Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Jabra Elite 8 Active
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II excel in noise cancellation with industry-leading ANC and CustomTune sound calibration, delivering a premium listening experience at $299. Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199) counters with superior battery longevity (8 hours vs. 6 hours ANC-on), multipoint connectivity, aptX codec support, and exceptional durability via IP68 rating with ShakeGrip coating. Jabra includes native wireless charging and spatial audio via Dolby Head Tracking, while Bose requires a separate purchase for wireless charging. For pure ANC quality and sound tuning, Bose leads; for active lifestyles, longer stamina, and versatility across devices, Jabra delivers better overall value. Choose Bose for audiophile refinement, Jabra for practical functionality and sports reliability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Arguably the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbud
- →CustomTune personalizes sound and ANC to your ears
- →Comfortable, secure fit with included Stability Bands
Buy the Jabra Elite 8 Active if…
- →IP68 rating — the most durable wireless earbuds available
- →ShakeGrip coating keeps buds locked in during intense exercise
- →8-hour battery with ANC is excellent
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Pros
- Arguably the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbud
- CustomTune personalizes sound and ANC to your ears
- Comfortable, secure fit with included Stability Bands
- Excellent natural-sounding Aware mode
- Strong, balanced sound signature
Cons
- No Bluetooth multipoint
- No aptX or hi-res codec support (AAC/SBC only)
- Wireless charging case is sold separately as an accessory
- Bulky case compared to competitors
- No wear-detection auto-pause at launch (added later)
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Pros
- IP68 rating — the most durable wireless earbuds available
- ShakeGrip coating keeps buds locked in during intense exercise
- 8-hour battery with ANC is excellent
- Multipoint Bluetooth and aptX codec support
- Outstanding call quality with 6-mic system and wind protection
Cons
- Sound signature is tuned for clarity over bass — may disappoint bass lovers
- No LDAC codec for true hi-res wireless
- Jabra app requires account creation for full features
- $199 puts it against AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Full Specifications
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (per bud) | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs buds, up to 24 hrs total with case | 8 hrs (ANC on), 32 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C (wireless charging case sold separately) | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 9.3 mm dynamic driver | 6 mm custom driver |
| Features | CustomTune sound calibration, Industry-leading ANC with adjustable modes, Aware Mode with ActiveSense, Stability Band fit kit, Touch controls with volume swipe | Jabra ShakeGrip coating for secure active fit, Adaptive ANC and HearThrough mode, Dolby Atmos spatial audio via Dolby Head Tracking, 6-mic call technology for wind and noise isolation, Spotify Tap for instant music playback, IP68 — fully submersible and dustproof |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | IP68 |
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 Earbuds II or the Jabra Elite 8 Active.