Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Update - 4 Jan 18: I've watched several YouTube videos and haven't experienced any audio lag of the sort reported by many reviewers. As below, I've applied the firmware update 1.3.2 and it seems to have resolved several of the problems. One issue I have noticed is that when connected to a device, e.g., an iPhone, the buds won't connect to a different device, e.g., my MacBook, unless I manually break the connection. This is annoying and shouldn't happen. I ordered and received these as soon as they were available, so my review reflects ~ 2 months of use. I did not receive a promotional pair or discount from Bose for this review. I also own Bose QC35 noise cancelling headphones that are used on long flights to create a serene environment. These are not, nor did I expect them to be, noise cancelling. Some reviewers have comments that these buds didn't offer noise cancellation, but Bose never claimed that they did or would. My first advice to anyone buying the SoundSport Free buds is to upgrade the firmware to the latest version - 1.3.2 at the time of this review. If possible, do it on a Mac or PC (after downloading the Bose Connect app for Mac/PC) with the buds in their charging case. The firmware update will take ~ 10 minutes to complete, vs. about 2.5 hours using the iOS app. The update fixes some of the time lag issues reported with FaceBook, etc., though don't know if the YouTube delay is fixed (I don't use them for that purpose). The buds are very comfortable for extended use periods, and stay in place far better than Apple or other buds I tried. My use case is typically to use them while working in my home office at my computer, not for watching videos. The sound quality surprised me somewhat, as the base is deeper and more pronounced than on my QC35s or other Bose products I've owned. This isn't a complaint - just an observation. Overall, whether I'm listening to classical, jazz or oldies, the sound reproduction is excellent. They are certainly not heavy and compared to wireless bluetooth headsets, don't seem to me to be "too big", as some reviewers have claimed. In fact, they feel "just right". The buds are also great for my daily walks or physiotherapy sessions (I recently had back surgery). They provide a good seal between the ear and most ambient noise, but not to such an extent that you can't hear on oncoming jogger or your PT coach suggesting that you change positions during an exercise routine. I also appreciate the fact that the amount of external noise is balanced, as I like to walk along the beach and frequently have to share the sidewalk with skateboarders, and I can hear them approaching while still enjoying my music playlist. So, for indoor or outdoor use, I give these a 5+. Build quality is excellent - exactly what I'd expect from Bose. The charging case is well designed and durable, although I keep mine in a leather carrying case with its micro-USB cable and a small charger I can use if needed. I've used the buds for up to 4.5 hours with ~ 20% power remaining, as indicated by the iOS app, so Bose estimate of 5 hours use is probably accurate. I can't comment on the additional power provided by the case but assuming the battery life estimate for the buds is accurate, Bose estimate of 10 hours for the case is reasonable. Finally, a comment about the price. Many reviewers have criticized the price, but anyone who's used Bose products for any length of time knows that they are seldom inexpensive. Given the quality, features and sound reproduction of these buds, the price is fair, at least to me. Apple's EarPods aren't inexpensive, either, and don't stay in place as well as these, nor are they as comfortable. Overall, I am very, very pleased with the SoundSport Free buds, and strongly recommend them on all levels: sound quality, comfort, build and ease of use. I'm very happy with my purchase.