Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I had a pair of Bose SIE2i earbuds and the Freestyle Earbuds are essentially the same thing, just in a different package that has been vastly improved. The Freestyle earbuds rely on the same Triport drivers as the SIE2, SIE2i, MIE2, and MIE2i earbuds so they have the exact same sound quality. People who enjoyed those previous four models will continue to enjoy these. The bass isn't blown out and almost equal attention is given to the lows, mids, and highs. I say "almost" as more attention is given to the highs compared to the mids but it's still more balanced than previous Bose entries (i.e. before the previous four models). These use the same StayHear tips as all the other IE2 earbuds which I have always found to be extremely comfortable. I can wear these earbuds all day without any physical issues and they don't fall out. My biggest issue with most earbuds, especially the ones that have to create a seal with your ear canal, is that they never stay in. They always end up popping out after 10-30 minutes of listening. I also don't like those types of earbuds try to completely seal out surrounding noise. It makes me uncomfortable walking or being in the gym without hearing some of my surroundings. These, just like all the other IE2 earbuds from Bose, let in just the right amount of ambient noise. All-in-all, these continue to be the most comfortable earbuds I have ever worn and that's in comparison to a bunch of different models from Sony, Beats (like the Tour 2.0's), Apple, and Skullcandy. The design improvements are found in a couple of different areas. First, I always thought the cable length for the MIE2 and MIE2i earbuds was just about right but the SIE2 and SIE2i had cords that were way too short. They came with extenders but that made the entire cable length way too long. I would always get my knee looped into the cord when exercising but, without the extender, I could only use my iPod shuffle so that I could clip it higher up on my shirt instead of my phone in my pocket. The cable length for the Freestyle earbuds is just right. It's long enough so I can use my iPhone in my pocket, my notebook sitting on my lap or on a desk in front of me, my iPad at about arm's length, or my iPod shuffle clipped up on my shirt. The second improvement is with the placement of the in-line controller. The SIE2i earbuds put their controller where the left and right earbud wires met. It would always flip around on me so I would have to look down to use the controls, that defeats part of the purpose in using in-line controls. I should be able to blindly use the controls so that I can keep my eyes on my walking path or whatever else I'm doing. I can easily do that with the Freestyle's as their controller has been moved to the wire for the right earbud. I am right-handed but I can easily find the controller and use it without looking down. Even if I do look down, I can't actually see the controller. My left-handed fiance isn't reporting any issues finding the controller with her Freestyle earbuds either. Lastly, Bose made the Freestyle earbuds sweat and weather resistant just like the SIE2 and SIE2i models. So you can use them when working out without worrying about sweat or other moisture ruining them, that was a common issue with the MIE2 and MIE2i earbuds. I'm more of a fan of the color styles implemented with the SIE2/SIE2i earbuds than the two Freestyle models. The Freestyles will definitely stand out from the standard black or white headphone crowd, that's for sure. I prefer the graphite and blue SIE2i earbuds, in terms of looks, over these. The Freestyles are a little loud for my taste. However, their design is more refined than the SIE2i models. The Freestyles also come with a matching earbud case and not an armband that fits only one phone (either an iPhone 4 or iPhone 5). The design improvements, inclusion of a usable case, the continued use of a sweat and weather resistant design, and a $20 lower price makes these a much better purchase. They cost the same as the MIE2i earbuds, are $30 more than the standard IE2 earbuds (and well worth the extra cost), and $20 less than the SIE2i ($20 more than the SIE2 models). The Freestyles are pretty much in the middle of Bose's earbud price tier and they are worth it. Anyone looking for a nice pair of earbuds to use while exercising should definitely consider these as with anyone looking for a nice set of earbuds. They are extremely comfortable, water resistant, and feature an improved design while carrying over solid audio quality.