If you’ve ever been to the airport, you’ve seen Bose headphones. Typically, they are an expensive brand, but they do deliver—and you definitely want quality at 35,000 feet up.

Well, now every company is trying to elevate the look and level of the headphones category (thanks Dr. Dre!), and Bose wants to adapt. The company just announced the OE2 (right) and OE2i (below), two new headphones products that boast better audio performance with a sportier design. The sad part is that neither of these new products have noise-canceling technology, but Bose says that both pairs of on-ear headphones have a closer, more comfortable fit than their predecessors.

The “i” in the OE2i means that it’s made to be paired with Apple products, and features both an in-line remote and microphone. This allows users to control functions, and even make and take calls, all through controls right on the cord. The OE2 is basically the same thing, but without all of the Apple-inspired goodies.

Other features on both models include redesigned and newly tuned earcup ports and a “TriPort acoustic headphone structure,” which is basically a proprietary design that promises better sound.

Like the earlier, more bulky models, both of these fold flat and come with a case for easy storage and travel. Available in a choice of black or white, Bose is selling the OE2 and OE2i now for $149.95 and $179.95, respectively.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.