Jabra, although less widely recognized than some of its competitors, has outperformed the likes of Apple and Samsung in our rigorous testing. Moreover, Jabra’s headphones often come with a more budget-friendly price tag. The now-discontinued Jabra Elite Active 75t once dominated our list of the best wireless earbuds, convincing us to temporarily set aside our AirPods Pro. With Jabra now offering a wide range of earbuds, from the budget-friendly Elite 3 to the premium Elite 7 Pro, there’s something for everyone.
Choosing the right pair of Jabra earbuds has become more challenging as the lineup has expanded. Thankfully, we’ve extensively tested Jabra’s current models and are here to simplify that decision for you.
Exploring Jabra Earbuds: What You Need to Know
Jabra Earbuds Compatibility
Before you decide on a pair of Jabra earbuds, there are crucial factors to consider regarding the entire range. Jabra’s earbuds are remarkably platform-agnostic, seamlessly connecting to both iPhones and Android devices via Bluetooth. They come with a free Sound+ app that allows you to adjust sound profiles and activate special features. While some Jabra buds, like the Elite 4 Active, offer Android-exclusive features like Google Fast Pair and Alexa support, they still perform exceptionally well on all types of smartphones.
Almost all Jabra earbuds feature a HearThrough mode, which amplifies ambient sounds to keep you aware of your surroundings, similar to Transparency mode on Beats Fit Pro or AirPods Pro.
Additionally, except for the Elite 3, nearly all recent Jabra earbuds come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), a feature we’ve found highly effective for blocking out unwanted noise during work or leisure. Jabra earbuds are also known for their outstanding call quality, with all models excelling during phone conversations and work meetings.
Jabra Elite 3: Exceptional Sound on a Budget
If you’re in search of high-quality yet affordable earbuds that don’t compromise on style, the Elite 3 are a fantastic choice. These earbuds frequently go on sale, offering excellent value for their price. At just $80 (often dropping below $60 during sales), they provide:
- Impressive sound quality.
- A comfortable fit with multiple ear tips.
- Approximately nine hours of continuous battery life.
The inclusion of HearThrough mode, a feature found on Jabra’s pricier models, allows you to amplify ambient sounds when needed, making them perfect for urban walks or airport travel.
While the Elite 3 offers great value, their plastic case feels less premium than their higher-end counterparts.
Additionally, the bass may not have the same punch as other Jabra models. Furthermore, these earbuds lack ANC, a feature available on the newer and slightly more expensive Jabra Elite 4 and the excellent and occasionally cheaper EarFun Air Pro 3.
Jabra Elite 7 Active: The Ultimate Workout Earbuds
The Jabra Elite 7 Active is a top choice for those seeking the best workout earbuds. They excel at noise isolation and environmental awareness, making them ideal for daily runs. The Jabra Sound+ app offers an extensive selection of audio profiles suitable for the gym and the office.
The earbuds’ convenient physical controls allow you to switch effortlessly between active noise cancellation and HearThrough mode with a single tap, a valuable feature during workouts.
The Elite 7 Active’s ANC and HearThrough capabilities are impressive, effectively blocking out distractions when you need to focus and letting external sounds in when you need to remain alert during your runs. Although these earbuds provide a secure fit during workouts, extended use may lead to slight discomfort, and the call quality isn’t the absolute best. However, in terms of audio performance, features, and battery life for the price, the Elite 7 Active offers outstanding value in the high-end category.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro: Premium Sound and Exceptional Call Quality
Sitting at the top tier of Jabra’s lineup, the Elite 7 Pro offers all the benefits of the other buds on this list, with a special focus on call quality. These earbuds feature “MultiSensor Voice” technology, incorporating four microphones and a custom sensor to eliminate unwanted background noise, such as wind, while ensuring clear voice transmission.
In daily use, the Elite 7 Pro proved to be among the most reliable earbuds for extended calls. During voice recording tests, they excelled in isolating the user’s voice from background noise, although not quite as crisply as competitors like the Galaxy Buds Pro.
The Elite 7 Pro also offers highly adjustable active noise cancellation and HearThrough modes, featuring five levels of customization for tailoring your audio experience. These earbuds also boast an impressive eight hours of continuous listening, matching real-world usage patterns.
While the Elite 7 Pro is pricier at $199, it holds its own against competitors like the $249 AirPods Pro in terms of sound quality and features. If you spend a significant portion of your day on calls, their exceptional performance may justify the Elite 7 Pro’s premium price.
Conclusion
Jabra has established itself as a formidable player in the wireless earbuds market, offering diverse options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize affordability, workout performance, or premium call quality, Jabra has a solution that can meet your requirements.
