Fitness Headphones · owner-verdict comparison

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds vs Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 64% of 148 Bose Ultra Open Earbuds owners recommend it, vs 66% of 140 for the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

64%of 148 owners recommend
64% recommend · 13% neutral · 23% don't
Owners praise
  • Open design keeps you aware of your surroundings
  • Exceptionally comfortable, barely-there all-day wear
  • Surprisingly good sound for an open-ear bud
Owners complain about
  • Weak or no bass due to the open, sealless fit
  • Poor call and mic quality
  • Expensive for what you get
Full owner report →

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2

66%of 140 owners recommend
66% recommend · 9% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
  • Secure fit that stays put during workouts, runs, and sweat
  • Rugged, waterproof build that handles showers, rain, and sauna
  • Comfortable enough for long wear and even sleeping
Owners complain about
  • Background hiss, white noise, or static, often with ANC on
  • Sound quality good but not best-in-class for some
  • ANC underwhelming next to rivals like Sony and Bose
Full owner report →

What Bose Ultra Open Earbuds owners say

“For me they were worth every penny.”
— @MingRose on YouTube
“Im actually liking the design. A lot of earbuds always fall out when i run or just aren't comfortable”
— @smittyvanjagermanjenson182 on YouTube
“the fact they arent good for calls is killing me”
— @jamesshepherd1860 on YouTube

What Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 owners say

“Best sport buds I have ever used ever. Incredible.”
— @viktorask on YouTube
“A damn shame. Love my Elite 8 Active and may upgrade to the Gen 2 as the headphone jack adapter is very creative.”
— @UlyssesFartknocker on YouTube
“I just received mine today to replace my old Sony wf-sp00n. Im disappointed. Comparing with Sony, the sound it's inferior.”
— @cbnx19 on YouTube