Jabra Elite 8 Active Wireless Earbuds Review
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Introducing the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless sport earbuds, the self-proclaimed “world’s toughest earbuds”. Designed with athletes in mind, these earbuds are engineered with Jabra ShakeGrip technology to ensure they stay firmly in your ears, even during the most intense workouts. However, it remains to be seen if this technology truly delivers on its promises, as some users have reported occasional slippage.
One standout feature of these earbuds is the wind-neutralizing HearThrough technology, which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings even in busy environments. This could be a crucial safety feature for outdoor exercisers, although it is worth noting that some users have commented on the need to increase volume levels to compensate for ambient noise.
In terms of sound quality, the Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds boast powerful 6mm speakers with Spatial Sound powered by Dolby, promising a superior audio experience. However, some audiophiles have raised concerns about the overall fidelity and balanced sound reproduction, suggesting that there may be room for improvement in this area.
One intriguing aspect of these earbuds is the Smartwatch Connectivity feature, which allows users to connect their earbuds to their smartwatches and enjoy a phone-free run. This could be a convenient option for fitness enthusiasts who want to streamline their workout experience. However, it is worth noting that the Smartwatch Connectivity feature has compatibility limitations and may not work seamlessly with all smartwatch models.
Battery life is a significant selling point for the Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds, with up to 8 hours of playtime per earbud, and a total of 32 hours when using the charging case. This should be more than sufficient for most users, although heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.
In terms of durability, Jabra claims these earbuds are completely watertight, even when submerged up to 1.5 meters. This is a bold claim, and while some users have reported successful usage in wet conditions, others have mentioned concerns about long-term durability and the potential for water damage.
Finally, it is worth noting that the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless sport earbuds come with a 2-year warranty (registration required via the Jabra Sound+ app) and are shipped in frustration-free packaging. The plain box, however, may not be to everyone’s liking, as some users prefer additional protective packaging when purchasing online.
In summary, the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless sport earbuds offer a range of features that are sure to appeal to fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. However, it is important to approach these claims with some skepticism, as user experiences and reviews have been mixed. It remains to be seen if these earbuds truly live up to their “world’s toughest” title and deliver on all their promises – but for those seeking a durable and versatile audio solution for their workouts, they may be worth considering.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Durability: Dust, water, and sweat resistant
- Fit: Wing-free design with secure in-ear Jabra ShakeGrip fit
- Sound: Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) filters out background noise
- HearThrough: Technology to hear your surroundings
- Microphones: 6 microphones for clear calls
- Speakers: Powerful 6mm speakers with Spatial Sound powered by Dolby Audio
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per earbud, 32 hours with case
- Connection: Smartwatch connectivity and seamless switching between 2 devices
- Included: 1x Jabra Elite 8 Active, charging case, eargels in 3 sizes, USB-C to USB-A cable, warranty and warning leaflet
- Weight: 5g/0.2oz per earbud
- Warranty: 2-year warranty (registration required via the Jabra Sound+ App)
Jabra Elite 8 Active: The Ultimate Sport Earbuds for the Serious Athlete?
The fiercely competitive market for sport earbuds has a new contender in the form of the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless sport earbuds. Boasting to be the “world’s toughest earbuds,” the Jabra Elite 8 Active aims to cater to athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. With an impressive array of features engineered to enhance durability and sound quality, these earbuds promise to push the boundaries. But how does it really stack up against its competitors, like the Apple AirPods Pro, Bose Sport Earbuds, and Sony WF-1000XM4?
Durability and Fit: Unshakable but Sensible?
At first glance, the Jabra Elite 8 Active’s claim of being the “world’s toughest earbuds” sets a high bar. Engineered with Jabra ShakeGrip technology, these earbuds promise an unshakable fit. Unlike the winged design seen in the Bose Sport Earbuds, Jabra opts for a wing-free, compact design that nonetheless promises a secure fit during rigorous workouts. The IP57 rated water-, sweat- and dust-resistance sets these earbuds apart from both the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4, which have IPX4 ratings. This makes Jabra’s offering ideal for those who prioritize durability. Yet, some might find the lack of wings a potential issue in maintaining that snug fit during high-impact activities.
Sound Quality: Punchy but Premium?
Sporting 6mm speakers powered by Dolby, the Elite 8 Active promises a superior auditory experience. The Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) could rival the ANC capabilities of other high-end competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro. However, the Jabra’s unique HearThrough technology adds an innovative touch, allowing situational awareness—perfect for outdoor runs or busy environments. Nevertheless, audiophiles might argue that the soundstage, driven by 6mm speakers, could fall short compared to the larger drivers available in Sony WF-1000XM4 buds.
Battery Life: Strong but Not Superior?
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers a commendable battery life—8 hours per bud with an additional 32 hours via the charging case. This is on par with the Bose Sport Earbuds but falls a bit short compared to the Sony WF-1000XM4, which stretches up to 36 hours with the case. While this slight difference may not be a deal-breaker, heavy users could find it a critical factor.
Convenience and Connectivity: Innovative but Limited?
One standout feature is the Smartwatch Connectivity, enabling users to take phone-free runs, a feature that sets it apart from Apple and Bose. Furthermore, Bluetooth Multipoint allows seamless switching between two devices, a functionality seen in Jabra’s previous models and a boon for multitaskers. However, the necessity to register for a 2-year warranty through the Jabra Sound+ app may seem cumbersome to some, particularly when competitors offer hassle-free warranties without extra steps.
Who Is This For?
Ultimately, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is tailored for athletes and fitness buffs seeking durable, high-performing earbuds. Those who prioritize durability and hands-free convenience during their workouts will find these earbuds a worthy investment. While it excels in many areas, sound purists and those requiring extended battery life might find competitors like Sony WF-1000XM4 more to their liking.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 8 Active True Wireless sport earbuds bring a robust and versatile option to the market, standing tall amidst stiff competition. Their unique combination of durability, sound quality, and innovative connectivity features make them a formidable choice for the active lifestyle. That said, certain trade-offs in sound performance and slightly shorter battery life must be considered. For those who live an active lifestyle, these earbuds could be the perfect companion.
