Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless Earbuds Review
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The Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless Earbuds are a new addition to the market, catering specifically to those with an active lifestyle. Whether you’re a hardcore runner or constantly on the move, these earbuds promise to stay securely in your ears during any activity, thanks to their secure active fit.
With their ergonomic, wing-free design, these earbuds not only prioritize staying in place, but they also prioritize providing excellent comfort. If you’re someone who is always on calls, you’ll appreciate the four integrated microphones that ensure clear conversations, even in windy conditions. However, keep in mind that wind noise might still pose as a challenge, as the microphones are only protected by a special mesh cover. So, if you’re planning on using these earbuds in particularly windy environments, you might want to consider other options.
The Elite 4 Active earbuds are equipped with physical buttons to provide more precision and better control while using them on the go. These buttons allow you to adjust the HearThrough technology, which keeps you alert in noisy environments with just a touch. Plus, with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), you can tune out the rest of the world and fully immerse yourself in your music, though the effectiveness of ANC can vary depending on the environment.
For those who like personalization, the Jabra Sound+ app offers bass boost and equalizer options to tailor the sound to your preferences. Whether you’re a bass lover or prefer a more balanced sound, this feature allows you to fine-tune your listening experience.
To make your life even more convenient, these earbuds offer features like voice activation and tap control, allowing you to seamlessly connect to your music or access information without reaching for your phone. You can activate Siri, Spotify Tap Playback, or even Alexa Built-in just with a voice command or a tap. Additionally, Google Fast Pair ensures an instant connection with your Android phone.
A major advantage of these earbuds is their battery life. Each bud offers up to 7 hours of playtime, and when paired with the charging case, you get a total of 28 hours. The case itself features a USB-C port and a powerful magnetic docking system that securely holds the earbuds in place. However, it’s worth noting that these earbuds do not provide wireless charging capabilities, which might be a downside for some users.
For those concerned about durability, the Elite 4 Active earbuds are IP57 water- and sweatproof, making them suitable for intense workouts or even rainy days. Plus, they come with a 2-year warranty, although registration is required to activate the warranty.
The product is delivered in frustration-free packaging, which might be a plus for those who value simplicity. However, it’s important to note that the package is plain, without any additional Amazon packaging. So, if you’re someone who enjoys the unboxing experience or wants a more aesthetically pleasing package, you might feel a bit disappointed.
All in all, the Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless Earbuds offer a comfortable fit, good sound quality with customizable options, and convenient features for an active lifestyle. However, wind noise might be an issue, and some might find the lack of wireless charging and plain packaging a bit underwhelming. If you’re looking for earbuds that can keep up with your active lifestyle, it might be worth considering these, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Design: Wing-free ergonomic design
- Fit: Secure active fit
- Protection: IP57 water- and sweatproof
- Microphones: Four integrated microphones
- Noise Control: Adjustable HearThrough technology, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Buttons: Physical buttons for precision and control
- Sound Personalization: Customizable equalizer, bass boost
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Google Fast Pair
- Voice Activation: Siri, Android-compatible Spotify Tap Playback, Alexa Built-in
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours per bud, 28 hours with case
- Charging: USB-C port, fast charging
- Compatibility: Android 6.0 or higher
- Warranty: 2-year warranty (registration required)
- Included: Charging Case, EarGels in 3 sizes, USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Weight: 5 g (per earbud)
- Color: Navy
Jabra Elite 4 Active: Engineered for Movement, but Does it Outrun the Competition?
In the bustling marketplace of true wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 4 Active positions itself as a prime contender for those who lead an active lifestyle. But how does it fare against the stiff competition in this crowded sector? We’ve pitted the Jabra Elite 4 Active against some of its most prominent rivals to give you a comprehensive breakdown of its strengths and potential pitfalls.
One of the defining features of the Jabra Elite 4 Active is its secure active fit and ergonomic, wing-free design. Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, which offers a similar snug feel but with a stem-based design, the Jabra’s approach aims to stay put during intense physical activities. Additionally, the IP57 rating for water and sweat resistance ensures these earbuds can handle sweaty workouts and even a bit of rain. By contrast, the Beats Powerbeats Pro, another notable competitor, offers ear hooks for extra security, though this design might not suit all users in terms of comfort.
The Elite 4 Active boasts four microphones with a special mesh cover to minimize wind noise, enhancing call clarity. While it’s an admirable effort, the Sony WF-1000XM4 still leads the pack in delivering unmatched call quality and overall sound performance, thanks to their advanced noise-canceling technology. However, Jabra’s physical buttons for on-the-go precision control might appeal more to users tired of the unreliable touch sensors found in some other models.
Noise control is another battleground where the Elite 4 Active stands its ground. Its adjustable HearThrough technology and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) allow users to toggle between awareness and immersion easily. This functionality is comparable to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, known for their superior ANC but at a higher price point. However, the Jabra earbuds offer respectable noise cancellation, a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
Customizable sound is a game-changer, and the Jabra Sound+ app provides users with bass boosts and equalizer options, delivering a sculpted audio experience. This level of personalization edges closer to what high-end buds like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 offer, but without the exorbitant price tag.
Another noteworthy feature is the mono mode, which allows the use of one earbud while the other charges. This is great for marathon sessions where users can’t afford a full downtime. Although, it should be noted that models like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro also offer similar features and slightly better battery performance per charge.
Jabra has undeniably integrated a seamless connection experience through Bluetooth 5.2 and Google Fast Pair for Android devices. The instant pairing and diverse voice assistant support, including Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, is where the Elite 4 Active truly shines. However, Apple-centric users might find the AirPods Pro more intuitive with iOS connectivity, despite the Jabra’s competitive edge in Android integration.
When it comes to battery life, the Elite 4 Active provides up to 7 hours per bud and 28 hours with the case, which is fairly robust but falls short when compared to the likes of Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro that offer up to 9 hours per charge.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers commendable features tailored for an active lifestyle. It’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking for secure, comfortable fit and robust integration with Android devices. However, for those seeking top-tier sound quality or the ultimate in noise cancellation, there might be better options available in a higher price range.