Let's dive into a thorough comparison of the Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($229.00), two wireless earbuds that target different segments of the market but might have you wondering which better suits your needs.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages, with features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise) and spatial audio (creating a more immersive, theater-like sound experience) becoming increasingly common.
Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active (released April 2023) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (released September 2023) represent different approaches to meeting consumer needs. While they share some basic features, their target audiences and capabilities differ significantly.
The Jabra offers surprisingly good sound quality for its price point. The audio profile is well-balanced, with clear mids (where vocals and most instruments live) and controlled bass. While it won't blow away audiophiles, it delivers enjoyable sound that works well for most genres.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is basic but functional. It handles constant background noise like air conditioners or train rumble reasonably well, though it can't match premium offerings. Having tested these on several flights, they definitely help but don't create the cone of silence you might want.
Bose has always prioritized sound quality, and these earbuds continue that tradition. The audio is detailed and spacious, with the company's new immersive audio feature creating a more speaker-like experience. Bass response is fuller and more natural than the Jabra, and the overall sound stage (how wide and deep the audio feels) is noticeably larger.
The ANC is industry-leading, rivaling over-ear headphones in its ability to silence the world around you. For home theater use, these excel at creating an immersive movie experience, though you'll want to ensure your TV or streaming device supports the latest Bluetooth codecs for the best audio sync.
These earbuds are notably lightweight (5g each) and designed for active use. The silicon eartips provide a secure fit that stays put during workouts. I've used these during running and weightlifting sessions without any issues. The IP57 rating means they're protected against dust and can survive being submerged in shallow water – perfect for intense workouts or sudden rain.
Slightly heavier at 6.24g each, the Bose earbuds focus on long-term comfort rather than athletic security. They include three sizes of both eartips and stability bands, letting you customize the fit. The IPX4 rating protects against splashes but isn't as robust as the Jabra's protection.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers about 7 hours of playback with ANC on, while the charging case provides an additional 21 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you an hour of playback.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers 6 hours with ANC on (4 hours with immersive audio), and the case provides 18 additional hours. A 20-minute quick charge provides 2 hours of playback.
Neither model supports wireless charging, which is disappointing at the Bose's price point.
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers exceptional value at $69.99. You get most modern earbud features in a durable package that excels for active use. The compromises (basic ANC, simpler controls) are reasonable given the price point.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra at $229.00 requires a bigger investment but delivers premium audio quality and class-leading noise cancellation. The immersive audio feature and superior call quality help justify the price for those who prioritize audio performance.
Choose the Jabra if:
Choose the Bose if:
Both models are relatively new, but the technology continues to evolve. The Jabra represents excellent value that should remain competitive for several years. The Bose pushes current technical boundaries but comes at a premium price that might be harder to justify as newer models emerge.
Remember that while the price difference is significant, both models offer good value in their respective categories. The Jabra punches above its weight in features and durability, while the Bose delivers a premium audio experience that justifies its higher price for discerning users.
For most users, the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers the better value proposition, providing 80% of the features at 30% of the cost. However, if you're an audio enthusiast or frequent traveler, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers a superior experience that might be worth the investment.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) | Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($229.00) |
|---|---|
| Price Point - Sets expectations for features and build quality | |
| Budget-friendly with great value | Premium pricing requires justification |
| ANC Quality - Critical for commuting and office work | |
| Basic noise cancellation, handles constant noise | Industry-leading ANC, nearly complete isolation |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for durability and workout use | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Crucial for all-day use | |
| 7 hours (28 total with case) | 6 hours (24 total with case) |
| Sound Quality - Primary factor in daily enjoyment | |
| Good balanced sound, basic codec support | Superior sound, spatial audio, advanced codecs |
| Call Quality - Essential for work use | |
| 4 microphones, good clarity | 10 microphones, excellent clarity |
| Fit Security - Important for active use | |
| Secure fit, designed for workouts | Comfortable fit, less secure during activity |
| Quick Charge - Helpful for emergency top-ups | |
| 10 mins = 1 hour playback | 20 mins = 2 hours playback |
| Special Features - Can justify price premium | |
| Basic app customization, multipoint connection | Immersive audio, CustomTune technology |
| Eartip Options - Critical for comfort and noise isolation | |
| 3 sizes silicon tips | 3 sizes tips + 3 stability bands |
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($229.00) is significantly better for home theater use, offering superior codec support, lower latency, and immersive audio features. The Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) works for basic TV watching but may experience more audio delay.
The price difference is substantial. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra justifies its higher price with superior sound quality, better ANC, and immersive audio. However, the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers better value if you don't need premium features.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers slightly better battery life with 7 hours per charge (28 with case), compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra's 6 hours (24 with case). The Bose drops to 4 hours when using immersive audio features.
Neither is ideal for competitive gaming due to Bluetooth latency. However, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra has lower latency and better codec support for casual gaming. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has more noticeable audio delay.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers significantly better noise cancellation, rivaling over-ear headphones. The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides basic ANC that handles constant background noise but isn't as effective.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is more durable with IP57 water/dust resistance, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra has IPX4 splash resistance only.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra performs better with newer codecs and lower latency. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works but may have more noticeable audio delay.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers superior sound quality with better bass response and spatial audio features. The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides good balanced sound but lacks the premium audio features.
Both work well for calls, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra has superior call quality with 10 microphones. The Jabra Elite 4 Active uses 4 microphones and provides good but not exceptional call quality.
Neither the Jabra Elite 4 Active nor the Bose QuietComfort Ultra support wireless charging. Both use USB-C for charging.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is better for streaming services with its immersive audio and lower latency. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works adequately but doesn't provide the same cinema-like experience.
Both support multipoint connection. The Jabra Elite 4 Active and Bose QuietComfort Ultra can connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between phone and TV.
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 - rtings.com - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - community.spotify.com - soundguys.com - runnersworld.com - youtube.com - bose.com - boselatam.com - bose.com - bose.com - bose.com
