True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages, and two standouts are the Jabra Elite 4 Active ($100) and Bose QuietComfort ($249). Let's explore how these earbuds stack up and help you decide which is right for your needs.
The wireless earbud market has matured significantly, with several key features now standard:
Modern ANC uses tiny microphones to detect outside noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active and Bose QuietComfort include this technology, though with notably different effectiveness.
Sound quality depends on both hardware (drivers and acoustic chambers) and software (audio codecs and tuning). The Bose leverages decades of acoustic engineering experience, while Jabra brings fresh innovation to the table.
With current battery technology, most earbuds manage 5-8 hours of playback. Both our contenders fall within this range, though they handle power management differently.
Released in early 2023, the Jabra Elite 4 Active represents the latest in Jabra's sports-focused line. This model brings several improvements over its predecessor:
The Bose QuietComfort earbuds represent Bose's flagship wireless offering. Since their release, they've received several firmware updates improving functionality:
The Bose offers noticeably better sound quality, with richer bass and clearer highs. The Jabra provides good sound but can't match the Bose's depth and clarity. For home theater use, the Bose's lower latency and better sound staging make it the superior choice.
Bose's ANC technology remains industry-leading. The QuietComfort earbuds effectively block both constant noise (like airplane engines) and variable sounds (like office chatter). The Jabra's ANC is functional but noticeably less effective.
Both models offer good comfort, but for different uses:
Real-world testing shows:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers impressive value at $100, offering most essential features and good performance across the board. The Bose QuietComfort at $249 provides premium performance but at a significant price premium.
Both of these earbuds represent excellent choices for different users. The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers tremendous value and versatility, especially for active users. The Bose QuietComfort delivers premium performance for those willing to pay for the best.
Remember that these features and prices reflect current models - we expect new versions from both manufacturers in the coming year, which may shift the value equation further.
For most users, the Jabra Elite 4 Active provides the better value proposition. However, if you're looking for the absolute best in sound quality and noise cancellation, the premium price of the Bose QuietComfort is justified.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active | Bose QuietComfort |
|---|---|
| Price - The foundation of value assessment | |
| $100 (excellent value proposition) | $249 (premium pricing) |
| ANC Performance - Critical for commuting and office work | |
| Basic noise reduction, struggles with low frequencies | Industry-leading cancellation across all frequencies |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without charging | |
| 7 hours + 28 total with case | 6 hours + 18 total with case |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Essential for workout use | |
| IP57 (fully protected against dust, immersion up to 1m) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Sound Quality - Impact on music enjoyment and call clarity | |
| Good balanced sound, slight bass distortion | Premium sound with excellent clarity and depth |
| Fit Security - Crucial for exercise and active use | |
| Secure fit with sports-focused design | Comfortable but less secure for vigorous movement |
| Charging Case Size - Affects pocket-ability and portability | |
| Compact (38.9 x 64mm) | Larger (51.9 x 88.9mm) |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Spotify Tap, Google Fast Pair, multipoint connection | CustomTune sound calibration, adjustable ANC levels, premium call quality |
| Codec Support - Affects audio quality with compatible devices | |
| SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC |
The Bose QuietComfort offers superior audio quality and lower latency, making it the better choice for home theater use. While the Jabra Elite 4 Active works fine for casual viewing, the Bose provides better sound staging and deeper bass for movie soundtracks.
The Bose QuietComfort has significantly better noise cancellation. While the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers basic ANC, the Bose technology is industry-leading and more effective at blocking both constant and variable noises.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers 7 hours of playback with 28 total hours using the case. The Bose QuietComfort provides 6 hours with 18 total hours from the case.
Both models work for gaming, but the Bose QuietComfort has lower latency, making it better for gaming applications. The Jabra Elite 4 Active may experience slight audio delay during gameplay.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is specifically designed for workouts with IP57 water resistance and a secure fit. The Bose QuietComfort is less suitable for intense exercise with only IPX4 splash resistance.
The Bose QuietComfort is excellent for TV watching with minimal audio delay and superior sound quality. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works adequately but may have slight latency issues.
The Bose QuietComfort offers superior call quality with better noise reduction during calls. The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides good but not exceptional call performance.
Yes, both the Jabra Elite 4 Active and Bose QuietComfort work with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, including both Android and iOS phones.
The Bose QuietComfort is more comfortable for extended listening sessions, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active is designed more for secure fit during activity.
Neither provides true surround sound, but the Bose QuietComfort offers better spatial audio performance and sound staging compared to the Jabra Elite 4 Active.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active at $100 offers better value with good overall performance. The Bose QuietComfort at $249 is more expensive but provides premium features.
Both work well with streaming services, but the Bose QuietComfort provides better sound quality and noise isolation for an immersive experience. The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers good performance at a lower price point.
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: soundguys.com - blog.ear-phone-review.com - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - headphonecheck.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - techradar.com - rtings.com - global.bose.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - abt.com - boselatam.com - boseapac.com - audioxpress.com - cdw.com
