Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Jabra Elite 85t
The Verdict
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds prioritize comfort and spatial audio with their innovative cuff-style design and OpenAudio technology, delivering an open listening experience ideal for awareness-conscious users. Jabra Elite 85t counters with robust active noise cancellation via six microphones, stronger codec support (aptX Adaptive), and longer total battery life (25 additional hours vs. 12 hours). Bose excels in immersive audio features and wireless charging convenience, while Jabra dominates ANC capability and value proposition at $70 less. For commuters and travelers needing serious noise isolation, Jabra wins decisively. However, if you prioritize comfort during extended wear and spatial audio immersion over ANC, Bose justifies its premium pricing. Choose Jabra Elite 85t for superior noise cancellation and battery longevity at a better price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds if…
- →Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- →Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- →Wireless charging case adds convenience
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 Ultra Open Earbuds
Pros
- Unique cuff design is extremely comfortable for all-day wear
- Bose OpenAudio delivers remarkably full sound for open earbuds
- Wireless charging case adds convenience
- Multipoint and aptX Adaptive for high-quality streaming
- Ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities
Cons
- Very expensive at $299 for earbuds without ANC
- Bass is inherently limited compared to sealed designs
- 7.5-hour battery is decent but not exceptional
- Sound leak is noticeable in quiet environments
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 Ultra Open Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85t |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.5 g (each) | 7.0 g (per bud) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7.5 hrs, 19.5 hrs total with case | 5.5 hrs buds (ANC on), 25 hrs additional with case |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Bose OpenAudio technology | 12 mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Cuff-style design clips onto the ear, Bose Immersive Audio with head tracking, OpenAudio directional sound technology, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Wireless charging case, Customizable EQ via Bose Music app | 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 | aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 (buds) |
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 Ultra Open Earbuds or the Jabra Elite 85t.