Discuss Technology

Bose Triport On-Ear Headphones Review (with update)

When you’re on the run, you need something that’s small, long-lasting, and able to store all your tunes on. But what’s the point of having a great MP3 player when you don’t have The Headphones? It’s just like having a Benz without the leather seats. You’ve probably worked it out by now – we need perfect sounding headphones, and this quick review is just about to show you a pair.

Putting the Bose Triport Headphones on for the first time, and I instantly noticed how comfortable they were. Sound quality was out of the world too – they were crystal clear, and the bass was plentiful. Bose mentioned in the manual that the headphones were designed with optimum bass, and that Bass boosting EQ settings were not required. According to Bose, using such could quite possibly hinder sound quality!

Strengths
- Amazing sound quality (three small drivers/speakers in each ear that dedicate to high, middle and low)
- Great for music and movies
- The headphones cup around your ear, and so are very comfortable to wear for long-periods of time
- The drivers are aligned with the angle of your ear, and so carry forward an even more perfect listening experience (which also helps block outside noise)
- Changeable cushions
- Comes with an long extension cord
- Headband is cushioned at the top

Weaknesses
- Device seems to be poorly designed – it is pretty much all plastic, and looks as though it’ll snap easily
- Headband is not foldable
- Cable is rather fragile
- Only available in light-blue and silver
- Expensive
- Bad build quality (see below)

Update (Just over a year later…)
Has my pair of Bose Triport headphones managed the test of time? In a single word, No. I have treated this wonderful pair of headphones with nothing but respect and care, yet it has managed to die on me with no visable damage. The problem? The insides of the headphone jack seem to have come loose though the outside is in perfect condition - you need to hole the cable in an awkward position to hear any sound. What makes things worse is that this occured just after my warranty expired (surprise!). So I decided to write to Bose; here is the response I recieved:

Thank you for your recent e-mail to BOSE®.

I am sorry but we only offer a reduced price (£50.00) exchange programme on this type of headphone.

Please contact us on 0800 085 9021 (Mon. - Fri. 8.30am - 8.30pm; Sat. & Sun. 9.00am - 8.00pm). One of our representatives will be happy to assist you with any further questions you may have. Alternatively, visit our website at www.bose.co.uk.

Yours sincerely,
Tony Wijaszko
Customer Service
Bose Ltd

I would not expect a £120 pair of headphones to last just over a year, and be rendered totally unusable by such a simple thing. What makes things worse is Bose do not even offer a repair service. So despite my initial words of praise for the Bose Triport On-Ear headphones, this review now ends with me recommending you find an alternative pair of headphones. You may want to look at the HD 25-1 II (£125).