Jabra Elite 85t Active Navy Review


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The Jabra Elite 8 Active: The Pros and Cons

If you’re in the market for a pair of earphones that can stand up to the toughest conditions, then the Jabra Elite 8 Active might just be the perfect fit for you. Available in a sleek Active Navy colour, these in-ear earphones are designed to stay put no matter how active you are.

One of the standout features of the Jabra Elite 8 Active is its highest durability and unshakable fit. With a dust, water, and sweat-resistant design, these earphones can handle whatever you throw at them. The wing-free design ensures comfort during extended wear, while the secure in-ear Jabra ShakeGrip fit guarantees reliable use.

When it comes to sound quality, the Jabra Elite 8 Active doesn’t disappoint. Equipped with Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), these earphones are able to filter out background noise for an immersive listening experience. If you prefer to hear your surroundings, simply switch to the HearThrough mode. With 6 microphones, these earphones also offer crystal-clear call quality no matter where you are.

In terms of performance, the Jabra Elite 8 Active delivers maximum power. The powerful 6mm speakers, powered by Dolby Audio, ensure that every beat is delivered with precision and clarity. Each earbud provides up to 8 hours of battery life, and with the included charging case, you can enjoy up to 32 hours of playback. And when you’re in a hurry, the fast-charging feature will get you back in the game in no time.

Staying connected is a breeze with the Jabra Elite 8 Active. Whether you want to connect to your Smartwatch or switch seamlessly between two devices with Bluetooth Multipoint, these earphones have you covered.

Included in the box are the Jabra Elite 8 Active earphones, charging case, eargels in 3 sizes, a USB-C to USB-A cable, as well as a warranty and warning leaflet. The earbuds are incredibly lightweight, coming in at just 5g, making them perfect for extended wear.

Overall, the Jabra Elite 8 Active offers a range of impressive features that make it an enticing choice for those seeking rugged, high-performance earphones. However, it’s important to note that while these earphones excel in many areas, they may not be suitable for everyone. The compact design, while great for portability, may not provide the same level of comfort for all users. Additionally, the battery life, while decent, may not be sufficient for those who require longer playback times. As with any electronic device, it’s always a good idea to do your research and consider your own specific needs before making a final decision.

With a 2-year warranty and the option to register via the Jabra Sound+ App, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Key Technical Specifications:

  • Colour: Active Navy
  • Ear placement: In Ear
  • Form factor: In Ear
  • Noise control: Active Noise Cancellation
  • Highest durability and unshakable fit: Dust, water and sweat resistant earphones in a compact, wing-free design – with secure in-ear Jabra ShakeGrip fit for reliable use
  • Superior sound: Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) filters out background noise or switch to HearThrough to hear your surroundings – 6 microphones ensure clear calls anywhere
  • Maximum performance: Powerful 6mm speakers with Spatial Sound powered by Dolby Audio deliver quality sound – each bud offers up to 8 hours of battery life, 32 hours with case and fast charge
  • Solid and stable connection: Connect the earphones to your Smartwatch and listen to your music while running. Seamless switching between 2 devices with Bluetooth Multipoint
  • In the box: 1x Jabra Elite 8 Active, charging case, eargels in 3 sizes, USB-C to USB-A cable, warranty and warning leaflet – Weight per earbud: 5g / 0.2oz, Navy – All in Frustration-free packaging
  • Product warranty: 2 years (registration required via the Jabra Sound+ App)

Evaluating the Jabra Elite 8 Active: A Fitness-Driven Rival in the Noise-Cancelling Earphone Market

As the high-demand world of wireless audio devices continues to burgeon, the Jabra Elite 8 Active earphones make a strong case for fitness-conscious users. Marketed with claims of unyielding durability and impressive audio performance, these in-ear marvels aim to court those who demand both substance and style from their workout music companions. But how do they measure up against competitors like Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM4?

Durability: A Cut Above the Rest

Right out of the gate, Jabra presents its Elite 8 Active as a bastion of reliability. With dust, water, and sweat resistance, they are engineered with ShakeGrip technology that ensures the earbuds stay firmly in place. This makes them stellar for athletes and fitness aficionados. In contrast, while Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM4 offer water-resistance—being IPX4 and IPX4-rated, respectively—Jabra takes it a step further, promising a more rigorous protection that’s likely more reassuring for adventurous workouts in diverse environments.

Audio and Noise Cancellation: Stiff Competition

The Jabra Elite 8 Active prides itself on its Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Dolby Audio-powered Spatial Sound. While many users may find its ANC effective in a variety of settings, Apple and Sony have set a high bar. The AirPods Pro’s seamless integration with iOS and the WF-1000XM4’s leading ANC technology constitute formidable competition, providing possibly deeper noise cancellation and more seamless sound profiles. Jabra’s advantage may lie in their balance, offering commendable sound across various genres and maintaining clarity in voice calls with their six-microphone system, a feature that can make them highly appealing to professionals multitasking during workouts.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Robust but Familiar

Battery endurance is another realm where Jabra shows confidence, offering up to 8 hours per charge and an impressive 32 hours with the case. This figure closely matches or exceeds what AirPods Pro users experience, though Sony’s WF-1000XM4 still nudges ahead in combined usage time. Add to this Jabra’s Bluetooth Multipoint capability and connectivity with smartwatches, and you have a versatile user experience, albeit not one that drastically dethroned existing leaders but holds its ground firmly.

User Experience: Streamlined with Room for Improvement

Overall, while Jabra’s user interface is manageable, there’s potential friction in requiring registration through the Jabra Sound+ App for warranty activation, a seeming minor nuisance that could be seen as an additional step for users who crave simplicity. Additionally, Jabra’s in-ear design without wingtips may not serve everyone’s comfort, particularly over longer sessions compared to the refined ergonomics of Apple’s and Sony’s offerings.

For fitness lovers and adventurous audiophiles seeking reliable earphones that embrace rugged use without sacrificing sound quality, the Jabra Elite 8 Active might just be your ideal accomplice. However, audiophiles who prioritize state-of-the-art noise cancellation and those deeply embedded in the Apple or Android ecosystems might still find stronger allies in AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM4. In a competitive field, Jabra’s latest entry stands out as a highly competent partner for enduring active lifestyles.

Price: 258.12

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.