SoundSport Free wireless headphones alternatives
It’s been two years since Bose released the SoundSport wireless headphones. At present, they are still pricey - about 200 bucks - and feature the characteristics that many decent alternatives mimicked and even outperformed. In the meantime, they come with a nicer price tag.
For example, the earbuds are bulky, and many complain about them protruding from the ears when running and sweating. They use AAC codec for sound reproduction, which is awesome for iPhones but not good for Android. Herewith, some alternatives feature AAC and SBC or even aptX and again - cost less. The charging method here is micro-USB, whereas many brands have already implemented a quick charging concept yet without augmenting the price of their units.
Best
TREBLAB X3 PRO
Best SoundSport Free Alternative
IPX7-Rated To Endure Any Sport or Activity
The X3 Pro wireless sweatproof headphones rest securely around your ear with no-slip ear hooks when you're in motion.
Fast Pairing With IOS or ANDROID
The X3 Pro Bluetooth headphones with microphone can pair with any device within a 33ft range so you can keep running.
In a nutshell, there are no reasons to overpay for the Sound Sport. However, to consider the Bose SoundSport alternative makes sense. This is what this piece is about. Keep on reading and find your ideal pair of wireless earbuds without draining your wallet for no reason.
Treblab X3 Pro - Best Overall Bose SoundSport Free alternative
Type: True wireless earbuds with earhooks | Weight: 9.6 g / each | Playtime: Up to 9 hours + 4 additional charges with Charging Case | Charging time: 2 hours | Signal range: 33 feet | Water resistance: IPX7 | BT: 5
+ Pros:
- Unparalleled Sound Quality
- Fast Pairing With IOS or ANDROID
- IPX7-Rated To Endure Any Sport or Activity
- Comfortable, Easy-to-use Controls
- Long Battery Life To Test Your Endurance
- High-Quality, Built-In Microphone
- Quick, Stable Type-C Charging
- Cons:
- Ear tips are too short to fit everyone
- Discomfort when pressing the center button
Review:
Treblab hit the market in 2015 and won the hearts of audiophiles and sports enthusiasts all over the world. Its mission is to provide premium audio gear that combines the convenience of true wireless technology, comfort, and affordability.
Meet X3 Pro - advanced true wireless earbuds! These are the best Bose SoundSport wireless alternative due to many reasons. The headphones use the Bluetooth 5.0 version, which is two steps ahead from the Sound Sport Free. It ensures immediate pairing and flawless connectivity.
Just like the Sound Sport Free, they feature AAC codec, which is ideal for iPhones. Herewith, your listening experience is always protected with advanced passive noise isolation. Compared to its expensive counterpart, the X3 Pro can be used at a gym, while commuting or doing other stuff where noise from outside is unwanted. They do allow some situational awareness but you’ll still be able to enjoy pure audio reproduction.
The battery lasts about 9 hours per charge. The charging case stores 4 additional charges. Provided it is super portable, consider you have up to 45 hours of juice on the move.
Finally, you’ll love their premium, IPX7 waterproof build and trendy design. Considering the fact that these true wireless headphones beat the Bose in every single aspect, they can be boldly called the best alternative to the Bose SoundSport. A $69.97 price tag makes them an ultimate bargain for anyone.
TREBLAB X3 Pro | SoundSport Free wireless | |
Radiofrequency output | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | N/A |
Battery life | Up to 45 hours | Up to 15.5 hours |
Case Battery capacity | 650 mAh | N/A |
Water-resistance | IPX7 | IPX4 |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Sound quality | High | High |
Noise Cancelation | Passive | No |
Phone calls | Build-in mic | Build-in mic |
Earbud weight | 9.6 grams / each | 18 grams |
Package contents |
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Number of Amazon reviews | 909 | 16 538 |
Amazon rating | 4.3 | 4.1 |
Cost | $69.97 | $199 |
Check these great alternatives to Bose SoundSport Free
Jabra Elite Active 75t
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IP57
- Microphone system
- Quick charging
- Auto-resume/play
- Button configuration might be confusing
- Pricey
Best for durability
Creative Outlier Air
- AAC and aptX
- IPX5 water-resistance
- Solid battery life
- Quick charging
- Insufficient isolation
- Need to force the buttons
Master & Dynamic MW07 Go
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX6 rating
- Snug fit
- Passive noise isolation
- Up to 21 hours of playtime
- Mic quality
- Bass might be overshadowing
Jaybird Vista
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX7 rating
- Proper fit
- MySound app
- Quick charging
- Lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs
- Large housings
Jabra Elite Active 75t - Bose SoundSport Free counterpart - Best for durability
(a source jabra.ru)
Type: truly wireless, in-ear | Weight: 5.5 g / each | Playtime: up to 26H | Signal range: 33 feet | Water resistance: IPX57 | BT: 5.0 | Amazon rating: 4
+ Pros:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IP57
- Microphone system
- Quick charging
- Auto-resume/play
- Cons:
- Button configuration might be confusing
- Pricey
Review:
If you’re after a pair of earbuds to use on a daily basis but also willing something durable, then the Elite Active 75t is the right choice. These true wireless earbuds are IP57 certified, which means they tolerate dust and water. If you drop them into a pool, they won’t be damaged. However, you cannot swim with them.
Also, you’ll like the build and fit - way more appropriate than the SoundSport Free. Each earbud houses a touch button to change playback, volume and enable digital assistants like Google Assistant and Siri. The mic system allows making high-quality calls hands-free. If you’re looking for the Bose SoundSport alternatives to run, work out, or cycle, this could be the end game for you.
Creative Outlier Air vs Bose SoundSport Free - Best for battery life
(a source ru.creative.com)
Type: truly wireless, in-ear | Weight: 10 grams | Playtime: up to 28H | Signal range: 33 feet | Water resistance: IPX5 | BT: 5 | Amazon rating: 3.7
+ Pros:
- AAC and aptX
- IPX5 water-resistance
- Solid battery life
- Quick charging
- Cons:
- Insufficient isolation
- Need to force the buttons
Review:
The headphones stand out for a great money vs value ratio. They are IPX5 rated, which makes them resistant to light splashes of water. You can perform basic functions with control buttons, such as tracks skipping, volume control, calls, access to Google Assistant. To do this, you need some force to press the buttons, which is confusing for some.
The earbuds can boast of a 8-hour battery life. You can also have two charge cycles from the charging case. It is compact and fits in any pocket allowing you to charge the earbuds whenever you need. The coolest feature of the Creative Outlier Air is the combo of AAC and aptX high-quality codecs. The latter is just amazing at sound reproduction. However, they do not deal well with the noise around. That’s buying third-party ear-tips for a better noise isolation will be a way out. In general, they can boldly join the list of the best сheap Bose SoundSport alternatives.
Master & Dynamic MW07 Go - Bose SoundSport Free alternative - Best for fit
(a source masterdynamic.eu)
Type: truly wireless, in-ear | Weight: 7.4 grams/each | Playtime: up to 21H | Charging time: 40 min | Signal range: 33 feet | Water resistance: IPX6 | BT: 5 | Amazon rating: 3.9
+ Pros:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX6 rating
- Snug fit
- Passive noise isolation
- Up to 21 hours of playtime
- Cons:
- Mic quality
- Bass might be overshadowing
Review:
Many complain about the Bose SoundSport Free having a large build of the earbuds. In this context, the MW07 is an excellent and cheap alternative to Bose SoundSport. They definitely stand out in the crowd thanks to their design. It’s quite sophisticated though.
The proper fit is ensured thanks to the angled nozzles, lightweight construction, and signature silicone ear and wind tips. They also provide passive noise isolation.
The attributed IPX6 water-resistance rating allows surviving tough, sweaty workouts.
Another asset is a 9-hour battery life per charge. The charging case stores another 12 hours of juice. Plus, a quick charging adds to an ease of use. A multifunction button enables digital assistants and controls playback and calls. They deliver bass-focused sound and meantime you can hear clearly instruments and vocals.
Jaybird Vista - Bose SoundSport Free counterpart - Best for water-resistance
(a source jaybirdsport.com)
Type: truly wireless, in-ear | Weight: 4.8 grams/each | Playtime: up to 16H | Charging time: N/A | Signal range: 33 feet | Water resistance: IPX7 | BT: 5 | Amazon rating: 4.4
+ Pros:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX7 rating
- Proper fit
- MySound app
- Quick charging
- Cons:
- Lack of high-quality Bluetooth codecs
- Large housings
Review:
Amongst the alternatives to Bose SoundSport, these true wireless headphones are probably the best for running thanks to proprietary wing tips. Their sleeves are placed by default and maintain the firm fixation in the ears during the workout. The earbuds allow basic playback and call management. Yet, you can download the Jaybird MySound app to change that and perform manipulations with the sound profile.
The Jaybird Vista feature the IPX7 water-resistance rating and a 6-hour battery life. The case holds another 10 hours, and a 15-minute charging gives an hour of playback. As for the audio quality, it is decent with a good isolation, although these are not noise-cancelling earbuds. When running outside, you’ll be hearing slightly what’s going on around.
Conclusion
If you’re open to surveying some cheaper alternatives to Bose SoundSport, these ones are worth considering. The market of audio gear has gone far ahead and the Sound Sport did not catch up with. However, the price still remains high making an investment into the purchase unreasonable. If you want something with a complete convenience of true wireless technology and affordable, then Treblab X3 Pro are definitely a winner.