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Bose Soundsport Free vs. Jabra Elite 65t

G

GomerBoy

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 12, 2012
475
131
Hello everyone,

So I'm looking to invest in a nice pair of true wireless earbuds. I have done a lot of research and have come down to these 2 models and cannot decide.

Everything about the Bose Soundsport Free ear buds seem great to me and obviously it's Bose, so the sound quality is going to be top notch correct? I like how this model has an ear hook for added security and piece of mind that they will not fall out when running. One thing I read and the biggest thing that concerns me about this model though is that when watching videos, there is lag with the audio...that concerns me greatly as I do watch a lot of YouTube videos.

The Jabra Elite 65t seem really good too...but is the sound quality as good as the Bose? This model seems to have more features too. The one thing that concerns me though is that there are no ear hooks like the Bose. How secure are they when running for those who have this model?

I'm so undecided, can anyone help please? Thank you.
 
I've used both and can give some insight. The Bose sound better than the Jabra, but man they're huge. They are decently comfortable but don't seal to the ear as the Jabra's do. Overall I prefer the Jabra. The Jabra seal, which provides a noise-isolating sound. They are more comfortable using the "turn-to-lock" method that Jabra suggests and they never fell out of my ears when running daily. They sound great. Not quite to the Bose level, but certainly better than AirPods (Overall I still prefer the ease of AirPods with iPhone connectivity but that's another story). The Jabra use Bluetooth 5 so the connection is lightning quick. The charge case is a lot smaller than the Bose so more portable in the pants pockets, etc. I noticed some audio lag with the Bose that was not present in the Jabra model.
 
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Cryates said:
I've used both and can give some insight. The Bose sound better than the Jabra, but man they're huge. They are decently comfortable but don't seal to the ear as the Jabra's do. Overall I prefer the Jabra. The Jabra seal, which provides a noise-isolating sound. They are more comfortable using the "turn-to-lock" method that Jabra suggests and they never fell out of my ears when running daily. They sound great. Not quite to the Bose level, but certainly better than AirPods (Overall I still prefer the ease of AirPods with iPhone connectivity but that's another story). The Jabra use Bluetooth 5 so the connection is lightning quick. The charge case is a lot smaller than the Bose so more portable in the pants pockets, etc. I noticed some audio lag with the Bose that was not present in the Jabra model.
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So basically the only thing the Bose has on the Jabra’s is the sound right?

The audio lag on the Bose is not acceptable to me...greatly leaning towards the Jabras, especially if you say they stay in your ears well while running.
 
GomerBoy said:
So basically the only thing the Bose has on the Jabra’s is the sound right?

The audio lag on the Bose is not acceptable to me...greatly leaning towards the Jabras, especially if you say they stay in your ears well while running.
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Yes, in my opinion of course. I seriously wouldn’t worry about the Jabra falling out. I have smaller ears and I never once had that issue. I would still use them if I didn’t prefer the conveinence of AirPods with all of my Apple devices.
 
I can’t speak for the Bose but I didn’t even consider them as they were just way too big.

I have had the Jabra Elite Active 65t’s for 3 weeks and also am trying the AirPods that I bought for my daughter but she decided against.

I really like the sound and fit of the Jabras. I think the sound quality is pretty decent. The controls on the buds are good as well.

What I don’t like about the Jabras:

1. The charging cases lacks magnets to hold the buds in. Not a deal breaker.
2. They are not as seamless switching between devices as the AirPods.
3. Audio delay is fine on Netflix but definitely noticeable when watching YouTube videos. Annoying enough where I use the AirPods instead.
4. While I’ve had no issues, many reviews complain about one earbud failing and customer support being nonexistent. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t run into this.

Right now I’m using the AirPods connected to my iPad and for videos at home. I use the Jabras during my walks and for exercising.
 
Nhwhazup said:
I can’t speak for the Bose but I didn’t even consider them as they were just way too big.

I have had the Jabra Elite Active 65t’s for 3 weeks and also am trying the AirPods that I bought for my daughter but she decided against.

I really like the sound and fit of the Jabras. I think the sound quality is pretty decent. The controls on the buds are good as well.

What I don’t like about the Jabras:

1. The charging cases lacks magnets to hold the buds in. Not a deal breaker.
2. They are not as seamless switching between devices as the AirPods.
3. Audio delay is fine on Netflix but definitely noticeable when watching YouTube videos. Annoying enough where I use the AirPods instead.
4. While I’ve had no issues, many reviews complain about one earbud failing and customer support being nonexistent. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t run into this.

Right now I’m using the AirPods connected to my iPad and for videos at home. I use the Jabras during my walks and for exercising.
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So the Jabra Elites do suffer from audio lag in YouTube? I can’t decide yet...I really like the Bose because of the sound quality and ear hooks.
 
GomerBoy said:
So the Jabra Elites do suffer from audio lag in YouTube? I can’t decide yet...I really like the Bose because of the sound quality and ear hooks.
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I like the Jabras a lot and would use only them if not for the audio lag in YouTube. I notice the slight lag both on my iPhone and iPad but only on the YouTube app.
 
Nhwhazup said:
I like the Jabras a lot and would use only them if not for the audio lag in YouTube. I notice the slight lag both on my iPhone and iPad but only on the YouTube app.
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...and I watch the YouTube app all the time lol. Maybe I shouldn’t get turely wireless yet? What is the best sound ear buds to get with just the one wire connecting the 2?
 
Bose sound nice, but everyone looks dorky wearing them since they’re ridiculously huge. Like super huge. I wouldn’t buy them on that alone. I picked up two sets of Jabras since they’re on sale at Best Buy. I tried the Jaybird too and they have louder bass than the jabras, but the fit was worse. Now is definitely the time to buy headphones.
 
bpeeps said:
Bose sound nice, but everyone looks dorky wearing them since they’re ridiculously huge. Like super huge. I wouldn’t buy them on that alone. I picked up two sets of Jabras since they’re on sale at Best Buy. I tried the Jaybird too and they have louder bass than the jabras, but the fit was worse. Now is definitely the time to buy headphones.
Click to expand...
How much are they on sale for at Best Buy? Amazon has the Jabra Elite Active 65t’s for 140 right now. Is there someplace where I can test out the sound quality before I buy?
[doublepost=1545219568][/doublepost]Also, Best Buy has the 2 week full refund with no questions asked on ear buds correct?
 
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I've used the apple airpods, the jabra 65t and the bose soundsport (with the wire between the 2, not Tru Wireless) and the Bose are my favorite. Zero lag on anything I've watched, including youtube. By far the most comfortable of the 3 and easily the best sounding of the 3. Good battery life, at least 4 or 5 hours of use and they charge relatively quickly.

The jabra don't fit me very well I guess but I haven't played with the different size tips yet. They sound decent, definitely no where near as good as the bose. I haven't noticed any lag with them watching youtube and they are very easy to setup and connect well.

The airpods just don't fit me at all and have zero sound isolation so if you are any type of semi-noise environment you'll need to turn them up louder than the others.

The Bose were a present but they'd be my pick every time. I actually like the wire since I can put 1 in and have the other hanging from my neck. No need to worry about keeping track of each one.

The only drawback of the bose and/or advantage of the jabra is being able to easily charge the jabra with the case when needed, the Bose need a mini-usb plugged in.
 
kingston73 said:
I've used the apple airpods, the jabra 65t and the bose soundsport (with the wire between the 2, not Tru Wireless) and the Bose are my favorite. Zero lag on anything I've watched, including youtube. By far the most comfortable of the 3 and easily the best sounding of the 3. Good battery life, at least 4 or 5 hours of use and they charge relatively quickly.

The jabra don't fit me very well I guess but I haven't played with the different size tips yet. They sound decent, definitely no where near as good as the bose. I haven't noticed any lag with them watching youtube and they are very easy to setup and connect well.

The airpods just don't fit me at all and have zero sound isolation so if you are any type of semi-noise environment you'll need to turn them up louder than the others.

The Bose were a present but they'd be my pick every time. I actually like the wire since I can put 1 in and have the other hanging from my neck. No need to worry about keeping track of each one.

The only drawback of the bose and/or advantage of the jabra is being able to easily charge the jabra with the case when needed, the Bose need a mini-usb plugged in.
Click to expand...
I never thought about just getting the Bose Soundsport with the wire connected between the earbuds. That would solve the issue of lagging sound in video. And you say they sound just as good?
 
The soundsport sounds great. I’ve never tried the tru wireless version but I’ve read comparisons that said my version had better overall sound with better kids and still has good lows and highs. The tru wirelessly version has a deeper fit in the ear and has a little better bass but not as good mids.

If you don’t mind their look I really think they are the best in the under $200 category.
 
So after hours of research, I may have totally just talked myself out of buying any truly wireless ear buds. Seems like they are still being developed and not in “prime time” yet?

Now I’m looking into the best pair of wireless ear buds...

Plus, I want to make sure there is no audio lag whatsoever with whatever wireless ear buds I decide to buy. Seems like all truly wireless ear buds have that problem.
 
GomerBoy said:
So after hours of research, I may have totally just talked myself out of buying any truly wireless ear buds. Seems like they are still being developed and not in “prime time” yet?

Now I’m looking into the best pair of wireless ear buds...

Plus, I want to make sure there is no audio lag whatsoever with whatever wireless ear buds I decide to buy. Seems like all truly wireless ear buds have that problem.
Click to expand...
I've only experienced the lag with the Jabra on YouTube app. The AirPods have no lag with any videos.
 
GomerBoy said:
...but the airpods just hang in the ear, probably not best for working out.
Click to expand...
Absolutely, I wouldn’t recommended the AirPods for working out. I don’t even wear them when I go for my walks. I like the Jabras for that.

I think technology will improve in the next couple of years. Hopefully they’ll get the audio lag corrected with all Bluetooth so consumers can just choose products by their features.
 
I had a longtime the Bose Soundsport and the Sound is incredible, as well as for the Free version, but as mentioned, they look donkey.

Also, the Free's have the Master/Slave situation, which means, the Master gets all information and sends it to the the slave (left earbud). This might also cause lag. AND the worse is, when you make phonecalls, it only works with the master, which is the right earbud. and this is for me a no go.

For just music and workout, yes, but not for daily use.




I orderd the B&O E8, I think they look nice and they are currently for 179 EUR cheaper then original price. So I give them a shot. If it does not work out I go for the airpods again.
 
ales876 said:
I had a longtime the Bose Soundsport and the Sound is incredible, as well as for the Free version, but as mentioned, they look donkey.

Also, the Free's have the Master/Slave situation, which means, the Master gets all information and sends it to the the slave (left earbud). This might also cause lag. AND the worse is, when you make phonecalls, it only works with the master, which is the right earbud. and this is for me a no go.

For just music and workout, yes, but not for daily use.




I orderd the B&O E8, I think they look nice and they are currently for 179 EUR cheaper then original price. So I give them a shot. If it does not work out I go for the airpods again.
Click to expand...
I think I’m going to try the Bose Soundsport wireless with the wire...that way I know they will not have sound lag with video! Do they stay in the ear well?
Then I’ll go full wireless in a year or 2 when things are more developed...
 
GomerBoy said:
I think I’m going to try the Bose Soundsport wireless with the wire...that way I know they will not have sound lag with video! Do they stay in the ear well?
Click to expand...
Yes, totally. You would still look a little like Shrek, but they stick perfect in the ear and the sound is awesome. Mine broke after almost 2 years, I got them replaced by Bose, but sold them then.
 
ales876 said:
Yes, totally. You would still look a little like Shrek, but they stick perfect in the ear and the sound is awesome. Mine broke after almost 2 years, I got them replaced by Bose, but sold them then.
Click to expand...
Why did you decide to sell them?
 
GomerBoy said:
Why did you decide to sell them?
Click to expand...

Because I was looking for the AirPods 2 which now come again in 2020 or something. So I normally wanted to go now for the "old" Airpods, but ordered E8, because I like how they look in the ear and are right now available for 180 EUR instead of 300. So I give it a shot.

But as mentioned, soundwise awesome, but the hang out of the ear a little, whichh kinda looks like Shrek.
 
GomerBoy said:
I think I’m going to try the Bose Soundsport wireless with the wire...that way I know they will not have sound lag with video! Do they stay in the ear well?
Then I’ll go full wireless in a year or 2 when things are more developed...
Click to expand...

If you don't mind the look I think you will be very happy with them. Some bonuses with the Bose over the Jabra 65T - when you connect to the bose it will talk to you and say "iphone connected" or "ipad connected" or whatever you've named your device. The jabra just say "1 device connected" or "2 devices connected" but it doesn't tell you which specific one.

Also the Bose will tell you when you first turn them on what the battery percentage is and will also warn you when the battery is getting low.
 
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