Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

On-Ear

Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones

Not yet scored

$180

Full review data

On-Ear

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

79Great

$130

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset leads on 7 of 7 measures.

Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones
JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

HearWiki score

Sound

7.4

Noise cancelling

6.5

Battery

9.2

Calls

8.0

Value

8.0

Price (USD)

$180

$130

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset (2024) against Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones (2014). The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None.

SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones2014
Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset202410 yr newer

What differsSoundTrue On-Ear HeadphonesEpic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

ANC type: None; Hybrid

Specifications

SoundTrue On-Ear HeadphonesEpic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

Type: On-Ear; On-Ear
Price (USD): $180; $130
HearWiki score: Not scored; 79
Released: 2014; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 36 mm dynamic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 36 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW; 94 dB/mW
Bluetooth: -; 5.3
Codecs: -; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: -; Yes
Latency: -; 50 ms
Wireless range: -; 9 m
Battery life: -; 90 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 60 h
Quick charge: -; 10 min → 6 h
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: -; hybrid
Transparency mode: -; Yes
Companion app: -; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: buttons; buttons
Voice assistant: No; Yes
Weight: 111 g; 128 g
Case weight: -; 80 g
Water resistance: -; none
Detachable cable: Yes; No
USB-C: -; Yes
Pad material: -; leather
Connector: -; USB-C
Microphones: 1; 5
Microphone type: -; MEMS
Mic sensitivity: -; -38 dBV
Call noise reduction: -; Yes
Call NR technology: -; 2-mic ENC

Specification comparison of Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones vs JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset
Spec	Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones	JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset
Type	On-Ear	On-Ear
Price (USD)	$180	$130
HearWiki score	Not scored	79 / 100 Great
Released	2014	2024
Audio
Driver	36 mm dynamic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	36 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW	94 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Latency	-	50 ms
Wireless range	-	9 m
Battery
Battery life	-	90 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	60 h
Quick charge	-	10 min → 6 h
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	-	hybrid
Transparency mode	-	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	buttons	buttons
Voice assistant	No	Yes
Design
Weight	111 g	128 g
Case weight	-	80 g
Water resistance	-	none
Detachable cable	Yes	No
USB-C	-	Yes
Pad material	-	leather
Connector	-	USB-C
Calls
Microphones	1	5
Microphone type	-	MEMS
Mic sensitivity	-	-38 dBV
Call noise reduction	-	Yes
Call NR technology	-	2-mic ENC

What reviewers said

Bose SoundTrue On-Ear Headphones

The Bose SoundTrue On-Ear headphones are wired, on-ear cans built for everyday comfort and crisp sound. Their lightweight, foldable frame makes them easy to tote around, and the detachable cable adds practical convenience. With a 36mm dynamic driver and a broad frequency range, they deliver balanced audio for casual listening.

Pro:Lightweight and foldable for easy portability
Pro:Comfortable on-ear fit for extended sessions
Pro:Detachable cable for simple replacement or upgrades

Con:No active noise cancellation, so ambient noise leaks in
Con:Wired only, limiting wireless freedom
Con:On-ear design may not suit listeners who prefer over-ear comfort

JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset

The JLab Epic Work ANC Wireless On-Ear Headset is a lightweight, versatile option designed for office and remote work, featuring hybrid active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3, and multipoint connectivity. It offers impressive battery endurance, clear call quality with multiple microphones, and a simple button-based control scheme, all wrapped in a comfortable, portable design.

Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC enabled
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long work sessions
Pro:Hybrid ANC effectively reduces moderate ambient noise

Con:Occasional Bluetooth connectivity quirks reported
Con:No water resistance rating
Con:Limited codec support (only SBC and AAC)

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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