Bose Frames Tempo: Focused on Sports

When we reviewed the original Bose Frames last year, we weren’t quite sure what to make of them—but since then, audio sunglasses (essentially, glasses with headphones built into the temples) have developed somewhat into a category of their own. The Bose Frames Tempo are focused on sports, and with the rise of virtual training, it’s not far-fetched to imagine them catching on in ways the original fashion-focused model didn’t. From an audio standpoint, the Frames deliver crisp, clear sound that allows you to hear your surroundings with ease, though bass still isn’t their strong suit. This version has clear improvements, but most of them address the overall fit and usefulness of the design rather than the audio experience.

- TIM GIDEON

DESIGN

The Tempo’s sporty build is, like most exercise-focused sunglasses, designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic, and to fit securely. To be clear, these aren’t in-ear earphones, nor are they really headphones. Think of them instead as personal speakers that sit very close to your ear and output audio just like a small speaker would—those nearby will be able to hear it, but not as loudly as you will.

If this sounds like it might make the frames a little bulky, well, it does—the temples on these sunglasses are huge, each roughly the size of a single-ear Bluetooth earpiece. If that doesn’t scare you off, the Frames are surprisingly lightweight, at 1.8 ounces. They also ship with three different size-and-shape nose-pad options, to ensure the best possible fit.

Using the Frames for moderate exercise, I found the fit to be stable. If anything, the nose pads move around more than the temples do—the temples grip my head tightly without feeling uncomfortable. For running and cycling, the sunglasses should be stable enough to wear without issue, but everyone’s head shape is different, so fit experience will vary.

Bose Frames Tempo

PROS

Crisp, detailed audio performance that allows you to hear your surroundings. Secure, water-resistant build ideal for exercise. Swappable lenses. Easy to operate.

CONS

Distorts on tracks with powerful deep bass. Lacks much low-frequency response. No EQ in app.

BOTTOM LINE