To find out which pair of noise-cancelling wireless Bluetooth headphones is the best, we compared the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and the Jabra Elite 85T. At the end of 2020, two major players have launched their true wireless headphones with active noise reduction: Bose and Jabra. However, these are indeed two very different approaches that have been taken by the two brands. So what are the best noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones between the two models shown? This is what we will see in this comparison.
Whether it’s design, comfort, noise reduction quality, sound quality, features or battery life, we’re going to sift through both pairs of headphones to find out which are the best. both.
General
| Bose QC Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85T | |
| Brand | Bose | Jabra |
| Type | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Colors | Triple Black, Soapstone | Titanium Black |
| Battery life | 6 Hours | 30 Hours |
| Weight | 8.5 grams (each) | 52 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
Design
| Bose QC Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85T | |
| Type | Closed, dynamic | Closed, dynamic |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 8.5 grams (each) | 52 grams |
| Foldable Design | No | No |
The difference in approach between the two pairs of headphones can be seen at first glance. It must be said that in terms of design, Bose and Jabra have made very different choices. On the Bose side, the QC Earbuds come in an imposing case, to say the least, that will have trouble fitting in a jeans pocket. The same goes for the headphones themselves, which are particularly bulky and tend to stick out of the ear pinna.
Nevertheless, the Bose QC Earbuds have a major advantage with their silicone tips. Not only are they supplemented by a fin that provides good support, but it is not really intra-auricular, since the flexible tips are housed at the entrance to the ear canal, not completely inside.
As for Jabra, a more classic approach has been favored. The housing is much more compact, like the headphones themselves. They are also classic in-ear headphones. The headphones, once in the ears, are rather discreet and very comfortable, as long as you are not bothered by this type of headphones.
Overall, the Bose headphones, therefore, have the advantage of being very comfortable and well maintained, even after several hours of use, when those from Jabra may be more annoying, but take advantage of the compactness of the case and their discretion. It is, therefore, a draw on this first round.
Features
| Bose QC Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85T | |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Music Controls | Yes, Touch Sensor | Yes, Touch Sensor |
| Quick Charge | Yes | Yes, 10 Minutes = 1 Hours |
| Stereo speakers | No | No |
Whether it’s the Bose QC Earbuds or the Jabra Elite 85T, both pairs of headphones feature a highly effective active noise reduction system.
To do this, Jabra headphones rely on two microphones per earpiece, one inside and one outside. 11 levels are therefore offered, between total noise reduction and complete transparency to hear all the sounds around. The noise reduction proposed here effectively filters out the more persistent noises such as the sound of a fan, traffic noise or the hum of a train. The headphones, however, have difficulty filtering out voices or more punctual sounds.
This is precisely where the Bose QC Earbuds shine. The American manufacturer offers ten levels of ambient noise reduction. Above all, it is very effective at filtering out all the sounds around you, whether it’s lingering sounds or more punctual noises. Even the voices, more complicated to process, are much reduced. Enough to ensure you can stay focused while working, despite the chatter around you. The headphones allow you to be isolated in your bubble, even without having to start the music to hide noise pollution.
As for the reduction of ambient noise, it is the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds which therefore win the round.
Connectivity
| Bose QC Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85T | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Range | Approx. 10 meter | Approx. 10 meter |
| NFC | No | No |
| Multi-Device Connection | Yes | Yes |
For audio quality, the two headphones offer a sound more oriented towards the bass and midrange. They are also compatible with the same Bluetooth codecs: SBC and AAC. Neither pair, therefore, offers aptX or LDAC.
The Bose QC Earbuds offer a very focused sound on the bass with a lot of warmth. The highs, a little more behind, are not erased. But it is especially on the soundstage that the QuietComfort Earbuds stand out with a wide stage and excellent spatialization. The dynamics are also up to par, but we can note an overall compression of the track, noticeable in particular on titles rich in instruments.
Note that Bose does not offer an equalizer in its application, but a system called active sound equalization. What in principle automatically adjust the sound to the shape of your ear or surrounding noises. For the management of voice calls, the earphones only offer a very low noise reduction for your interlocutor who will be able to clearly hear all the noises around you.
On the Jabra side, the Elite 85Ts have 12mm, drivers. The sound is, again, very focused on the bass. However, it is especially the lower mids and vocals that are the most emphasized. The highs are audible but tend to be drowned out throughout the low end. The headphones lack a bit of balance by default on this side, without the sound is unpleasant. We have a warm sound that is designed to appeal to the greatest number.
For others, the Sound + app includes an equalizer with five bands and several presets. Enough to change the sound signature of the headphones by enhancing the treble, for example. Note also that the headphones offer good dynamics, a wide scene and, above all, more detailed than the Bose QC Earbuds. On the call side, however, the Jabra Elite 85T does not work miracles and only roughly filter the surrounding sounds for your interlocutor.
In terms of audio quality, if the Bose QC Earbuds offer a more balanced sound by default, the Jabra Elite 85T can modify it thanks to an integrated equalizer. In addition, they offer a more detailed and less compressed sound, more effective in jazz or classical music. For this reason, we will therefore prefer Jabra headphones.
Battery
| Bose QC Earbuds | Jabra Elite 85T | |
| Battery Type | Li-polymer | Li-polymer |
| Battery Life | 31 Hours | 31 Hours |
| Charge Time | Approx. 2.5-3 hours | Approx. 2.5-3 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
The two pairs of headphones offer a fairly decent battery life, even with noise reduction activated to the maximum. At Bose, the QuietComfort Earbuds were able to hold out for a little over seven hours. Charging once the headphones are in the case will take fifty minutes to go from 0 to 100% battery. Finally, the case is compatible with wireless charging in addition to USB-C. It is, therefore, a faultless side of the QC Earbuds.
For their part, the Jabra Elite 85T, with noise reduction pushed to the maximum, will be able to operate for a little over six hours before running out of battery. Recharging the headphones will take 1h12 in the case. Finally, note that the box is also compatible with induction charging in addition to USB-C.
Whether it’s the battery life of the headphones or their charging speed in the case, the Bose QC Earbuds do better than the Jabra Elite 85T.
Conclusion!
At the end of this match, it’s a draw in terms of points. While headphones from Bose dominate the sleeves of battery life and noise reduction, the Jabra Elite 85T offers a better sound experience and greater comfort of use and functionality. In terms of design and ease of use, it will all depend on your preferences between in-ear headphones and larger headphones.
Overall, Jabra headphones still have the advantage of being much more complete in terms of their functionality and allowing fine tuning of the sound experience, where Bose headphones are true to the philosophy of the brand: to be as simple as possible to use, without frills. If you prefer headphones that you can fine tune – and use with multiple devices – we recommend the Jabra Elite 85T. If you prefer a straightforward experience, go for the headphones from Bose instead.
