The Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is the second headset from Bose aimed at the iPhone, and other 3.5mm phones. My first impression of the headset was a sense of disappointment. It doesn’t look too special when compared to the quite unique In-Ear headset from Bose. Looks aren’t all, and Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is kind of an ugly duckling with a sweet heart.
I don’t know how life would be without the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset, and just thinking about it makes the world seem a little darker. I test a lot of headphones and headsets at the same time, and generally I use one for the computer, one for the iPhone at work and one for general usage around the house. The Bose® Mobile On-ear headset started off as my iMac companion but soon replaced the other test subjects, and as I write this review they have managed to push all other headphones away from my head.
Ok, by now you might start to get the notion that the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is something special. It is the most comfortable set of headphones I have tried, and at a weight of a mere 143 grams it is almost as it isn’t there. The ear cups are air filled cushions that fit my ears perfectly, and they readjust by simply pushing them against the ears. A gush of air is forced out, and as it refills it fills in places itself comfortably over the ear. The pivoting ear cups handles much like suspension, and help distribute weight and pressure evenly.
Not having the usual ear cups that go over the ears thus keeping the ear cups in place is a bit of a weak point. Noise isolation is a bit weaker, but still surprisingly good despite the design. I am really happy about the lack of annoying noise cancellation circuitry. Another aspect of the headset that is kind of lacking due to he open design of the ear cups is that they are prone to moving about during sudden head movements. Headbanging is not an option, but you can easily jog and run at a moderately quick pace without trouble. Sprinting is not advised, which is a shame as it is really easy to get into the music with the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset.
The Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is based on the TriPort® acoustic headphone structure that provides excellent low-frequency output. In other terms I can just say: POWERFUL BASS! I am blown away by the power, and how it manages to keep the bass from blasting my brain into itsy bitsy pieces at loud volumes. The Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is responsible for more iTunes music purchases than any other headphones I have used. Until I understood how well they managed to infuse quite boring music with power, presence and a sense of urgency I had already bought quite a lot of music that I otherwise wouldn’t have. Especially hip-hop and other beat and groove oriented music styles benefit from using the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset. I have used a lot of headphones claiming to have power bass and extra bass but most of those have simply cranked the bass while destroying the rest of the sound spectra. With the On-Ear headset the sound is well presented from the low to the high frequencies. But the added power of the lower end makes the entire sound feel more alive, and urgent.
The Bose® Mobile On-ear Headset comes packaged three 2.5 mm adapters, and a protective carrying case. The carrying case can hold both the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset, adapters and an iPhone. The cord with the microphone is detachable next to the left ear cup, and you can use other 3.5 mm cords if you want to. I think that the cord is a bit short when using the On-ear headset with a computer at one meter. For iPhone usage it is a perfect length giving you the chance to keep the iPhone in your jeans. The cord is also quite rigid, and not prone to entanglement. A clothing clip is also included for the cord.
The Bose® Mobile On-ear Headset has got a really good omnidirectional microphone that is perfectly placed at mouth height. I have never had any complaints about audio quality from the receiver. The microphone picks up the sound of my voice without adding background noise. I actually put the In-Ear Headset on as my first choice of headset at home, and that is with two shelves filled with headsets. The reason is that it combines a decent noise isolation, comfortable ear cups and the great microphone.
Summary
Pros
Great omnidirectional microphone.
Great sound quality even at high volume levels.
Super powerful kickass bass.
Carry case that fits an iPhone is included.
Light weight and comfortable for long sessions.
Decent noise isolation.
Cons
Looks a bit bland.
Not suitable for intense exercises such as sprinting.
Short cord when used with a computer.
Drains the owners iTunes account by making music sound better than in other headphones.
The Bose® Mobile On-ear headset is a brilliant piece of audio equipment that enhance most audio sources. The experience I have had from using the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset has been really good. It is suitable for most aspects of everyday life other than sports in my opinion, and at the price asked I rather not drop them in the gym or out running. Among the stereo headsets I have tried the On-ear headset has got one of the best microphones making it a complete package. I can definitely recommend the Bose® Mobile On-ear headset if you are looking for one of the best headsets money can buy.
Final Rating
Bose® Mobile On-ear headset at the US Apple Store $199.95
Bose Mobile On-ear headset at the UK Apple Store £149.95
