Bose 700 vs Jabra Elite 4 Active
The Verdict
Bose 700 and Jabra Elite 4 Active serve different use cases entirely. Bose delivers premium over-ear comfort with exceptional ANC depth (11 adjustable levels), class-leading call quality via its 8-microphone array, and impressive 20-hour battery life with ANC enabled. The stainless steel construction feels robust, and multipoint pairing handles seamless device switching. However, it lacks water resistance and costs $379. Jabra Elite 4 Active targets active users with IP57 dust and waterproof protection, 6mm dynamic drivers, and the secure ActiveGrip coating designed for workouts. At just 5g per earbud, they're lightweight and portable, though 7-hour ANC battery life drops significantly below Bose's performance. Sound quality favors Bose's larger drivers, but Jabra's Bluetooth 5.2 offers slightly better range than Bose's 5.0. For office workers prioritizing call quality, noise isolation, and marathon listening sessions, Bose 700 wins decisively. For gym enthusiasts and travelers needing durability and portability, Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers better value at one-third the price. These aren't direct competitors: you're choosing between premium over-ear lifestyle headphones or affordable active true wireless earbuds.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose 700 if…
- →Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- →Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- →Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
Buy the Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose 700
Pros
- Best call quality on any over-ear headphone thanks to the 8-mic system
- Highly customizable ANC with 11 discrete levels
- Premium stainless steel build feels genuinely luxurious
- Multipoint Bluetooth and broad voice assistant support
- Elegant, minimal design that looks great
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC codecs
- 20-hour battery life is shorter than Sony and JBL rivals
- Headband can cause hotspot pressure on the top of the head
- Expensive compared to competition offering similar ANC
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose 700 | Jabra Elite 4 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC on) | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, 15-min quick charge for 3.5 hrs playback | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Features | 11 levels of adjustable ANC, 4 levels of Transparency (Ambient) mode, 8-microphone system for best-in-class call quality, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bose AR built-in, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Stainless steel headband with fold-flat design | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP57 |
| Drivers | — | 6mm dynamic driver |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Jabra products. View full details for the Bose 700 or the Jabra Elite 4 Active.