When choosing premium wireless headphones, consumers often compare the Bose QuietComfort SE and the Jabra Elite 85h. Both models offer advanced features, but they differ in key areas such as touch controls, app support, and overall sound quality. This article provides a detailed faceoff to help you decide which headphone best suits your needs.

Design and Comfort

The Bose QuietComfort SE features a sleek, lightweight design with plush ear cushions designed for long listening sessions. Its ergonomic build ensures comfort, even during extended use. The Jabra Elite 85h also emphasizes comfort with memory foam ear cups and a sturdy, yet lightweight frame. Both headphones are foldable for easy storage and portability.

Touch Controls

The Bose QuietComfort SE incorporates intuitive touch controls on the ear cups, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume with simple taps and swipes. The Jabra Elite 85h also features touch-sensitive panels that enable similar control functions, with some users noting a more responsive feel. Both models support gesture controls, but Bose's implementation is slightly more refined.

App Support and Customization

App support is critical for personalized sound settings and firmware updates. The Bose Music app offers a clean interface, allowing users to customize noise cancellation levels, manage Bluetooth connections, and access updates. The Jabra Sound+ app provides extensive equalizer settings, customizable presets, and a Find My Headphones feature. Both apps are compatible with iOS and Android devices, but Jabra's app offers more granular sound customization.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is a subjective but vital aspect. The Bose QuietComfort SE delivers balanced, natural sound with deep bass and clear mids, making it suitable for a variety of music genres. The Jabra Elite 85h emphasizes bass-heavy audio with a slightly more pronounced low end, appealing to bass enthusiasts. Both headphones feature active noise cancellation, but Bose's noise cancellation is often praised for its effectiveness in quieting ambient noise.

Battery Life

The Bose QuietComfort SE offers up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge, with quick charging capabilities providing 2 hours of listening from just 15 minutes of charging. The Jabra Elite 85h provides slightly longer battery life, with up to 36 hours of use, and supports fast charging for about 5 hours of playback after a 15-minute charge. Battery longevity is a key consideration for frequent travelers.

Additional Features

  • Connectivity: Both headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 with stable connections.
  • Voice Assistants: Integration with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa is available on both models.
  • Water Resistance: Neither model is fully waterproof, but the Jabra Elite 85h has an IP52 rating for splash resistance.
  • Price: The Bose QuietComfort SE tends to be priced slightly higher, reflecting its brand and noise cancellation capabilities.

Conclusion

Both the Bose QuietComfort SE and Jabra Elite 85h are excellent choices for premium wireless headphones, each excelling in different areas. If superior noise cancellation and natural sound are priorities, Bose is the preferred option. For longer battery life and customizable sound profiles, Jabra offers compelling features. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision.