Today we're comparing two fascinating approaches to wireless audio: the innovative Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($229) and the feature-packed Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199). Both launched in early 2024, but they take dramatically different paths to delivering your favorite tunes.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods arrived in 2016. We've seen massive improvements in battery life, sound quality, and features. But perhaps the most interesting development is the emergence of open-ear designs, which challenge our assumptions about how earbuds should work.
The core decision now isn't just about sound quality - it's about how you want to interact with the world while listening. Let's break down what matters and help you make the right choice.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds represent a fresh take on personal audio. Instead of plugging into your ear canal, they perch on the outer ear using a clever cuff design. This means you can hear your surroundings naturally while enjoying your music - imagine having a soundtrack for your life without losing touch with the world around you.
In contrast, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 follows the traditional in-ear approach but elevates it with cutting-edge technology. They seal in your ear canal, giving you the option to block out the world with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or let sound in through their "HearThrough" mode, which uses microphones to pipe in outside noise when you want it.
The Bose Ultra Open delivers surprisingly good audio for an open design. While they can't match the bass response of traditional earbuds (physics simply won't allow it), they provide clear, detailed sound that works wonderfully for most music genres. They're particularly strong with vocals and acoustic instruments.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers a more conventional but highly refined sound signature. The sealed design allows for robust bass response, and their updated drivers deliver clean, detailed audio across the frequency spectrum. They also support spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, which creates a more immersive soundstage for compatible content.
Here's where personal preference really matters. The Bose design is remarkably comfortable for long sessions - there's no pressure in your ear canal, and they work brilliantly with glasses. I've worn them for 6+ hour workdays without discomfort.
The Jabras use oval-shaped tips and a semi-open pressure relief design to improve comfort over traditional in-ear buds. While they're quite comfortable as in-ear buds go, they still create that "plugged" sensation some users dislike.
Both models offer respectable battery life, but there are notable differences:
Both include charging cases that extend total use time to around 24-27 hours. They support quick charging via USB-C, though the Jabra adds wireless charging capability.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 packs more tech features:
The Bose Ultra Open focuses on simplicity but includes:
For home theater use, the choice depends on your living situation and preferences. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers better isolation and more impactful bass, making them better for immersive movie watching. Their Dolby Atmos support enhances spatial awareness in compatible content.
The Bose Ultra Open works well if you need to remain aware of your surroundings - perfect for parents keeping an ear out for kids or anyone who needs to stay accessible to family members. They're also great for long viewing sessions due to their comfortable design.
Both models support Bluetooth multipoint, letting you stay connected to your TV and phone simultaneously. This is handy for catching calls without missing movie dialogue.
Since their launch, both products have received firmware updates addressing early issues:
At $199, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers more technical features for the money. You're getting premium ANC, better water resistance, and wireless charging. For traditional earbud users, they represent excellent value.
The Bose Ultra Open at $229 might seem pricier, but you're paying for unique engineering and design. If their open-ear approach matches your needs, they're worth the premium - there aren't many alternatives that execute this concept so well.
Consider these scenarios:
Both these earbuds excel in their intended use cases. The Bose Ultra Open pioneers a new approach that works brilliantly for specific scenarios, while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 refines the traditional formula with modern features.
I've found myself reaching for the Bose more often for daily use, particularly at work where situational awareness matters. However, I prefer the Jabras for travel and focused listening sessions. There's no wrong choice - it's about matching the technology to your lifestyle and preferences.
Remember, both models offer good return policies, so you can try them out in your daily routine to see which better suits your needs. The best earbuds are the ones that fit seamlessly into your life while delivering the sound quality and features you value most.
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($229) | Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199) |
|---|---|
| Design Style - Determines your awareness of surroundings and comfort | |
| Open-ear cuff design (sits outside ear canal) | Traditional in-ear design with seal |
| Noise Isolation - Critical for commuting or focusing in noisy environments | |
| None (intentionally lets in ambient sound) | Active Noise Cancellation with adjustable levels |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise or outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP57 (full water/dust protection) |
| Battery Life - Key for all-day use without charging | |
| 7.5 hours (4.5 with spatial audio) | 6 hours (ANC on), 8 hours (ANC off) |
| Sound Profile - Affects music enjoyment and satisfaction | |
| Clear mids/highs, limited bass response | Full range with strong bass, Dolby Atmos support |
| Comfort Level - Critical for extended wearing sessions | |
| Excellent for glasses wearers, no ear fatigue | Good but may cause pressure during long sessions |
| Use Case Flexibility - Determines where they work best | |
| Excellent for office/outdoor safety, limited for travel | Great for travel/gym, less ideal for awareness needs |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C only | USB-C and wireless charging |
| Case Features - Important for portability and protection | |
| Basic charging case (19.5 extra hours) | Smart case with Bluetooth transmitter (27-36 extra hours) |
| Value Add Features - May justify price difference | |
| Natural ambient awareness, comfortable design | ANC, spatial audio, better weather protection |
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($199) is generally better for movies due to its stronger bass response and Dolby Atmos support. However, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($229) are more comfortable for long viewing sessions and let you hear if someone calls you from another room.
Both work well for late-night viewing. The Jabra Elite 10 offers better sound isolation and richer audio, while the Bose Ultra Open is more comfortable for side-sleeping against a pillow.
Yes, both the Bose Ultra Open and Jabra Elite 10 support Bluetooth connectivity to smart TVs. The Jabra offers an additional advantage with its smart case that can connect to non-Bluetooth sources.
The Bose Ultra Open offers slightly longer battery life at 7.5 hours compared to Jabra's 6 hours with ANC on. For marathon viewing sessions, both charging cases provide multiple additional charges.
The Bose Ultra Open naturally allows environmental awareness due to its open design. The Jabra Elite 10 requires activating its HearThrough mode to hear surroundings.
The Jabra Elite 10 delivers fuller sound with better bass response and Dolby Atmos support. The Bose Ultra Open provides surprisingly good audio for an open design but can't match the Jabra's bass performance.
The Jabra Elite 10 is better for gaming due to lower latency and better sound isolation. The Bose Ultra Open works for casual gaming but isn't ideal for competitive play where audio timing is crucial.
Both support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. This is useful for switching between TV audio and phone calls.
The Jabra Elite 10 has superior durability with IP57 water/dust resistance compared to the Bose Ultra Open's IPX4 rating.
Both can connect to modern AV receivers via Bluetooth. The Jabra's smart case adds versatility by connecting to older systems through its audio input port.
At $199, the Jabra Elite 10 offers more features including ANC and better water resistance. The Bose Ultra Open at $229 justifies its higher price through unique design and comfort benefits.
Neither model supports direct audio sharing between two sets of earbuds. You'd need to use your TV's or receiver's native audio sharing features if available.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - techradar.com - consumerreports.org - runnersworld.com - soundguys.com - bose.com - nfm.com - bose.com - youtube.com - bose.com - bose.com - colorware.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - loudnwireless.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - seriousinsights.net
