear them all the time during calls. Yes microphones are in the headset so I can continue conversations with my phone left on my desk. The connection to SERI (sp?) is also on the head set and it also allows me access to the internet while away from my hand held iPhone. THAT IS HUGE. I even choose to pay extra for the Rose colored headphone since it is readily identifiable...for obvious reason regarding sticky fingers. Tone is fantastic. Relieved/grateful is my word to the engineers who designed these units.

These headphones are better than Apple’s AirPods. They feature an in-ear locking feature. It’s strange at first. Because to put them in you place the bus in your ear, almost on the right angle then, here’s the strange part, you twist away from yourself. Yes. As if you’re gonna take them out. And for some engineering reason only Bose knows, they just sink into your ear. And lock! My girlfriend, who’s mother was a piano teacher and taught her since she was three said “Excuse me I was just a concert!” when I gave them to her and let her hear them for the first time.

Not stop and think about that. She plays piano. So she has a great ear. She plays Mozart and Beethoven. So yeah she knows crappy sound from great sound. I love Apple but those AirPods just fall out. I have then still but I’m not wearing them while I have these. These lock in. Invest in better sound. It’s worth it.

This application makes using any Bose product incredibly easy. Effortless really. I have changed my mind on the style of headphones I’ve wanted from them a few times - I now own the QC 30 noise cancelling headphones (around the neck), the Bose Soundsport Wireless and the pair I’ve had for about 4 1/2 years being the QC 25 noise cancelling (over ears). All that said, as soon as the device is connected to your phone, BoseConnect knows exactly what device it is (rather than having to search for it) and guides you into properly using the product from the get go. I may not use BoseConnect every time I have my headphones on, but it’s very useful and maybe for an IPad or something with a larger screen it’d be more appropriate; but there is a “Now Playing” screen within BoseConnect for whatever you may be listening to that has great background pictures that changes with every change of song.

I can take the treble down. Reducing the triggers. I have searched since 2003 for pain and confusion relief. I found it with Bose products. Years ago, I sent many emails trying to explain what we need to their tech Dept. Thank you for my Bose 30. I can’t wait to try the new ‘Hearing model”.
The poor reviews on these and your fabulous app are caused because they may not have an understanding of their specific tones or medical issues. If you get more specific with your Dr or Bose terrific customer service you could use different headphones and app ability to fine tune the products for your comfort.
I hope this helps. I’m afraid they will not stay in the market long enough for me to purchase. It takes a long time to save for something this expensive when you have the costly expense of a TBI or hearing disability.
Can Bose find a way to get Medicare to cover your products? For the disabled this would be awesome!

There are some focus issues with voiceover for blind and visually impaired users using BoseConnect yes it is usable but when you are trying to go to the settings for your paired device it just focuses on the other tab for music automatically also a note about the Bose frames I’ve noticed that my voice can sometimes sound like there is static on my end and I’m wondering if you guys can come up with and update to not have that issue or alleviate or illuminate the static in one’s voice it sounds kind of crackly sometimes when I talk on certain applications like the phone or WhatsApp messenger or Facebook messenger or the messages app just to name a few. I am using the latest release of iOS which is 12.2 on an iPhone 8 Plus. Illuminating the static in the background of my voice would be great I know this is a Bluetooth thing but it would still be great to have everything come out even more clear. I mean eliminate, not eluminate.

After experiencing Bose’s competitors (Sennheiser, Sony, Bang & Olufsen, Master & Dynamic, Burmester, etc.) I was actually kind of disappointed with the sound quality of Bose. But, Bose has a reputation of being the undisputed king of noise canceling, which they still are. In addition, the ear tips are so freaking comfortable, you can keep them on for a full day, without discomfort. The tip shape, also coats the ear canal to comfortably aid the noise canceling effect. I have more points, but I’ll wrap it up here... Bose’s comfort makes it worth it, if you are okay with compromising on sound quality. Not to say it’s bad, it is still a very premium sound, but it can’t compete with Sennheiser, or Sony. BoseConnect, could be a dealbreaker for some people who are considering a quality headset that has everything. Its fast, easy to use, and has a good amount of features. Well done Bose!

However... I do wish we could have an equalizer feature built in... both Sennheiser and Sony feature equalizers in BoseConnect .

When it comes to headphones, there’s no question that Bose knows their product. When it comes to diversity of that product, maybe there’s a bit too much at times. The saving grace is that the BOSE iPad app does make it aa easier task to find what you need. In my situation, I had purchased the noise cancelling around-ear version back in 2017, and after using them pretty much daily for that period of time, the ear cushion on the right side had gone to ruin, with a hole and general deterioration. I tried looking online for any info at all but without luck. About to go online, I happened to glance at my iPad and saw the BOSE app and thought what the heck, who knows what might be found - like maybe an address for contacting product support. Well, there in BoseConnect I found pretty much everything I needed and more, from ear buds to speakers, new and refurbs, AND the parts I needed for my headphones as well as how to install them. It took very little time to get the parts ordered and hopefully, on their way to me. Thanks for creating BoseConnect, Bose, because I’d about given up.

I do love my Bose QC35 II headphones. They’ve been a lifesaver on airplanes. The problem though, is connecting to devices can be finicky. Sometimes it can find the device and other times it cannot. I have to turn off the head phone and turn them back on. Sometimes I have to do this multiple times before it finds the device. It’s very frustrating. Then, the volume is turned all the way down, every time, so I have to up the volume. Otherwise the TV volume is on 100. I have cheap Bluetooth devices that connect right away with no issues. You would think Bose would be better for as long as they have been around, and as much as you spend.

I have tried other brand Bluetooth headphones on the fire TV and iPad. They always connect. They don’t drop out or cut in and out. However they don’t have the noise
Canceling or quality that the Bose do. Please fix the Poor Bluetooth performance. My theory is it has to do with the feature that allows you to connect to two devices at once. The other headphones don’t have that option. BoseConnect may have a hard time determining which device it should be sending audio from. Even if my iPhone is not doing anything, it may be ignoring the Tv, thinking that it should be sending audio from the phone, for some strange reason. Also, if I turn Bluetooth off on my phone, I have issues with sound on the Tv.

BoseConnect does fine for what it was designed to do. That said, I wish they would fill it out with features to benefit those of us who own more than one speaker. Specially, I’d like to be able to turn on both of my Revolve Soundlink speakers and have them automatically connect as a stereo pair. It’s not that big a deal to step through adding the second speaker in party mode then switching to stereo mode, but it doesn’t seem like it would be that hard to add an option to automatically place a certain pair of speakers in whatever mode their owner prefers. Also, I’d like to see an option to put them in “shut up” mode where the status change announcements can be turned off. It’s jarring sometimes after you gone to sleep listening to music only to be awakened by the speakers proclaiming their disconnect after your playlist has been over for a half hour.

Everyone should wear ear plugs when motorcycle riding, but most do not for the need to hear traffic. The qc 30 is the best of both worlds. With handle bar mounted phone, i can easily adjust the amount of the world I need to ear. With out BoseConnect I would not be able to do that because the right side wire controls usually are not outside of my full face helmet. Just did a 770 mile weekend trip and on the open road I enjoyed a quite, peaceful ride while listening to music and hearing the navigation in total clarity. When going thru traffic I decrease the noice cancellation to about 50%. The long battery life of the qc30 is great. I have never worn them long enough to run out of a charge. I absolutely love these ear buds with the smooth non fatiguing sound and satisfying bass, and the in the ear wings keep them in place all day. Wonderful product and a useful app.

Great headphones. I’ve worn over the ear Bose headphones for years when I spend time in the city, AUSTIN, TX. I usually leave because of all the background noises that push me over the edge and I rush back to the surrounding countryside, Wimberley & San Marcos, TX.

I always felt a little “obvious” when I would slip on my over the ear headphones as we walked into a loud restaurant or store.

Now with my new in ear Bose I sit with the rest of the folks and eat calmly.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get the “hearing headphones”. I’m sure my spouse would like to have conversations when we are out to dinner. During dinner my spouse and I agreed to eat and entertain ourselves with our iPhones and talk later on the way home.

Keep my email, I’d gladly participate in any customer testing or evaluation of your “hear phones “.

I use BoseConnect primarily to set the noise canceling level. It illustrates the level of noise canceling very well.

I’m also a heavy user of audible and multiple podcast. I like having what I am listening to come up on BoseConnect . Much easier than switching between apps.

I’ve never used an app with headphones before. I’m sure it will become part of my regular use from now on. Keep up the good work. Making your products technically better AND apps to make the customer experience better!

I’ve had the Soundsport Free Buds for about a month with no regrets what so ever. The sound quality is spectacular, the battery life can easily last you all day, on top of that these headphones are extremely comfortable & light, (I forgot that I had them on once when I turned off the music).

Finally BoseConnect , so BoseConnect turned out to be cooler than I thought. First off it has the ability of connecting itself to other Streaming Services such as Apple Music & Tune In, giving you access to both features in one app. It then has a built tracker in the Ear Buds, so if you lose an ear bud you can set off an alarm that screeches it’s location. Also you can find their location using a feature similar to find my IPhone. Over all it makes using the headphones fun.

I just bought Bose wireless Bluetooth head phones. I connect with my tablet and paired the headphone, with no problems. The way I understand the Bose connect app is buggy, that is why I do not use the app.

I am no stranger to frustration and disappointment. Considering myself a level headed reasonable individual of sound mind, I generally genuinely keep my wits when all about me disintegrates. I've repeatedly traversed six continents and literally circumnavigated the planet multiple times...endured the delights and disruption of living amidst locals in over 130 nations on the tiniest of budgets in some fairly primitive conditions (including the chaos of India 5x). Originating from the craziness of an enormous family (literally more than a thousand cousins and nearly 100 nieces and nephews), mayhem is not foreign to me. I suicidally clawed my way out of the proverbial closet as a virgin after 42 years of internal homophobia and intense religious programming. I was a missionary who lived like a monk; a nomad couchsurfer who traveled like a bum; an obedient Mormon who never tasted coffee, profanity, sex, alcohol or drugs. I've meditated while starving for weeks with silent vows in the fiery armpit of Bihar. I've lost parents, siblings and loved ones at an alarming rate. I've endured the headaches of half a dozen self employment schemes (from organic farming to Deejaying for teenagers) and survived the nightmares of oppressive corporate America and all the bureaucratic red tape and dronery. I've lost it all through betrayal and chapter 11 bankruptcy. ...Needless to say, I've lived, endured and survived more than my share of trials and heart ache in 50 years on an average of 5 hours of sleep. I am no stranger to frustration and disappointment. I'm not an angry person. I keep my cool. Zen-like....if you will. Enter the Bose connect app. NOTHING --and yes I do mean literally NOTHING, has the power to escalate my unflappable nature from chill to anguish in an instant --with the exception of this convoluted $#@*! app. It simply doesn't work...97 times out of 101. It has ONE job: connect two speakers for the purpose of playing pre-existing music (preferably in stereo). It doesn't even have to create the music, it merely needs to play it. The music is here on my device ready to be played...begging to be played in Bose glory. All it need do is "connect" with the specific speakers specially designed to profit from this apps existence. Yet it cannot. It will taunt and tease you by suggesting it's connected...but it isn't. ...the resulting "Whoops something went wrong" offers ZERO consolation amidst the destructive mood-killing lack of music which results. Don't get me wrong, when it works...life is good. Sirens soar and strings sing. ...but be prepared for the 98% of your attempts to be met with mockery and grave disappointment. I refuse to believe that with all the technology in this world, someone (ANYONE?) can't create an app which actually works. I await that blessed day.