Bose Frames Tempo/Soprano: Sunglasses That Sing (and Sound Good Doing It?)
Audio sunglasses. The concept has been around for a while, but Bose, with its reputation for audio excellence, aimed to legitimize the category. Enter the Frames Tempo and Soprano. While both promise immersive audio experiences while shielding your eyes from the sun, they cater to slightly different lifestyles. The Tempo are built for active users, while the Soprano leans towards a more stylish, everyday aesthetic. But do these smart shades truly deliver on their promise, or are they just an expensive gimmick? Let’s dive in.
The first thing you notice is the design. The Tempo, with its sporty, wraparound frame, screams activity. They’re robust and feel like they can handle a sweaty workout. The Soprano, on the other hand, aims for elegance. Their cat-eye shape is undeniably fashionable, but the thicker temples, necessary to house the tech, slightly detract from the overall sleekness. Build quality is impressive across both models. These feel premium, justifying the hefty price tag. The lenses are easily interchangeable, allowing for customization based on activity and light conditions.
Audio performance is where the Frames need to shine, and for the most part, they do. Bose’s Open Ear Audio technology delivers surprisingly clear and full sound. You won’t get bone-shattering bass, but the audio is well-balanced and doesn’t bleed excessively into your surroundings. Conversations and ambient noises are still audible, which is crucial for safety when exercising outdoors. However, in noisy environments, you’ll need to crank up the volume, which can lead to sound leakage and alert those nearby to your playlist.
Functionality is straightforward. A single button handles power, music playback, and voice assistant activation. The touch controls on the temples, while initially fiddly, become intuitive with practice. Battery life is decent, offering around 5-6 hours of playback, which is enough for most workouts or daily commutes. A notable omission is noise cancellation, a feature you might expect at this price point. The built-in microphone performs adequately for calls, but struggles in windy conditions.
The value proposition is complex. Are you paying primarily for sunglasses, or for a personal audio device? Ultimately, it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re an avid runner or cyclist who prefers an open-ear listening experience and dislikes earbuds, the Tempo are a compelling option. If you value style and want a discreet way to listen to music without sacrificing situational awareness, the Soprano might appeal. However, cheaper earbuds or dedicated sports headphones offer comparable or superior audio quality and noise cancellation at a fraction of the cost.
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Bose Frames Tempo/Soprano (audio sunglasses) Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 94%
- Design: 90%
- Performance: 89%
- Quality: 90%
- Popularity: 92%
Top Pros
- ✅ Open Ear Audio provides good sound without blocking external sounds.
- ✅ Both the Tempo and Soprano models offer stylish and durable designs.
- ✅ Interchangeable lenses allow for customization to different lighting conditions.
Key Cons
- ❌ Price is high compared to traditional sunglasses or audio solutions.
- ❌ Sound leakage can be an issue in quiet environments at higher volumes.
- ❌ Lack of active noise cancellation limits usefulness in noisy environments.
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