Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Jabra Elite 85t
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Jabra Elite 85t serve different needs with distinct strengths. Bose delivers superior ANC consistency with its three-level system and larger 40mm drivers providing deeper bass and fuller soundstage, making them ideal for long flights or immersive listening. The 20-hour battery with ANC and foldable design suit travel well. Jabra Elite 85t offers genuine portability at 7g per bud, faster charging via USB-C and wireless Qi, and multipoint Bluetooth for seamlessly switching between devices. The 5.5-hour battery on buds drops significantly compared to Bose's wireless endurance, though the case extends total usage to 25 hours. Jabra's IPX4 water resistance handles sweat and light rain, while Bose lacks protection. Sound character differs markedly: Bose emphasizes warmth and immersive bass, Jabra leans toward clarity with adjustable transparency mode. At $299 versus $229, Bose justifies premium pricing through comfort during extended sessions and battery longevity. Jabra wins for gym use, commuting, and multi-device workflows. Choose Bose for stationary or long-haul listening; choose Jabra for active lifestyle and flexibility.
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 85t if…
- →Excellent call quality powered by a 6-microphone system
- →Highly configurable ANC and HearThrough via the Jabra Sound+ app
- →Multipoint Bluetooth allows two simultaneous device connections
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- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C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 85t
Pros
- Excellent call quality powered by a 6-microphone system
- Highly configurable ANC and HearThrough via the Jabra Sound+ app
- Multipoint Bluetooth allows two simultaneous device connections
- Impressive total battery life of up to 30.5 hours with case
- Wireless charging case included in the box
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC
- Heavier per-bud weight can cause fatigue over long sessions
- ANC is effective but not best-in-class for isolating low-frequency noise
- Bulkier case compared to more compact rivals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Jabra Elite 85t |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 7.0 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 5.5 hrs buds (ANC on), 25 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 12 mm 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 | Advanced ANC with 6 microphones, HearThrough (transparency) with adjustable level, Jabra Sound+ app with equalizer and HearThrough control, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Semi-open design with adjustable ANC and Transparency, Voice assistant access (Alexa, Google, Siri) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 5.1 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 (buds) |
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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.
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