The wireless earbuds market has become increasingly competitive, with various brands offering products that cater to different needs, from superior sound quality to advanced features and rugged durability. The Jabra Elite 8 is a versatile option that aims to deliver an exceptional listening experience while offering the toughness needed to withstand an active lifestyle. In this review, we will deeply dive into the Jabra Elite 8, exploring its design, sound quality, features, and overall value to determine if it lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
In this Jabra Elite 8 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Jabra Elite 8 immediately catches the eye with its sleek, minimalist design. Available in various colors, including Titanium Black, Beige, and Navy, these earbuds are designed to suit different tastes while maintaining a premium look and feel. The smooth, matte finish gives the Elite 8 a sophisticated, modern, and understated appearance.
Regarding build quality, the Jabra Elite 8 is engineered to last. These earbuds are constructed from high-quality materials that are both durable and lightweight, ensuring comfort during extended use. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ear, with a slightly angled shape that follows the natural contours of the ear canal. This ergonomic design not only enhances comfort but also provides a secure fit, making them ideal for activities ranging from commuting to intense workouts.
One of the standout features of the Jabra Elite 8 is its IP57 rating, which means the earbuds are both dustproof and water-resistant. Whether caught in the rain, sweating during a workout, or trekking in a dusty environment, the Elite 8 is built to handle everything. The ruggedness of these earbuds makes them perfect for those who lead an active lifestyle and need a reliable audio companion that can keep up with their pace.
The charging case that comes with the Jabra Elite 8 is compact and easy to carry around. It features a smooth matte finish that complements the earbuds and is small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket. The case has a secure magnetic closure to keep the earbuds safe when not in use. Additionally, the case supports wireless charging, which adds a layer of convenience to the overall experience.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the Jabra Elite 8 truly shines. Jabra has equipped these earbuds with 6mm custom-designed drivers that deliver a well-balanced sound profile suitable for various music genres. Whether you’re a fan of bass-heavy tracks, acoustic melodies, or podcasts, the Elite 8 provides a rich and immersive audio experience.
The bass response is deep and punchy without overpowering, ensuring that low-end frequencies are delivered with clarity and precision. The mids are clear and well-defined, allowing vocals and instruments to come through naturally without getting lost in the mix. The crisp, bright treble adds detail and sparkle to the overall signature. The Jabra Elite 8 offers a versatile audio experience that will satisfy casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
The Jabra Elite 8 also features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, effectively blocking background noise so you can fully immerse yourself in your music or focus on a call. The ANC is highly effective in various environments, from bustling city streets to noisy offices. The earbuds offer customizable ANC settings through the Jabra Sound+ app, allowing you to adjust the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings. Whether you need complete isolation or a reduction in background noise, the Elite 8’s ANC has you covered.
In addition to ANC, the Jabra Elite 8 also includes a HearThrough mode, which allows ambient sounds to filter through the earbuds. This feature is handy when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, such as when walking in busy areas or having a quick conversation without removing the earbuds. The transition between ANC and HearThrough mode is seamless, giving you complete control over your listening experience.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The Jabra Elite 8 excels in call quality, making it a top choice for professionals and anyone who needs to take calls on the go. Each earbud has multiple microphones that capture your voice clearly while minimizing background noise. The result is clear and crisp voice transmission, even in noisy environments.
The Elite 8’s microphones use advanced noise reduction technology to ensure your voice is loud and clear on the other end of the call. Whether in a busy café, walking down a bustling street, or working in an open office, the earbuds filter out unwanted sounds for a smooth conversation. The earbuds also support voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri, allowing you to easily make hands-free calls, send messages, and control your smart devices.
In addition to voice calls, the Jabra Elite 8 is ideal for video conferencing. The earbuds maintain a stable Bluetooth connection, ensuring your calls and meetings are uninterrupted by dropouts or latency issues. The combination of high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and superior microphone performance makes the Elite 8 an excellent choice for personal and professional communication.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is critical when choosing wireless earbuds, and the Jabra Elite 8 delivers strong performance. With ANC enabled, the earbuds offer up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge. With ANC turned off, you can extend the battery life to around 9 hours. This makes the Elite 8 ideal for long listening sessions, whether on a long commute, traveling, or working through the day.
The charging case provides an additional 21 hours of battery life, bringing the total to 28 hours with ANC enabled. The case supports fast charging, giving you an hour of playback with just a 10-minute charge. This is particularly useful when you’re in a rush and must quickly top up your earbuds. The case is also compatible with wireless charging pads, adding an extra convenience for those who prefer a cable-free charging experience.
The Jabra Elite 8 features a USB-C charging port for quick and reliable charging. LED indicators on the case and earbuds provide visual feedback on the battery status, so you always know how much power you have left. Whether planning a long trip or just needing to get through a busy day, the Elite 8’s impressive battery life and charging options ensure you won’t be left without your music.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is crucial for any pair of wireless earbuds, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods. The Jabra Elite 8 excels in this area, offering a comfortable and secure fit that makes it suitable for all-day wear. The earbuds are ergonomically designed to fit snugly in the ear without causing discomfort or pressure.
The Elite 8 comes with three sets of silicone ear tips in different sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. The ear tips create a good seal, enhancing comfort and improving passive noise isolation. This ensures you can enjoy your music without being disturbed by external sounds, even before you activate the ANC.
The lightweight design of the Elite 8 further contributes to their comfort. The earbuds are designed to sit flush with the ear, so they don’t protrude awkwardly or feel heavy. This makes them ideal for use during physical activities like jogging, working out, or walking around town. The secure fit ensures that the earbuds stay in place, even during intense movements, making them a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts.
The Jabra Elite 8’s comfort is complemented by its intuitive controls. The earbuds feature touch-sensitive controls that allow you to play/pause music, skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer calls with simple taps. The touch controls are responsive and easy to use, even when you’re on the move. The Jabra Sound+ app also allows you to customize the touch controls to suit your preferences, giving you complete control over your listening experience.
Connectivity and App Features
The Jabra Elite 8 offers excellent connectivity options, ensuring a seamless and reliable wireless experience. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2, which provides a strong and stable connection with minimal latency. Pairing the earbuds with your device is quick and easy, and once connected, the Elite 8 maintains a consistent connection, even in environments with a lot of wireless interference.
One of the standout features of the Jabra Elite 8 is its multipoint connectivity, which allows you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. This means you can easily switch between listening to music on your laptop and taking calls on your smartphone without disconnecting and reconnecting manually. The transition between devices is smooth and automatic, making the Elite 8 a convenient choice for multitaskers.
The Jabra Sound+ app is an essential companion for the Elite 8, offering a range of features that enhance the overall user experience. Through the app, you can customize the sound profile of the earbuds using the built-in equalizer, allowing you to adjust the bass, mids, and treble to your liking. The app also provides access to various sound modes, including ANC, HearThrough, and a personalized sound experience based on your hearing profile.
The Jabra Sound+ app also includes features like firmware updates, monitoring battery status, and locating your earbuds if they’re misplaced. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest features and improvements.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is essential for wireless earbuds, especially if you plan to use them in various environments. The Jabra Elite 8 is designed to withstand the challenges of daily use, with an IP57 rating that ensures the earbuds are dustproof and waterproof.
-resistant. This level of protection means the Elite 8 can handle exposure to sweat, rain, and dust without any issues, making it ideal for outdoor activities, workouts, and travel.
The rugged build quality of the Elite 8 gives you confidence that these earbuds will last, even with regular use. The water resistance also makes them easy to clean, as you can simply wipe them down after a workout or rinse them off under running water. While not water-resistant, the charging case is designed to be durable and protective, keeping the earbuds safe when not in use.
Jabra is renowned for producing reliable and long-lasting products; the Elite 8 is no exception. The earbuds are backed by a 2-year warranty covering any dust and water damage defects. This warranty provides peace of mind, knowing your investment is protected against unexpected issues.
Value for Money
The Jabra Elite 8 is positioned as a mid-to-high-range product, offering a blend of premium features and durability at a competitive price. While the Elite 8 may be more expensive than some entry-level wireless earbuds, it provides excellent value for money, given its impressive sound quality, advanced features, and overall durability.
Compared to other wireless earbuds in its price range, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or the Bose Sport Earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 has its performance and features. The Elite 8’s customizable ANC, superior call quality, and multipoint connectivity make it a strong contender in the market. Additionally, the IP57 rating and ergonomic design add to its appeal, particularly for users who need a versatile pair of earbuds that can handle various activities and environments.
The Jabra Elite 8 is an excellent investment for those prioritizing sound quality, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re a music lover, a frequent traveler, or need reliable earbuds for work calls, the Elite 8 delivers a well-rounded and satisfying experience. The combination of advanced technology, thoughtful design, and robust build quality ensures that the Elite 8 is worth every penny.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior sound quality with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp treble
- Effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with customizable levels
- Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes
- IP57 rating for dust and water resistance
- Excellent call quality with advanced microphone technology
- Long battery life with up to 28 hours of total playback time
- Multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between devices
- Customizable controls and sound profiles via the Jabra Sound+ app
- Wireless charging and fast charging support
Cons:
- The mid-range price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- No active noise cancellation adjustment for specific environments (e.g., wind noise)
- The charging case is not water-resistant
Conclusion
The Jabra Elite 8 is a top-tier wireless earbud that offers everything you could want in a premium audio device. From its exceptional sound quality and effective noise cancellation to its comfortable fit and durable design, the Elite 8 excels in all the key areas. Whether you’re using them for music, calls, workouts, or travel, these earbuds deliver a consistently high-quality experience that’s hard to beat.
While the Jabra Elite 8 has a premium price tag, its value justifies the cost. The cutting-edge features, impressive battery life, and rugged durability make the Elite 8 a reliable and versatile choice for many users. If you’re in the market for wireless earbuds that provide an outstanding balance of performance, comfort, and convenience, the Jabra Elite 8 is a product that’s well worth considering.
Table: Summary
Feature | Details |
Sound Quality | Rich bass, clear mids, crisp treble |
Active Noise Cancellation | Customizable ANC with effective noise-blocking |
Call Quality | Superior microphone performance with clear voice transmission |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours with ANC, 28 hours total with case |
Comfort and Fit | Ergonomic design with multiple ear tip sizes |
Durability | IP57 rating for dust and water resistance |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connectivity |
Charging Options | Wireless charging, USB-C fast charging |
Price | Mid-to-high range pricing |
The Jabra Elite 8 is an outstanding choice for those seeking premium wireless earbuds with sound quality, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re an audiophile, a professional, or enjoy excellent audio, the Elite 8 delivers a truly elite experience.
Jabra Elite 8 FAQ
What is the IP rating of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds?
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds are rated IP68, making them dustproof and waterproof, suitable for rigorous workouts and outdoor activities.
How long is the battery life of the Powerbeats Pro Earbuds?
The earbuds offer up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and up to 8 hours with ANC enabled.
Do the Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds support noise cancellation?
Yes, these earbuds come equipped with Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing you to enjoy your audio content without external disturbances.