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Ive probably spent upwards of 500 hours testing, analyzing, and reviewing audio gear.
But I havent only been testing audio gear, Ive been enjoying it.
Ive reviewed some of thebest headphones,best earbuds, andbest speakers.
However, if Ive learned anything over the past year, its that Bose is wildly overrated.
Most people wax lyrical about Boses sound quality, ANC, and style.
Let me walk you through some of the best Bose alternatives on the market today.
What’s even better is that three of these five alternatives are discounted in President’s Day deals.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones alternative
This is it: the creme de la creme.
The piece de resistance.
The best of the best.
Most people talk about the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones with some kind of gilded reverence.
I’m not about to tell those people they’re wrong, but they are.
I said what I said.
They’re actually $20 more expensive.
However, for that extra $20, you get hundreds of dollars worth of sound quality.
The Ace have aptX compatibility for ‘lossless’ listening and Bluetooth 5.4.
Although Tom’s Guide’sreview of the Sonos Acewas not written by me, I have personally used these headphones.
I actually listened to them simultaenously with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for side-by-side comparison testing.
The Ace cans might even impress some audiophiles, thanks to the aptX compatibility and 3.5mm aux connectivity.
Only Apple headphones and earbuds have ALAC, which you’re free to only use on Apple Music.
For iPhone audiophiles, I’d recommend listening via the provided 3.5mm USB-C cable.
But you’re able to get some over-ear cans that perform even better for only $199.
But there’s so much more to the Space One Pro, if you just dig a little deeper.
As the newest iteration of Soundcores headphones, the Space One Pro perform exceptionally well for their price.
The Space One Pro headphones do what no others can.
I have so many times.
Even JBL and EarFun apps are useless to me.
Soundcore’s app, on the other hand, is a marvel.
If you’ve ever been for an eyesight test, it’s basically the same thing.
“Do you prefer lens A, or lens B?
“On the Soundcore app, that’s, “Do you prefer EQ A or EQ B?”
From your responses, the Soundcore app generates you a personalized EQ called HearID.
Color me surprised, but HearID is actually astronomically effective.
I could not get enough of this during listening.
Don’t get me wrong the Bose QuietComfort headphones are good.
But for $150 less, the Soundcore Space One Pro offer something better.
But don’t fret there’s a much better option on the market.
Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2
I have some fantastic news.
However, in February 2025, the Rockster Go 2 has dropped down to an unbelievable $89.
Yes, it is now $40 cheaper, with all the same sound quality.
And it’s so true this is the coolest looking speaker in existence.
Extra points because it actually sounds great.
Bose SoundLink Flex was majorly disappointing due to one critical reason: its sound quality.
The nonexistent groove, and tinny mids paved the way for a mediocre listening experience.
Regardless, no worries.
Because I’ve got something better anyway.
I’ve got something that doesn’t just look the part, but sounds better, too.
Despite not having any hi-res ‘lossless’ Bluetooth codecs, I doubt you’d be able to notice.
The Rockster Go 2 is a compact speaker that sounds like something much bigger.
The mids and trebles are detailed, clear, and not lost in the melee of bass-heavy tracks.
But, oh heck, does it sound better.
The Max is pretty lackluster, unless in stereo mode which means you have to buy two.
you might save even more at the moment, too, thanks to this President’s Day deal.
The Tribit StormBox Blast 2 is one of the best party speakers I’ve ever tested.
This is theultimateparty speaker.
Nothing is too loud or too bassy for this beast.
The StormBox Blast 2 has stereo mode, much like the Bose SoundLink Max, and mic input.
Yes the StormBox Blast 2 could even transform into a karaoke machine, should the moment be right.
The SoundLink Max can do many things, but can it become a karaoke machine?
Not unless you love the sound of silent karaoke.
Bose QuietComfort earbuds alternative
Tom’s Guide’s reviews team Nikita Achanta reviewed the Bose QuietComfort earbuds.
We share a desk, so I watched her go through the testing process every step of the way.
While she liked the earbuds, she commented that some affordable buds she tested previously were just as good.
While not massively discounted for President’s Day, these earbuds are still discounted.
And when you consider their budget price?
It’s almost a no-brainer.
Do Bose QuietComfort earbuds have that?
Users can increase bass, mids, or trebles to their preference.
You’d be surprised how detailed these earbuds are, considering their sub-$100 price tag.
