Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Jabra Elite 85t
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Jabra Elite 85t sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Jabra Elite 85t is the cheaper of the two at $229 versus $449, a difference of about $220. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Jabra Elite 85t is praised for excellent call quality powered by a 6-microphone system. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
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
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Jabra Elite 85t |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 7.0 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 5.5 hrs buds (ANC on), 25 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | 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 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 12 mm dynamic driver |
| Water Resistance | — | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Bose products or all Jabra products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Jabra Elite 85t.