Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Jabra Elite 4 Active
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Jabra Elite 4 Active serve distinctly different use cases despite both offering ANC. Bose delivers superior sound quality through 40mm custom drivers and exceptional comfort for extended listening sessions, with 20 hours of wireless ANC playback and proven noise cancellation across three levels. Jabra Elite 4 Active excels as a workout companion, featuring IP57 waterproofing, secure ActiveGrip coating, and true portability at just 5g per earbud. Battery life differs significantly: Bose offers 20 hours wirelessly versus Jabra's 7 hours per charge, though the case extends Jabra to 28 hours total. Sound profiles diverge notably, with Bose emphasizing balanced audio through larger drivers and Jabra prioritizing fitness functionality. At $299 versus $119, the price gap reflects their positioning. Choose Bose for audiophile comfort and long listening sessions; select Jabra for active users prioritizing durability and portability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
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 QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
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 QuietComfort 35 II | Jabra Elite 4 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 6mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case | 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 | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP57 |
Related Comparisons
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 QuietComfort 35 II or the Jabra Elite 4 Active.