If you’re the outdoor type, Bose’s new Soundsport Free might suit your style. They’re not free in monetary terms — in fact they’re rather expensive at ₹18,990 — but they’re free of wires.

The two ear-pods are not connected by cables to each other or their charging case, an almost-cylindrical solid container in which the ear pieces snap into place for storage and recharging. Bright LED lights indicate that they’re in place and a row of five tell you the charging and battery status.

The Soundsport Free have evolved from the Soundsport Wireless, also meant for outdoor and workout activities but with ear-buds that are connected to each other via a cable. These, on the other hand, are ‘true wireless,’ a category in which we’re seeing more and more options since Munich-based company Bragi introduced their totally wireless Dash earphones. They sparked off a category meant for the convenience of no wires to get all tangled up with and the freedom to exercise without the danger of snagging or pulling on cables.

The Soundsport Free earphones are, like their wired cousins, big clumps, almost round but not quite. They have silicone wing-tips, which Bose is very fond of even on other models. These are for balance and stability. These earphones take a little fiddling to push into your ears.

I often found that they fit in a way that probably wasn’t intended. But once they did, they refused to fall out, despite being as big as they are. Jumping and tilting my head didn’t pose problems. If I didn’t fit them properly to begin with, they could jump out as if leaping out in protest. Reviewers around the world have actually praised these earphones for their remarkable fit and comfort.

Some complain about how the ear-buds stick out and look prominent and although I don’t see any reason to be embarrassed about earphones and headphones and wear the Apple AirPods unconcernedly, there are those bothered by the fact. Bose seems to acknowledge that they do and describes them as earphones that ‘Stand out but stay put.’ I believe no one is any longer surprised at what gadget you have on your person. It takes but a few moments to get used to ignoring how they look.

Open design

While the Soundsport Free are in-ear, they have a more open design and don’t fit very deeply into the ear canal as some do.

This is safer, because one has to pay attention to various sounds when running or walking outdoors. So, none of the noise cancellation that Bose is famous for is present on these earphones and while I think that’s perfectly in order, there are bound to be times when you will miss it, such as when you go to the gym and don’t want to hear everyone else’s noise and focus on your own workout music. The open design also makes it more airy, which is a relief for people who sweat. The earphones have a water repellent mesh inside so they’re safe from sweat and the occasional splashing. Outright dunking them in water is probably not a good idea, however, as they aren’t waterproof in the full sense.

Energise a workout

Bose has said that they’ve spent years engineering these earphones. The design in particular must have been challenging as there’s no seal-in and the music has to sound good despite outside noises leaking in. Well, the SoundSport Free does sound good with its substantial well-rounded sound, adequate bass and enough detail. Wireless earphones are not known for their sound quality, but in this case, I find them very good. But one must remember that they’re not meant for just listening to music. Rather, they energise you as you listen to your playlist while working out and do very well for short listening sessions otherwise. Not the ideal choice for using on a flight because they neither shut out aircraft noise and nor does the person sitting next to you fail to hear them.

The battery is meant to last about five hours, but the excellent and sturdy battery case will charge them twice over, giving an additional ten hours. A 15-minute charge will give 45 minutes of playtime so a discharged set of earphones should not be an excuse for missing a workout.

The controls on the earbuds are simple and minimal. Pairing happens just as soon as you take them out of the case and have a device nearby. You have to do almost nothing but approve the pairing. They work well for phone calls and virtual assistants as well. A person I called actually said I sounded clearer than usual, which is interesting.

Price: ₹18,990

Pros: Fantastic well-rounded sound, excellent charging case, sturdy, splash resistant, don’t fall  out if fitted properly Cons: Expensive, don’t fit everyone every time, a little chunky and prominent

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