Finding the perfect wireless earbuds can feel overwhelming, especially with innovative new designs challenging traditional approaches. Today, we're comparing two fascinating but very different options: the Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199) and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299). As someone who's tested dozens of earbuds, I find this comparison particularly interesting because it highlights a key decision many users face: do you want to block out the world or stay connected to it?
Wireless earbuds have evolved dramatically since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. The market has split into several distinct categories, with traditional sealed designs competing against newer open-ear concepts. Each approach has its merits, and understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active, released in late 2023, represents the latest evolution in traditional sealed earbuds. Meanwhile, the Bose Ultra Open, launched in early 2024, showcases an innovative approach to the category with its unique cuff-style design that leaves your ear canal completely unobstructed.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active uses a conventional in-ear design, but with some clever innovations. The earbuds create a seal in your ear canal using silicone tips (you get three sizes in the box). This seal is crucial for two things: bass response and noise isolation. Jabra's "ShakeGrip" technology - basically a special silicone coating - helps keep them secure during intense activities.
Having worn these during several workout sessions, I can confirm they stay put remarkably well. The secure fit makes them excellent for everything from running to weightlifting, and you barely notice them after a few minutes.
The Bose Ultra Open takes a completely different approach. Instead of sitting inside your ear, they clip around the outer edge, leaving your ear canal completely open. It's similar to wearing small, lightweight ear cuffs. This design lets you hear your surroundings naturally while still enjoying your music.
I've found this design particularly useful during office hours when I need to stay aware of colleague conversations. The comfort level is exceptional - you truly forget you're wearing them after a while.
The sealed design of the Jabra Elite 8 Active allows for impressive sound quality across the full frequency range. The bass is punchy and present, mids are clear, and highs are crisp without being harsh. They support advanced audio codecs like AAC (Apple's preferred format) and SBC (the standard Bluetooth audio codec).
Their Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology uses multiple microphones to monitor and cancel out environmental noise. In my testing, it works particularly well for consistent low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or air conditioning units.
The Bose Ultra Open utilizes what Bose calls "OpenAudio" technology. This directs sound precisely into your ear canal while minimizing sound leakage to others nearby. The trade-off is reduced bass response - physics simply won't allow deep bass without a sealed ear canal. However, the mids and highs are remarkably clear, and the open design creates a more natural, spacious sound.
One interesting feature is Bose's "Immersive Audio" mode, which creates a wider soundstage that makes music feel like it's coming from in front of you rather than inside your head. It's an impressive effect, though it does reduce battery life.
For home theater use, the Jabra Elite 8 Active's low latency connection and strong bass make them suitable for movie watching, though they're not specifically designed for this purpose. The Bose Ultra Open can also work with TV audio, especially with their new smart case that enables direct connection to devices with USB-C or 3.5mm ports.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active truly shines during workouts. With an IP68 rating (meaning they're completely dustproof and can handle submersion in water), they're practically indestructible. The secure fit and excellent noise isolation help you stay focused during intense sessions.
The Bose Ultra Open, while not as rugged (IPX4 rating - splash-resistant only), excels during outdoor activities where environmental awareness is crucial. They're perfect for urban runners who need to hear traffic and other potential hazards.
Both models offer solid battery life, though with different strengths:
Both support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. This feature lets you easily switch between, say, your phone and laptop without manually reconnecting.
The choice between the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Bose Ultra Open ultimately comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the Jabra Elite 8 Active if:
Choose the Bose Ultra Open if:
For most users, I'd recommend the Jabra Elite 8 Active as they offer better overall value and versatility. However, if you specifically need environmental awareness or find traditional earbuds uncomfortable, the Bose Ultra Open provides a unique and effective solution.
Remember that both models represent the latest in their respective design philosophies, and both excel at their intended purposes. Your choice should align with how you'll use them most often, rather than trying to find a one-size-fits-all solution.
| Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199) | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines isolation and awareness level | |
| Traditional sealed in-ear | Open-ear cuff design |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for durability and workout use | |
| IP68 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use | |
| 8 hours (32 with case) | 7.5 hours (27 with case), 4.5 with Immersive Audio |
| Noise Isolation - Key factor in sound quality and environmental awareness | |
| Full isolation with ANC | None (by design) |
| Bass Response - Important for music enjoyment and movie watching | |
| Full range, deep bass | Limited bass (physics of open design) |
| Comfort for Extended Wear - Critical for all-day users | |
| Good but may cause fatigue after hours | Excellent, can wear all day |
| Environmental Awareness - Important for safety during outdoor activities | |
| HearThrough mode only | Complete natural awareness |
| Sound Leakage - Important in quiet environments | |
| Minimal leakage | Some leakage at higher volumes |
| Workout Suitability - Consider your exercise routine | |
| Excellent for all activities | Good for running/cycling, less secure for intense movement |
| Value Add Features - Nice to have extras | |
| Spatial audio, adjustable EQ, multipoint connection | Immersive audio, auto volume, multipoint connection |
The Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199) is significantly better for movie watching due to its superior bass response and sealed design. While both support Bluetooth multipoint for easy device switching, the Jabra's fuller sound range and noise isolation create a more immersive viewing experience.
The Bose Ultra Open ($299) commands a premium price that's mainly justified if you specifically need environmental awareness or find traditional earbuds uncomfortable. For pure audio quality and versatility, the Jabra Elite 8 Active offers better value.
Both models can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but the Bose Ultra Open includes a smart case that can connect directly to TVs via USB-C or 3.5mm jack, potentially offering better latency. The Jabra Elite 8 Active requires a Bluetooth connection or separate transmitter.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers slightly better battery life with 8 hours per charge (32 with case) compared to the Bose Ultra Open's 7.5 hours (27 with case), dropping to 4.5 hours when using Immersive Audio mode.
The Bose Ultra Open is more comfortable for side-lying positions due to its cuff design, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active may create pressure points when lying on your side.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active provides a more cinematic experience with better bass response and spatial audio support, making it superior for home theater use compared to the Bose Ultra Open's more limited frequency range.
Both perform well for calls, but the Jabra Elite 8 Active has better noise isolation for clearer calls in noisy environments. The Bose Ultra Open allows you to hear your own voice more naturally.
The Bose Ultra Open allows complete awareness of your surroundings naturally. The Jabra Elite 8 Active requires using HearThrough mode to hear external sounds.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active delivers better overall sound quality with fuller bass and better isolation. The Bose Ultra Open sacrifices some audio quality, especially bass, for its open design.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is better for gaming due to lower latency and better sound isolation. The Bose Ultra Open isn't ideal for gaming due to its open design and more limited sound range.
Both support Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between phone, TV, or computer.
For dedicated home theater use, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is the clear winner due to its superior bass response, better isolation, and fuller sound range. However, if you need to remain aware of your surroundings (like monitoring children), the Bose Ultra Open might be a better choice despite its audio limitations.
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: techradar.com - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - runnersworld.com - target.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - rtings.com - techradar.com - consumerreports.org - runnersworld.com - soundguys.com - bose.com - nfm.com - bose.com - youtube.com - bose.com - bose.com - colorware.com
