Bose Frames 2020 refresh – new cool looks for wearable sound

Bose Frames 2020 refresh – new cool looks for wearable sound

4.2Overall Score

Name: Bose Frames 2020 - Tenor, Soprano and Tempo
Price (RRP): $399.99 inc black polarised lenses. Optional lenses $59.95
Manufacturer: Bose

If you are like me and don’t like in-ear-canal buds, the Bose Frames 2020 refresh adds three new frame styles to its audio sunglass repertoire.

Now there was nothing wrong with the original 2019 models – Alto or Rondo reviewed here scored 4/5 for the new ‘sunspeaker’ or is that ‘soundglasses’ category. The Bose Frames 2020 refresh adds Tenor, Soprano and a cool Foakley-like Tempo sport sunglasses to the range.

Bose Frames 2019 – Alto (L) and Rondo (R)

And with time (originals in mid-2019) the new models have later tech deliver a ‘fuller and deeper’ sound.

We set out to see how Bose Frames 2020 refresh compare to the originals, if a new score was called for and oh, and do they justify the new price of $399.95 – up by $100!

Short answer – yes!

Bose Frames 2020 – audio sunglasses

Mr Bose has named the category ‘audio sunglasses’ with Bose Open Ear Audio technology. Well, that about sums it up. Here is a quick overview. If you are a techy type, you can read our more in-depth tests following.

What are they?

Rechargeable battery (approx. 5 hours), Bluetooth 5.1, stereo (and handsfree speakerphone) sunglasses.

They come with a standard black polarised lens. For $59.95 more you can get polarised mirrored silver (my preference) or mirrored blue lenses. Tempo Sports has optional polarised Trail Blue, Rose Orange, and Twilight yellow (non-polarised).

Bose Frames 2020 Tenor (L) and Soprano (R)

Tenor is more for men – a larger, more squarish fitting.

Soprano is more for women – a very slightly smaller, rounder fit.

Tempo is unisex. It has a different construction to the originals/Tenor/Soprano with three nose bridge options, USB-C versus a pogo pin charge port, 8-hour battery and wider side-arms.

These are big glasses – so fit is important. If you have a smaller or narrower face try them first – Bose has a 90-day risk free trial.

Soundwise – it is Bose quality. You can adjust it via the Bose Music app. You will probably like the default settings unless you are a heavy metalhead. These are perfect for modern music, vocals, and synth. And because its open ear they let the world in – perfect for walkers.

On the basis that these are an evolution over the originals, we have awarded 4.2/5. Why? They are even more expensive (price is what you pay – value is what you get), the sound is good (but does not meet in-ear bud frequency response) and we would love to see a smaller pair for narrower faces!

• Website here
• Price: $399.95 including free Australian freight (optional lenses $59.95)
• Global Warranty: 12-month Australian Consumer Law compliant plus a 90-day risk-free trial

Overall the Bose Frames 2020 refresh gets the tick for a reasonably unique product.

Bose Frames 2020 refresh – new cool looks for wearable sound

Name: Bose Frames 2020 - Tenor, Soprano and Tempo Price (RRP): $399.99 inc black polarised lenses. Optional lenses $59.95 Manufacturer: Bose

Great for walkers and others that want to hear good music and environmental sound at the same time Well made and lovely presentation case90-day risk free try before you buy policy

These are big sunglasses that wont fit every faceTenor/Soprano use older pogo pin charger - Tempo uses USB-C

Features

Value for money

Performance

Ease of Use

Design

4.2Overall Score

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