Bose Frames Alto / Rondo (2019)

Excellent lenses Sleek design blends in well Impressive audio clarity and detail Brilliant for biking and outdoor use Basic IPX2 water resistance

Short battery life Very weak bass response AR applications are limited, iOS only

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting new way to get your tunes, and you love to get out in the sun, Bose’s Frames are definitely worth considering. But if you want something more versatile for your $200, you may instead want to try a good pair...

There’s a surprisingly good entertainer hiding out in these shades Users stay engaged and safe, with their ears and eyes open Significant potential for interactive augmented-reality applications

Only 3.5 hours of battery life, and recharging requires a proprietary cable On an iPhone, the only music apps you can control with voice commands are Apple’s own These shades won’t hide in the pocket of your skinny jeans

For now, the Frames are a promising novelty, though its potential hinges on what other apps might be coming (could an AR video game be far behind?). They’re nice-enough glasses and nice-enough headphones, but some situations just don’t call for the...

As much as I would love to see some added weather protection and a USB type C port for the next revision of the Bose Frames, this is still a solid product with huge potential.

music without blocking your ears or making a racket for others, look good, choice of lenses and frames, comfortable, sound good, solid Bluetooth connection, excellent call quality

no battery in the case and only 3.5 hours between charges, will never be your only set of earphones, can’t protect from noise of the outside world, AR potential unrealised

The Bose Frames are delightful – a set of premium sunglasses that also act as your personal music system. Kept to 50% or lower those next to you can’t hear your music, but because your ears are open you can hear the world around you.