As senior reviews editor here at Tom’s Guide, I get to see a lot of tech products. But I can’t remember a single one that surprised me quite like the Jabra Evolve3 75 headset.

The Evolve3 75 is a premium on-ear conferencing headset, intended primarily for use in the workplace (whether at home or in an office). And what else would you expect from Jabra, right? The brand primarily known for those conferencing speakers in office meeting rooms worldwide. Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting much more than a basic, if not overpriced, workplace headset. How wrong I was.

It’s fantastic, and comfortable, with premium looks and build quality. It boasts a slew of useful productivity features. And, best of all, it sounds superb — this isn’t just a conferencing headset, it’s perfectly capable of gaming and serving as your everyday pair of headphones, too.

The Evolve3 75 isn’t perfect, though. It’s pricey, with fiddly controls and slightly weak ANC isn’t. But this is easily one of the best headsets for work. Find out more in my full Jabra Evolve3 75 review.

Jabra Evolve3 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? An on-ear work headset, and little sibling of the over-ear Jabra Evolve3 85
• Who is it for? People who spend a lot of time on calls, but enjoy music and gaming too
• What does it cost? It’s kinda pricey, starting at $463 / £309
• What’s good? The array of productivity features, comfort and sound quality
• What’s not? The high price and onboard fiddly controls

Jabra Evolve3 review: Specs

Jabra Evolve3 review: The ups

Tons of productivity features, decent comfort, excellent sound and a premium build — the Jabra Evolve3 75 is a competent all-rounder.

Plenty of productivity features

The Jabra Evolve3 75 is an outright productivity weapon, with tons of handy features for the workplace. There are a couple of versions — a standard model and an MS Teams certified one.

I tested the MS Teams version, which has a button that can be used to instantly join Teams calls (the standard version has no button). This allows users to open up Teams and join calls with a single button press. I don’t use Teams, as my company operates on Google’s Workspace, but for any Microsoft users, it’ll be pretty handy.

I love that the headset has a busy light which glows red when you’re on a call, telling anyone nearby that you’re not to be disturbed. This came in useful when my wife approached to give me a hug, not realizing I was on a call — until she spotted the red lights.

There’s also Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, allowing you to hook up to two multiple devices at once. However, the headset also comes with a USB-C dongle, so you can actually connect to three devices. If, like me, you regularly switch between multiple devices at work, this is very useful. I have the dongle slotted into our office testing gaming rig and hooked up to my work laptop and iPhone 17 Pro Max via Bluetooth — the headset switches automatically between them when I have to take a call on one device.

The headset is also super compact and lightweight, plus it folds down to fit into its ultra thin case, making it supremely portable. My work bag is always stuffed to the brim with tech, but I had no issues adding the Evolve3 75 to the mix.

On one of the earcups, you’ll find a wireless charging pad. I personally prefer the faster charging over USB-C, but having a wireless option is nice, as it can help keep your desk free of unnecessary cables. You can buy the headset with a wireless charger — the Teams wireless charging bundle costs $388.

Very comfortable

My pleasant surprise at the Jabra Evolve3 75 all started when I first put the headset on my head. I genuinely swore out loud. This headset is extremely comfortable. The earpads are marshmallow-soft, as is the headband, with thick and breathable padding. It’s incredibly lightweight, too, at just 6.35 ounces, so you can easily forget it’s on your head.

After five or six hours, I noticed the backs of my helixes getting a little (and I mean a little) sore from being pushed into my head. This can suggest a slightly-too-firm clamp, but in this case, I think it’s just symptomatic of the on-ear design, which by its very nature pushes on your ears. The Jabra Evolve3 85 over-ear headset is the better option for long stints, as it sits completely around the ears.

Premium design and build

The Jabra Evolve3 75 looks and feels like a premium product. The plastics and metals used in its construction are high quality and finished beautifully with matte effects. I’m not usually a fan of beige headphones, and was a little disappointed Jabra didn’t send me the black version. However, I’ve come to accept and, dare I say, even like the brown! It reminds me of something you’d be given at a luxury day spa, and matches the styling of my Soundcore Sleep A30 ($229) earbuds.

Decent-enough microphone performance

The Jabra Evolve3 75 has 6 microphones located within its earcups. This is a design shift away from its predecessor, the Evolve2 75, which had a detachable boom microphone. I think this was the right choice, as it keeps the new model compact, and you don’t have to mess around with a separate mic attachment (as someone who tests a lot of gaming headsets, this is a particular problem I face regularly).

The Evolve3 mics aren’t amazing, but they do the job for work meetings. I had mixed feedback on calls. On one call, my colleagues reported that my voice was the best and more clear-sounding of any of the participants (including someone wearing expensive AirPods Max). But in other calls and my own test recordings, my voice sounded a little tinny and distant. Like I said though, the mic array does the job it needs to just fine.

Surprisingly good sound quality

The biggest shock I had when testing the Jabra Evolve3 75 was the sound quality — and I don’t just mean on calls (where it’s really clear). I wanted to put the headset to the test with music and gaming, and I was blown away by the performance.

The Evolve3 75 has a super clean sound profile. Treble is nice and bright, with crisp high hats in music, and clearly relayed footsteps in games — I tested the headset on Counter-Strike 2 and could hear enemies approaching with accurate spatial sound.

The headset is especially competent in the mid-range, with plenty of clarity and texture, even in busier songs like the sludgy, distortion heavy Honey Bucket by Melvins and Seek & Destroy by Metallica. Both songs utilize dual matching guitar riffs to widen sound, which can easily get lost among one another with poor instrument separation, but there were no such problems on the Evolve3 75.

Bass isn’t the punchiest I’ve heard, but it’s perfectly fine for most music — the only exception being super-sub-bass-heavy tracks like Skream’s Sub Island (which felt a little thin). Importantly, bass response is well controlled, giving plenty of texture to the warbling bass line of Burn Water’s Ikigai, and keeping those guitar riffs I mentioned above free from muddying.

Bluetooth and codec-wise, the headset uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports AAC, LC3, SBC, so nothing to write home about, but LC3 is nice to have for higher quality playback than SBC on non-iOS devices (which only support AAC). There’s no LDAC or aptX, though, and no wired playback, which is a shame given the otherwise decent sound quality — this is primarily a work headset, though, so it figures.

Importantly, there are also companion smartphone and desktop apps. I couldn’t test the desktop version as my work-issued laptop won’t let me install any software. But I used the smartphone app, and it’s great. It gives you easy control over ANC and settings, various EQ profiles and even a five-band EQ… on a work headset! So cool.

Listen to my full testing playlist on Qobuz, our favorite music streaming service for audiophiles.

Solid battery life

Jabra rates the Evolve3 75 for up to 110 hours of audio playback, which is frankly rather astonishing. In real life, you won’t achieve this if using the headset for its intended purpose — i.e. for calls — and with ANC on. With ANC, that rating drops to 45 hours. If you were to use it solidly for calls, meanwhile, you can expect up to 22 hours with the busy light disabled, and 18 hours with it enabled.

If you’re in 22 hours of calls per week, God help you. Thankfully, I’m not, although I do still have to take a lot of calls throughout my work week. Using the headset for two days of work, with several hours of calls mixed therein, listening to music between calls, busy light turned on, ANC enabled, the headset dropped around 20%. That’s around 8-10 hours of intense usage, roughly tallying with the 45-hour ANC rating.

Jabra Evolve3 review: The downs

The Jabra Evolve3 isn’t perfect, let down chiefly by its fiddly control and high price. The ANC isn’t great, either, although it’s not awful for on-ears.

Fiddly controls

My only major grievance with the Jabra Evolve3 75 relates to its fiddly controls. The volume/playback/call controls and mute button are placed on the right earcup, are all very small and all very close together. This makes them difficult to find and easy to mix up while you’re on a call. I often found myself hitting the start/end call (play/pause) button when trying to find the volume controls. Thankfully, the headset forces you to hold the button to end a call, so you can’t easily drop off a call this way, but it’s still annoying and resulted in my fiddling about on calls instead of paying attention.

More frustratingly, though, the buttons are supremely easy to actuate. Normally I prefer buttons to touch controls on a headset/pair of headphones, but these ones are just as bad as touchpads. I stopped counting the number of times I accidentally knocked the play button while adjusting the headset or putting it on, which started playing music.

ANC a little weak

The Jabra Evolve3 75 features ANC, which helps block out office noise to some extent, especially with music playing. It certainly did a lot better than the dismal HP Poly Voyager 80 ($349). That said, the Evolve3 75’s ANC isn’t the most effective I’ve heard, with office noise and keyboard clatter (I work in an office where we test many of the best mechanical keyboards) making it through.

You typically can’t expect earbud-level ANC from headphones: they physically can’t seal your ears like earbuds. What’s more, on-ear headphones, like the Evolve3 75 and Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 ($229), always struggle more than over-ears, as they don’t encapsulate your whole outer ear.

If you work in a noisy environment, though, you’ll be better off with the over-ear Jabra Evolve3 85 headset.

Pricey

There’s no getting around the fact that the Jabra Evolve3 75 is pricey. It starts at $463 / £309 for the standard version without a wireless charging pad. That’s pricer (in dollars, at least) than elite gaming headsets like the Audeze Maxwell 2 ($329), which delivers even more stunning sound.

At the end of the day, I think a premium price tag is fair for the Evolve3 75. It really can do everything. It’s an absolute demon for productivity, sounds fantastic when listening to music, and even has the legs for gaming. This could be your one and only set of cans, and you’d be able to use it for everything. In that context, the price tag makes a little more sense.

Remember, too, that this is a Jabra product. It’s aimed in large part at the corporate world, where pockets are often deep.

Jabra Evolve3 review: Verdict

I’m not sure how I can work without the Jabra Evolve3 75 ever again. It’s lightweight and portable, effortlessly comfortable, sublimely styled, and packs enough core performance for work, music and gaming. It’s a deftly competent all-rounder.

It loses out slightly versus its bigger sibling, the Evolve3 85, namely due to weaker ANC and the 85’s all-day over-ear comfort. It’s also steeply priced, with fiddly controls. But those are all minor footnotes in an otherwise stellar write up. Well done, Jabra!

In the age of hybrid working, many of us have had to adjust to not seeing our colleagues as much, and having virtual calls and briefings — whether that's on Zoom, Google Meet, or a quick huddle on Slack.

Unsurprisingly, the best headphones and headsets for working from home have also shot up in popularity, and if you spend a lot of time on calls, you need a competent headset that you can wear all day long.

But how much are you willing to spend on a conferencing headset? How does $700 sound? It's a lot of dough, isn't it? I've been testing the Jabra Evolve3 85, and although it's expensive, it sounds superb.

Listening comfortably all day long

Before I dive into the sound quality, I want to talk about one of the other things the Jabra Evolve3 85 excels at, and that's its design.

Just like with any other pair of headphones, I don't think you should spend any amount of money on a conferencing headset that you can't wear all day long. The good news is that the Evolve3 85 is extremely comfortable, so rest assured that you're getting bang for your buck here.

One thing I've always loved about my Marshall Monitor III headphones is the lightness, as they weigh just 8.8oz, and they feature a leatherette headband that helps relieve some pressure you'd otherwise feel on the top of your head. I'd say the Evolve3 85 headset is on par with my Monitor IIIs in terms of comfort. Jabra's offering weighs 7.76oz so it's very lightweight, and the breathable cushion padding on the headband feels excellent. The same padding has been used for the ear cushions too, and I love it.

Another thing I love is the cavities on the inside of the earcups, which are there to nestle your earlobes and ensure your ears don't get squished. It's so effective, and now I wish all headphones had these cavities. Having worn the headset for an eight-hour work day (I removed it just once), I can confidently say that it's the comfiest one out there.

A beautifully balanced sound profile

The Evolve3 85 headset is fitted with 32mm drivers that cover a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz (so the normal human hearing spectrum), and the headset makes music sound true-to-life and full of character, never once getting overwhelmed by multiple instruments even.

The treble is crisp and vibrant and never overzealous. Through the Evolve3 85, in songs like 'Carnival of Rust' by Poets of the Fall, the hi-hats never sounded too shrill, and worked well with other instruments to create a wonderful melody. Each note plucked on the acoustic guitar was discernible and never harsh to the point that it overpowered the vocals. Speaking of, the vocals in tracks like 'White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter' by Lana Del Rey were nothing short of detailed. The 'tss' and 'sh' sounds — and there are many of them — sounded clean and didn't bleed into one another either.

Bass sounded just as good if not better through the Evolve3 85. Powerful but not booming, especially in songs like 'Money' by Pink Floyd and 'Little Dark Age' by MGMT. The sub-bass and mid-bass packed plenty of detail too, and I found the lower and mid-ranges better on the Evolve3 85 than on my Marshall Monitor IIIs — and that's saying a lot, as I adore the latter. The bass on the Evolve3 85 sounded warm with lots of low-end impact, and truth be told, I wasn't expect that from a headset designed for conferencing!

The elephant in the room

So, the Jabra Evolve3 85 is clearly a phenomenal headset. But it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room that's desperately asking to be addressed, and that's the headset's price. The Evolve3 85 is a premium work headset that retails for $720 / £539. It's more expensive than my PlayStation 5 Slim ($549), my Nintendo Switch 2 ($449), and even the brand new MacBook Neo ($599) and the Nothing Phone 4a Pro ($499).

The Evolve3 85 is supremely comfortable, yes, and its audio quality for calls and music is nothing short of sublime, but is it worth over $700? Kind of, yeah.

I know there are cheaper options out there, like the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 ($250), the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC ($349), and the Cleer Enduro ANC (1$149), but all of them have significant drawbacks, such as unreliable battery lives, underbaked apps, finicky wear detection, and so on.

And the Evolve3 85 headset doesn't have any such flaws. It's expensive, but for the money, you're getting up to 120-hours of battery life, a sleek charging pad for you to charge the headset between calls, a lovely boomless mic, and peerless sound quality and vocal clarity. If I won the lottery, I wouldn't tell anyone, but there would be signs — and the Evolve3 85 around my neck would be one of them.

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘The king of conferencing headsets’: I just tested the Jabra Evolve3 85 and I’ve never heard my colleagues this clearly before
• Best headphones and headsets for working from home
• My doctor banned me from earbuds so I got these Marshall headphones instead — and I’m surprised I didn’t do it sooner

If you’re a hybrid worker or spend a lot of your work day on team calls, you need one of the best headsets and headphones for working from home — and the Jabra Evolve3 85 is just that. This is the perfect headset if you want to sound professional in online meetings as it boasts excellent vocal clarity. Its boomless mic with AI noise cancellation makes you sound loud and clear on the other end, while a range of productivity features keep you locked in.

The cherry on top of the cake is the headset’s long battery life. If you enjoy listening to music while working or between tasks, then the Evolve3 85 is sure to impress you with its wide and dynamic soundstage… as long as you can stomach the price.

For the complete breakdown, read my full Jabra Evolve3 85 review.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Specs

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? Jabra’s flagship work-first headset with a boomless mic
• Who is it for? For hybrid workers and those who spend a lot of time on calls and online meetings — and music lovers
• How much does it cost? It ain’t cheap. The Jabra Evolve3 85 retails for $720 / £539
• What do we like? So many things! The comfortable design, productivity features, clear mic, excellent vocal clarity, long battery life, and more
• What don’t we like? The premium price tag

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: The ups

From its exceptionally comfortable design and plethora of productivity features, to its outstanding vocal clarity and boomless mic, there’s a lot to love about the Jabra Evolve3 85.

All-day long comfort

The Jabra Evolve3 85 is a work-first headset as Jabra claims it’s designed for the “modern worker.” If, like me, you spend a lot of time on team calls and meetings, and need a headset that will let you work comfortably all day long, this is it. Firstly, the Evolve3 85 is very lightweight, weighing just 7.76oz. It’s 35% slimmer and 23% lighter than the Evolve2 line, and lighter than other work-oriented headsets, like the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 (10.2oz, $250), the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC (9.7oz, $349), and the Cleer Enduro ANC (10.6oz, $149).

Aiding the Evolve3 85’s comfort factor is the lovely breathable cushion padding on its headband. This relieves the pressure you’d otherwise feel on top of your head, enabling you to wear it for hours on end. This same padding has been used for the ear cushions, and they feel excellent to me. I also like the cavities on the inside of the earcups, which are there to nestle your ear lobes and ensure that your ears don’t get squished.

If on-ear headphones are more your speed, you might prefer the Jabra Evolve3 75 ($463) instead — these are very well padded. However, in our testing, Tom’s Guide’s Senior reviews editor Pete Wolinski found them a little uncomfortable after five or six hours due to the on-ear design, with the earcups pushing his ear helixes into the side of his head.

Having worn the Evolve3 85 for eight straight hours, I can confirm that it’s exceptionally comfortable. My ears never felt hot, and my head didn’t feel like it was being weighed down either. I also appreciate that foldable design and included pouch that you can store the headset in when you’re traveling.

Build quality is sublime too, with matte finish on the headband and earcups, and I didn’t think the headset sounded hollow or underbaked when I tapped its different parts with my fingernails.

A plethora of productivity features

There’s no dearth of productivity features on the Jabra Evolve3 85. You can buy the headset with either Microsoft Teams or Unified Communication optimization. If you get the former, a Microsoft Teams logo graces the right earcup, and it doubles as a button that lets you answer/reject incoming Teams calls. The Unified Communication model, on the other hand, offers plug-and-play functionality across multiple platforms, such as Google Meet and Zoom. The UC model is the better choice if, like me, you work across platforms and don’t want to be locked into just Teams.

Whenever you’re on a call, the integrated 360° Busylight located on the left earcup lights up in bright red to let those around you know that you’re busy and shouldn’t be disturbed. This is a great feature to have, especially if you’re on an important call and don’t want to be interrupted by anyone else. I do, however, wish you could turn this light on outside of calls, as I like to be left alone when I’m in the zone and writing away.

In addition to this, you also get AI integration, so you can prompt Gemini, ChatGPT or another assistant of your choice by simply using your voice and not having to use your hands. Jabra says that the Evolve3 85 “accurately captures over 9 out of 10 words in AI voice prompts.” While I personally don’t use AI assistants and chatbots, it’s good to know that this feature exists for users who love using AI. I tested it with Gemini on my Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and it worked well. Gemini understood me clearly and promptly, and instantly made me a to-do list and set a reminder as I asked for.

For those who work across multiple devices, multipoint connectivity is at play so you can connect up to two devices at the same time using Bluetooth 5.3. The box also includes a USB-C dongle (or USB-A, depending on what you choose when you buy the headset) which increases the number of simultaneous connections from two to three. Google Fast Pair also means that you can connect the headset to your phone in mere seconds, as I did, and Apple Find My and Google Find Hub let you keep a track of where your headphones are.

There’s also wear detection which pauses playback if you lift an earcup or remove the headset entirely, and it worked like a charm in my testing. This is perhaps the best wear detection I’ve seen on a pair of over-ear headphones, as it’s something I’ve always disabled on the likes of the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC and even my trusty Marshall Monitor III ($349) as I found the wear detection on them finicky, and it never worked as intended.

Exceptional vocal clarity

Any work headset needs one thing for certain to be considered excellent, and that’s exceptional vocal clarity. You should be able to hear your on-call colleagues or clients with so much clarity that they feel like they’re in the room with you — and the Jabra Evolve3 85 does just that. It’s fitted with 32mm drivers which cover a frequency response range of 20Hz-20KHz which is fairly standard for most headphones and even gaming headsets, as that’s the spectrum of human hearing.

Having attended five meetings with the Evolve3 85 nestling my ears, I can confidently say that this headset will please anyone who works from home or gives online presentations. These calls took place over Google Meet and Slack (huddles). I could hear my colleagues on the line loudly and clearly, and even when multiple people were speaking at once, I could still understand them. Voices and words never blended together.

I appreciated the Evolve3 85’s adaptive/dynamic noise cancellation here too, as it automatically adjusted itself when there was a loud noise in the background. It kept me focused on the call I was on. In my testing, this worked well both indoors and outdoors. Aside from Google Meet and Slack, I also spoke with my partner on the phone, and I could hear her well even while walking and making my way through crowds.

Voice clarity is further bolstered by active noise cancellation (ANC) which works superbly, isolating you to the point that you can’t hear anything else when you’re outdoors and you feel like you’re the only person in the world. I couldn’t hear people chatting in the office or the sound of my loud keyboard, or cars whizzing past me outdoors. I listened to a podcast and I could hear the host and guest speaking to each other and laughing clearly, like I was in the room with them.

Crisp and clear microphone

There’s no point in spending any amount of money on a work-first headset if it doesn’t make you sound loud and clear on calls — after all, you want to impress your audience, right? The Jabra Evolve3 85 gives you nothing to complain about in that department, and it boasts one of the strongest mic performances I’ve seen so far.

The Evolve3 85 features a boomless mic (an array of six in total) so there’s no mic arm sitting in front of your mouth, and this helps its sleek, inconspicuous appearance. The mic covers a frequency response range of 10Hz-20KHz, so it covers the full spectrum of human hearing and ensures natural sound reproduction. The headset utilizes Jabra ClearVoice which uses AI-powered deep learning to isolate your voice from background noise, and it works extremely well.

The first thing I did to test the headset was call my partner when leaving work. She said I sounded perfect and crystal clear, and didn’t think my words were bleeding into one another either. She also couldn’t hear the birds chirping right overhead, or the sound of lots of people chatting and shuffling around in a busy parking lot — all she could hear was my voice. In fact, she said I sounded like I was in a quiet room indoors.

I had to hear it for myself, so I recorded myself speaking with the TV playing in the background. In the clip above, you can’t hear the characters from Schitt’s Creek speaking, and my voice is the only one that can be heard, which is amazing.

I then recorded myself speaking a few sentences with popping sounds, such as words starting with ‘P,’ ‘B,’ ‘T,’ ‘D,’ ‘K’ and ‘G,’ known as plosives. As you can hear in the clip above (and laugh with me at my goof-up while saying one of the tongue twisters), the ‘P’ sounds don’t sound overly harsh or unpleasant.

Next up, I tested the Evolve3 85’s ability to handle sibilance. These are your ‘s’ and ‘sh’ sounds which are prone to whistling (and can be unpleasant to listen to), so the best way to do this was by trying a famous tongue twister. As you can hear in the clip above, the mic handled the hissing sounds quite well, and again, the sounds don’t bleed into one another.

I also appreciate the Evolve3 85’s sidetone as it enables you to hear yourself speaking when you’re on a call, so you can check that you aren’t speaking too softly or loudly. This is a feature we see on most of the best gaming headsets and is very handy to have. The sidetone’s volume can be adjusted via the companion app (more on that shortly).

Dynamic music performance, too

Look, if I’m spending over $700 on a work-first headset — yes, that’s how much it costs — you’d best believe that I will be using it to listen to music in my downtime too. The Jabra Evolve3 85 is, in fact, excellent at making your favorite songs sound better than ever. I listened to a few tracks from my roster of testing songs on Qobuz with the Evolve3 85 plugged into my MacBook Air M2 via the included 3.5mm aux.

I started things off by listening to ‘Carnival of Rust’ by Poets of the Fall, and each note plucked on the acoustic guitar sounded loud and clear but not so harsh that it overpowered the vocals at the beginning of the song. When the rock instruments kicked in during the first chorus, they created a wonderful melody that sounded thoroughly enjoyable through the Evolve3 85.

To test the Evolve3 85’s bass, I listened to ‘Little Dark Age’ by MGMT and once again, the bassline sounded clear and every note plucked on the bass was discernible but it also worked in harmony with the other instruments to create an immersive soundscape. The bass never sounded booming or overpowering.

Vocals sounded just as beautiful in tracks like ‘White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter’ by Lana Del Rey. Lana’s sibilance, the ‘tss’ and ‘sh,’ in the first verse sounded detailed and clean, and I would expect nothing less from a headset that boasts vocal clarity for work calls. My colleagues tried the Evolve3 85 briefly as well, and all of them complimented the headset’s wide and dynamic soundstage.

Listen along to my review with the Jabra Evolve3 85 testing playlist:

Long battery life

The Jabra Evolve3 85 boasts long battery life, and according to Jabra, the headset can last up to 120 hours for music and 25 hours when used exclusively for calls. While I wasn’t able to drain the entire battery, I noticed that after approximately 16 hours of use, the battery percentage had dropped to 75%. Keep in mind that I had ANC on at all times, and used the headset for work calls as well as listening to music.

The Evolve3 85’s battery life is better than the competition’s. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 last for just 20 hours, while the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC lasts for 21 hours and the Cleer Enduro ANC lasts for 60 hours between charges. Also, charging the Evolve3 85 for five minutes provides five hours of runtime. Oh, and they come with a sleek wireless charging pad too!

User-friendly companion app

To customize the Jabra Evolve3 85, you’ll need to download the Jabra Plus app on either iOS or Android. The app is extremely intuitive thanks to its user-friendly interface, and it gives you lots of control over the headset’s settings. Via the app, you can adjust the sidetone volume, enhance treble or bass in calls, swap between EQ presets and customize your own, toggle hearing protection as well as spatial audio in media.

You can also enable a setting which allows you to automatically answer calls if your headset is charging on the included pad and you remove it. I tested this out and it worked as intended, and it’s quite a handy feature to have as you can keep charging the headset between calls without plugging it in.

A desktop version of the app can also be downloaded on Windows machines and it gives you the same level of customization as the mobile version. On macOS, you’ll need to download Jabra Direct instead which, again, gives you the same personalization options.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: The downs

There isn’t much wrong with the Jabra Evolve3 85, but note that it costs a premium which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Very, very expensive

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: the Jabra Evolve3 85 costs an arm and a leg. It’s very expensive and will probably burn a hole in most people’s pockets — unless of course this is your work-sanctioned headset, and if that’s the case, never quit your job. The Evolve3 85 costs $720 / £539 at Amazon, making it one of the most expensive headsets I’ve tested. When I told everyone in the office just how expensive the Evolve3 85 was, everyone collectively gasped — and that doesn’t happen very often.

It’s nearly as expensive (or more than) as flagship headphones from heavy hitters in the audio world, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ($699), the Sonos Ace ($449) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 ($449). Is the Evolve3 85 worth the premium? It depends. Can you afford it? Then sure. You get fantastic audio quality and detailed vocal clarity, along with a boomless mic that makes you sound amazing.

But regardless of the things it does exceptionally well, the Evolve3 85 won’t be for everyone, primarily because of the price. If you want cheaper, work-first headsets, there are plenty to choose from. Jabra’s own Evolve3 75 is a little cheaper at around $460, but it’s less comfortable. The $250 Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 is an excellent alternative but its battery life isn’t as long as the Evolve3 85’s, and its app feels underbaked. Or you could go for the $149 Cleer Enduro ANC which is much, much cheaper, but doesn’t feature the best mic.

Jabra Evolve3 85 review: Verdict

What does spending $700 on the Jabra Evolve3 85 get you? A boomless mic with AI noise cancellation that ensures the person on the other end of the phone (or laptop) can hear only you. Crystal clear vocals that make your colleagues sound just like they do in person. A wide soundstage for when you want to listen to your favorite tunes. Up to 120 hours of battery life and a sleek charging pad.

The Evolve3 85 is an exceptional headset, and one I didn’t expect to love as much as I do now. While its premium price tag is a little hard to stomach, it’s worth paying the price if you want refined and rich sound quality as well as monster battery life, all packed into a comfortable design. I’m almost tempted to make the Evolve3 85 my daily driver at work!

2026 will be the year that work headsets finally come into the modern era, thanks to Jabra’s new Evolve3 series — headsets that ditch the boom mic and add modern audio features like support for spatial audio and adaptive ANC.

Beyond their new audio features, Jabra says that its new Evolve3 85 over-ear and Evolve3 75 on-ear models will offer 120 hours of music on a single charge and 25 hours of calls. When you’re out of juice, 10 minutes on the charger will enable 10 hours of playback. If you need to transcribe your calls, the headphones offer one-touch, high-accuracy transcription through Jabra’s bespoke ClearVoice technology.

They're not going to be cheap when they launch on March 1, but their cutting-edge aesthetic (and features) could make them worth the cost of admission.

The future of headsets has arrived (sort of)

Jabra is blurring the line between premium high-end wireless headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or AirPods Max and its long-running workhorse headsets. The Evolve3 85 is the culmination of those efforts.

In a press release explaining its design decisions, Jabra says that the Evolve3 85 and Evolve3 75 “offer a minimalist design that fits the flexibility of modern work scenarios as well as the need for a clean, everyday look.”

Basically, you can wear them all day at the office, then take them home on the bus or train and no one would be any wiser that you’re still wearing a headset.

What separates the 75 from the 85 model? The Evolve3 75 are similarly designed but instead of earcups that cover the ears, the headset will rest on the ears. It has slightly less battery life (110 hours vs the 120 hours on the Evolve3 85) but otherwise sports the same features as its significantly-more-expensive sibling.

In terms of pricing, the Jabra Evolve3 75 will launch at $463 while the Evolve3 85 will come in at $649. Both will be available in two colors — black or warm gray — with the black color option releasing on March 1 and the warm grey colorway coming in April.

Will they be able to beat out the best headphones in sound quality? We'll be sure to call them in to answer that question. Stay tuned.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 Bose headphone and earbuds settings you need to change right now for better sound and more features
• 'Punch way above their weight' — my new speakers are a masterclass in how to shuck off a 'budget' stereotype
• Don't buy those AirPods Pro 3 just yet — Sony is unveiling 'a new form of listening' next week

Researchers have discovered a security flaw in Bluetooth headphones and earbuds from Sony, JBL and more, allowing attackers to hijack audio devices, eavesdrop and steal phone numbers and contact information.

Cybersecurity firm ERNW identified vulnerabilities in audio products using a Bluetooth System on a Chip (SoC) from manufacturer and supplier Airoha, allowing threat actors to manipulate devices without needing to pair with them.

This SoC is used among many popular brands, with affected devices confirmed to include the Sony WH-1000XM6, Link Buds S, Jabra Elite 8 Active, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and more.

As noted in the report, the vulnerabilities allow cybercriminals to hijack headphones over Bluetooth, with BLE GATT services and BD/EDR (a.k.a. Bluetooth Classic) missing authentication and leaving these devices open to be taken over without any need for pairing or authentication.

"The vulnerabilities can be triggered via Bluetooth BR/EDR or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Being in Bluetooth range is the only precondition," ERNW reports. "It is possible to read and write the device’s RAM and flash. These capabilities also allow attackers to hijack established trust relationships with other devices, such as the phone paired to the headphones."

The security flaws can lead to threat actors knowing what is currently playing on devices via RAM reading commands, eavesdropping on conversations when the Bluetooth Classic vulnerability is exploited and being able to see a connected device's phone number and incoming calls.

It's important to note that these vulnerabilities can only be exploited if an attacker is within Bluetooth range of a device (around 10 meters), and requires several steps to achieve hijacking without being noticed — with ERNW noting that it would take a "high technical skill set."

So, while it's possible for cybercriminals to take advantage of these flaws in headphones or earbuds using Airoha Bluetooth SoCs (especially if they're wireless), they would need to be in close range.

What devices are affected?

While many audio products, including headphones, earbuds, speakers and wireless microphones, are known to use Airoha's Bluetooth chip, the cybersecurity firm has confirmed a list of devices that are affected.

Here's a look at the devices that are exposed to the vulnerability:

• Beyerdynamic Amiron 300
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
• EarisMax Bluetooth Auracast Sender
• Jabra Elite 8 Active
• JBL Endurance Race 2
• JBL Live Buds 3
• Jlab Epic Air Sport ANC
• Marshall Action III
• Marshall Major V
• Marshall Minor IV
• Marshall Motif II
• Marshall Stanmore III
• Marshall Woburn III
• MoerLabs EchoBeatz
• Sony CH-720N
• Sony Link Buds S
• Sony ULT Wear
• Sony WF-1000XM3
• Sony WF-1000XM4
• Sony WF-1000XM5
• Sony WF-C500
• Sony WF-C510-GFP
• Sony WH-1000XM4
• Sony WH-1000XM5
• Sony WH-1000XM6
• Sony WH-CH520
• Sony WH-XB910N
• Sony WI-C100
• Teufel Tatws2

However, it's expected that many more audio devices with the SoC are also exposed to the security flaw, but it's virtually impossible to test them all with the amount out there. ERNW states that "some vendors are not even aware that they are using an Airoha SoC," due to parts like the Bluetooth chip being outsourced for development.

Since these headphones, earbuds and more are from popular brands, including the latest Sony WH-1000XM6, it's likely that many people are at risk of the vulnerability.

How to stay safe

While many of the best headphones and best wireless earbuds are affected, an attack that exploits these security flaws would only take place if a cybercriminal is in range. So, as with any Bluetooth attack, it's a good idea to be cautious when in public spaces, such as public transport, cafés and more.

The only real way to stay safe from these types of attacks is to disable Bluetooth, which isn't ideal for wireless headphones and earbuds. Of course, it's also best to use wired options that don't require Bluetooth, such as the Sennheiser IE 200 wired earbuds.

As this leaves many audio products open to attack, Airoha has now fixed the vulnerabilities in a Software Development Kit (SDK). A new version with the fixes has been sent to manufacturers as of the first week of June, meaning brands such as Sony, JBL, Marshall and others should have a firmware update available with the fixes so users can update their devices with the latest patch.

Currently, ERNW isn't aware of any fixed firmware releases, but as soon as one is available, users with affected devices should update their headphones, earbuds and more to make sure they aren't at risk.

To keep yourself safe from any online threats that these security vulnerabilities may exploit, it's best to use the best antivirus software and best password managers, too.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Sonos Ace have one of my favorite wireless features — and it's not the ANC
• Over 40,000 security camera feeds found exposed online – here’s how to protect yours
• These 5 macOS settings are a security risk and you should turn them off now

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) are the two models that critics recommend most when discussing the best workout headphones. They share many functional traits (active noise cancellation, dual-device connectivity, spatial audio) and are designed for optimal stability when engaged in physical activities.

Neither set of buds is perfect. However, these two entries check all the right boxes to deliver grade-A performance across numerous verticals.

Which is the better option? Our Powerbeats Pro 2 and Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) comparison has the answer. So, down your pre-workout drink and let’s get started.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Specs compared

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Price & availability

The Powerbeats Pro 2 carry a higher price tag: $249. This is the same MSRP as the AirPods Pro 2. Jabra originally launched the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) at $229, but their discontinuation has led to massive price drops across multiple retailers.

Nonetheless, both are fantastic pickups that will elevate your fitness gains.

For all of the latest headphones deals, we advise bookmarking our best headphones deals and best Apple deals pages.

• Winner: Tie

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Design

The Powerbeats Pro 2 have practicality and style down pat, while the Elite 8 Active are more durable and portable.

Beats retains series hallmarks like the bold colorways, IPX4 certification (sweat/water-resistant), and trademark ear-hook design that keeps the Powerbeats Pro 2 locked onto your ears.

Unfortunately, the revamped look is less attractive than the original. The charging case is smaller and supports wireless charging (finally), but it is still huge compared to other rivals.

Jabra left its minimalist design untouched. The Elite 8 Active come in a variety of unique colors and feature a “liquid silicone sock” with IP68 dust- and waterproofing that forms a tight seal and prevents corrosion.

We also love the compact IP54-rated wireless charging case. Comfort can be an issue, depending on your pain threshold; the buds push further into your ears when pressing the physical buttons.

• Winner: Tie

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Controls

Operating the Powerbeats Pro 2 is a breeze. These buds have responsive physical controls and stellar voice assistance. The B logo doubles as a button for enabling functions (e.g., call management, playback).

Dedicated rockers are placed at the top for convenient volume adjustment. Then there’s built-in Siri support for flawless voice command performance. Despite running on Apple’s H2 processor, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are modified for Android use.

The Elite 8 Active are remarkable multiplatform buds that function at a high level, no matter the operating system. They share a similar control scheme, including onboard volume adjustment that can be assigned and enabled via physical buttons.

We do prefer Beats’ volume rockers because of their ease of use and noticeable absence of discomfort when pressed. Spotify Connect is available to instantly pull up your favorite workout playlists. Jabra’s buttons produce solid tactility and register functions precisely. The buds work with Google Assistant and Siri and have superb speech recognition. They just lack the Powerbeats Pro 2’s numerous iOS integrations.

• Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Sound quality

The Elite 8 Active are remarkable multiplatform buds that function at a high level, no matter the operating system. They share a similar control scheme, including onboard volume adjustment that can be assigned and enabled via physical buttons.

We do prefer Beats’ volume rockers because of their ease of use and noticeable absence of discomfort when pressed. Spotify Connect is available to instantly pull up your favorite workout playlists.

Jabra’s buttons produce solid tactility and register functions precisely. The buds work with Google Assistant and Siri and have superb speech recognition. They just lack the Powerbeats Pro 2’s numerous iOS integrations.

You’ll get impactful bass and well-rounded sound from the Powerbeats Pro 2. Beats tweaked its dual-layered drivers for wider frequency response, though the midrange is noticeably unbalanced. Music sounds enticing and lively, but contemporary songs have more thump on the Elite 8 Active. Turning on the Personalized Spatial Audio with headtracking does boost acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Active noise cancelling performance

ANC is stronger on the Elite 8 Active. Not only do they put a muzzle on most low- and mid-frequency sounds, but they are some of the best noise-canceling earbuds for high-frequency blockage.

Jabra’s Wind Noise Reduction setting minimizes harsh whoosh effects when running in gusty conditions. HearThrough mode has been updated and demonstrates exceptional vocal capture. I could hear chatter and noises clearly that were in close proximity as well as several blocks away.

Noise cancellation was great on the Fit Pro. The same can’t be said about the Powerbeats Pro 2. These buds struggled in “areas filled with loud conversation,” as our audio editor, Tammy Rogers, pointed out in her review.

I was distracted by talkative exercisers and the whirling noises from rowing machines at the gym. Common high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) were unavoidable as well. Beats’ transparency mode is effective and makes ambient noise and conversations sound more natural.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Special features

Beats equipped the Powerbeats Pro 2 with an expansive feature set. The H2 processor grants essential Apple perks: adaptive EQ, audio sharing, automatic switching, Find My support, and Personalized Spatial Audio. Some of these hidden AirPods Pro 2 features also apply to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Android compatibility gives users Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support, along with access to the Beats mobile app. New to the series is heart rate monitoring. Beats used components from the Apple Watch to achieve a certain level of accuracy, and though the results aren’t spot-on, having the feature helps gauge progress.

Much of what’s available on the flagship Elite 10 can be found on the Elite 8 Active. That includes all major audio features like ANC/HearThrough, EQ, LE Audio, and Spatial Sound.

Jabra’s Call Experience mode is here to adjust different settings (equalizer, sidetone) on voice calls. Other notables are the MyControls feature for control customization, Soundscapes to enable different ambient sound vignettes, the sleep timer function, and Find My Jabra (earbuds).

Both models have multipoint technology (to pair to two devices simultaneously) and reliable connectivity.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Call quality

Jabra makes some of the best headphones for voice and video calls, and the Elite 8 Active are no exception. Calls sound loud and clear, and ANC does a marvelous job of eliminating ambient noise from conversations.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 should be the brand’s best calling headset, but it falls short of the Fit Pro, especially with regard to noise reduction. Loud backgrounds make it difficult for people to hear your voice. Keep this in mind when taking calls during outdoor runs.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Battery life

Playtimes are sufficient on each of these models. We’re talking up to 8 hours of ANC use on the Elite 8 Active and Powerbeats Pro 2, though the former provides longer battery life when disabling the feature (14 hours versus 10 hours).

The same goes for the charging cases. Jabra’s case holds up to 56 hours, while Beats’ case is capped at 45 hours.

• Winner: Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2)

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2): Verdict

The scoreboard shows Jabra as the victor, a notable win for a company that recently killed its consumer earbuds business, which we’ve pleaded for it to reconsider.

Owning the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) means greater ANC, battery life, and call and sound quality. These buds are designed to survive the daily abuse you’ll put them through, thanks to an impenetrable exterior with waterproof protection.

Bonuses like the LE Audio smart case, Soundscapes mode, and wireless charging boost their stock. It’s just unfortunate that they are no longer in production.

Even though the Powerbeats Pro 2 aren’t the superior selection, they’re seen as the best sports earbuds to own moving forward based on availability and firmware updates, which Apple releases occasionally throughout the year to upgrade the latest AirPods and Beats models.

Remove Jabra from the conversation and Beats easily takes the top spot. Lengthy playtimes, powerful sound, secure wearability, and terrific multiplatform integration earn them mass appeal. We only wish that the design and noise cancellation were better executed.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best cheap wireless headphones for travel in 2024
• I ran 150 miles with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — here are 5 things I like and 3 things I don’t like
• AirPods Pro 3: Everything we know so far

Portable audio products lose their luster over time. Need a reminder? Look at your damaged and outdated wireless headphones. It’s not just about the daily wear and tear you’re putting these cans through that cause long-term impact to overall performance.

The lack of modern specs also affects usability. All of this is common among consumers who have owned headphones for several years or purchased an inexpensive pair built from cheap parts.

They’ll start to experience connectivity cutting in and out more often because their headphones aren’t running the latest recommended Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 5.3 or higher).

Excessive wear begins to deteriorate materials such as the faux leather on the ear pads and headband, causing discomfort and slippage. Most importantly, sound becomes heavily distorted due to overdriving. That’s just an audiophile term for saying your drivers have been put through the wringer by listening to music at very loud volumes.

Those aren’t the only general indicators to ditch your old wireless headphones for a new pair of the best wireless headphones. With the category evolving so quickly, your next headphone purchase should be up to date with the latest components, special features, and wireless technologies. This will ensure optimal performance for years to come.

Here are 5 warning signs you need to upgrade your wireless headphones, ASAP.

1. A lack of hi-res audio codecs

Hi-res audio is immensely popular in the music streaming world, with services like Tidal and Qobuz leading the way, while Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music progressively expand their initiatives. In order to hear more detail and nuance at higher bitrates, you’ll need headphones that either come with Hi-Res Audio certification or upscaled audio codecs like aptX Adaptive/Lossless and LDAC. Both codecs support 24-bit audio for richer sound reproduction and wider dynamic range.

There is a workaround if you have wireless headphones that don’t come with these sound-enhancing technologies. It requires headphones with a 3.5mm AUX or USB-C audio jack and buying a portable DAC that is tethered to your headphones and media device. The smarter and more practical investment would be new wireless headphones.

2. Battery life continues to decrease at a drastic rate

Your headphones aren’t holding a charge the way they used to, and that’s not by accident. This is known as battery degradation. It means the internal battery is draining faster due to repeated charging and discharging cycles.

Other factors can affect battery life, including active noise cancellation, high volume, hot temperatures, and continuous listening over long stretches.

So, if you’re an AirPods Max user who has witnessed their below-standard battery life (20 hours) drop even lower over the course of two years, check your AppleCare+ status to see if the headphones are covered, because if so, you’re entitled to a battery replacement. Everyone else without an AppleCare+ warranty will have to splurge on a new pair. Coverage plans and warranties are different among all audio brands.

3. You can only pair to one media device at a time

Ever heard of multipoint technology? You should have it by now. This feature has been around for several years and allows users to pair their headphones to two devices simultaneously.

Certain models like the AirPods Max don’t offer this. Does that make them obsolete? Absolutely not. All AirPods models come with auto-switching, which automatically pairs your headphones or buds to your most recently used Apple device.

However, if you’re someone who juggles multiple devices throughout the day and hates having to unpair from one to pair to the other, then multipoint technology can relieve you of this frustration.

Category leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM5 make transitioning between your laptop and smartphone, and vice versa, a seamless task.

4. Everyone is enjoying spatial audio…except you

Spatial audio is now a norm in the wireless audio space. Almost every major headphone maker has developed its own 3D sound format, and if it hasn’t, it’s licensing the technology from other companies.

You want the engaging and immersive sound that spatial audio provides for concerts, music, movies, sports events, and all other content. Headtracking also adds a level of realism by positioning sound accurately to your head movements. It’s the most intimate way to enjoy audio.

5. No app support

Most current wireless headphones have a companion app to personalize performance across multiple verticals (e.g., connectivity, controls, sound). If yours don’t, well, that’s a heavy indication to swap them out for something more modern. You don’t want to miss out on functional perks that keep your cans future-proof.

Those who already own headphones with app support must monitor their firmware updates. This is important because when you stop receiving them, it’s likely the manufacturer of your headphones has completely abandoned the software. That means no additional features through OTA (over the air) updates. Any bugs or issues you encounter in the app won’t be fixed either, which may restrict access to popular features that can’t be enabled directly on the headphones.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best wireless earbuds 2025 — tested and rated
• I swapped AirPods Pro 2 for these sports headphones at the gym — here's what happened
• Sony WH-1000XM6 rumors — everything we know so far

An online search for the best sports headphones will lead you to the all-new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The heart-rate-enabled headphones are currently top-ranked among fitness and tech experts.

We’re not debating their marquee status. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have everything the avid exerciser wants in a pair of sports earbuds. They improve on every one of their predecessor’s hallmarks, from battery life to connectivity to sound quality.

Apple also introduced a number of upgrades, including active noise cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio, wireless charging, and built-in heart rate monitoring. All of that comes packaged in Beats’ signature ear hook design, which has been updated to deliver optimal fit in a smaller frame.

At the same time, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are expensive ($249) and fall in a price range similar to other luxury earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2 and the category-leading Sony WF-1000XM5.

Since you’re already spending a lot on gym membership fees and workout gear (e.g., fitness trackers, running shoes), splurging on Beats’ latest offering may not be conducive to your financial situation. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to seek out more affordable options.

The market has several cheap wireless earbuds that check many of the same boxes as the Powerbeats Pro 2, and at a fraction of the cost.

Tom’s Guide is always testing the latest true wireless releases across all sub-categories (e.g., AI, noise cancellation, open ear). I have a trio of recommendations that are as serviceable as the Powerbeats Pro 2. Best of all, they’re all listed under $100.

Scroll down to view our three favorite budget alternatives to the Powerbeats Pro 2.

1. Anker Soundcore Sport X20

Anker isn’t known for its sports buds, but the consumer electronics giant has made strides with its most recent athletic creations. The Sport X20 is a low-cost contender that shares many similarities to the Powerbeats Pro 2. We’re talking fit, noise cancellation, and personalized sound.

Let’s start with the obvious, that being Anker’s swivel ear hook mechanism. We prefer it over Beats’ design because it can extend and twist to accommodate different ear shapes. The hooks lock on firmly for maximum fit. These buds are composed of sturdy plastic with IP68 dirt and waterproofing that ensures long-lasting use. Meanwhile, the Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a lower IP rating (IPX4).

ANC on the Sport X20 does a solid job of tuning out gym distractions. The humming noises from a rowing machine are silent. You won’t hear beeping sounds or the impact of running feet on a treadmill. Wind resistance is surprisingly good and minimizes harsh sounds created in gusty conditions. Ambient Sound keeps you focused on running trails by capturing ambient noise loudly and clearly in real-time.

Underneath the buds’ svelte hood lies 11mm drivers that dish out adrenaline-inducing audio. Bass response can be overwhelming, depending on tracks, but it’s customizable through the Soundcore app, which also has the HearID feature to create your own sound profile. Anker’s 3D Surround Sound mode is available for immersive audio, though it’s nowhere near as effective as Apple’s 3D sound format on the Powerbeats Pro 2. Luckily, it’s a feature you won’t miss when exercising.

Battery life on the Sport X20 exceeds the Powerbeats Pro 2: up to 12 hours per charge. This doesn’t account for ANC and other core functionality (e.g., digital assistance, volume), which drop playtime to 8 hours. That’s still sufficient for about 3 to 4 days of workouts. Tossing the buds in their charging case can generate 2 hours of listening time on a 5-minute charge. The case gives you 48 hours of additional use when fully charged.

Other notable traits: Breathing exercises, multi-device pairing, and SweatGuard technology for an extra layer of moisture protection.

2. Jabra Elite 4 Active

Despite shutting down its consumer earbuds business (a decision we’re praying it reconsiders), Jabra still has multiple performers that can compete with the Powerbeats Pro 2. The Elite 4 Active is one of them.

These mid-range buds do something that no Beats models can, which is allow users to manually tweak sound. The Sound+ app comes with a customizable EQ to create sound profiles, plus music presets that cater to different sonic attributes. Jabra’s sound signature packs a mean low-end punch to rile up energy when fatigued in the middle of 5K runs. Niche features like Spotify Connect offers instant access to favorited workout playlists on the streaming service.

ANC operates better on these buds than the pricier Elite 7 Active and is notably stronger than the Powerbeats Pro 2’s version. It adapts to surrounding noise levels and can be tailored to your hearing. The feature works well for silencing clanky gym machines and talkative treadmillers. Jabra’s beloved HearThrough mode raises environmental awareness during outdoor runs.

The Elite 4 Active are more durable than any Apple or Beats buds; IP57 certification makes them sweat/waterproof. A smooth rubberized exterior prevents scratches and scuffs. Lastly, the EarGels tips form a tight seal to maintain on-ear stability when engaged in lateral-heavy movements.

Other notable traits: Alexa integration, fantastic call quality, and up to 7 hours ANC playtime (per charge).

3. JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4

JLab’s massive collection of inexpensive sports earbuds is greatly inspired by the Powerbeats line. The JBuds Sport ANC 4 provide many benefits to active runners and extensive trainers.

Sound is dynamic and lively right out of the box. The bottom-heavy low end gives contemporary tracks a thumpy presence that increases energy levels during workouts. Three built-in EQs are available – Bass Boost, Balanced, and Signature (the default) – the latter being fine-tuned for proper frequency balance. All that means is you’ll hear enticing sonic elements (e.g., crashing cymbals, thrashing drums) clearer. Music doesn’t sound as immersive as it does on the spatial audio-enabled Powerbeats Pro 2, but what’s heard on the Sport ANC 4 is satisfying for the price.

Practical features are abundant. There’s an Interval Timer for timing works and repeating sets, which comes in handy for stationary workouts. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology pairs the buds to two devices simultaneously within a 60-foot range. Picture using an Android phone while riding your Peloton bike and having to immediately jump on a FaceTime call via MacBook Pro. These buds make that switch seamlessly without compromising connectivity or sound performance.

JLab’s noise-cancelling mode leaves much to be desired, but its Aware Mode is powerful and pulls in a vast amount of ambient noise. It’s ideal for monitoring traffic on nightly runs or eavesdropping on conversations.

Aesthetically, the JBuds Sport ANC 4 are nothing to brag about. However, they are sturdier than any Apple-made audio product. Hard plastic with IP66 certification (dirt-/sweat-proofing and water resistance) protects the buds. JLab’s on-ear hooks and silicone tips are a terrific combination for prime stabilization. Even the wireless charging case is built to withstand the daily abuse you’ll put it through. Dropping it on hard surfaces won’t crack the exterior. Most importantly, the magnetic closures keep these buds secure in their charging slots.

Other notable traits: Companion app support, reliable touch controls, and up to 60 hours via charging case (up to 14 hours per charge).

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched my AirPods for these over-ear workout headphones at the gym — here's why I'm not going back
• Best bone conduction headphones
• How to clean sports headphones after a workout: a step-by-step guide

Jabra killing off its consumer earbuds business wasn’t something we had on our 2024 bingo card. Its contributions to the true wireless market can never be overlooked. Many of its models were considered some of the best wireless earbuds. The company also helped popularize the sports headphones category by launching multiple acclaimed sporty entries.

Sadly, we’re looking at the end of an era. All that’s left is to acknowledge Jabra’s greatness and plea for a return. But now doesn’t feel like the right time to put its jersey up in the rafters.

The Danish audio specialist is still a fixture in the true wireless space. Depriving consumers of its functional designs and innovative proprietary technologies would be a detriment to the consuming public. More importantly, very few brands have achieved the level of success that Jabra has had over its eight-year run.

Here are 5 reasons why Jabra must reconsider quitting the wireless earbuds industry.

1. The sports buds category is still theirs to lose

Only Beats makes better running headphones than Jabra, and even that’s debatable. Competitors like the Fit Pro and PowerBeats Pro remain hot sellers for many reasons, including great multiplatform support, sturdy designs, and versatile sound.

However, Jabra’s first-gen Elite Active 8 buds are equally great. The Elite Active 8 (Gen 2) elevate performance with stronger active noise cancellation and a smart case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter to stream audio to the buds. Jabra’s HearThrough mode also outperforms every transparency mode out there, highlighted by a powerful mic array with outstanding ambient noise and vocal capture. Those hallmarks combined with the series’ energetic soundstage have made the Elite Active 8 (Gen 2) the best workout headphones overall. It might take a Herculean effort to remove them from the throne.

2. Jabra’s voice communicating technology remains elite

Jabra’s earlier releases delivered exceptional voice communication that crushed the original AirPods and everyone else at the time. The competition caught up and either matched or surpassed Jabra’s call quality.

Time allowed the company to enhance their technology, which peaked on the now-discontinued Connect 5T, the category’s top choice for conference and voice calls. Newer releases like the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) have also brought Jabra back into the conversation of best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. And anyone who has tested the brand’s office headsets can speak to its unbeatable voice communication.

Having this technology limited to Jabra’s over-ear headphones is a true wireless enthusiast’s loss.

Jabra Sound+ is too good to just disappear

People may not understand just how pivotal Jabra’s Sound+ app is to the category. It was one of the first companion apps developed for a pair of wireless earbuds and it had game-changing features that no one else offered.

Customizing sound with a manual EQ and enabling the built-in accelerometer to transform Jabra’s buds into a fitness tracker were jaw-dropping features back in 2018. At that time, the original AirPods only had Siri and instantaneous connectivity with Apple devices.

The app has added numerous other perks over the years, including adjustable ANC, Find My Jabra (buds), and multipoint technology. Two other favorites are the Call Experience setting to increase how loud you sound on calls and the Soundscape mode for zoning out. There are other fantastic features on Sound+ that you won’t find elsewhere, and it hurts knowing they’ll be stranded on a mobile app that only supports discontinued wireless earbuds.

4. It still owns the title of best wireless earbuds ever

Google the Jabra Elite Active 75t. I guarantee you’ll find a few op-eds or reviews calling them the best wireless earbuds ever. Take it from the first audio writer who reviewed them and did what no other publication would at the time, which was rate them higher than the AirPods Pro.

What’s crazy is that these buds still hold up well against more current releases, even with outdated specs. My wife and I have been using them for the past four years and find their sound quality superior to any AirPods model. Bass hits harder and highs are more transparent. HearThrough captures ambient noise better than most workout headphones and some of Jabra’s mid-range sporty earbuds. And they’re arguably the most attractive buds ever built with dust/water resistance and waterproofing to boot.

Jabra could never replicate the Elite Active 75t’s excellence, but the Elite 10 (Gen 2) and Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) proved it could create category-leading contenders. That must count for something.

5. Legacy is everything

Jabra came out the gate as Apple’s biggest threat, put out several prime alternatives, and then strayed away from their biggest strengths, which ultimately resulted in its decline and exit. It’s still surreal to think that my favorite wireless earbuds marker is calling it quits after leaving such an impact on the industry.

That being said, Jabra’s true wireless heritage is too significant for it to go out like this. There is still a market for its products and technologies. A rebranding or transition to budget wireless earbuds with high-end performance could keep the brand alive and thriving, if executed properly.

The industry won’t forget what Jabra did for wireless earbuds, and its legacy will live long. If not as the greatest sports headphones maker ever, then as the first legitimate audio rival to make Apple sweat.

More from Tom's Guide

• Noble just announced the most stunning earbuds we've ever seen — and they have 5 drivers
• I swapped AirPods Pro 2 for these sports headphones at the gym — here's what happened
• I test headphones and these 5 wireless earbuds have the best battery life

I’ve been testing headphones for almost a decade, but have never found a pair I love as much as the Jabra Elite 8 Active. They’re comfortable, sound great, and last all day — to me, they’re the perfect set of earbuds for while I’m writing, out on a walk, or working out.

So it was a surprise to find out that Jabra plans to discontinue the Elite range, along with all of its other consumer headphones, effective immediately. We’ve consistently ranked the Elite Active buds as the best workout headphones, but their popularity apparently wasn’t enough to balance the books.

According to a press release, the company said that the consumer lines “cannot generate a fair return on investment” compared to its medical, business, and gaming divisions. Confusingly, Jabra announced this on the same day it launched the upgraded Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 earbuds. 

So, you have to wonder: is it still a good idea to buy these second-generation models? Here’s what we know so far.

Are the new Jabra Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 worth buying?

On the same day that Jabra announced it was pulling the plug on its Elite and Talk consumer ranges, the company unveiled the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229.99) and Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99). Both models are available for pre-order right now from Jabra’s store and are due to ship in “mid-June.”

There are some minor, but welcome, upgrades on 2023’s Elite 8 Active and Elite 10, including improved noise cancellation performance, a tweaked HearThrough (transparency) mode, and AI noise removal for calls, like the feature due to come to the AirPods Pro later this year.

But the most notable improvement is that you can plug the charging case into any device and stream audio wirelessly to the buds. So, if you’re at the gym, you can plug the case into the treadmill and stream the monitor’s audio directly to the headphones.

However, as Jabra also plans to pull the plug on the entire Elite range after these two second-generation devices, you might be wary of buying a new pair and getting locked out of the app’s customization features or frustrated by a lack of ongoing support if something goes wrong.

We asked for confirmation on support timelines and were told that “support will continue at least the two-year warranty period on the new products and also beyond. [The] Sound+ app — or any new apps in the future — will continuously support all Jabra products.”

Which Jabra headphones should you buy on sale?

With new models about to hit the shelves, I’d expect that many retailers will start to discount the first-generation Elite 8 Active and Elite 10. Ordinarily, this can be a great way to get premium features and save some money, as long as you don’t need the case streaming feature.

So, you might come across a good deal on an older set and consider picking them up over the latest editions. Since the app will continue to support all of Jabra’s headphones for the foreseeable, there’s no reason to avoid purchasing previous models and save yourself money.

It is worth keeping in mind that previous editions, like the Elite 7 Active, use older Bluetooth standards (5.2 versus the Elite 8 Active’s 5.3). Bluetooth 5.3 introduced improved multi-device connectivity, reduced latency, and better battery life, so it’s something to factor into your choice.

Is the Jabra Sound+ app still available?

The Jabra Sound+ app allows you to customize the audio experience, adjust the noise cancellation and HearThrough modes, and tweak the equalizer. You don’t have to use it, as you can connect the headphones to your phone without the app, but it's a useful tool.

Although the company didn’t mention it directly while announcing the new (and final) ‘buds, we clarified that Jabra intends to keep the Sound+ app available but may release a new tool in the future for managing its consumer headphones.

It’s not a cast-iron confirmation that the app will stay around forever, but there’s no indication that Jabra intends to shutter Sound+ for good or remove it from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store, so you should still be able to download it if you buy a new pair of Jabra headphones.

What are the best Jabra alternatives?

Beats and Shokz are Jabra’s closest competitors but for different reasons. Apple-owned Beats has carved out an exercise-friendly niche, with models like the Powerbeats Pro offering effective noise cancellation, a transparency mode and 9 hours of battery life.

Instead of Jabra’s ShakeGrip design to keep them in place, the Powerbeats Pro have hooks that sit on top of your ears to prevent them from falling out. If you’re after a more discreet design, the Beats Fit Pro are closer to Jabra’s Elite models, but with wingtips to fix them into place.

But if you’re a keen runner looking for a set that’ll help you stay aware of your surroundings, then the Shokz OpenSwim Pro could be ideal. These bone conduction headphones sit on your cheekbone and use vibrations to create audio, leaving your ears completely open.

Since the decision will largely come down to how you like to exercise, many of the best sport headphones make for great Jabra alternatives. However, if you’re going to focus mostly on running, you might be better off with a set of the best running headphones instead.

More from Tom’s Guide

• BowFlex has filed for bankruptcy — should you still buy its home workout equipment?
• Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Jabra Elite 10: Which wireless earbuds win?
• I test wireless earbuds for a living and these are my top 5 picks for all budgets

The original Elite 10 did something that past Jabra releases, like the former-flagship Elite 7 Pro, great-value Elite 3, and sporty Elite 7 Active, couldn’t. They made the company a true wireless force to be reckoned with once again. Critical acclaim and significant achievements in sound and design made the first-gen version some of the best wireless earbuds available.

At the same time as Jabra announced that it is pulling the plug on its Elite and Talk consumer ranges, Jabra launched a flagship successor: the Elite 10 Gen 2. They feature every perk that made the original Elite 10 a hit, including active noise cancelation, Bluetooth multipoint, spatial audio with Dolby head tracking, and several settings that enhance usability on multiple ends. Jabra also performed tweaks to their proprietary technologies, while introducing the world’s first LE Audio smart case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. 

Jabra says that support is expected to continue on all new products for the two-year warranty period and beyond. So, are the next-gen Elite 10 enhancements enough to elevate Jabra past Apple, Bose, and Sony as the market’s top wireless earbuds maker? Read my full review to find out.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Price & availability

• Gen 2 version is $30 more expensive than the original Elite 10
• New color options  

The Jabra Elite 10 (Gen 2) are available for $279 / £259 in the U.S. and U.K. (approx. AU$344) on Jabra’s website or on Amazon. At the time of writing they were not available in Australia. 

Color options have been updated to include cocoa, denim, gloss black, soft white, and titanium black.

The Elite 10 (Gen 2) are $30 more expensive than the first-gen model. They’re also listed higher than the best-selling $249 AirPods Pro 2 and fall in the same price range as category leaders as the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5, both priced at $299.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Design

• Chic craftsmanship
• Dust and waterproof
• Smart case is more practical than the first-gen case 

Looks haven’t changed between the first- and second-gen versions. Whereas the Elite 7 Pro lacked the high-end design of masterpieces like the Elite 75t Active, the Elite 10 (Gen 1 and Gen 2) look and feel like a premium product. There’s something appealing about the teardrop shape, which also factors into comfort and fit. The glossy multifunctional button with laser-etched branding stands out from afar, and the buds’ smooth rubberized texture resembles suede. All color options are gorgeous, especially cocoa with its dark burgundy-like complexion. Furthermore, these buds come with a 2-year warranty and IP57 rating, making them better protected against dust and water than the AirPods Pro 2 and WF-1000XM5.

Jabra’s semi-open design doesn’t make the buds feel like they’re plugged. New oval EarGel tips sculpt perfectly to different ear shapes, while the curved cavity rests pleasantly on the concha. I wore the buds daily for 5 hours straight and didn’t experience any soreness. The slightest adjustment locked them in place for optimal stability.

The charging case shares similar design traits. Its soft-touch finish and sleek, compact shape complement the buds’ appearance. Even though it has no IP rating (only the Elite 8 Active case comes IP54 splash- and dust-resistant), this version is similarly sturdy, though the chic exterior is sensitive to dirt and scratches. New to this version is a pairing button on the front that also activates the Bluetooth transmission mode when wired to an audio source (more on that later). 

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Features

• Jabra Sound+ app is loaded with extras
• Useful shortcut widget
• Intuitive wireless functionality 

Everything the Jabra Sound+ app afforded the original Elite 10 is available on the next-gen model. Primary features like Call Experience, EQ with multiple presets, Find 

My Jabra (earbuds), MyControls, Sound Modes (ANC/HearThrough), spatial audio, and voice assistant are all accounted for. Soundscape returns to provide listeners a variety of audio vignettes designed for relaxation. Rounding things out are battery level indicators, firmware updates, a sleep mode, and wear detection.

Jabra developed a shortcut widget to enable the listening modes without entering the app. It’s accessible on your phone’s wake screen or by pulling down the notification bar atop the touchscreen.

Outside of the app are one-tap pairing features, multipoint technology to pair to two devices simultaneously, and the smart case, which I’ll discuss further in the review.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Controls

• Great physical and voice controls
• Responsive wear detection 
• Spotify tap doesn’t work 

As with every pair of Jabra earbuds, the Elite 10 (Gen 2) come with multifunctional buttons that enable all call management and playback functions and let you cycle through different listening modes. Spotify Tap is onboard to instantly access the service by double pressing the left earbud, but it wasn’t working on my unit. The buttons produce solid tactility and are responsive to single-/multi-press and long-hold gestures. Taking off the buds will enable auto-pause, and placing them back on will play content.

Jabra’s mic array demonstrates terrific vocal capture and the native digital assistants (e.g., Google Assistant, Siri) acknowledge and execute voice commands with ease. Google Assistant voice activation can be turned on to fire up the feature by saying the wake word phrase (“Hey Google”). 

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Sound quality

• Outstanding frequency range with energetic bass
• Charging case streams audio to buds
• Stellar head tracking but spatial audio isn’t convincing 

It looks like Jabra kept the same drivers and soundstage intact for the Elite 10 (Gen 2), which translates to sonic bliss. Expect well-balanced frequencies and deep bass that makes contemporary tracks engaging, especially when listening via lossless and hi-res streaming platforms like Tidal — one of the best music streaming services we've heard.  

Upbeat R&B records like 112’s “Only You (Remix)” had a nice bop to them. The infectious bassline knocked hard without coming on too strong. Also, the group’s harmonizing and the jingly triangle effect in the background were highly transparent. Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” maintained that same warm, articulate presentation. The reproduction of Ozzy Osbourne’s frenetic vocals was shockingly good, while the pounding drums and speedy strums on the bridge guitar solo had me headbanging at my work desk.

Listening with ANC on slightly increases bass, though you can personalize sound via Music Equalizer in the Sound+ app. You’re given two options: manually adjust frequencies to create your own sound profile or select from six well-engineered presets. The absent MySound feature is more effective for calibrating sound to your hearing. Luckily, you don’t need it since the Neutral preset produces a terrific mix of lows, mids, and highs. 

LE Audio is incorporated and SBC and AAC achieve crisp, low-latency audio transmission. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive/Lossless or Sony’s LDAC codec would have been preferred to deliver high-quality audio streams. 

Spatial Sound is the company’s 3D audio format that includes Dolby Atmos and head-tracking support. The feature is a little better this time around, but it still doesn’t compare to Apple’s and Bose’s spatial audio alternatives. 

Most Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music were satisfying listens. Hello Yellow’s “Help Again” burst with vibrancy; the striking cymbals and vocoder rhymes enlivened the soundstage. Meanwhile, hip-hop songs like Slaughterhouse’s “Not Tonight” lacked amplification and clarity; the low-sounding vocals were distant and dull.

Using Spatial Sound on Android devices required some adjustments. I often have the Fixed Spatial Audio feature set on my OnePlus 11 smartphone, which works with all headphones and earbuds. Having it on at the same time as Spatial Sound decreased sound quality. Bass levels went haywire on Outkast’s “Rosa Parks,” but limiting 3D audio to Jabra’s version cleaned up the low end and kept it boomy.

Dolby head tracking is arguably the Elite 10’s best feature. The head motion detection on these buds is insanely precise. What I like most is that Jabra doesn’t make you take an ear-scanning test to use spatial audio like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5 models do.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Active Noise Cancelation

• Minor ANC enhancement
• Effective wind resistance
• Class-leading HearThrough ambient mode 

Jabra’s Advanced ANC technology debuted on the original Elite 10 and provided fantastic noise cancellation. The Elite 10 (Gen 2) have greater high-frequency reduction, though Jabra’s noise cancellation still ranks a few notches below the QC Ultra Earbuds and WF-1000XM5. These buds can reduce up to 90% of ambient noise. Advanced ANC silenced the construction work taking place outside and the shrieking sounds my intercom system made during fire alarm tests. Common distractions such as cat meows, household appliances, and high-volume TVs didn’t bother me either.  

The ANC technology was most effective outside. Walks to the grocery store were peacefully quiet. I blocked out the bratty tweens complaining about their Starbucks coffee orders, as well as loud portable speakers and trains passing through nearby. It took blaringly loud noises (e.g., train horns, whistles) to break my concentration.

HearThrough remains the best transparency mode out there. Jabra’s six-mic array captures vocals clearly, which made chatting with the missus from across the living room convenient. My awareness was high when strolling around the neighborhood at night; I could hear oncoming traffic from a block away.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Call quality and connectivity

• Voice calling remains a downgrade
• ANC still doesn’t keep calls clear of background noise
• More instantaneous pairing options 

According to Jabra, the first-gen Elite 10’s mic array could distinguish between background noise and the caller’s speaking voice, while employing noise-reduction algorithms to adaptively block out noise. This wasn’t entirely true. The buds did an impressive job of emphasizing vocal input. Using the Call Experience feature in the Sound+ app increased how loud I sounded and added more bass/treble to calls. Unfortunately, the mics and noise-canceling technology struggled to minimize background noise. 

Despite the claims of having “improved 6-mic call technology with effective noise-reduction algorithms,” the Elite 10 (Gen 2) fall short of the excellent call quality brand enthusiasts are accustomed to experiencing. My wife couldn’t make out much of what I said when walking home; all the ruckus around me was transparent on her end. Even slight summer breezes reduced clarity. The Elite 10 (Gen 2) worked much better for indoor calls. My wife applauded how loud and clear I sounded, though that feedback mostly applied when speaking in quiet settings.

On the plus side, the Elite 10 (Gen 2) have strong connectivity across the board. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology runs smoothly. Range extends up to 50 feet before stuttering. There’s even multiplatform one-tap pairing for Android (Google Fast Pair) and Windows devices (Microsoft Swift Pair). Connecting to iOS/macOS devices is quick as well.

Jabra Elite 10 review Gen 2: Battery life

• Steady playtimes
• Effective quick charging 

Battery life went untouched. The Elite 10 (Gen 2) offer up to 6 hours of playtime with ANC on, which is pretty standard. Turning it off extends battery life to 8 hours. Keep in mind that high volume and spatial audio reduces playtimes by about 2 hours. This isn’t far off from the AirPods Pro 2 (around 5.5 to 7 hours), but it’s lower than the WF-1000XM5 (around 8 to 12 hours). I got about 3 days of moderate use (2.5 hours daily) before recharging. 

As far as the wireless charging case goes, it can hold up to 36 hours, and a 5-minute quick charge generates 1 hour of listening time.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 review: Verdict

Jabra didn’t need to upgrade the Elite 10 because the first-gen buds were already an outstanding addition to the field that compete at a high level. On the other hand, we appreciate their commitment to pushing the series forward with considerable additions like enhanced ANC and the smart case. Everything else practically looks and operates the same as the original. 

More focus should have been on perfecting Spatial Sound and refining connectivity. Furthermore, the increased price tag is an eye sore, especially when compared to the big three – the AirPods Pro 2, Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, and Sony WF-1000XM5 – all of which are frequently on sale for less than Jabra’s latest buds and perform similarly. 

If you’re an avid Jabra user and have the money to splurge, then the Elite 10 (Gen 2) can be a quality pickup. You can also enjoy much of the same functionality on the Gen 1 version, which can regularly be found discounted, or Apple’s flagship buds, and for a lower cost. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Best headphone deals around right now
• Jabra plans to stop making one of our favorite workout earbuds
• Ultimate Ears Everboom could be the perfect portable speaker for Glastonbury

Best deals

Building on the Elite 8 Active’s universal acclaim, Jabra wasted no time creating a follow-up, one that features bigger specs and an innovative charging case. Say hello to the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2). 

This next-gen Elite 8 Active — on sale now from the Jabra website and online retailers including Amazon — not only take over the reins as Jabra’s true sporty flagship, but they set new standards for the sub-category.comes with stronger adaptive active noise cancelation and spatial audio, plus a smart case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter to stream audio to the buds. Series staples like a damage-proof design and high battery life also remain intact.

The control scheme hasn’t changed, nor have some of the shortcomings present in the first-gen release. Even so, the Elite Active 8 (Gen 2) are undeniably the best workout earbuds and outshine the top-selling Beats Fit Pro with excellent performance across multiple verticals. 

Jabra may have announced that it is pulling the plug on its Elite and Talk consumer ranges, but support is expected to continue on all new products for at least the two-year warranty period and beyond.

Here's my full review on Jabra's Elite 8 Active Gen 2 wireless earbuds.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Price & Availability

• $30 price increase compared to original
• New color options

The Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) are selling for $229/ £199/ AU$329 and can be purchased directly from the Jabra website or popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Four colors are available: black, coral, navy, and olive. 

This version introduces a $30 price hike over their predecessor, making it more expensive than the $199 Beats Fit Pro, yet more affordable than the $249 AirPods Pro 2 (both Lightning and USB-C versions). 

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Design

• Jabra’s strongest-ever earbuds (IP68) and charging case (IP54)
• Secure fit with Jabra ShakeGrip
• Physical buttons affect comfort 

What else can be said about the Elite 8 Active’s design other than it’s indestructible and well built. Jabra put these buds through military testing to establish an IP68 certification for dust- and waterproof protection. They can survive huge dust clouds, as well as 1-meter drops and 1.5-meter submersion. A 2-year warranty is guaranteed against failure from dust and water.

The new smart charging case is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance. Compared to other Jabra cases, this one is larger, but slimmer, and has a sleek, curved rectangle design. It weighs nothing at 1.6 ounces and slides into denim pockets.  Added to this version is a pairing button on the front that also activates Bluetooth transmission when wired into an audio source.

Jabra’s ShakeGrip technology enhances stability and sustainability. A “liquid silicone sock” is wrapped around the buds to prevent corrosion and produce a comfy and secure fit. Never once did they fall out or require adjusting on runs. I also didn’t experience any fatigue when wearing them for 4-hour stretches daily. The silicone material also staves off scratches better than the plastic used on standard Elite models.

It's time for Jabra to consider touch controls because their physical button setup remains problematic. Every press pushes the buds further into your ears, causing unwanted soreness around the concha.

Jabra Elite 8 Active review Gen 2: Features

• Feature-filled companion app
• Intuitive pairing options 
• Shortcut widget simplifies listening mode activation 

Nearly all functionality runs through the Jabra Sound+ app. Here is where you’ll find all the major audio features, including EQ, music presets, Sound Modes (ANC/Hearthrough), and Spatial Sound. Call Experience lets you adjust different settings (equalizer, sidetone) on voice calls, MyControls is for control customization, and Soundscapes hosts multiple audio vignettes for stress relief. Rounding out the app are battery level indicators, Find My Jabra (earbuds), firmware updates, and a sleep timer function. 

Two features you won’t find on the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) that are exclusive to the Elite 10 (Gen 1 and Gen 2) are Advanced ANC and Dolby Head Tracking.

Outside of the app are special wireless features like Bluetooth multipoint and one-tap pairing for Android and Windows devices. There’s even a shortcut widget to enable the listening modes (ANC/Spatial Sound) without entering the app. It automatically appears on the notification bar of your smartphone. You’ll also see it pop up on the touchscreen when waking your device from sleep mode.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Controls

• Multifunctional buttons are reliable for operation — and painful
• Digital assistance is on-point
• Spotify Tap doesn’t work 

Single-, multi-, and long-press gestures are responsive, and tactility feels fluid. As previously stated, pressing the buttons will push the buds further into your ears. This becomes frustrating and painful after several attempts. One way to limit using them is assigning your most used functions to the one-press gesture or using voice activation for playback, call management, or volume. Google Assistant and Siri demonstrate flawless speech recognition and execute commands accurately.  

Spotify Tap is onboard, but like the Elite 10 (Gen 2), the feature doesn’t seem to work when toggled.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Sound quality

• Energetic sound with fine-tuned bass
• Smart case streams audio to buds
• Spatial audio doesn’t match up to rivals and head tracking is MIA

The original Elite 8 Active was revered for its powerful, bass-heavy sonics. It’s unknown if Jabra tweaked their 6mm dynamic drivers or soundstage, but the low end continues to dominate the frequency curve and sounds more balanced on these buds. There are still some nice sounding mids and highs to digest. You can also tweak sound in the companion app by creating a sound profile via EQ or selecting from six well-engineered presets that complement their respective categories.  

I revisited Dead Prez’s “Hip Hop” on the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) and loved the adrenaline boost it provided before a treadmill run. The record’s monstrous bassline and pounding kick and snare rhythm were reproduced superbly, fueling my energy tank through the first quarter mile. I felt that same energy from Eminem’s “Till I Collapse.” The rapper’s fiery rhymes remained prominent over the intensified wave of echoing claps and pummeling kick drums. This showed me Jabra’s commitment to fine-tuning their midrange.

Jazz records were perfect for cooling down. The smooth horn and piano play on Thelonious Monk’s “Round Midnight” kept my body relaxed, though it was small details like the veiled double bass and hi-hat that captured my attention; both instruments were more accentuated on the Elite 8 Active than most sport buds.

Much of my listening time was spent on lossless streaming platforms including Apple Music and Tidal, which deliver CD-quality streams at the full bitrate. Spotify tracks were mostly satisfying. 

New to the listening experience is the LE Audio-enabled smart case that can transmit audio to the buds when wired into an audio source. This is perfect for streaming content from an iPod Classic, home TVs, in-flight entertainment systems or the outdated treadmill at your gym with built-in monitor and aux port. Most importantly, sound quality isn’t compromised, so you can enjoy spatial audio and workout playlists from any device. 

Jabra’s Spatial Sound format is said to have been improved from the previous iteration, though the modifications aren’t significant. It’s still a fine feature for adding arena-like acoustics to the soundstage. Some tracks sound like you’re placed several seats behind the front row of a live performance, which is fine. Bass-heavy recordings create more boom than I would like. The Elite 10 (Gen 2) comes with exceptional headtracking technology that creates a more immersive listening environment and is something the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) should have received considering their higher price tag.

The Elite 8 Active are stuck with SBC and AAC, two codecs that stream music acceptably well, but lack the resolution and speed transmission of upscale codecs like aptX and LDAC.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Active noise canceling

• Robust noise reduction
• Marvelous wind resistance
• Newer HearThrough mode is unbeatable 

According to Jabra, the first-gen Elite 8 Active’s adaptive ANC delivered 1.6x more noise cancelation than the company’s older version. They weren’t lying. The technology is supposedly 2x stronger on the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2). The only noticeable change my hearing detected was better high-frequency blockage. 

Turning it on completely blocked out the construction noises occurring outside of my window. There weren’t any disruptions when passing by a street fair. The Wind Noise Reduction setting kept the soundstage free of harsh whoosh effects. Using the feature indoors was just as rewarding. My son’s electronic toys and loud TV programs weren’t as discernible as they were when testing the first-gen model. Really loud sounds like car horns and sirens caught my attention during outdoor runs.  

Natural HearThrough is introduced on the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) and is supposed to be twice as effective as the previous version. I couldn’t tell much of a difference between the two iterations. All I know is that HearThrough is still the best transparency mode out there. Vocal capture is outstanding, allowing listeners to hear conversations loud and clearly, be it face to face or from across the street. The inter-city railroad was audible from several blocks away. The ambient listening mode came in clutch during late night strolls; I was more aware of oncoming traffic and sidewalk runners. 

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Call quality and connectivity

• Stellar voice calling 
• Blocks out background noise on voice calls
• Great wireless performance 

The original Elite 8 Active was a fantastic calling headset, and the sequel is no different. Most calls were met with positive feedback. My wife complimented how loud and clear I sounded. ANC performed terrifically on voice and video calls, which oddly isn’t the case on the more powerful Elite 10 (Gen 2). 

Bluetooth 5.3 ran smoothly. The buds maintained stable connectivity in standard wireless mode and when using the smart case. Range extended up to 50 feet in open spaces. Multipoint technology worked extremely well when paired to two devices simultaneously. 

Google Fast Pair grants one-tap pairing with Android devices, and Microsoft Swift has been added to instantly pair with Windows 10 devices (or higher). Pairing to iOS/macOS devices was seamless too. 

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Battery life

• Lengthier playtimes than most wireless buds
• Up to 56 hours via charging case 

Battery life is on par with the first-gen version, which is longer than the AirPods Pro 2 (5.5 to 7 hours) and Fit Pro (6 to 7 hours). A full charge translates to 8 to 14 hours of listening time, depending how you use the buds. ANC sucks up the most juice and using spatial audio knocks off 2 hours. The wireless charging case holds up to 56 hours. A 5-minute quick charge generates 1 hour of listening time.

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: Verdict

Advanced adaptive noise cancelation and extended audio functionality via smart care are nifty upgrades that keep the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) at the top of their class. Retained hallmarks like an energetic sound signature, superior battery life, and an unbreakable shell only add to their value. 

Whether these changes warrant a $30 price increase is up for debate. Factors like discomfort and missing high-end features (Advanced ANC, Dolby Head Tracking) can surely sway exercisers to look at rivals with similar feature sets like the Beats Fit Pro, which are cheaper and frequently on sale for as low as $150. The first-gen Elite 8 Active can also regularly be found discounted and offer nearly the same performance. Don't forget to bookmark our best headphone deals page for all the latest discounts.  

Still, there’s no denying the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) as a category leader and top-tier model that greatly benefits runners and workout buffs, no matter their MSRP. 

More from Tom's Guide

• Jabra to stop making our favorite workout earbuds
• JBL's retro-looking speaker system streams it all and sounds great 
• Ultimate Ears Everboom Bluetooth speaker puts more boom in your room for less 

Best deals

It's official! Jabra has unveiled the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active flagship earbuds at IFA 2023. As suggested in my recent news story, it's been confirmed that both new Jabra noise-canceling earbuds are equipped with Dolby support and have a host of upgrades that look set to rival some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds around. 

I, for one, couldn't be more excited about Jabra's potential to shake things up in the best wireless earbuds category, and it looks as though it's setting new standards in the best sport headphones category too. 

Prices for the Jabra Elite 10 are $249 / £229 / AU$379, putting them right in line with AirPods Pro 2 ($249), while the Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are set to cost $199 / £199 / AU$329, pitting them against the Beats Fit Pro ($199).

Jabra Elite 10: What to expect

The Jabra Elite 10 is the company's new flagship active noise-canceling earbuds. They're the most stylish-looking model we've seen from the brand so far, and the teardrop shape is said to factor into their comfort and fit. 

There's class-leading tech too including 2x active noise cancellation over the Elite 7 Pro predecessor. It uses new Jabra Advanced ANC tech to deliver a bespoke sound experience no matter how loud the ambient noise is in your surroundings, which could see it challenge category titans like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5. 

Dolby Atmos spatial audio support with headtracking, seamless Bluetooth multipoint thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio add to the wealth of facilities. There's no aptX or LDAC support mentioned though, which would have been the icing on the cake for high-quality music streams at the price, but I guess you can't have everything. 

The Elite 10 earbuds are said to rated to IP57 for dust and water ingress, but there's no mention about durability for the charging case. The Elite 10 claims 6 hours with ANC on, which is pretty standard. Turning it off extends battery life to 8 hours. This isn’t far off from what the AirPods Pro 2 give at around 5.5 to 7 hours, but it’s noticeably lower than Sony's latest WF-1000XM5 flagship at 8 to 12 hours. As far as the wireless charging case goes, it can hold up to 36 hours, and a 5-minute quick charge generates 1 hour of listening time.

Jabra Elite 8 Active: What to expect

The all-new Elite 8 Active take over the reins as Jabra’s true sporty flagship and claim to be the toughest models around. In fact, Jabra is so confident that it told Tom's Guide that there's nothing tougher in the active lifetsyle earbuds market. They are built using military-standard materials that claim to offer unbreakable protection. Jabra’s ShakeGrip technology factors into the Elite 8 Active’s appearance and sustainability, which is described as a “liquid silicone sock” wrapped around the buds to prevent corrosion and produce a comfy and secure fit.

Jabra says that the upgraded adaptive ANC provides 1.6x more noise cancelation than the company’s standard version, which is better that the previous versions of the Elite Active series. Dolby Audio support is onboard, but not full Dolby Atmos support with headtracking. Codecs run to SBC and AAC, but there's no aptX or LDAC support high-quality audio streams.

The Elite 8 Active have an IP68 certification for dust- and waterproof protection, meaning they can survive huge dust clouds, as well as 1-meter drops and 1.5-meter submersion. The charging case is IP54-rated for dust and water resistance.

Battery life translates to 8 to 14 hours of listening time, depending how you use the buds, compared to the Beats Fit Pro which deliver 6 to 7 hours. The charging case holds up to 56 hours, and a 5-minute quick charge is said to generate 1 hour of listening time.

Once again, the Jabra Elite 10 cost $249 / £229 / AU$379 and are available in Titanium black, matte black, gloss black, cocoa, and cream. The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are available in dark grey, black, navy, and caramel, and are set to cost $199 / £199 / AU$329. The Elite 8 Active are available to buy now at the Jabra store, while the Elite 10 can be pre-ordered and are expected to arrive in September. 

With such a wealth of features on both new models, these could easily be contenders to rank as some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy. Look out for our full Jabra Elite 10 and Jabra Elite 8 Active reviews coming soon.

More from Tom's Guide

• JBL unveils new Authentics smart speaker with obscene 270W of power at IFA 2023
• Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini: Hands-on at IFA 2023
• Hold off on buying a Bluetooth speaker — the Sonos Move 2 just leaked again
  
  

Jabra could be set to introduce two new wireless earbuds to rival the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5. 

According to a story that ran recently on MySmartPrice, Jabra is working on releasing two new active noise-canceling wireless earbud models that are tipped to be named the Jabra Elite 10 and Jabra Elite 8 Active. 

The original report doesn't mention pricing information for either model or when they're likely to arrive, however given the fact that IFA 2023 is right around the corner, I'd bet that an official announcement from Jabra will happen very soon. 

When it does, I'd expect the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active models to follow a similar pricing structure to the Jabra Elite 7 Pro at $199 / £199 / AU$299, and Jabra Elite 7 Active that are priced at $179 / £169 / AU$279, respectively.

Jabra Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active: Features to expect

According to MySmartPrice, the Jabra Elite 8 Active wireless earbuds are expected to replace the four-star Elite 7 Active. They are expected to have the same ShakeGrip coating as found on the Elite 7 Active (above), but offer improved durability with IP68-rated protection for the earbuds and a charging case that's certified to IP54.

Both models look to offer improved noise-cancelation performance. Images posted by the website show renders of the packing carton for the Jabra Elite 8 Active, which mentions Adaptive Hybrid ANC. While images of the flagship Elite 10 box mentions something called "Jabra Advanced ANC," which I imagine will adjust the level of noise cancelation on the fly depending on the ambient noise in your surroundings. 

Dolby Atmos is also emblazoned on the front of the Elite 10 box, suggesting that they may offer some kind of additional spatial audio capabilities. Dolby Audio is mentioned on the Elite 8 Active, but it's not clear what audio features this would support.

Both models appear to have Made for iPhone certification, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap. 

There's no mention of battery life for either model. I'd expect them to match or improve slightly on the 8 hours playback from a single charge, and the 30 hours total playback time from the charging case as rated on the Elite 7 Pro and the Elite 7 Active models.

Jabra Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active: Outlook 

When it comes to the best wireless earbuds, Jabra has continually rivaled some of the biggest brands around. The company's Active models have regularly ranked among the best earbuds for running we've tested, and the Elite 8 Active will be of great interest to runners and active lifestyle fans. 

The annoying naming conventions and similar spec sheets have often made it difficult choosing between models, though. For example, in recent times we've found that the less expensive Elite 4 Active wireless earbuds have delivered more bang for your buck than the company's more recent models. With this in mind, it'll be interesting to see how the new Jabra models shape up against rival brands as well as its own older models. Check back for regular updates.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested the best Bluetooth speaker I've heard
• 7 ways the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 can beat the AirPods Pro 2
• I swapped AirPods Pro 2 for these sports headphones at the gym
  

I love running. It isn’t something I do daily, but an activity I engage in after long and stressful workdays. Running has also helped boost my mental and physical health entering my 40s.

Before hitting the streets or treadmill, I reach into my workout bag and grab wireless earbuds that best suit my workout agenda. Water-resistant buds often join me on light jogs in the rain, while soundful buds with powerful active noise cancelation push me through intense training sessions.

I could just name my prime pair and leave it at that. However, not mentioning my other favorites would be a disservice since they’re equally great and offer their own set of perks. Some of these you’ll find on our best running headphones list and some are hidden gems worth trying out. These are the wireless earbuds I recommend most for running.  

Best running earbuds for outdoor training

1. Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro are essentially a sporty version of the original AirPods Pro. Both models have the same sound features, including Apple’s adaptive EQ, noise cancelation, and personalized spatial audio. Music on the Beats has more punch to it, thanks to stronger bass response that blends nicely with crisp mids and highs. The extra oomph they bring to music stimulates a second wind during my 5K runs. ANC blocks out 85% of incidental sounds and the transparency mode keeps awareness up when sprinting on sidewalks. 

Seasoned runners will love the installed wingtips since they fold and mold to the outer part of the ears with ease. The silicone tips withstand lots of sweat to maintain a strong seal. Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test doesn’t perform as well as it does on the AirPods Pro 2, which are also reliable for running (read my hands-on experience). However, slight adjustments lock the Fit Pro in place. Excellent “Hey Siri” voice activation makes controlling these buds a breeze for seamless voice commands on the move.

Adequate battery life keeps them operating for a reasonable length of time: 6 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off. The slim charging case is a light carry and holds up to 30 hours. Fast-Fuel charging also generates 1 hour of use on a 5-minute quick charge. 

Currently priced at $199, the Fit Pro are occasionally on sale for as low as $159, which makes them a steal.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review.

Best value earbuds for running

2. Jabra Elite 4 Active

Jabra has the most compelling fitness earbuds lineup, but the annoying naming conventions and similar spec sheets make it difficult choosing between entries. Much of their ad dollars have been spent pushing the high-end Elite 7 Active, and though they’re reputable buds, the less expensive Elite 4 Active deliver more bang for your buck. ANC is better than what’s available on the Elite 7 Active and suppresses low-/mid-frequency sounds at a higher rate. Premium features like Personalized ANC tailor noise neutralization to your hearing and the proprietary HearThrough mode keeps you on your toes by making ambient noises audible in all environments.

Obviously, you want great sound to go along with great ANC, and the Elite 4 Active are on top of their audio game. Impactful bass blasts through the 6mm drivers to kickstart runs on an energetic note. Multiple presets let you enhance and personalize the soundstage; Treble Boost is fantastic for hip-hop and rock tracks. The tight seal produced by Jabra’s gel tips also allow for full sound consumption, ensuring you feel every kick, snare, and pounding drum effect.

These buds are composed of durable plastic and covered in IP57 moisture protection to keep the internals safe from excessive sweat or water damage. The charging case is compact, lightweight, sturdy, and stores up to 28 hours. Speaking of battery life, the Elite 4 offers 7 hours of ANC playtime. 

So many selling points and I’ve yet to touch on the biggest one: pricing. Amazon currently has them at $119, but we have seen them as low as $89, making them unbeatable value for budget shoppers.

Read our full Jabra Elite 4 Active review.

Best running earbuds for battery life

3. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen)

Inexpensive sports headphones often come with more compromises than they’re worth. Not the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC. The $99 second-gen version carries features found on some of the best wireless earbuds. I’m talking about app support with a customizable 8-band EQ, multiple presets, wear detection, and built-in Tile functionality to track misplaced or lost buds on your smartphone. They are available to buy directly from JLab’s website, although they don't appear to be sold outside the U.S. right now.

ANC is included. The technology doesn’t perform well, but it’s useful enough to drown out common distractions such as chatty gym rats and loud TVs. Be Aware is the more serviceable feature and it provides a great sense of security by picking up external sounds clearly. I could hear cars and dump trucks coming up the street, along with sirens from several blocks away.

As for battery life, you’re looking at a category leader that outlasts every other sports headphone by several hours. Expect 11 to 15 hours per charge, depending how you use the buds. The durable charging case holds an additional 70 hours. An IP66 rating makes these buds dust-, sweat-, and water-resistant. Lastly, JLab’s Cloud Foam tips deliver optimal fit, adding to the Epic Air Sport ANC’s value.

Read our full JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) review.

Best running earbuds for optimal fit

4. Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Powerbeats Pro were my No. 1 pair until the newer Beats Fit Pro hit store shelves. I still rely on them to provide the best on-ear stability on runs. Beats’ hook design keeps the buds latched on and the silicone tips maintain a tight grip around the canal. Wearing the Powerbeats Pro for longer than 2 hours straight is fatiguing, but that’s mostly a worry for long-distance runners. Casual runners will appreciate the robust construction and IPX4 water-resistant coating that fends off sweat and rain.

These are the company’s most bass-heavy wireless earbuds. The low end is monstrous on EDM, hip-hop, and rock recordings and doesn’t compromise mids or highs. Vocals are also prominent on acoustic tracks and podcasts. ANC is absent, but the Powerbeats Pro’s in-ear design isolates noise well enough to remain focused on runs. 

Battery life is equal to the all-new Beats Studio Buds+ at 9 hours per charge; high volume and FaceTime calls don’t affect playtimes much. Call quality is another positive and some of Apple’s best in the category.

Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro review.

Best earbuds for running with health features

5. Amazfit PowerBuds Pro

The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro are fitness-first buds with tons of functionality. They double as an activity tracker that automatically detects when you’re running and saves workout data directly on the buds. This data can then be synced with third-party running apps like Runtastic, RunKeeper, and MapMyRun. Heart-rate monitoring is also built into the buds to record BPM (beats per minute). Other innovative health features include Cervical Protection to analyze and calibrate your posture, along with the Hearing Health setting that displays decibel levels to better curb bad listening habits and preserve your hearing.

Energetic sound complements most music genres and can be customized via EQ or multiple presets in the companion app. The combination of deep bass and high clarity had me enjoying workout playlists on jogs and relaxing instrumentals during cool downs. ANC doesn't wow, but it’s effective for outdoor use, specifically the Adaptive setting, which adjusts noise neutralization to your surroundings. Thru Mode is the better performer and pipes in lots of external sounds for wide ambient awareness.

Despite the low battery life (5 hours per charge), Amazfit’s charging case is clutch and extends listening times with an additional 30 hours of portable power. The solid mic performance shouldn’t be overlooked either, demonstrating superb speech recognition when speaking Google Assistant and Siri commands.

Read our full Amazfit PowerBuds Pro review.

More from Tom's Guide

• I test wireless earbuds for a living and these are my top 5 picks for all budgets
• 5 of the best headsets and headphones for working from home
• I tried the AirPods Pro 2 for running, here's what happened

Before Jabra moved into the true wireless earbuds space, the Danish consumer electronics company was already established in the telecommunications market and known for their range of Bluetooth headsets. It wasn't much of a surprise when the company launched its first-ever wireless earbuds with the superb Elite 65t, which were something of a smash hit thanks to their superb audio and call quality. 

The company continues to maintain the same high standards with each subsequent new model (and there have been plenty), from the Editor’s Choice Elite Active 75t to the noise-cancelling Elite 85t. The Elite 5 is the latest edition and follows the brand's tried and tested design formula. In fact, the Elite 5 look remarkably similar to the Jabra Connect 5T package that come with a wireless charger and are positioned as working from home earbuds.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Price and availability

• Similar specs to Jabra Connect 5T
• Available in two colors

The Jabra Elite 5 earbuds are priced at $149 (CA$199 / £149 / AU$219) and sold through the Jabra store. They're available in titanium black, and gold beige, and can also be found at online retailers, including Amazon where the gold beige option is currently being discounted to $125. Inside the box are a charging case, USB-C cable, three sets of different-sized EarGels silicone tips (S, M, L), and a quick guide. 

The Elite 5T are similar to the Jabra Connect 5T that come with a wireless charger and are sold exclusively through Best Buy. 

Despite the similar spec sheet to predecessors, the Jabra Elite 5 have a higher MSRP than many other ANC entries in the Elite series, as well as the 1More PistonBuds Pro, our favorite bargain ANC buds priced at $59. 

They're less expensive than category leaders such as the AirPods Pro 2 ($249) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279), however.

Bookmark our headphone deals page to stay up on the latest sales and track down a bargain.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Design and comfort

• Stronger water protection than AirPods Pro
• Elegant design

The Elite 5 share the same size and weight as the Connect 5T. Each bud is elegantly crafted from sturdy plastic and rated to IP55, meaning they're protected against dust, sweat, and heavy water splashes form penetrating the outer casing. Details on the outer case look identical, from the tiny mic openings to the warped, oval-shaped design. Even the same titanium black colorway is used.

The compact charging case looks the same as the Connect 5T, and has strong magnets to keep the lid closed and buds safely docked in their charging slots. While the case can survive tumbles to the concrete, that doesn’t make it immune to scuffs or scratches, which the exterior easily attracts.

These buds will stay put on your ears, thanks to proprietary EarGels that form a secure seal around the canal. The tips absorb moisture well and reduce slippage when caught in the rain or working out. Jabra does offer an ear tip fit test (MyFit), but only for models further up its range such as the Elite 7 Pro, and Elite 85t.

I found the medium-sized tips gave the best fit for my ears. Comfort levels on the Elite 5 are satisfactory, with the buds easy to insert and a fit that sits securely in my ears. I didn't have any issues with the multifunctional button design that requires push commands (rather than a tap) to control the suite of playback functions.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Controls and digital assistant

• Responsive controls
• One-dimensional wear detection
• Stellar voice activation

The push button control on each earbud makes up most of the control scheme for the Elite 5 and includes playback, call management, digital assistance, listening mode activation, and Spotify Tap. The MyControls setting in the companion Jabra Sound+ app lets you swap out and assign functions to different input methods: single/double/triple tap or long hold. Each button push produces a good level of tactile feedback and responds accurately to commands.

Wear detection is on board, but just as we found with the Connect 5T it only seems to work one way. Removing both buds will initiate auto-pause, which operates smoothly, but placing them back on your ear doesn’t resume playback and you have to reactivate playback by pressing the control button on the right earbud.

Alexa and Google Assistant voice activation are on board. It was fun firing up the AI bots by speaking their wake word phrases, and the feature worked incredibly well. Jabra’s six-mic array snatched every syllable spoken and demonstrated great intelligibility, responding to long-winded inquiries with precision. Google Assistant can be enabled manually by performing a double press on the left bud. Siri and Bixby are also supported.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Sound quality 

• Balanced sound but not the most dynamic
• Customizable EQ with presets
• No lossless or spatial audio support

The Jabra Elite 5 earbuds deliver a pleasant balance with only a slight emphasis towards bass frequencies to help give tracks some extra oomph. The sound delivery isn't the most dynamic or open sounding performance I've heard from a pair of earbuds, and can give the impression that they're simply going through the motions rather than presenting music in any kind of immersive or engaging way. Its not bad, just a bit flat and mediocre, and there's a feeling that certain frequencies in the mid-bass are not given their full opportunity to shine. 

With the Neutral preset selected, the Elite 5s present a fairly relaxed sound across their frequency range. Nothing stands out as being overly curtailed or emphasized, except for a slight reduction in mid frequency clarity. This is perhaps a little odd through, given that the Elite 5s preform well across the midrange as far as voice clarity is concerned when making calls. 

The deep kick drum on Rudimental’s “Spoons” was impactful throughout the recording, but I've heard it sound deeper on other earbuds, while the elongated synths and reverbed vocals sounded a little more veiled and a bit more distant. The vocals have a silky quality to the way they sound, and there are good amounts of detail on the clacking of the spoons (yes, they really are playing spoons). 

I was more impressed by how well Jabra’s 6mm drivers handled heavier bass tracks like Paula Coles’ “Tiger,” which carries a monstrous bassline. It was handled with good control, and the Elite 5 kept the soundscape energetic without producing any distortion. Again though, there was some lack of definition and clarity among mid-bass to low-bass frequencies, meaning some tracks lose a little dynamic impact and make particular bass beats sound a little hollow and missing their usual weight.

Those wanting a more personalized listening experience can play around with Jabra’s 5-band EQ to tweak bass, midrange, and treble output. Jabra’s MySound feature, which calibrates sound to your hearing, isn't part of the Elite 5 package.

These buds support SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs. All performed well across compatible devices. There's no aptX lossless codec or spatial audio support.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Active noise cancellation

• ANC performance is bettered elsewhere
• Transparency mode is effective

As with the similarly specified Jabra Connect 5T, ANC performance on the Elite 5 is not very effective, and won't trouble any of the picks listed in our best noise-cancelling earbuds round up. Quality noise-cancelling buds can block out voices, but these buds struggled to do so in a chatty work office environment or supress the sound of talkative commuters on my morning train journey. Even with the adjustable 4-level ANC mode set to max or Personalized ANC to tailor noise neutralization to my own ears, neither manged to sufficiently reduce background noise. Wind resistance, while I stood on drafty train station platforms, was also pretty mediocre. 

HearThrough, on the other hand, does a fantastic job of increasing environmental awareness. You can adjust between 4 levels. Setting it to max opens the mics wide and lets in sounds from long distances.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Special features and app

• Customizable controls
• Shortcut menu to enable ANC

Control is taken care of via the Jabra Sound+ app, which enables ANC/HearThrough, EQ, MyControls, music presets, Personalized ANC, Spotify Tap, and voice assistant selection. Additional features include Soundscapes, which plays ambient sounds such as ocean waves or songbirds as a meditative tools to help you relax and block out distracting sounds around you. It's effective, but not something I can see myself using on a regular basis.

Call Experience is a set of features designed to enhance how call are handled and call quality. You can adjust how loud you sound on calls and turn on functions like auto-answer or mute through wear detection.

Rounding out the app are a Find My Jabra (earbuds) function, firmware updates, quick start guide, and battery level indicators for each bud and the charging case.

You can set up a shortcut menu to appear on the notifications bar of your phone. This lets you toggle the listening modes, monitor battery life, and grants instant access to the app. 

Jabra Elite 5 review: Battery life and charging case

• Solid playtimes
• Charging case holds plenty of portable power

Jabra claims battery life at 7 hours with ANC on, and 9 hours with ANC off, and this seems accurate based on my own experience when playing tracks at a medium volume level. This got me around 2 hours a day for four days and is better than some more costly models, but then the Elite 5's ANC performance is underpowered.

The charging case holds up to 36 hours. A 10-minute quick charge generates 1 hour of use.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Call quality and connectivity

• Great for voice and video calls
• Stable wireless performance
• Connects to two devices at once

These are some of the best wireless earbuds with a mic for voice and video calls. Conversations came through loud and clear according to the people on the other end of the call. ANC didn’t perform well, but my voice remained prominent over background noise.

The Elite 5 connects via Bluetooth 5.2. Multipoint connectivity was glitchy with my iPhone 13 Pro, and sometimes struggled to playback music when paired to two devices. Android devices can be connected via Google Fast Pair. Range extended beyond 10 feet in open spaces.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Verdict

As with the Connect 5T, these are one of Jabra's best-sounding buds for call quality. They're a great productivity companion to have around when you're working from home or in the office. They offer plenty of useful features, and comfort levels were more than satisfactory in my ears. Sound quality is satisfactory but doesn't manage to set itself apart from its predecessors. 

Ultimately, these are rated at four stars due to their mediocre noise cancelling, but remain a worthwhile investment where call quality is a priority.

Before Jabra established itself in the true wireless category, the Danish electronics consumer brand made Bluetooth headsets for the telecommunications market. It's no surprise, then, that it moved into the wireless earbuds sector. Its first offering was the Elite 65t, which was a smash hit that was praised for its deep functionality and superb audio and call quality. That momentum carried over to a succession of models, from the Editor’s Choice Elite Active 75t to the noise-cancelling Elite 85t.

With many of us moving to a home and part office working hybrid and a online meetings, Jabra refocused its strengths on a brand pillar: call quality. This has led to the creation of the Connect 5T.

These wireless earbuds were designed to prioritize both audio and calls, boasting powerful 6-mic call technology, along with numerous key features such as active noise cancelation (ANC), multipoint technology, and call customization settings. Jabra also built these buds on the same architecture as the Elite 5, welcoming many of the same performance hallmarks such as personalized sound, voice-activated commands, and wireless charging. 

The Connect 5T does falter in certain areas, specifically ANC, but excels at its strengths, making these some of the best work-from-home buds available.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Price and availability

• Higher MSRP than most Jabra models
• Available in black only

The Jabra Connect 5T ANC earbuds are priced at $169 / £169 / AU$249.  In the U.S. they're sold exclusively through Best Buy, but in other territories they're available from the Jabra website. Titanium black is the only color option available for this specific model. Inside the box are a charging case, wireless charging pad, USB-C cable, three sets of different-sized EarGels silicone tips, and a quick guide. The Connect 5T are remarkably similar to the Jabra Elite 5 earbuds, which have an MSRP of $149 but don't come supplied with a wireless charging pad.

Despite similar spec sheets, the Connect 5T are priced higher than most other entries in the Elite series, as well as bargain ANC rivals like the $59 1More PistonBuds Pro. They're less expensive than category leaders such as the AirPods Pro 2 ($249) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279), however.

Bookmark our headphone deals page to stay up on the latest sales and bag a bargain.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Design and comfort

• Same chic design as the Elite 5
• Small and stylish charging case
• Stable fit, middling comfort

The Connect 5T are an exact replica of the company's Elite 5. Size and weight haven’t changed. Each bud is wrapped in sturdy plastic with IP55 protection against dust, sweat, and heavy water splashing. Details are the same, from the tiny mic openings to the warped, oval-shaped design. Even the same titanium black colorway is used.

No changes were made to the charging case either. It’s still compact and composed of the same materials as the buds. The magnets are strong to keep the buds docked in their charging slots and the lid shut tightly. While the case can survive tumbles to the concrete, that doesn’t make it immune to scuffs or scratches, which the exterior easily attracts.

The bundled charging pad is sleek and makes for a nice desktop décor piece.

These buds will stay put on your ears, thanks to proprietary EarGels that form a secure seal around the canal. The tips absorb moisture well and reduce slippage when caught in the rain or working out, though keep in mind that the Connect 5T was specifically designed for work. Jabra does offer an ear tip fit test (MyFit), but only for high-end models (e.g., Elite 7 Pro, Elite 85t).

Comfort remains an issue with Jabra models. The Connect 5T is easy to insert and sits nicely on your ears. Unfortunately, the multifunctional button remains an impractical design choice that pushes the buds further into your ears with every press. This becomes fatiguing after a while.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Controls and digital assistant

• Responsive button controls
• One-dimensional wear detection
• Stellar voice activation

Physical buttons make up most of the Connect 5T’s control scheme. Enabled functions include playback, call management, digital assistance, listening mode activation, and Spotify Tap. The MyControls setting in the companion lets you swap out and assign functions to different input methods: single/double/triple tap or long hold. Each button produces strong tactility and accurately responds to intended commands.

Wear detection is available, but only seems to work one way. Taking off the buds will initiate auto-pause, which operates smoothly, but placing them back on your ear won’t resume playback.

One of the Connect 5T’s strong selling points is Alexa and Google Assistant voice activation. It was fun firing up the AI bots by speaking their wake word phrases, and the feature worked incredibly well. Jabra’s six-mic array snatched every syllable spoken and demonstrated great intelligibility, responding to long-winded inquiries with precision. Google Assistant can be enabled manually by performing a double press on the left bud. Siri and Bixby are also compatible.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Sound quality

• Warm, rich sound
• Customizable EQ with presets
• No lossless or spatial audio support

The Connect 5T serves well for music listening. Jabra’s dynamic soundstage is on full display, delivering well-balanced frequencies with an emphasis on bass that adds oomph to tracks. 

The deep kick drum on Rudimental’s “Spoons” was impactful and steady throughout the recording, while the elongated synths and reverbed vocals sounded crisp. I was more impressed by how well Jabra’s 6mm drivers handled heavier bass tracks like Dead Prez’s “Hip Hop,” which carries a monstrous bassline accompanied by a pounding kick and snare rhythm. Taking on that much low end is no easy feat, but the Connect 5T kept the soundscape energetic without producing any distortion. Hearing some of the record’s subtle nuances such as the light two-tap cymbal was a highlight.

Those wanting a more personalized listening experience can play around with Jabra’s 5-band EQ to tweak bass, midrange, and treble. Another option is selecting from one of six music presets: Neutral (the default), Speech, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Smooth or Energize. Each of these enhance sound in different ways. Smooth gave instruments a vibrant presence on jazz records; Leroy Hutson’s “Cool Out” was an intimate listen that felt like a live performance. Speech was ideal for ballads and skits (podcasts too), while Bass Boost gave the low end more punch. 

Jabra’s MySound feature, which calibrates sound to your hearing based on audio test results, does not come part of the package.

These buds support aptX, SBC, and AAC codecs, all of which performed well across compatible devices. The exclusion of lossless codecs like LDAC and spatial audio don’t diminish the Connect 5T’s sonic value.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Active noise cancellation

• Weak ANC
• Strong transparency mode

ANC was a letdown on the Connect 5T. Quality noise-canceling buds can block out voices, but these buds struggled to do so. They also let in a lot of mid- and high-frequency noises.

There are two ways to experience the feature: an adjustable 5-level ANC mode or Personalized ANC to tailor noise neutralization to your ears. Neither did much to tame disruptions.

The Connect 5T could handle low frequencies like the humming sounds from an AC unit. However, I could hear other noises like truck engines and cars splashing through water puddles. Higher-pitched sounds like iPhone ringers and my son’s cries entered the soundscape as well.

Personalized ANC slightly reduced low- and mid-frequency noises, but several still made their way through. Wind resistance was also mediocre. 

HearThrough remains one of the best ambient listening modes. It’s been my go-to since Jabra introduced it and does a fantastic job of increasing environmental awareness. You can adjust between 4 levels. Setting it to max opens the mics wide and lets in noises from long distances. Hearing pedestrian chatter from across the street and train horns a few blocks away was impressive. I was most satisfied hearing my wife comfort our baby on the balcony, while keeping tabs on deliveries.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Special features and app

• Several customizable tools
• Cool shortcut menu to enable ANC
• Some Jabra features are unavailable

The Connect 5T is compatible with the Jabra Sound+ app, meaning you have access to most of the same features as previous Jabra releases. Many have already been discussed, including ANC/HearThrough, EQ, MyControls, music presets, Personalized ANC, Spotify Tap, and voice assistant selection. There are a few more features worth checking out. 

Soundscapes acts as a meditative tool that plays different ambient sounds to mask distractions around you. There are many profiles ranging from comfort to nature to standard background sounds like white noise or waterfall. Some of these helped during stressful times. Ocean Waves made me feel like I was sitting near rocks on an oceanfront and Cavern had me immersed in a deep cave where the echo of water drops sounded surreal.

Call Experience is another feature I highly advise playing with since it enhances call quality. You can adjust how loud you sound on calls and turn on functions like auto-answer or mute through wear detection.

Rounding out the app are a Find My Jabra (earbuds) function, firmware updates, quick start guide, and battery level indicators for each bud and the charging case.

You can set up a shortcut menu to appear on the notifications bar of your phone. This lets you toggle the listening modes, monitor battery life, and grants instant access to the app. 

Some of Jabra’s premium features like MyControls and MyFit are MIA.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Battery life and charging case

• Solid playtimes
• Charging case holds plenty of portable power

Jabra rates battery life at 7 hours with ANC on and 9 hours with ANC off. My testing showed these playtimes to be mostly accurate. Keep in mind that high volume can decrease them by about 45 minutes. Any pair of buds that last longer than the AirPods Pro 2 (5.5 – 7 hours) is good in my book. I got 4 days of moderate use out of them (2 hours daily).

The charging case holds between 28 to 36 hours, depending how you use the buds. A 10-minute quick charge generates 1 hour of use. You can also charge the case wirelessly via Jabra’s wireless pad.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Call quality and connectivity

• Great for voice and video calls
• Stable wireless performance
• Connects to two devices at once

These are some of the best wireless earbuds with a mic for voice and video calls. All my conversations were met with praise, especially during video conferences. My clients were surprised by how loud and clear I sounded on Zoom calls. ANC didn’t perform well, but my voice remained prominent over background noise.

The Connect 5T operates on Bluetooth 5.2. Connectivity was fast, especially on Android devices via one-tap Google Fast Pair. Range extended up to 50 feet in open spaces. Multipoint technology also let me pair to two devices simultaneously, something the average businessman will appreciate when switching from a smartphone to laptop and vice versa.

Jabra Connect 5T review: Verdict

These are Jabra’s best buds for call quality and a great productivity companion to have, be it working from home or in the office. Sound is vibrant, battery life is lengthy, and cool features like multipoint technology allow for seamless switching between devices. Had noise cancellation and comfort been better, these would have earned a higher rating, but a 4-star review still makes them worth checking out.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 of my favorite headphones for working from home
• The best cheap wireless earbuds on sale right now
• 5 wireless earbuds with the best battery life to help you stay productive

The Jabra Elite 85t delivers yet another heavy hitter to the world of true wireless earbuds. This latest pair, the replacement for the much-liked Jabra Elite 75t, is hardly short on performance: with upgraded active noise cancellation (ANC), it’s fixing to take on the likes of the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.

This is among the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now, but how did it get there? Bigger sound, enhanced listening modes, more features and monstrous specs are all to thank. It’s even creeping up on its true wireless sibling, the Jabra Elite Active 75t — one of the best in their class.

What can be said is that these are Jabra’s most powerful, feature-laden buds to date, which already says a lot. The $230 price tag may seem a bit steep, especially since Jabra is offering a free over-the-air ANC update for the Elite 75t models, but many will find the Elite 85t to be well worth the investment. Read our full Jabra Elite 85t review to see how these wireless earbuds stack up to the competition. 

The Jabra Elite 85t has also won the Best wireless earbuds award in the Tom's Guide Awards 2021 Audio categories! It claims this overall win on top of a Highly Recommended nod for the Best headphones overall award.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Price and availability

The Jabra Elite 85t is available for $230 at major online retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy or directly from Jabra, although discounts are regularly available. 

Jabra Elite 85t review: Design and comfort

When placed next to any of the last-gen Elite 75t models, the Elite 85t looks nearly identical. The one prominent distinction is the larger frame, which makes the buds stick out more when placed on the ear. At the same time, they are much more discrete than the dangling AirPods or elongated QuietComfort Earbuds. The all-plastic construction also has a substantial feel that gives these buds a well-built, business class presence.

The all-plastic construction has a substantial feel, while the smooth matte finish not only gives the buds a business class appearance, but also complements Jabra’s several colorways. Initially only launching in Titanium/Black, you now have four other color scheme options to choose from: Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black, and Grey. These colors fall in line with the Elite 75t lineup, but I prefer the bolder colors that were featured on the Elite Active 75t, such as Navy, Sienna, and Mint.

Jabra fans will also love the new packaging introduced on the Elite 85t. It’s smaller and consolidates everything, from the accessories to the user manual flap, into a more compact setup for convenient unboxings.

The Elite 85t’s charging case is a hybrid of the 75t and 65t cases, but with very few changes. Clearly, the newest version is slightly bigger to accommodate the buds’ thicker form. You’ll see the LED charging indicator has been moved to the front. In addition, the magnets on the inside are stronger to ensure the buds are safely secured. The plastic exterior remains durable to stave off scuffs and scratches, which the AirPods Pro case fails to do. It is portable-friendly too, so you can slide it in denim pockets and not worry about an unflattering bulge, something that can’t be said about the QuietComfort Earbuds’ massive case.

These buds are longer (2mm longer) and heavier (1 gram more) than their predecessor, but these are changes that don’t affect overall comfort. The sound port was redesigned with an oval shape to allow for seamless insertion into the canal, while the gel tips don’t go too deep into the ear and provide decent on-ear stabilization. You’ll be able to sport the buds for about 1.5 hours before fatigue sets in.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Controls and digital assistant

Ever wonder why Jabra hasn’t adopted touch controls? According to the company, some user experience studies showed that people liked the sensation of using buttons versus tap gestures. I’m not one of them, specifically because physical buttons require pressing the buds into the ears which creates discomfort, but I give credit to Jabra for making control management less painful.

The Elite 85t’s control scheme isn’t as encumbering as other models, with responsive buttons that offer great tactility. Hearing the click sound when pressing the left or right button reassures you that intended commands will be executed properly. On-ear detection is available as well, automatically pausing music when removing the buds and resuming play when placed back on the ear. It’s accurate for the most part. Jabra also gives you the freedom to program the buttons any way you want with the MyControls setting (more on that later).

If having virtual assistant support is important, then the Elite 85t won’t disappoint you, as the buds demonstrate excellent speech recognition to register voice commands. Much fun was had using Google Assistant to pull up World Series box scores and voice-to-text friends when playing video games in the office uninterrupted. Siri gave me the same attention on macOS and didn’t skip a beat when pulling up calendar invites. Jabra confirmed that Alexa is coming in a Q1 2021 software upgrade.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Active noise cancellation and HearThrough

Jabra’s last attempt at ANC headphones, the Elite 85h, was surprisingly good and fared well against category kingpins like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Sony WF-1000XM3. The same can be said about the Elite 85t’s noise-neutralizing capabilities when pitted against the AirPods Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds.

You can thank Jabra’s robust spec sheet for the stellar results, which includes six microphones, the Qualcomm QCC5126 processor (the same one featured in the Elite 75t), and its own dedicated ANC chip. There are also five levels of noise cancellation that can be adjusted in the Sound+ app, each level increasing by 3 decibels.

Three out of the six mics are employed in ANC mode, with two positioned on the outside and one on the inside to cancel out any unwanted sounds that make their way in. I was shocked by how well the technology blocked out external noises (e.g. Amazon delivery trucks, dog barking, whisking cars) while resting on the front porch during a breezy afternoon. Wind resistance was also strong and didn’t affect ANC performance. Using the buds inside the house was more rewarding, as common distractions such as juice blenders, loud sibling conversations, and a pestering cat went unheard. 

HearThrough makes a return and has five adjustable levels that you can select in the app. It’s a slight upgrade over the previous version and makes external sounds clearer and more pronounced, much like the QuietComfort Earbuds’ ambient mode, which blends ANC and ambient listening together. HearThrough doesn’t do this, but that doesn’t make it any less serviceable. Those who want better awareness of their surroundings or want to engage in brief chats without removing the buds will do in care-free fashion.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Audio quality

Audio has never been an issue for Jabra and the Elite 85t is exemplary. The engineers doubled the speaker size (12mm) to pump out even bigger, more detailed sound, which can be personalized in the Jabra Sound+ app, though many find that the default EQ is sufficient for enjoying all popular media formats (e.g. music, videos, podcasts, games) on the go.

Every model in the series features a warm signature, but the Elite 85t falls somewhere in between warm and bright. You’ll be able to hear more high-pitched sounds and subtle nuances in recordings without bass levels being compromised. Songs like M.I.A.’s “Bird Song (Diplo Remix)” let you bask in the buds’ sonic glory, reproducing the kazoo melodies superbly over pounding kick drums. Even the looped piano key taps throughout NaS’ “N.Y. State of Mind” were given prominence and ride smoothly alongside the nasty, head-banging drum break.

The Elite 85t is arguably at its best when playing orchestral records. Personal favorites like Ahmad Jamal’s “The Awakening” encouraged me to go on a Jazz binge during the testing phase. It was a soothing listen, but the extra oomph added to the low end sweetened the deal. The double bass delivered some amazing reverberation, which felt surreal, as if the instrument was being played right next to my ear.

Turning on ANC gives bass an incremental boost that only those with detailed hearing will notice. These buds can get extremely loud, which was a major complaint I had with the Elite 75t, but I recommend bringing the volume down five notches from the max level if you want to feed your ears lively sound and prevent any hearing damage. Oddly, the Elite 85t’s sound was much lower coming from my phone than from my MacBook Pro, though this issue was temporary and gone the following morning.

If you're the type who watches YouTube clips or Netflix shows from your mobile device regularly, then expect even better audio performance. When watching several Joe Biden campaign speeches, I loved how crisp and clear the low-voiced former VP sounded. Audiobooks, podcasts, and IG Live clips were also audibly satisfying.

Jabra Elite 85t review: App and special features

Jabra Sound+ is a companion gem loaded with customizable features that continue to grow via firmware updates. Almost everything that was available on the Elite 75t series has been carried over to the Elite 85t, with the exception of the Active Noise Cancellation slider and toggle. The HearThrough slider also remains intact.

The one feature you’ll play with most is the EQ to create sound profiles by tweaking the bass, midrange or treble. It’s simple to operate and really makes a difference if you prefer one frequency range over another. Jabra also included a few presets – Neutral (aka default), Bass Boost, Energize, Speech, Smooth, and Treble Boost – each one well engineered for specific content. Treble Boost is perfect for smooth hip-hop tracks, while Speech is ideal for podcasts.

MySound and MyControls are the two latest features added to the app. The former analyzes your environment to tailor the EQ to your hearing, while the latter is for customizing the controls. MyControls is the more useful of the two, letting you extend functionality by assigning single, double, and triple-press commands to both buds.

Soundscapes returns and is a feature I recommend integrating into your daily routine. There are 12 modes that produce different noises to help relax you and all of them work well; the Waterfall soundscape does a wonderful job of immersing you in the setting. If only the feature wasn’t so glitchy on the Elite 85t. Sound effects either stop playing or the app would crash a few minutes after enabling the feature.

Hit the Settings icon on the top right to stumble upon the app’s other cool features. Call Experience gives you a Sidetone slider to adjust how loud you want to sound on phone calls, while the Call Equalizer adds more treble or bass to whoever is on the opposite end. There is also a priority toggle that enhances Bluetooth connectivity during calls. You’ll find some other toggle controls, as well as the Find My Jabra function that is clutch for relocating lost buds.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Battery life and charging case

Battery life on the Elite 85t is standard: 5.5 hours with ANC on and 7.5 hours with ANC off. This is higher than the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours), but shorter than the QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM3, with ANC on (6 hours). At least the Elite 85t gives you the option to power off the feature, but so does the WF-1000XM3, and that model offers 30 mins more playtime.

One positive is that the buds have terrific battery management, so you squeeze every bit of juice from the battery. I used them for 1.5 hours daily over a three-day span before recharging. High volume, heavy streaming, and ANC tend to drain the battery quickly on most wireless earbuds, but the Elite 85t optimizes power incredibly well. Setting up the Sleep Mode in the app preserves battery life as well by automatically turning off the buds when inactive anywhere between 15 minutes to 2 hours (you choose).

You would think with a bigger charging case than the older models that the Elite 85t had more portable power. Well, it does, and it doesn’t. For example, a fully charged case generates 25 hours of music time with ANC on (the Elite 75t offers 28 hours), while having it off gets you 31 hours. Either way, this equates to about 5 or 6 extra charges. There’s also quick charging to net you 1 hour on a 15-minute charge.

Wireless charging was introduced on the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t, though the company made it available several months after both models launched, and is optional for an extra $30. The Elite 85t comes equipped with it right out of the box.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Call quality and connectivity

The call quality on Jabra’s last two models left much to be desired. As much of an improvement as the Elite 85t is, Apple and Bose’s offerings are superior. What I can say is that the noise neutralization on calls is remarkable. Outside, my wife couldn’t hear the noises around me, which ranged from flapping birds to the buzz saw action taking place next door. Clarity is much better indoors; my clients were satisfied with how loud and clear I sounded on Zoom chats.

Bluetooth 5.0 is steady and reliable on the Elite 85t. The buds automatically show up on the available device list the moment you take them out of the charging case and pair instantly to your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Range is solid for about 35 feet of wireless listening. Multipoint technology is also at your disposal to connect the buds to two different devices simultaneously.

Jabra Elite 85t review: Verdict

The Elite 85t is a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones that deserves recognition in the best-in-class conversation. Jabra’s ANC technology is an effective feedforward/feedback solution that blocks out ambient noise at such a high level. Sound quality is upper echelon, with better-balanced bass that blends nicely with crisp-sounding mids and highs. Even in categories where it falls short like battery life, the Elite 85t helps make up the difference with optimized charging and battery management.

There’s nothing you can do about the bigger design, and the multiple software bugs require fixing, but neither of these are deal-breakers. And if we’re going based on the company’s track record, then Jabra will set out to fix these errors and give us nothing short of excellence when releasing the eventual Elite Active 85t.

Does the Elite 85t beat the AirPods Pro or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds? Honestly there's no clear winner:  the QuietComfort Earbuds delivers the best battery life and ANC, while the AirPods Pro are great all round. But if you want wireless earbuds with great ANC, sound, and functionality in a tiny package, the Elite 85t is one of the best options out there right now.

Announced at CES 2022, the Jabra Elite 4 Active wireless earbuds further demonstrate the company's mission to dominate the affordable sport headphones market. 

The latest in a long line of true wireless earbuds, the Elite 4 Active is an inexpensive alternative to the Elite 7 Active and shares a near-identical spec sheet. You still get active noise cancellation (ANC), Alexa integration, Bluetooth 5.2, and IP57 waterproof protection, along with brand hallmarks such as Jabra Sound+ app compatibility. In fact, the amount of functionality the Elite 4 Active carries is quite generous for the price, making it one of the best workout headphones below $150.

• The best sport headphones, per category and style
• Find a bargain with the best Apple AirPods alternatives
• AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Which wireless earbuds win?

Modern features like multipoint technology to enable connectivity to two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously and wireless charging are excluded to keep the price low. Jabra has also left out some of its newest features found on pricier models in the Elite series.

Should these exclusions dissuade you? Not at all. Read our full Jabra Elite 4 Active review to find out why.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review : Price and availability

The Jabra Elite 4 Active is sold for $119 (£119) at major online retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, or directly from Jabra, and comes in three color options — black, navy and mint. Packaged with the buds are a charging case, USB-C to USB-A cable, and three sets of EarGels tips.

The Elite 4 Active is more affordable than several popular sporty noise-cancelling models such as the Beats Pro Fit ($199) and other Jabra models like the Elite Active 75t ($179) and Elite 7 Active ($179). You’ll also find them cheaper than some of the market’s best wireless earbuds, including the AirPods Pro ($249) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279).

For all of the latest wireless earbuds sales, bookmark our best headphones deals page.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Design and comfort

Let’s examine both the Elite 4 Active and Elite 7 Active. They share the same minimalist appearance and color schemes, along with similar details like angled sound ports and mics on each side. The same IP57 moisture protection rating applies, making each pair of buds sufficiently sweat and water resistant and suitable for exercising. 

Build quality is on point, with the Elite 4 Active composed of sturdy plastic that can withstand hard tumbles to the concrete, though I tend to favor the Elite 7 Active’s smooth rubberized exterior since it staves off scratches and scuffs better.

Shape-wise, the Elite 4 Active takes on somewhat of a triangular form and the Elite 7 Active is more oval-shaped. The logos are also displayed differently on each model: the Elite 7 Active is debossed. However, the charging cases are what differentiate them most. The Elite 7 Active (right) case is pill-shaped and lays flat, whereas the Elite 4 Active (left) is rectangular and sits upright. Other than that, they have a similar construction, come with USB-C charging and are portable-friendly.

The Elite 4 Active's comfort levels are pleasant enough while listening, but activating either earbud's multifunctional button forces the buds further into my ear, causing some considerable discomfort.

Jabra’s proprietary EarGels provide a tight seal and keep the buds in place when engaged in lateral and stationary activities. Not once did I feel them slipping out when running outside.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Controls and digital assistant

These buds take on the same control scheme as the Elite 7 Active, only they lack on-ear detection for auto-pause/play and MyControls access to assign input methods. At first, I was baffled by the exclusion of these detection features, then I remembered to factor in price. The buttons register single, multi-tap, and hold gestures, but there is some latency and it takes a second for commands to register and execute.

Criticisms aside, Jabra’s ability to program a full suite of media controls on the Elite 4 Active shouldn’t go unnoticed. The right bud is reserved for play/pause (1x tap), skip track (2x tap), previous track (3x tap), and raise volume (long press). The left bud can cycle through ANC modes (1x tap), enable the digital assistant/Spotify (2x tap), and lower volume (long press). That is as practical as can be for buds without motion detection.

Alexa integration works well to fire off Alexa commands on the go. Google Assistant and Siri are also serviceable for common tasks, though Google’s AI bot misinterpreted certain words when verbalizing requests. It's not a huge deal since the software properly recognized inquiries, but it shows that the Elite 4 Active isn’t as intelligible as the more costly Elite 7 Active.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Sound quality

Some will say that the best workout headphones boast powerful bass. The Elite 4 Active dishes out enough to keep your adrenaline pumping, but it’s also fine-tuned to produce clear mids and highs, so you can enjoy well-balanced sound across the earbud's frequency range.

The monstrous 808 kicks and vicious piano keys on The Game’s “Westside Story” slapped hard on my eardrum and stimulated head-nods en route to the gym. Taking the low end up a notch, I blasted A$AP Rocky’s “Goldie” and was impressed by how clean the sub-bass sounded, maintaining the track’s bouncy vibes without distorting the rapper’s vocals. Rock songs with heavy bass riffs like Radiohead’s “The National Anthem” also held up strong, especially when the aggressive brass section came in near the end of the track.

Again, the Elite 4 Active can do more than just feed your ears rich, punchy lows. Play a few Jazz classics and you’ll enjoy great definition. The Miles Davis Quintet’s “It Could Happen to You” was perfect for recovery, soothing my body with groovy double bass and mellow horn play, while the tinny hi-hats added some spirit to the listen.

My review feedback is based on the default EQ setting, which is flat, although you can tweak it to your liking in the companion app. Bass, mid-range, and treble are all adjustable, or you can select from one of five well-engineered presets: Bass Boost, Energize, Smooth, Speech, and Treble Boost. Each of these is tailored to complement different music genres and content. Speech will make vocals more prominent on songs and podcasts, while Bass Boost gives the low end a stronger presence.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Active noise cancellation

My expectations were low considering how mediocre ANC was on the Elite 7 Active. To my surprise, the Elite 4 Active delivered better noise cancellation than its pricier sibling, which is intriguing since it manages to employ fewer mics.

You can use regular ANC mode as is or elect to customize noise neutralization via Personalized ANC in the app. I noticed minor improvements after completing the noise suppression test. Personalized ANC was more effective at minimizing mid-frequencies. Using the buds around the house, I was able to mute distractions like doorbells, loud TVs, and the droning sounds coming from my laundry room. High-frequency noises were unavoidable, such as my infant boy’s cries during nap-time, something that caught my attention from across the house.

Outside was where the Elite 4 Active performed best. Despite hearing some wind and cars passing by (none of which sounded harmful, by the way), the buds blocked out talkative joggers and most landscaping tools. There was one occasion where a car horn startled me, but that was to be expected since the Elite 4 Active’s mics aren’t as sensitive as the ones found in Jabra's pricier models.

Jabra's HearThrough technology is handy for runners who want to maintain awareness of their surroundings while out and about. The mics capture enough ambient noise to keep listeners alert of oncoming traffic. I felt safe hearing bicycle bells and garbage trucks from a block away, along with police sirens and whistles. You can also adjust the level for how much ambient noise you want to hear in the app. One complaint though: the mics struggle to pick up voices and I found it tough to communicate with people in the same room with these buds.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: App and special features

Like all other Jabra wireless earbuds, extended functionality runs through the Jabra Sound+ app. It remains one of the best companion apps out there, thanks to a user-friendly interface and wide feature set that enhances the listening experience.

The app’s perks are plentiful and includes EQ presets, HearThrough, Personalized ANC, and one-touch Spotify. Other notable benefits are a battery life indicator, Find My Jabra mode (useful for locating misplaced buds), and firmware updates.

High-end features, like MyControls to assign input commands, MySound for personalized audio, and Call Equalizer to add more treble or bass on calls, are exclusive to other Jabra models. Still, you end up with the app’s most coveted features, and this counts for a lot at the price.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Battery life and charging case

Jabra rates battery life at 7 hours with ANC on. This is higher than the Elite Active 75t (5.5 hours) and Fit Pro (6 hours), but also lower than the Elite 7 Active (9 hours). I used the buds moderately (2 hours) over 3 days for calls, casual listening, and workouts before recharging.

Jabra has yet to confirm what playtime is with ANC switched off.

The charging case holds up to 28 hours. By comparison, this is more than the AirPods Pro case (24 hours), equal to the Elite Active 75t case (28 hours), and lower than the Elite 7 Active case (35-42 hours). Having four extra charges at your disposal is enough for a week and multiple workout sessions. If you’re a fitness buff who often forgets to charge their buds before leaving the house, tossing them in the case will earn you 1 hour of listening time in 10 minutes.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Call quality and connectivity

Another area where the Elite 4 Active outperforms its big brother is call quality. The four built-in mics come with mesh covering that suppresses wind noise, so those on the opposite end of a call can hear you clearly. According to my wife, my voice was loud and distinguishable on our call when speaking in gusty conditions and over ambient sounds. The Elite 4 Active is worthy of inclusion on our best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls.

Bluetooth 5.2 operates flawlessly. Opening the charging case places the buds in pairing mode and connects them to your last known device instantly. Google Fast Pair expedites the process on Android devices. Range is lengthy at 40 feet, allowing the freedom to roam from room to room without dropouts.

Jabra Elite 4 Active review: Verdict

The Elite 4 Active is a better value than the Elite 7 Active. It’s an impressively good mid-range model that comes with adequate ANC, excellent call quality, rich sound, strong connectivity, and waterproof protection. Access to the Sound+ app for audio customization sweetens the deal even further.

The cheaper price tag means losing out on popular features like multipoint technology and wireless charging, as well as some of Jabra’s newer settings. More effort could have also been put into the multifunctional button design to achieve optimal comfort.

All of Jabra’s sporty wireless earbuds are worthy of your coin, especially the Elite Active 75t, which offers the complete package, but at a premium. However, the Jabra Elite 4 Active is the most convincing purchase for active lifestyle and fitness types on a budget.

• More: The best noise-cancelling earbuds

If you're already struggling to maintain your January fitness push, Jabra just gave you a helping hand — in the form of its new Elite 4 Active wireless earbuds. The new buds were just announced at CES 2022. 

Priced at just $119 in the U.S. and £119 in the U.K. and offering active noise cancellation plus workout-friendly features such as IP57 water resistance, it looks like a great addition to what is already an enviable — if increasingly convoluted — Jabra lineup.

Based on pricing and features, the Elite 4 Active will slot in below the $179 Jabra Elite Active 75t — no.1 in our list of the best wireless earbuds — and the recently released Jabra Elite 7 Active ($179), and well above the far more basic Elite 3 ($79.99). 

A quick glance at the specs shows the Elite 4 Active to have almost everything we'd want in a pair of true wireless earbuds. For starters, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is an unusual feature to get at this price, and there's also aptX Bluetooth.

A battery life of up to 7 hours (28 with the charging case) also puts the Elite 4 Active slightly ahead of the 75t, albeit just behind the 8-hour Elite 7 Active, while fast charging will give you an hour's juice in a mere 10 minutes. We're also impressed that it comes with Google Fast Pair for instant connection to Android devices, plus Spotify Tap playback for quick access to your tunes. 

The Jabra Elite 4 Active is available now in three colors — navy, black and light mint — and we'll be reviewing it very soon; stay tuned to see if Jabra has come up with another winner. Check out our CES 2022 live blog for all the biggest product announcements from the show. 

This AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t face-off compares two of the best wireless earbuds, helping you decide which pair best suits your needs and budget.

New to market, the AirPods 3 continues to earn universal praise, even receiving a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating from Tom’s Guide. Apple made minor, but effective upgrades to the design, while bringing some of the AirPods Pro’s biggest features into the picture, including Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, and a few new iOS 15 features. It also welcomes new hardware that enhances call quality and functionality.

Nearly two years on from its release, the Jabra Elite Active 75t remains a TG favorite. An extensive feature set, dynamic sound, long battery life, and waterproof protection in a chic package gives these sporty buds mass appeal. The inclusion of active noise cancellation via software update and a recent price drop to $99 sweetens this deal even more.

Both are considered prime models, but only one makes for the better true wireless investment. Our full breakdown of the AirPods and Jabra Elite Active 75t will pick a winner.

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Specs compared

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Price

What’s interesting about the AirPods 3 is that as a new release, Apple launched it at a relatively affordable price: $179. This places it right in the middle of the flagship $249 AirPods Pro and recently reduced $129 AirPods 2. Color options are limited to white.

The AirPods 3 also launched with a lower MSRP than the Jabra Elite Active 75t ($199). However, Jabra’s set of buds has seen several markdowns over the past year and we've seen it available for as low as $99 in recent weeks, making it the more enticing purchase. The regular version is sold in six colors: Copper Black, Dark Grey, Navy, Titanium Black, Sienna, and Mint. There is a wireless-charging-enabled version that comes in Dark Grey or Navy and is sold for the same price on Amazon.

For the latest Apple and Jabra headphones deals, bookmark our best cheap AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages. Furthermore, be sure to check out our best Black Friday headphones deals to see what other audio products go on sale this holiday season.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Design

The Elite Active 75t is the company’s most attractive creation to date, coming in 22% smaller than its predecessors and showcasing both stylish and sturdy traits. The two-tone colorways (on certain models) and matte finishes are nice touches, while the IP57-rated exterior protects the buds from dust, sweat, and water. We also love the compact charging case, which is conveniently portable and feels nice in hand.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Apple’s long-stem design has never been our cup of tea, though we acknowledge its functional merits and improvements with every new iteration. The AirPods 3 has been shrunken down 33% from the AirPods 2, boasting shorter stems that come with Force Sensors, along with other new details like an extra mic grille on the top and longer sound port. Even the charging case has been downscaled, looking like a smaller version of the AirPods Pro case.  The entire package is sleek, but not as sleek as the opposition.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Comfort and fit

Apple tweaked the AirPods 3's open design by making the sound port more ergonomic to rest snugly on the concha and nestle into the canal, though it doesn’t insert all the way. This results in slippage. Since the Elite Active 75t comes with tips, the buds form a tight seal around the canal. Jabra’s tips also come with surprisingly good sweat absorption, keeping the buds locked in when exposed to moisture. You’ll find that each model is comfy to wear for several hours, though the Elite Active 75t has the advantage with better fit.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Controls

The Elite Active 75t has a solid control scheme made up of multifunctional buttons, on-ear detection, and digital assistance (e.g., Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, Bixby). Functionality is responsive on all four. Jabra’s MyControls feature also makes it simple to assign functions to any input method. However, nothing beats the killer duo of Apple’s Force Sensors and “Hey Siri” voice activation. These, along with the new skin-detect sensors for auto-pause/play, operate flawlessly.

Winner: AirPods 3

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Sound quality

Apple’s new low-distortion driver gives the AirPods 3 “powerful bass and crisp, clean high frequencies,” while the inclusion of Adaptive EQ balances out sound by adjusting frequencies to hear music more precisely. In addition, you can personalize sound by selecting from over 20 presets in the Sound settings on iOS. 

Then there’s the killer feature: Spatial Audio with head-tracking. Apple’s 3D sound tech brings multidimensional audio and clarity to select content, and positions sound with the direction your head turns for an immersive listen. And yes, it works just as well on these buds as the AirPods Pro.

The Elite Active 75t may not have the same cutting-edge audio tech, but it can still deliver energetic sound. Bass is at the forefront, producing punchy lows, along with smooth treble and striking highs. Distortion doesn’t come into play when listening at high volume, a problem Jabra fixed in previous updates. 

You can also personalize the soundstage in different ways. MySound uses adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile that’s tailored to your hearing. The EQ in the companion app lets you select from a few well-engineered presets or create your own sound profile by manually adjusting the frequency levels. Music and movies sound superb on these buds, but Spatial Audio alone gives the AirPods 3 the sonic edge.

Winner: AirPods 3

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Special features

Apple and Jabra offer equally great feature sets for their respective wireless earbuds. Preference will be based on your performance needs.   

For the AirPods 3, we already touched on several hallmark features like Adaptive EQ, “Hey Siri” voice integration, skin-detection sensors, and Spatial Audio. One new feature worth keeping top of mind is Enhanced FindMy to track down lost AirPods while they are within close distance of iDevices or a MacBook via the FindMy app or Lost Mode. Other standouts include automatic switching, audio sharing, Announce Messages/Notifications with Siri, and one-touch pairing with iDevices.

AirPods Pro features that didn’t make their way onto the AirPods 3 include ANC, Transparency Mode, and Conversation Boost, a new mode that debuted on iOS 15 to hear voices better during chats.

As for the Elite Active 75t, we’ve already touched on EQ, MyControls, and MySound.  What else is left? Let’s start with ANC, which, originally, was not available, and was added several months later through an OTA (over-the-air) update. The technology performs a lot better than expected, blocking out about 75% of ambient noise. You can use the Personalize ANC setting to tailor noise suppression to your hearing. HearThrough is clutch for increasing environmental awareness and lets in a lot of external sounds that you’ll hear clearly and distinctively.

Another unique feature that deserves attention is the Elite Active 75t’s passive noise cancellation. According to Jabra, it repositioned the four-microphone system to cancel ambient sounds from different angles when ANC is turned off. Bear in mind that this was already in place before Jabra released the ANC update. 

Jabra has a Call Experience feature to enhance call quality by increasing how loud and deep your voice sounds during calls. The Find My Jabra mode is self-explanatory. Soundscapes is another fun feature that plays nature sounds to mask ambient noise; it’s relieving for when you want a mental break. Other extras like battery level indicators, toggle controls, and firmware updates round out the Jabra Sound+ app.

Connectivity between the two models is strong and steady. You’ll achieve about 40 feet of wireless listening, along with fast pairing to devices, though the H1 chip makes the process seamless when connecting the AirPods 3 to iDevices.

Winner: Tie

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Call quality

You'll only find one of these on our list of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. That would be the AirPods 3. Besides delivering the clear-sounding call quality that the series is known for, Apple went the extra mile to ensure performance remained consistent, integrating acoustic mesh on the mics that reduce background and wind interference, along with AAC-ELD speech codec for HD voice quality on FaceTime calls.

We’ve found the Elite Active75t to be a serviceable calling headset for indoor calls and video chats. Conversations were loud and clear, though there were times when others on the opposite end could hear background noise.

Winner: AirPods 3

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Battery life

Apple finally got around to increasing playtime on the AirPods, upping the battery life from 5 to 6 hours. The MagSafe charging case holds up to 30 hours and supports both wireless charging and quick charging, generating up to 1 hour of use on a 5-minute charge.

The Elite Active 75t’s battery life is more versatile, sitting between 5.5 hours (ANC on) and 7.5 hours (ANC off), depending on how you use the buds. Jabra’s charging case holds up to 28 hours, and though the standard version doesn’t support Qi-enabled wireless charging, there is another version available that can be purchased as a bundle (revisit the Amazon deal we previously mentioned) or standalone for $59. A quick charge gets you 1 hour on a 15-minute charge.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Verdict

With terrific all-around performance, up-to-date features, and a stylish, yet sturdy design to boot, the Jabra Elite Active 75t proves to be the better pickup. Audio is detailed and vibrant, giving music, movies, and podcasts a lively presence. Battery life and call quality hold up well. Jabra’s ability to add decent ANC into the mix via update is even more impressive, along with other calibration settings like MySound and MyControls.

Apple did an incredible job of making the AirPods 3 a vast upgrade over the AirPods 2, giving it most of the AirPods Pro’s functionality minus a few omissions. Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio bring a more precise and immersive listening experience to the standard AirPods. Adding Force Sensors into the mix enhances the user experience, which is already magnificent, thanks to “Hey Siri” and several H1-operated functions (e.g., automatic switching, instantaneous connectivity). We also appreciate the increase in battery life. 

However, in the end, the lack of certain features such as ANC and ambient listening holds it back from being the better model.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active is the brand’s latest creation that was designed to replace the market’s best wireless earbuds and best workout headphones: the Jabra Elite Active 75t. These buds boast a ton of functionality, including active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.2, built-in Alexa, customizable sound, multiple listening modes, and wireless charging.

• The best sport headphones, per category and style
• Find a bargain with the best Apple AirPods alternatives
• Nothing Ear (1) vs. AirPods Pro: Which wireless earbuds win?

Bass performance, while aggressive in standard mode, is ideal for exercising and can be tweaked in the Jabra Sound+ app to achieve balanced audio. The Elite 7 Active is also built for longevity, with a sturdy shell that can survive intense workouts and some of the longest battery life in the category.

Not all features live up to their promise, specifically call quality and ANC, which are downgrades compared to the flagship Elite 85t. However, the overall performance these buds deliver makes for a solid investment. Read our full Jabra Elite 7 Active review to learn all the details.

• Jabra Elite 7 Active (Black) at Amazon for $179
• Jabra Elite 7 Active (Mint) at Amazon for $179
• Jabra Elite 7 Active (Navy) at Amazon for $179

Jabra Elite 7 Active review : Price and availability

The Jabra Elite 7 Active can be purchased for $179 at major online retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, or directly from Jabra. It comes in three colors: Black, Mint, and Navy. Inside the box are a wireless charging case, USB-C charging cable, three sets of different sized EarGel tips, and an owner’s manual.

These buds are priced higher than the Elite Active 75t ($149), as well as top sellers like the Beats Powerbeats Pro ($249) and AirPods Pro ($249). If you’re looking for something less expensive with similar features, we highly recommend the $99 JLab Epic Air Sport ANC with noise cancellation and EQ customization.

For all of the latest wireless ANC earbuds sales in the run up to this year's Black Friday, bookmark our Black Friday headphones deals page. 

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Design and comfort

The Elite 7 Active has a minimalist appearance with a plain-looking exterior, embossed logo, flushed multifunctional button, and mesh-covered mic system. Personally, I find the Elite 7 Pro and Elite 3 more attractive because of their matte finishes.

While these buds lack the flair of other fashionable sporty options like the Powerbeats Pro, they make up for it in build quality. The hard plastic sheath provides enough durability to survive the abuse you’ll put them through at the gym, as well as hard spills to the concrete. These buds are also waterproof, sweatproof, and “workout-proof” (IP57-rated), whatever that means.

Jabra also revamped its charging case, going with a flat oval design for enhanced portability. It’s compact, lightweight (1.6 ounces) and more flattering on your attire; there is minimal pocket bulge. The USB-C charging port has been moved to the front, a detail that you’ll find looks awkward when charging the case.

Since the Elite 7 Active’s design was shrunk down by 16 percent compared to Jabra’s previous smallest earbuds, the Elite Active 75t, you can expect slightly better comfort on this model. The smaller form allows the buds to easily shape to the inner part of your ear and rest pleasantly on the concha. 

I wore them for several stretches throughout the day, both for casual listening and exercising, not feeling any soreness until about 4 hours in. Even then it was minor. Any issues with comfort revolved around the controls, an issue I’ll revisit further on in the review.

Jabra re-engineered its proprietary EarGel tips for a more tapered, rounded fit. I loved the stability they provided, creating a tight seal around the canal that kept the buds stable during runs and when performing floor workouts like ab crunches, planks, and push-ups. There’s also the MyFit ear test to scan your ears for optimal fit and audio performance. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near as accurate as Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test and delivered the same “good fit” results when trying all tip sizes, as well as the time I had the left bud dangling off my ear.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Controls and digital assistant

A full suite of media controls is accessible that can be enabled through motion detection (auto-pause/play) or single/multi-press and press-and-hold gestures. The controls consist of playback, call management, volume, digital assistance, and listening-mode activation. You can even assign most of these functions to specific input methods in the MyControls setting in the Jabra Sound+ app. There are no touch controls. 

The good news is that Jabra’s MF buttons register commands with precision, offering reassurance with every press. Using physical buttons often presents a caveat: discomfort. With the buttons placed right on the front, you’re pushing the buds further into the canal with every press, and that becomes painful after a while.

These buds come with built-in Alexa, so you can utilize its wake-word function (“Alexa”) to instantly activate the feature. Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby are also compatible with the Elite 7 Active, but they must be enabled manually (2x press on the left bud). All four of these AI bots work incredibly well. Jabra’s mic array is intelligible and demonstrates superb speech recognition, picking up every syllable to execute lengthy verbal inquiries.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Sound quality

Jabra’s default sound signature, which is set to Neutral in the companion app, is overly warm and places too much emphasis on lows. That’s not entirely a bad thing, especially if you desire impactful sound during workouts, but you can get solid frequency range and enjoy strong bass by enabling MySound. This feature personalizes the EQ according to your specific hearing needs and evens out audio to get more mids and highs.

Drake’s “Wants and Needs” increased my energy levels before hitting the streets for a 5K run. The 808 drums knocked hard and felt like Bruce Lee was drop-kicking my eardrums, and I mean that in a positive way. There was a noticeable difference in performance when disabling MySound, as the 6mm drivers and default EQ weren’t equipped to handle that much bass, muddying up the soundstage a tad.

Switching to something a little milder, I played Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” where the iconic bassline rode smoothly and maintained its punchiness, no matter the listening mode. During recovery, I moved onto calmer selections such as Kool & the Gang’s “Summer Madness” and was thrilled to see how well the soundstage handled different instruments, from the steady cymbals to the soaring synths. This all but ensured me that the Elite 7 Active had a skillful frequency range, but only if MySound ran the show.

Enter the Sound+ app and you’ll discover a handful of other selectable EQs — Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Energize, Smooth, and Speech — each one suitable for different music genres. Bass Boost and Energize were great for hip hop and rock records, while Speech came in handy for ballads like Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together,” where the piano chords and singer’s voice both shone.

The app also comes with a customizable EQ to create your own sound profile by manually adjusting the frequencies to your liking. This feature caters more to audiophiles that have a fine grasp of frequency range, but for others, MySound does the hard work of simplifying audio personalization.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Active noise cancellation

To use active noise cancellation, Jabra makes you go through its Personalize ANC process to determine the best noise suppression for your hearing. Once completed, you can enable ANC mode on the buds or through the app.

I wasn’t impressed with the Elite 7 Active’s noise reduction, mainly because I couldn’t tell much of a difference in performance between passive and ANC mode. The feature is also stronger on the Elite 85t. 

There is enough here to block out gym machinery and talkative exercisers, as well as other common distractions (e.g., doorbells, loud TVs, speakerphones). High-frequency sounds like my baby’s cries caught my attention and gusty winds made their presence felt when listening to music. Other noises like the humming from our AC unit or rumbling from the washing machine went unnoticed.

HearThrough remains one of the best transparency modes out there and the version on these buds is great for increasing ambient awareness. Working in the living room, I could hear our babysitter communicating with the baby, along with his “feed me” cries. Being able to communicate clearly with my wife without removing the buds was amazing, and so was conveying coffee orders to the barista at Starbucks. More importantly, the mics piped in a lot of noise so I could hear what was transpiring around me when outside; construction tools and traffic sounded distinctive enough to identify. There’s even a setting to mute audio when using this mode (reference the Audio Experience setting in the app).

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: App and special features

Most functionality runs through the Jabra Sound+ app, which hosts all listening features and user settings. I've already covered much of this, including ANC/HearThrough, EQ, MyControls, MyFit, MySound, and voice assistance. However, there are a handful of other modes worth checking out. 

The first is Call Experience, a setting that lets users adjust how loudly they hear their voice during voice or video calls, as well as add more treble or bass to callers on the opposite end. It’s an underrated feature that comes in handy when picking up the phone in rowdy areas. Below this is the Headset Configuration setting to assign Sleep Mode, prompts (e.g., voice, tone), and in-ear detection for playback and calls.

Soundscape is available should you want nature sounds or white noise playing in the background for mental relief. There are 12 profiles to select from and each is reproduced well. I just wish they ran on a continuous loop instead of turning off about every 30 seconds; this was never the case with the Elite Active 75t.

Another feature that has received little promotion is Video Conference, which you’ll find on the far-right tab at the bottom. This supposedly lets you use the app as a remote control for a Jabra video conferencing device, though it remains unclear whether this is compatible with any of the brand’s wireless earbuds or headphones.

Find My Jabra returns to help locate misplaced buds, along with basic functions like firmware updates and battery level indicators for both buds and charging case. Dig deeper into the app and you’ll find an option to register the buds for two years' extra warranty.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Battery life and charging case

Jabra rates battery life at 9 hours with ANC on, which is some of the highest in the category. Only the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport (10 hours) and JLab Audio Epic Air Sport ANC (11 hours) produce longer ANC playtimes. Nonetheless, the Elite 7 Active provided up to five days of moderate use (1.5 hours daily) before recharging. Listening with ANC off extends battery life to 11 hours.

The charging case holds between 35 to 42 hours, depending how you use the buds. Do the math and that’s nearly double the AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro cases (24 hours). Quick charging is sufficient, with a 5-minute charge netting you 1.2 hours of use. You can also toss the case atop a Qi-enabled wireless pad to charge it wirelessly.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Call quality and connectivity

Jabra’s reputation for call quality is golden. Of the two newest releases, the Elite 7 Pro is the better calling headset. The Elite 7 Active is fairly good, but not something you’ll find on our best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. For starters, the SAATI Acoustex mesh covering the mics for wind protection doesn’t perform well in gusty conditions. Jabra’s four-mic array did pick up vocals well enough for people to hear me when speaking, but the best results often came when I was in quieter settings.

Jabra always comes correct with connectivity, and if it’s not the instant pairing capabilities of Bluetooth 5.2 that win you over, it’s the super-lengthy range. According to the spec sheet, these buds have a max range of 33 feet, but it’s really double that amount. I was shocked to see that I could leave my phone charging in the front room of the house and walk 60 feet outside towards the pool area without any dropout occurring. 

While the buds can pair up to 8 Bluetooth devices, they don’t come with multipoint technology to pair them to two devices at the same time.

Jabra Elite 7 Active review: Verdict

Are the Elite 7 Active considered Jabra’s best workout earbuds? No. That crown remains with the flawless Elite Active 75t. That doesn’t make this version much less valuable, though, especially since Jabra implemented specific upgrades that will benefit fitness buffs such as lengthier playtimes, waterproof protection, and customizable sound to fuel workouts. 

You will need to play with the MySound setting and some of the app’s other features to get sound properly balanced, especially since the default signature is a bit overzealous with bass. ANC is also better on other sporty rivals, including the AirPods Pro and inexpensive models like the JBL Reflect Mini NC.

If you’re a Jabra fan who wants dynamic sound, new features, and notable improvements in select areas (e.g., battery life, connectivity), the Elite 7 Active is a dependable workout companion.

• More: The best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls

This Beats Studio Buds vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t face-off compares two of the best wireless earbuds, helping you decide which pair best suits your needs and budget.

Recently launched, the Beats Studio Buds conquers new territories for the popular audio brand. Not only are is this Beats’ first-ever  pair of noise-cancelling earbuds in the true wireless category, but its  on also runs a proprietary, platform-neutral wireless chip rather than the usual Apple H1 or W1 processor. This brings adaptive ANC and stronger wireless performance, via Bluetooth 5.2, to the table.

• Check out more of the best Apple AirPods alternatives
• The best noise-cancelling headphones: Our top picks
• Beats Studio Buds vs. AirPods Pro: Which wireless ANC earbuds should you buy?

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is Jabra’s greatest pair of wireless earbuds to date, and currently tops our best sport headphones rankings. Attractive aesthetics, dynamic sound, long battery life, and waterproof protection grant it mass appeal. Noise cancellation was even added through a software update several months after its release.

While one is designed for casual listening and the other for fitness, there’s no denying that these are two of the most enticing options in the category. As for which is the better investment, that is what our Beats Studio Buds vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t analysis will answer for you.

Beats Studio Buds vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Specs compared

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Price

As far as value goes, each of these releases delivers superb performance for their price.   

Beats surprised the hell out of everyone by launching the Studio Buds at $149, undercutting Apple’s flagship model, the AirPods Pro, as well as other noise-cancelling heavyweights like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM4. 

Jabra released the Elite Active 75t originally for $199, though it has gone down in price numerous times; we’ve seen it for as low as $139 at major online retailers. A wireless charging version is available for a premium ($229), thought it can be had for $199 at Amazon.  

For all of the latest Apple, Beats, and Jabra headphones deals, be sure to bookmark our best cheap AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages.

Winner: Tie

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Design

Beats went outside of its comfort zone, with a traditional in-ear design that deviates from the ear-hook silhouette popularized by the Powerbeats series, and it’s strikingly attractive. Size has been downscaled from the Powerbeats Pro for a more discrete appearance. Small details like the uniquely shaped multifunctional button and signature B logo give the Studio Buds a little pizzaz. The all-plastic construction is also sturdy and stands up to scratches well, plus it is IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance. Color options include Black, White, and Beats Red.

As cool as the Studio Buds look, the Elite Active 75t catches the eye, hitting that sweet spot between business class and sporty. The design is 22% smaller than its predecessor and sits handsomely on the ears, much like its rival. We love the matte finish that comes in six enticing colors: Copper Black, Dark Grey, Navy, Titanium Black, Sienna, and Mint. Jabra made these buds waterproof to the IP57 standard, as well as sweat-resistant. Even tiny functional elements like the built-in magnets on the interior are cool, linking the buds together so they don’t roll off flat surfaces. The Studio Buds do the same, but the magnetism is much weaker.

The charging cases are different in appearance and functionality. Most consumers will favor the Elite Active 75t case for its sturdiness; the rubberized exterior prevents scuffing. Its magnetic lid shuts tightly and the magnetic connectors on the inside keep the buds secured. Wireless charging is optional. The Studio Buds case is a welcome upgrade over the monstrous Powerbeats Pro case, being both slim and lightweight for easy carrying. Unfortunately, the magnetic system that keeps its lid shut isn’t particularly strong.

Each pair of buds offers moderate comfort and fit, but we especially like the Elite Active 75t for its sweat absorption. Jabra’s tips keep the buds locked in and reduce slippage whenever exposed to moisture. You’ll feel fine sporting them during hour-long workouts and enjoy a reasonable 2 hours of use for standard listening before fatigue sets in.

Inserting the Studio Buds into your ears is a seamless task, thanks to the new ergonomically titled acoustic nozzle that Beats created. A laser-cut micro-vent was also added to relieve pressure build-up when enabling noise cancellation. The ear tips are OK for on-ear stabilization. Those with a low pain threshold may find the buds unpleasant when worn longer than 1 hour due to the sound port applying unwanted pressure to the concha.  

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Controls and digital assistant

Physical buttons, motion detection, and digital assistance make up the control schemes on both models. However, one proves to be the more intelligible pair, that being the Studio Buds. The long-strip multifunction buttons are responsive and produce great tactility when employing multi-press gestures. Whatever it is you’re playing will automatically pause whenever removing the buds. Beats took functionality a step further by including “Hey Siri” and “Hey Google” voice activation, letting you pull either AI bot by speaking out their respective action phrase for hands-free and reliable voice commands.

The Elite Active 75t has its own set of responsive MF buttons that deliver accurate results. You’ll hear a nice click sound when pressing the buttons that reassure you when executing intended commands. Taking off the buds will automatically pause music and resume playback when placed back on your ears. Jabra programmed the Elite Active 75t to work with the big three digital assistants – Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri – each one intuitive and responsive to verbal inquiries. The Studio Buds just have the advantage of voice activation.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Active noise cancellation

These two models appear on our best noise-cancelling earbuds list, but their ANC performances aren’t cuite top-tier. The Studio Buds were engineered with active noise cancellation in mind, and they do a fairly good job of blocking out external sounds. Beats’ digital hybrid ANC uses a “finely-tuned filter with external, feed-forward mics and internal, feedback microphones.” This works to silence in-door commotion such as digital alarms, kitchen appliances, and televisions. 

That’s not to say it won’t work outside because the technology helps drone out talkative joggers and landscaping tools from afar. It is high frequencies that are tough to avoid; crying babies and sirens will break your concentration.   

The Elite Active 75t did not originally release with ANC. Instead, the feature was added through a free over-the-air update. This implies that the buds already had noise-neutralizing technology available, which Jabra was able to unlock by performing a few firmware tweaks. 

The effort deserves a round of applause, but ultimately you can get much better ANC elsewhere — on the QuietComfort Earbuds, for instance. At best, the Elite Active 75t will cancel out low frequencies (like AC unit humming and vehicle engines) and day-to-day disturbances like rowdy commuters and whisking cars. We also can’t stand the annoyingly long 10-minute setup that personalizes ANC to your hearing.

Both models come with their own transparency mode that performs equally well to gain greater awareness of your surroundings. We often used the Studio Buds in public settings like coffee shops to convey orders clearly to baristas. We did find the Elite Active 75t’s HearThrough mode to be the better communication tool, whether it was stopping for brief chats with neighbors or keeping safe while running outside.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Sound quality

The Studio Buds are arguably Beats’ best-sounding wireless earbuds to date, presenting a more refined sound profile that tones down bass for detailed, well-balanced audio. They feed your ears a nice mix of lows, mids, and highs. Instruments have a lively presence on orchestral tracks, while vocals are given prominence on acoustic recordings. 

Don’t be scared off by the milder bass response, as it’s still tight and punchy to enjoy contemporary music selections. You don't get spatial audio as it functions on the AirPods Pro, with video support and head-tracking, but you can still enjoy 3D sound in many Apple Music tracks — and unlike on most headphones, spatial audio mode is activated automatically when you're using the Studio Buds.

Users can also customize sound by selecting the Equalizer setting in iOS or Spotify, or through Headphone Accommodations, an iOS feature that tailors sound to one’s hearing.

Dynamic sound has been a pillar of the Elite series, and it is in top form on the Elite Active 75t.  These buds don’t skimp on bass and give the low-end excellent representation to fuel your workouts. More so, they do this without distorting the soundstage. But it’s the level of detail produced by the Elite Active 75t that shines. 

High-pitched keys and strings are handled delicately to where you’ll pick up on certain nuances, like fingertip friction or a misplayed keynote. There's also an equalizer setting in the companion app that makes adjusting the frequency levels incredibly simple. Here is where you’ll find a handful of well-engineered presets that cater to specific genres.

As wonderfully as both models perform, Beats has the sonic edge. 

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: App and special features

Powered by an all-new (and undisclosed) chipset, the Studio Buds brings forth both new features and familiar ones from the Powerbeats Pro — while also losing out on popular ones tied to the H1 and W1 chips. We already discussed hybrid ANC, ambient listening, spatial audio, sound customization, Headphone Accommodations, and voice activation. What else is left?

The Studio Buds are the first product in the Apple/Beats line to support both FindMy in iOS and Find My Device on Android for locating misplaced buds. One-touch pairing is here for instant connectivity; Android users can expedite the process with Google Fast Pair. The Beats app is also supported and grants control customization, but that’s about it. Battery level indicators, firmware updates, and toggle controls for the listening modes are all that’s left in the app. No H1/W1 chip means losing out on auto switching between iCloud-registered devices, audio sharing between two Apple or Beats headphones, and Siri Announce Notifications.

All of the Elite Active 75’s special features are accessible through the Jabra Sound+ app. Until now, the only big features mentioned were ANC, HearThrough, and the EQ, but there is a lot more to discover. MySound uses adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile tailored to your hearing. Then there's Soundscapes, a unique audio mode that can play 12 different nature sounds for anxiety relief; it is highly recommended for those who want to calm down during stressful times. Another mode that comes in handy is Call Experience, which enhances call quality by increasing how loud and deep your voice sounds during calls.

The MyControls function can be utilized to assign and expand the control scheme on both buds. Jabra also included multipoint technology to easily connect the buds to two devices at the same time, which makes switching from a laptop to mobile device, and vice versa, ridiculously easy. Rounding out Sound+ is the Find My Jabra mode for finding lost buds, firmware updates, toggle controls, and the Moments setting with three different profiles (My Moment, Commute, Focus) to personalize for different scenarios.

Overall, Jabra’s buds have the more serviceable feature set.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Call quality

You won’t find the Studio Buds or Elite Active 75t on our list of the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls. Does that make them bad calling headsets? Absolutely not. Both are adequate for phone calls and video chats, but our preference is the Elite Active 75t because of how well its four-mic system relays clear voice transmission and the Call Experience mode. You’ll hear and make out everything said on the opposite end, both indoors and outdoors.

We thought the Studio Buds would have provided similar call quality as the Powerbeats Pro, but no luck. The buds do come in handy when in a pinch, but the conversations will be brief due to constant muffling and some cutout. At least the Studio Buds do a reasonable job with minimizing ambient sounds, which helps a little when talking outside or in gusty conditions.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Battery life

Factor volume, streaming, and special features into the equation and battery life is pretty even on these two models. The Studio Buds has higher-rated playtimes between 5 hours (ANC on) and 8 hours (ANC off), while the Elite Active 75t manages between 5.5 hours (ANC on) and 7.5 hours (ANC off).

Jabra’s charging case holds longer listening times when fully charged, 28 hours, versus the 24 hours given by the Studio Buds case. Wireless charging is something else the Elite Active 75t supports. The Studio Buds doesn’t.

The real determinant is quick charging, which is one of Beats’ hallmarks courtesy of strong Fast Fuel technology that juices up the buds for 1.5 hours on a 5-minute charge. Jabra’s technology is slower and requires 15 minutes for 1 hour of use.

Winner: Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Verdict

It was a close call, but in the end, the Jabra Elite Active 75t wins. Mind you, this is a model that has been out for over a yea,r and the fact that it delivers sound and battery life just as good as its competitor shows just how far ahead Jabra is in the category. 

The sturdy construction and waterproof protection make these buds an ideal workout companion, while the sleek aesthetics are a nice touch. We also appreciate that Jabra added ANC, and even though it can use some refining, to get this type of feature in a software update is remarkable.

The Beats Studio Buds deserve recognition for trying different things, many of which they succeeded at. There is much to like about the distinctive design. Any enhancements made to the sound profile were for the better, blessing listeners with full-bodied sound. ANC isn’t upper echelon, but the feature will suffice for commutes and select indoor environments. The new chipset also performs well for instant connectivity to iOS and Android devices. 

Unfortunately, no H1 or W1 processor means losing out on some of the AirPods' coolest features, WHILE the disappointing call quality and lack of wireless charging are missed opportunities.

• More: On a tight budget? Here are the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones

This Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t face-off focuses on two of the best wireless earbuds, helping you decide which pair best suits your needs and budget. 

Recently launched, the Sony WF-1000XM4 is a powerhouse carrying the Sony V1 chip: an upgrade that welcomes better active noise cancellation (ANC), clearer sound and faster performance. This pair also brings more features, longer battery life and newly revamped design for optimal fit. It's comfortably one of the best noise-cancelling earbuds.

• Check out more of the best Apple AirPods alternatives
• The best noise cancelling headphones: Our top picks
• Beats Studio Buds vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Which wireless earbuds win?

The Jabra Elite Active 75t may seem old compared to its newer rival; it was released back in March 2020. However, this sporty set of buds continue to leave a lasting impression with well-rounded performance across the board. Jabra has also done a tremendous job of extending the buds’ feature set, even adding ANC via firmware update, something we’ve never seen done elsewhere.

Hands down, these are Sony’s and Jabra’s best true wireless offerings to date. As for which is the better investment, our Sony WF-1000XM4 and Jabra Elite Active 75t comparison will fill you in. And if you want to check out a couple of alternatives, we also have a Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs. AirPods Pro face off.

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Specs compared

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Price

Even at its original launch price of $199, the Jabra Elite Active 75t severely undercuts its competitor. The buds are currently being sold for as low as $179 on Amazon and Best Buy. A wireless charging version is also available and normally runs for $229, but you can snag it right now for $199 on Amazon.   

The Sony WF-1000XM4 sells for $279, which is $50 higher than the preceding Sony WF-1000XM3. It falls in the same price class as the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, but is listed higher than market favorites such as the AirPods Pro ($249) and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro ($199). Simply put, these buds don’t come cheap.  

For all of the latest headphones sales, be sure to bookmark our best headphones deals pages.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Design

Jabra is one of the few brands that knows how to blend form, function and fashion exceptionally well. Note the Elite Active 75t. The original Elite 75t was an attractive creation, with sleek and minimalist details like a flush multifunctional button, tiny grilles and shiny matte finish. This version adds IP57 to the equation for waterproof, dust- and sweat-resistant protection. The buds also sit handsomely and discretely on your ears. On top of that, Jabra sells them in a variety of colors: Navy, Titanium Black, Dark Grey, Copper Black, Mint, and Sienna.

Taking in the mixed reception behind the WH-1000XM3’s design, Sony chose to give the WF-1000XM4 a complete makeover, going for something more compact and oval shaped versus flat and elongated. The end result is quite stunning in appearance. A smooth matte texture combined with unique details like copper ANC mic housings and wider touch panels give it a luxury, business-class look. An IPX4 rating ensures these buds can withstand sweat and light splashes.

Both charging cases are chic and conveniently portable, but the Elite Active 75t feels a bit more durable, which is ideal for one of the best sport headphones. Neither set of buds will spill across the floor if dropped in their respective cases, thanks to strong magnets that keep the lids tightly shut. Each case feels super-light, to easily carry in any denim pocket or gym bag.

Comfort and fit are where the Elite Active 75t highly differs from its adversary. The silicone tips produce a nice, tight seal and absorb sweat well to prevent any slippage, especially during lateral-heavy workouts.  Depending on your pain threshold, sensitive types may find the buds uncomfortable after an hour of use, while others will be fine wearing them for about 2 to 3 hours.

Sony focused on making the WF-1000XM4 more ergonomic with the new shape billed to provide a stabler fit. If only that were true. First off, the sound port feels too long and must be shoved deep into the canal to fill the ear cavity. This causes the buds to apply unwanted pressure on the concha. Adjusting them requires a few tries and all that twisting starts to feel fatiguing after a while. The memory foam tips don’t create the best seal either. We recommend using the silicone gel tips in the box, as well as Sony’s Optimal Earbud Tips test, to achieve a proper fit.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Controls and digital assistant

Decide what works best for you: physical or touch controls? If it’s the former, then the Elite Active 75t should serve you well. The multifunction button on each bud has great tactile feedback that reassures users of intended commands being met with every press. Jabra did an admirable job of programming several operation methods: single, double, triple and long presses. One of the latest updates added MyControls, a new feature to assign the controls on both ear buds for preference.

If you prefer buds with more intelligible controls, then the WF-1000XM4 is right up your alley. Touch accuracy has not only been improved, but so has the list of media controls accessible. You get a full suite that can be assigned and activated on either bud through the same operation methods as the Elite Active 75t, only instead of presses, you’re employing taps.

On-ear detection is included on both products and works well to automatically pause music when removing the buds from your ears. However, the WF-1000XM4 has two extra tricks that let you control playback: Quick Attention to drop volume down to 10 percent (long press the left bud) and Speak-to-Chat to pause music every time the buds recognize your voice.

Digital assistance also comes part of each package, though the experiences are slightly different. For the Elite Active 75t, you need to manually enable Google Assistant or Siri, depending on the device you’re using. The Sony WH-1000XM4 comes with Google Assistant and Alexa integration, so you can access either AI bot by speaking their action phrases (“Hey Google” or “Alexa”) or do so manually on the buds. Siri can be accessed as well, but not the “Hey Siri” feature, which is exclusive to Apple wireless earbuds. The good news is that both pairs of earbuds pick up vocals with precision and register commands as quick as they answer them.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Active noise cancellation

The WF-1000XM4’s ANC is far superior. These buds are great at diminishing background hum and rumblings, while also keeping high-frequency noises to a minimum. You won’t notice loud commuters unless they’re speaking into a megaphone from two blocks away, nor will you be distracted by everyday sounds like iPhone timers and whisking cars. Blaring noises like baby cries and leaf-blowers will creep their way onto the soundscape, but they won’t pull you away from whatever is playing on your device. 

We also appreciate that Sony developed an Automatic Wind Noise Reduction feature to decrease wind presence, which helps a tad when walking through gusty conditions.

Keep in mind that the Elite Active 75t did not launch with ANC. Jabra figured out a way to make it part of a software update, free of charge. It turns out the chipset inside these buds has the capability of performing ANC, which engineers were able to optimize through algorithm tweaks. It’s pretty impressive, but don’t be fooled into thinking these buds will replace top-tier ANC selections like the AirPods Pro, QuietComfort Earbuds or the WF-1000XM4. At best, the feature will block out most low frequencies (like AC units and vehicle engines) and common distractions (like co-worker chatter or keyboard clatter). Furthermore, the 10-minute process to personalize ANC to your hearing is long.

The transparency modes on both the WF-1000XM4 (Ambient Noise Control) and Elite Active 75t (HearThrough) are great, though we prefer the former because of its 20 levels of adjustable ambient noise. Sony’s buds also give you an option to focus on voice if you want the mics to pick up speech clearly, along with an automatic switching setting that adjusts transparency based on your actions in frequented locations. 

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Sound quality

If you’re thinking about purchasing the WF-1000XM4 for head-rattling audio, you may want to reconsider. Sony scaled back on the bass this time around to give the WF-1000XM4 a more balanced and dynamic sound profile. 

Your ear drums will still be on the receiving end of some deep and punchy lows, though — only this time they don’t come off too boomy, and they blend superbly with detailed mids and accurate highs. Turning on DSEE Extreme in the app improves fidelity on low-fi recordings, while 360 Reality Audio produces 3D-like sound that you can enjoy on compatible hi-res streaming services like Deezer and Tidal.

The Elite Active 75t comes highly recommended for fitness buffs who want energetic and vibrant sound. Jabra fixed the overemphasized bass levels that were present in the Elite 75t’s sound profile, giving these buds tighter lows that play nicely with mids and highs. Listening with ANC won’t compromise audio quality either. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough to compete with the WF-1000XM4’s overall sound performance.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: App and special features

Features are Sony’s forte, and the Sony Headphones Connect app is absolute loaded with them. Standouts like 360 Reality Audio, ANC, ambient listening, DSEE Extreme, speak-to-chat, and Quick Attention were already discussed. So, let’s move onto some of the other gems you’ll find accessible on the WF-1000XM4.

At the forefront is the Equalizer, something bass lovers will flock to for bass enhancement. You’ll be able to adjust and create your own sound profile or select from eight well-engineered presets: Bass Boost, Bright, Excited, Mellow, Relaxed, Treble Boost, Speech, and Vocal. Below the EQ is a Bluetooth Connection Quality setting to prioritize connectivity or sound quality. A music player, battery level indicators for both earbuds and the charging case, toggle controls for multiple functions, and firmware updates round out the app.

Jabra Sound+ has been considered one of the best companion apps since it launched and continues to roll out new and innovative features. The built-in EQ is more user-friendly than Sony’s, and you can create and save your own sound profiles or select from six different presets: Neutral, Speech, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Energize, and Smooth. All of them work well. There is also a Soundscape mode with 12 unique settings that produce nature sounds to help relax you.

The addition of MyControls for expanded control customization is appreciated, as is MySound, which uses adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile tailored to your hearing. We’re also fond of Call Experience, a function designed to enhance call quality by increasing how loud and deep your voice sounds on calls. Other notables include the Find My Jabra mode for locating misplaced buds, firmware updates, toggle controls, and the Moments setting that has three different profiles (My Moment, Commute, Focus) you can personalize for different scenarios. 

Connectivity is stronger on the WF-1000XM4, thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 support. This combined with the V1 chip gets faster and steadier wireless performance. Android users can also take advantage of one-touch pairing via Google Fast Pair. Unfortunately, Sony left off multipoint technology and NFC from the spec sheet.

Despite running on standard Bluetooth 5.0, the Elite Active 75t instantly pairs to devices and gets you up to 50 feet of wireless listening. Multipoint technology also lets you connect the buds to two devices at the same time, though ultimately it's the Sony model that's better-equipped.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Call quality

If you’re seeking the best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls, it won’t be either of these. Granted, the Elite Active 75t is slightly better and more functional in most environments. Voices come through clearly during calls and video chats; those on the opposite end should be able to make out full sentences. The mics are overly sensitive to interference and will pick up even the slightest ambient noise. You will also sound distant when making calls in crowded areas, according to some of the feedback we received during testing.

The old WF-1000XM3 left much to be desired as a calling headset. So does its successor. Muffling is a huge concern for the WH-1000XM4, not to mention the mics capture lots of external sound, especially wind. It’s tough to hold a conversation with these on your ears. You should be fine using them for video chats, but it requires being indoors and in a completely silent setting.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Battery life

Battery life is decent on both, though the WF-1000XM4 has an edge over the Elite Active 75t in several ways. The first is longer ANC playtimes – Sony’s buds pull off about 7 to 8 hours, while Jabra’s buds fall somewhere between 5 to 5.5 hours. Disabling the feature extends use on both models, but the WF-1000XM4 (12 hours) still offers more than the Elite Active 75t (7.5 hours).

As for the charging cases, the WF-1000XM4 holds between 24 to 36 hours, depending how often you use ANC, while the Elite Active 75t maxes out at 28 hours. It is remarkable that Jabra’s case holds that much playtime considering its compactness.

Sony also offers stronger quick charging (5 mins = 1 hour of use), and wireless charging is part of the purchase. Jabra’s quick charging technology gets you the same playtime, but requires 15 minutes to do so, and wireless charging comes at a premium.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Verdict

The Sony WF-1000XM4 is a sonic juggernaut that delivers on numerous fronts. All of the changes made to the sound profile were for the better, awarding listeners crisp, full-bodied audio that complements all media formats. Sony’s adaptive noise-cancelling technology is highly effective and gives both Apple and Bose a run for their money. 

The numerous ways you can personalize these buds is endless, courtesy of the feature-laden Sony Headphones Connect app. And then there’s the lengthy battery life that affords you sufficient ANC playtimes, something that none of the category’s top performers can match.

More than a year on the market and the Jabra Elite Active 75t is still a pair of ANC buds that's not to be trifled with. These fitness-centric buds take everything that made the Elite series a category staple and redefined them, from customizable sound to intelligible functionality to stylish and sturdy aesthetics. Many will also find its design and call quality to be more accommodating. 

Still, the Elite Active 75t is dealing with a different kind of beast in the WF-1000XM4, one that just overpowers it in specs and sound features.

• More: On a tight budget? Here are the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones

The Jabra Elite 85h’s spec sheet promises amazing results. With up to 35 hours of noise-cancelling performance, tri-digital-assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri), smart listening modes, and Jabra’s popular audio customization features, these headphones deliver a lot for the money.

Thankfully, outside of some minor sound issues and imperfect noise cancellation, the Elite 85h lives up to the hype, making them a worthy Bose alternative and a notable addition to our best headphones and best noise cancelling headphones guides.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Design

Jabra spared no expense when crafting these cans. A combination of black mesh fabric (ear cups), soft leatherette (ear padding and headband), and sturdy plastic (yokes) comprise the frame. The woven fabric along the sides has nano-coating to protect the circuitry from water damage. It hits that sweet spot between luxury and sporty.

This makes the headphones ideal for all activities, from travel to working out, though I don’t recommend the latter. Another standout component is the curved yoke, which gives the Elite 85h an ultra-modern look, much like the AKG N700NC.

I appreciate the leather accents, but the material’s scent becomes unsettling after 30 minutes of wear. I also not pleased with the hinges, which aren’t as sturdy as some of the other components.

Jabra bundles a number of accessories with these cans, including an auxiliary cable, USB-C charging cable, travel adapter, and a chic leather carrying case to store everything. The headphones are available in four colors: Black, Navy, Gold Beige, and Titanium Black.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Comfort

At 10.4 ounces, the Elite 85h is an enormous ANC’er that outweighs competitors like the Bose QC35 II (8.2 ounces) and Sony WH-1000XM3 (9 ounces). I felt fatigued sporting them after 2 hours. However, what it lacks in lightness, it makes up for in comfort and fit.

The ultra-soft foam ear cushions offer great padding; I liked how buttery and plush the material felt on my skin. The oval cutout on each ear cup also gives plenty of room for ears to breathe. Stability is another strong characteristic, with the pre-tensioned headband conforming to your skull and providing flexibility to move around without applying unwanted pressure. Adjusting the extenders at the proper setting secure the headphones in place.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Controls and setup

Functionality is comprised of physical buttons and on-ear detection gestures. These two control schemes work well, although I was more impressed with the latter’s accuracy.

The cans automatically power on and enter pairing mode when folding out the ear cups, whereas swivelling them inward enables power off. You can also assign automatic play/pause and answer/mute call functions that execute when placing or removing the headphones on your head. The gestures worked flawlessly during testing.

Jabra could have gone even more futuristic and placed touch controls on the earcup panels like Sony’s headphones, but incorporated a responsive three-button scheme on the right panel that blends into the design. The two small protruding dots act as the volume (one press) and navigation buttons (hold), while the indented circle in the middle is the multifunction button used to play/pause music or answer/end call (one press).

On the edge of each ear cup is a dedicated button – one for the Active Noise Cancellation/HearThrough mode (left) and the other for the digital assistant/mute mic function (right). The aux and USB-C ports are on the bottom of the right ear cup.

Pairing the headphones to an audio source is simple. Either swivel out the ear cups to initiate automatic pairing or hold the MF button for 2-3 seconds. Look for “Jabra Elite 85” on the available devices list, select it, and you’re good to go.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Active noise cancellation

Jabra introduces its Smart Active Noise Cancellation, which employs a 4-mic digital hybrid solution to clear out noise. How well does it work? Very effectively. The headphones are engineered to reduce a high amount of sound – just not as high as the QC35 II or WH-1000XM3.

I tested the technology indoors and outside, and it performed well when pitted against different levels of sound. Most of the uproar in my apartment felt nonexistent when sporting these cans. My girlfriend had to peg me with the cat’s toys just to get my attention from across the room. Even with the explosion-heavy Lethal Weapon playing in the background at high volume, I continued to work on my MacBook Pro unbothered.

Jabra’s technology does a commendable job with noise neutralization, but I found the ANC on the QC35 II performed better in public settings, with the WH-1000XM3 a close second. In the streets, the Elite 85h muted about 70 percent of environmental fracas. It drowned out car engines and nearby conversations. Sirens and construction tools like jackhammers were audible at moderate volume, but raising it to max level silenced these noises.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Audio performance

The Elite 85h has 40mm custom-engineered speakers that exhibit a big, warm soundstage with plenty of sonic depth. It won’t outperform WH-1000XM3 headphones in the sound department, but it gives the QC35 II a run for its money.

I tested several music genres and was enamored by its sound reproduction. Jazz albums like Ahmad Jamal’s The Awakening showcased great instrumental separation. The layered arrangements on Dolphin Dance were detailed, with every key and string accounted for; Jamal’s phenomenal piano play wasn’t eclipsed by the track’s heavy bass signature.

Much of the same performance carried over into alternative rock jams. The bluesy guitar loop and pounding drums on Beck’s Loser were infectious, while the blaring chorus on Blink 182’s Adam’s Song was given more clarity, making mids more transparent over the crashing drums and hi-hats. The QC35 II’s emphasis on bass and treble tend to lower vocals and hide certain production elements.

Bass is what normally sells headphones, and Jabra packs a lot into its noise-cancellers. Booming tracks like Black Thought’s “Making A Murderer” lose some detail on most warm-sounding headphones, but the Elite 85h is an exception. It balanced the song’s punchy lows with crisp vocals, resulting in some serious head-nodding energy.

Unfortunately, the cans have some sound issues, mainly when hearing music in both listening modes. The bass and synths on Bruno Mars 24K Magic were muddled in ANC mode, while D’Angelo’s Devil’s Pie suffered from distortion in HearThrough mode. Thankfully, you can tweak the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound app to flatten the soundscape.

Normally, the aux cable enhances the sound quality on wireless headphones, but it does very little for the Elite 85h. The only real difference I noticed was that vocals were somewhat clearer, but it required listening to many live performances before I noticed.

Jabra Elite 85h review: HearThrough Mode

This isn’t Jabra’s first rodeo with ambient listening modes (Check out our Elite Active 65t review). The Elite 85h has the company’s HearThrough technology, which enables more environmental awareness without taking off the headphones. The mode comes in handy for eavesdropping on people’s conversations or keeping tabs on conductor announcements when riding public transportation. Unfortunately, the mode distorts the bass, and there’s audible hissing that goes in and out when media is paused.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Jabra Sound+ App

Much like the Elite 65t and Elite Active 65t, the Jabra Sound+ app (Android and iOS) serves as the main hub for personalizing the headphones. It’s programmed with four profiles – My Moment, Commuter, In Public, and In Private – to accommodate listening preferences when in specific environments. You’ll likely stick to My Mode since it’s the first available option and shares the same settings as all the other profiles.

Sound+ has many features, none more useful than the customizable EQ that has five sound presets and the option to create/save your own sound profile. Surrounding Audio mode lets you enable the listening modes directly through the app. The settings icon on the right brings up other features like the Sleep Mode timer, on-ear detection gestures, and special calling options. You can adjust the sound for callers, as well as how much of your voice you want to hear.

The Discover menu at the bottom hides a few others including firmware updates, voice assistant access, and the Find My Jabra feature to locate misplaced headphones.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Digital assistants

Much of the hype surrounding these bad boys is based around its tri-digital assistant integration. The Elite 85h supports Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, with the option to select one as your default assistant via app. Each performs well, but what really makes using voice commands special is Jabra’s advanced 8-microphone call technology. The mics offer great speech recognition, picking up every query you speak.

Jabra originally stated that the Elite 85h would support wake word activation found on the Amazon Echo, but confirmed it would not be available since it didn’t live up to their expectations.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Battery life

The Elite 85h currently has the highest-rated battery in its class. We’re talking 36 hours with ANC on. That’s about 16 hours more than the QC35 II and 8 hours more than the WH-1000XM3. I got about 34.5 hours of noise cancellation out of these cans, which was more than enough for a full week’s worth of listening. Three days of heavy Spotify streaming and several Skype calls saw battery life hovering around 60 percent.

The headphones also work passively, meaning you can listen to them in wired mode for up to 41 hours. Bose promises up to 40 hours, while the WH-1000XM3 is rated at 38 hours. Even more clutch is the fast-charging feature that generates five hours of playback on a 15-minute charge.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Call quality

Call quality is good, but not as great as the brand’s truly wireless earbuds, the Elite 65t and the Elite Active 65t. Jabra’s mics are highly-engineered to phase out distractions and pick up your vocals thoroughly. Most of my friends heard me clearly and never noticed any background noise when answering calls at home or in the park.

My only complaint is the Elite 85h requires you to speak loudly to be heard. My girlfriend said that I sounded distant when speaking calmly in our quiet living room. I played with the Sidetone slider in the app to adjust how low or high my voice sounded on calls.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Connectivity

Wireless performance is top-notch. Bluetooth 5.0 provides up to 15 meters (50 feet) of cord-free listening. I was surprised that my connection held up well after chasing my cat outside of the apartment and down a flight of stairs. More impressive was Jabra’s multipoint technology, which connects the headphones with up to eight devices simultaneously. I only paired two – my Google Pixel 3 XL and MacBook – enjoying the perks of hearing Spotify on my phone, while controlling the playback commands on my laptop keyboard.

Jabra Elite 85h review: Verdict

For $250, the Jabra Elite 85h deserves serious consideration  as your next noise-cancelling headphones. It’s a versatile option that hits nearly every mark, from adjustable, dynamic sound to solid noise cancellation. Best-in-class battery life and a plethora of features raise its stock as well.  

Despite these achievements, its few shortcomings don’t warrant these headphones “Bose killer” status. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is still better for ANC, and it’s more convenient to carry around. While sonics on the Jabra Elite 85h are crisp and detailed, the Sony WH-1000XM3 has set the bar for sound quality on any ANC headphones. It also doesn’t help that the Elite 85h’s bass levels become distorted when enabling the listening modes.

Overall, the Elite 85h is totally worth the money and gives listeners more in functionality and performance than any other pair of headphones not manufactured by Bose or Sony, which speaks volumes.

Photo credit: Regan Coule/Tom's Guide

The Jabra Elite Active 75t had a high bar to meet after the excellent Jabra Elite 65t and subsequent Elite Active 65t. Fortunately, this pair of wireless earbuds live up to their predecessors and then some: in fact it's one of the best running headphones out there.

These buds fix nearly everything that was wrong with the Elite 75t, while keeping signature attributes intact such as lively, personalized audio and steady battery life. They also come waterproof and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water. 

And let’s not forget about the post-launch over-the-air update that added active noise cancellation, for free. The end result is the best wireless earbuds that money you can buy. Just check out our AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t showdown to see if the AirPods 3 can beat this beloved pair of wireless earbuds.

Jabra Elite Active 75t price and availability

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is currently available on Amazon and Jabra’s website and comes in six colors: copper black, dark grey, navy, titanium black, sienna, and mint.

Jabra also sells a wireless charging-enabled version of the Elite Active 75t in dark grey and navy, albeit for a much more expensive $230.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Design

The Elite Active 75t shares the same attractive aesthetics and silhouette as the Elite 75t and is 22% smaller than Elite Active 65t. Looks aside, the most important design element here is the IP rating: IP57. Jabra constructed these buds to be waterproof, as well as dust- and sweat-resistant. In other words, you’re going to get some long-term use out of them, just as long as they don’t fall into the ocean. I also love the built-in magnets on the interior that allow you to link to the buds together, so they don’t roll off flat surfaces so easily.

The charging case looks exactly the same as the one bundled with the Elite 75t, although it does feel slightly more rugged. Despite not being water resistant, it affords enough protection to keep the buds secure when not in use. The magnetic lid shuts tightly, while the magnetic connectors on the inside keep the buds locked in, so they don’t spill out and fly across the floor when dropping the case – unlike the AirPods Pro.

Fit has never been an issue for the Elite series. Very little has changed, as the Elite Active 75t provides some of the best on-ear stability and grip control when properly adjusted on the ear. Never was I worried about the buds popping out when doing lateral exercises (e.g. burpees, side planks). The true hero might be the silicone/gel tips, which create a nice, tight seal and absorb sweat well to limit slippage. Jabra also brought down the Elite Active 75t’s weight (0.19 ounces), making it an ultra-featherweight option that won’t strain your ears or pockets; I sported them for 2 to 3 hours daily before fatigue set in.

You’ll find three sets of ear tips in different sizes and a USB-C charging cable on the inside. It’s a decent amount to work with. What I do find funny is that Jabra has more colors available than accessories. Navy, Titanium Black, Dark Grey, Copper Black, Mint, and Sienna are the six currently available.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Controls and digital assistant

Due of its tiny form, the Elite Active 75t benefits most from having two physical buttons (the inlay on the front of each bud) and on-ear detection. Both control schemes worked slightly better here than they did on the Elite 75t. Each button produced a nice click sound that ensured me of intended commands being executed. The buds also registered movements accurately; removing them automatically paused music and placing them back on resumed play.

The controls have gone untouched. You’ll use the left bud to enable/disable HearThrough mode (1x press), forward track (2x press), play previous track (3x press) or lower volume (long press). The right will be used to play/pause music and answer/end calls (1x press), enable digital assistant (2x press) or raise volume (long press). 

I’m happy to report that the digital assistant integration on these buds is also more functional than the Elite 75t. Both Siri and Google Assistant registered and responded to my voice commands quickly. You shouldn’t have any issues mouthing off orders to Apple or Google’s AI bots.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Active and passive noise cancellation

If this the first time you have ever heard about a company integrating active noise cancellation into a pair of wireless earbuds via firmware update, don’t feel ashamed. It’s ours as well. Nonetheless, downloading the latest Jabra Sound+ app version (4.7.1) and the newest firmware update gives you access to the feature; it’s about a 10 minute process.

How does it fare against other ANC models? So-so. I give Jabra all the credit in the world for attempting to bring a premium ANC experience to what are already excellent wireless earbuds, but you shouldn’t expect grand results.

However, the technology is impressive. It managed to block out about 70 percent of the ambient noise around me, which consisted of a running dishwasher, hard rain hitting the windowpane, and my brother-in-law shouting through my wife’s iPhone speaker. The latter was muted for the most part, but the closer I got to the smartphone, the more audible his voice became, though it was still pretty low and unclear.

Personalizing the feature is a bit tricky, as it requires placing the selector on a specific box to find the strongest noise suppression for you. It’ll take a few attempts to figure out properly, but, personally, I found leaving the selector right on the Jabra block produced the best results. Just know that whatever works for me, may not be suitable for you.

The Elite Active 75t already comes programmed with passive noise cancellation, which isn’t as powerful as the ANC modes on other popular models, yet it’s still remarkably effective. Jabra repositioned its four-microphone system — each bud has one mic in the front and one in the back — to cancel ambient sounds from different angles. It’s not capable of completely silencing a construction site, but then again, neither are the ANC-equipped AirPods Pro. What you do get is a fair amount of noise reduction that makes it possible to hear music peacefully in moderately loud environments; I wasn’t distracted by the chatty shoppers on the Trader Joe’s line.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Audio quality

The Elite 75t stands out as one of the best-sounding pair of wireless earbuds out there. However, as mentioned in my Jabra Elite 75t review, the low end becomes a bit “overbearing” on particular songs. I’m happy to report this isn’t an issue on the Elite Active 75t, as the soundstage is better balanced to produce detailed and vibrant audio.

Since we’re talking some of the best sport headphones here, bass often takes precedence when discussing sound quality. There is certainly enough here to fuel you through the most vigorous workouts. Pressing play on Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” helped kickstart my pre-workout routine, as the reverberation I felt from the introductory (and iconic) guitar riff and pounding kick drums boosted my energy levels; I was quick to jump on the treadmill near the song’s conclusion.

Method Man & Redman’s “Da Rockwilder” helped crank things up during the middle of my 5K run. The booming amalgamation of 808 effects and propulsive lows got my adrenaline going. This is a record that can sound like one distortion-filled disaster with the wrong earbuds, but the Elite Active 75t does such a terrific job of minimizing the fuzzy bass tones for a crisp listen.

Recovery time often calls for more melodic tunes, which, for me, consists of jazz classics. Ahmad Jamal’s “Poinciana” delivered tranquil vibes. The rhythmic bass lines and high-pitched keys were handled delicately, which allowed me to appreciate certain nuances like the fingertip-friction sounds from the guitar play.

Volume does get high on these buds, so I advise bringing it down a few notches when indulging in boomy content; that goes for all of you EDM and hip-hop lovers. Sound doesn’t distort, but it gets really loud to the point that it starts hurting your ear drums and renders HearThrough useless. The great news is that listening at mid-level volume provides excellent clarity and tight bass.

Originally, I found the volume levels to be blaringly high, though the latest update seems to have brought them down. This made listening to boomy songs more appealing. More importantly, I like that ANC doesn’t affect overall sound. Even at mid-level volume you’ll enjoy excellent clarity and tight bass.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: App and special features

Jabra Sound+ offers some sweet incentives that allow for personalized sound and calls. The built-in EQ remains the app’s killer feature, which listeners can meddle with to create different sound profiles. There are a handful of music presets available as well that cater to specific genres. All of it comes in handy, though most people will find the default sound profile to be great on its own. 

Jabra has its own transparent mode dubbed HearThrough that opens up the soundstage to hear what’s around you.  It’s a great solution for outdoor runners who want to be more mindful of their surroundings, whether running during the day or at night. I felt it worked better for close encounters, such as conveying sandwich orders to a deli clerk. Another cool mode available is Soundscapes, which has 12 unique settings that produce soothing noises to relax you. I’ve found this feature incredibly useful for bringing down my anxiety levels; listening to 15 minutes of nature sounds was so relaxing and calmed my wedding-planning nerves.

Jabra also introduced two new features: MyControls and MySound. MyControls lets you assign the controls on both ear buds for personal preference, while MySound uses adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile that’s tailored to your hearing. They’re both great additions to what’s already an extensive feature set and will be welcomed with open arms once you toy with them.Call Experience is another great feature you won’t want to take for granted, as it optimizes call quality by increasing how loud and deep your voice sounds on calls. Keep this in mind when trying to hold a conversation in rowdy settings. Some of the app’s other notable features include the Find My Jabra mode for locating misplaced buds and toggle options for the controls.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Battery life

Jabra increased the juice levels on the Elite Active 75t, which has a rating of 7.5 hours on a single charge. It’s the same as the Elite 75t and more than the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours), but also less than the Powerbeats Pro (9 hours). My test run saw the buds tap out around the 7-hour mark, a time frame that is still impressive when factoring in heavy Spotify streaming and loud volume. This was perfect for about 4 to 5 days of exercising (1.5 hours daily) before having to toss them in the charging case.

ANC is considered a battery drainer on most headphones, but this is our first time seeing how it affects playtimes as a software update. I saw a noticeable decrease, with battery levels dropping about 20% within 45 minutes.

Speaking of which, Jabra’s case offers longer battery life than both of Apple’s models, promising up to 28 hours of listening time. It’s always best to measure this number by charging cycles, which in the case of the Elite Active 75t equates to about 4 full charges. That sounds pretty good. Three weeks of testing and I’ve only had to recharge the case once. Something else that stands out about the case is its battery management, which does an excellent job of preserving power; I had the buds in there for one week without touching them and the battery levels were unchanged.

Something else worth taking into account is that the Elite 75t case can also be used to charge these buds, although Jabra doesn’t advise doing so because there could be “some compatibility issues.” Also, Jabra launched a new version of the Elite Active 75t that supports wireless charging, so you can place the case on any one of your Qi-enabled wireless chargers to juice up the buds, sans wires.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Call quality and connectivity

In terms of call quality, the Elite 75t was a disappointing step back for the brand. I’m not sure if Jabra made any tweaks here, but the Elite Active 75t is a much better calling headset, granted there are still some minor issues present. Having full conversations where my fiancée could hear each syllable and make out full sentences without any interference was pleasant. 

There were times where she did hear some background noise like keyboard clatter, plus she noticed my voice sounded slightly distant when speaking in crowded areas, but it never got to the point where we decided to hang up and continue our chats over texts.  

Bluetooth 5.0 performs superbly. Android and Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro) instantly paired to the buds whenever I took them out the charging case. What I liked most was the multipoint technology, which allowed for seamless connectivity between two devices at once and never caused any issues when controlling playback; it was cool using my MacBook Pro controls to pause and skip tracks that were playing from my Google Pixel 3 XL. The buds also demonstrated strong connectivity to enjoy music from about 50 feet away from my smartphone.

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Verdict

While the industry has held the AirPods Pro to the highest standard, the Jabra Elite Active 75t has shown and proved why it remains the true category leader. Audio is spacious and warm, delivering just the right amount of boom to kickstart your workouts without compromising the mids and highs. Battery life (both on a single charge and the charging case) is superior to all AirPods models. The extremely durable shell also reassures you that it’s going to take more than some severe environmental conditions to damage these buds.

When it first launched, it was a bit unfair to compare the Elite Active 75t to the AirPods Pro because of its lack of active noise cancellation. Not anymore. Jabra heard our pleas and found a way to innovatively add the feature to its popular buds, which is a sweet gesture that is surprisingly effective. But even with ANC out of the equation, Jabra’s passive noise cancellation does a solid job of minimizing ambient sounds. In fact, it performed moderately well against Apple’s ANC technology, something we break down in our face-off feature.

What about the AirPods Pro’s flawless iOS connectivity? The Elite Active 75t also has the wireless prowess to pair quickly with iOS and Android devices, plus the model offers its own wireless charging solution for an extra $30.

Then there is the cheaper price point, which, when considering the Elite Active 75t’s overall performance, is a steal at $150. The fact that Jabra developed a free over-the-air ANC update only adds to its value. Neither the AirPods Pro ($249), nor the Powerbeats Pro ($249) is as financially rewarding.

More: Check out the best workout headphones right now and read our Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t face-off as well as Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t to find out which wireless earbuds win.

Bose and active noise cancellation are pretty much synonymous with one another. The company has been responsible for many of the market’s best noise-cancelling headphones, and its latest creation, the QuietComfort Earbuds, has finally made its long-awaited debut. But this isn’t the only newcomer to join the truly wireless ANC scene, as Jabra just released the highly anticipated Elite 85t. 

Top critics and experts, including us, concur that the QuietComfort Earbuds have the absolute best noise neutralization of any model in its class, outperforming consumer favorites like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000xM3. The fact that Bose figured out how to engineer these buds with the same call quality, sound, and noise cancellation as the game-changing Bose 700 is unbelievable.

• Check out our Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review
• ...and our Jabra Elite 85t review
• The best Black Friday headphones deals right now

Jabra flexed its own engineering muscle when creating the Elite 85t, pairing the robust Qualcomm QC5126 processor with a dedicated ANC chip to elevate sound performance on all fronts. Many of the hallmarks that made its predecessors (the Elite 75t and Elite 75t Active) well-rounded performers remain intact as well. This includes reliable connectivity, vibrant sound, and a plethora of features via companion app.

It’s looking like a tough battle already, especially on the ANC front, but let’s see which model comes out the victor.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Specs compared

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Price and value

The best wireless earbuds usually carry a luxury price tag, which is $200 or higher. Both the QuietComfort Earbuds ($280) and Jabra Elite 85t ($230) are expensive models that, essentially, you’ll want to feel comfortable splurging your Christmas cash on.

We believe the Elite 85t gets you more functionality for the dollar. As compelling as Bose’s ANC technology and call quality are, some of the QuietComfort Earbuds’ shortcomings might have you questioning whether it’s worth paying the premium.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Design

Based on appearance alone, it’s obvious who wins this round: Jabra. The company’s knack for premium craftmanship is on full display, and though the plastic casing on the Elite 85t is thicker than the previous version, it’s highly durable and still looks attractive, thanks to a smooth matte finish. These buds don’t stick out like a sore thumb either, unlike its competitor. We also love the color options: Titanium/Black, Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black, and Grey.

With a heavier (1 gram more) and longer (2mm longer) frame than the Elite 75t, it’s surprising that the Elite 85t offers similar comfort and fit. Jabra redesigned the sound port with an oval shape that allows for seamless insertion into the canal. The company’s gel tips provide tight grip as well for decent on-ear stabilization when properly adjusted.

The Elite 85t’s charging case is the more portable-friendly of the two. It’s actually lighter than the AirPods Pro case, feels durable, and has strong magnets on the inside to keep the lid shut and store the buds securely. You won’t feel burdened carry it around in your pockets or gym bag, nor will it add any unwanted weight when commuting.

We get that Bose required larger housing to store its powerful internals. We also feel the company was capable of creating a far more innovative design than what the QuietComfort Earbuds was given. The elongated pill shape sticks out in the most unflattering fashion. We feel the color options are blander compared to Jabra’s offerings too. The one saving grace about the casing is that it’s built from high-end composite plastic, so it won’t break easily, and it comes IPX4-certified for sweat and water resistance, like the Elite 85t.

The extra real estate and added IR sensors that were built into the buds also add extra weight, which affects comfort. The longer you wear them, the more pressure the sound port applies to the concha; you’ll notice some discomfort after an hour of use. Bose’s StayHear Max silicone ear tips and fins do keep the QuietComfort Earbuds secure on the ears for the most part, though you may experience slippage on occasion when speed-walking or jogging..

If you think the buds are huge, then you’ll faint looking at the charging case. This hunk of plastic is heavy and practically double the size of most cases out there. Don’t bother trying to squeeze it into your tight denim jeans pocket or you might end up ripping in a hole in them.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Controls

Bose went with touch controls, while Jabra settled for physical buttons. Yet only one of them put some thought into the actual control scheme, that being Jabra. The Elite 85t supports single-, double-, and triple-tap gestures on both earbuds, supporting multiple ways to interact with the buds, be it music playback, call management or enabling different features. My only complaint is that while the buttons offer great tactility, every press pushes the buds further into your ears, creating discomfort the more you perform this action.

The QuietComfort Earbuds’ touch sensors are highly responsive to taps, but only support double taps and long presses. On top of that, you can only customize the left bud. On-ear detection doesn’t work well either and has latency issues; the Elite 85t operates pretty smoothly.

Where the QuietComfort Earbuds beats the Elite 85t is in digital assistant support. Bose’s mic array demonstrates excellent speech recognition and pick up voice commands with ease, with Siri and Google Assistant registering inquiries as quickly as they respond to them. The QuietComfort Earbuds also support Bixby and Cortana. The Elite 85t currently works with Siri and Google Assistant (Alexa is coming in a Q1 2021 update) and you’ll get quality voice assistance no matter the platform.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Audio

Jabra has stepped up its audio game with every new true wireless release and the Elite 85t stands out as the company’s best-sounding model to date. The drivers have doubled in size (now 12mm) and were tweaked to create a more balanced soundstage that falls somewhere in between bright and warm.

For a full dose of bass, I gave M.I.A.’s “Bird Song (Diplo Remix)” a spin and was overjoyed with the deep, rich reverberations that came out of the Elite 85t’s speakers. Diplo’s kick drums were impactful, while the kazoo-like honking blended well over the boomy production. From there, I pulled up some Busta Rhymes and let the rapper dominate the rhythmic beat on “Tear Da Roof Off.” The syncopated strings and drums exuded energy and sounded tighter and crisper than what came out of the QuietComfort Earbuds.

If you love the clean audio presentation of the Bose 700, then the QuietComfort Earbuds will not disappoint. Listening to orchestral masterpieces like Isaac Hayes' “Walk on By” showed me how much emphasis Bose placed on the high end; violins shined over the melancholy electric guitar. The synths and horn section on Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” even sounded more striking compared to the many other distinguishable instruments that played in the background. I just wish the bass didn’t feel so tamed, as it held a stronger presence on Bose’s previous wireless earbuds, the SoundSport Free.

Enabling ANC mode on either model gives the low end a moderate boost, though you’ll likely notice it more on the Elite 85t. This is complementary for music genres like hip-hop, rock, and EDM.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Active noise cancellation

No pair of wireless earbuds can match the QuietComfort Earbuds active noise cancellation. How Bose managed to transfer over the same ANC technology featured in the Bose 700, and expand on its capabilities, with half the mics, is wondrous.

Like its over-ear counterpart, you have 10 adjustable levels of ANC to choose from, three of which can be saved and cycled through on the left earbud. The end result is nothing short of outstanding. Most of the ambient noise around you will be completely muted. I was able to work right outside on the front porch in peace and not worry about street noises distracting me. Rarely did high frequency sounds like a semi-truck horn enter the soundscape, and it had to be something that took place in front of the house for me to even recognize it. 

I would rank the Jabra Elite 85t third in the category for best ANC performance, right behind the Sony WF-1000xM3, which is a compliment. That also means it is better than the AirPods Pro, a model that has been praised for its great noise cancellation over the past year. Jabra gives you five levels of ANC that can be adjusted in the Sound+ app, with each level increasing by 3 decibels to maximum sound reduction at higher frequencies. The technology is effective enough to block out common ambient noises (e.g. home appliance timers, door buzzers, whisking cars) and performs well against wind. Though we found Bose’s earbuds better equipped for dealing with louder noises like crying babies and whistles. 

The QuietComfort Earbuds and Elite 85t have their own Transparency modes, but Bose has a more powerful and innovative version that blends with ANC. This doesn’t just improve environmental awareness, but it also makes noises sound more distinct, that way you can better identify them. The Elite 85t’s mode is no slouch either, and provides good clarity to hear much of what’s happening around you. It’s just can’t compete with what Bose delivers.

Winner: Bose QuietComfort Buds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: App and special features

The steak and potatoes of the Elite series has been the Sound+ app. Not only is it the hub for all functionality, but the app is being constantly updated with new features that continue to enhance the user experience.

The two most recently added features are MyControls and MySound, which, respectively, let you personalize and expand the controls on both earbuds and analyze your environment to tailor the EQ to your hearing. They work well and help streamline usage. There is also a Sidetone slider to adjust how loud you want to sound on phone calls, along with a Call Equalizer that boosts call quality by adding more treble or bass to the caller on the other end.

What you really want the Elite 85t for are the sound features. The built-in EQ is a central component of the Elite series, allowing you to manually tweak the frequency levels to create and save your own sound profiles. You also get a handful of presets that work well with specific music genres and content (e.g. podcasts, movies). Personally, I feel the Soundscapes mode is one of the more unique and underappreciated features in the app. It’s well engineered and helps to relax you if you’re feeling stressed; you can pick from 12 modes that produce soothing noises to calm nerves. Don’t take it for granted, especially during these times.

The QuietComfort Earbuds is compatible with the Bose Connect app and has some neat tricks available, though none as extensive as what Sound+ offers. Like its competitor, you get a slider to manually adjust ANC, along with several toggle controls for different functions (e.g. voice assistance, on-ear detection) and a Self Voice mode to increase volume on phone calls.

But the Bose Connect app lacks three key features: an adjustable EQ, a Find My Earbuds mode, and an Auto-Off option to put the buds asleep when inactive. All of these are available on Sound+. Something else the Elite 85t has that the QuietComfort Earbuds doesn’t is multipoint technology, so you can pair to two devices simultaneously and easily swap between them. Bose’s response to that is Bluetooth 5.1, giving you super-fast and stable connectivity, though Bluetooth 5.0 holds up strong on the Elite 85t. We’re also fond of the Bluetooth button that’s integrated into the QuietComfort Earbuds’ charging case, as it makes manually pairing seamless.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Call quality

Active noise cancellation wasn’t the only area where Bose showed out, as the company also engineered its buds with best-in-class call quality. You can expect the same clarity and crispness on phone calls and video chats as on the Bose 700. Bose’s mic array also blocks out a majority of the background noise, which allowed me to communicate clearly with my wife when taking her calls outside in drafty conditions. The buds performed even better indoors on Zoom calls.

Compared to its predecessors, the Elite 85t is the superior calling headset, but it isn’t the QuietComfort Earbuds. Jabra’s ANC mics are resilient at minimizing external sounds. I was be able to have clear-sounding conversations, though the volume levels were lower than I liked, as I discovered when chatting with the missus several times. Something else to consider is that the Elite 85t will perform better indoors due to its strong connectivity, meaning fewer dropouts. 

Winner: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Battery life and charging case

The QuietComfort Earbuds may have the bigger battery (6 hours), but when taking power drainers into account like ANC, high volume, and excessive wireless streaming, they offer the same playtime as the Elite 85t on a full charge: 5.5 hours. This is disappointing no matter which side you choose.

One positive with the Elite 85t is that you can disable ANC to gain two extra hours of use, a helpful move when you’re running low on power and want to prioritize streaming over noise cancellation. There is no way to turn off the listening modes on the QuietComfort Earbuds simultaneously, therefore, you’re stuck using one or the other. This is where quick charging is a lifesaver, as the QuietComfort Earbuds get you 2 hours of a 15-minute charge, whereas the Elite 85t only generates 1 hour of use in 15 minutes.

You would think that with such a massive charging case that the QuietComfort Earbuds would carry a lot more portable power. Nope. Sorry. It only holds up to 18 hours, while Jabra’s case holds 24 hours when factoring in ANC and 28 hours when it’s turned off. Both cases do support wireless charging, that way you charge them with any compatible Qi-certified wireless chargers without being tethered to any charging cables.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Verdict

Look at the scorecard and the Jabra Elite 85t is the clear winner. We can’t stress enough the importance of extended functionality, which is what these buds do best, providing a wide range of features and personalization. Having an EQ accessible to fine-tune audio and some adaptive listening modes raise the Elite 85t’s stock. The handsome design and solid noise cancellation are noteworthy too.

You may be asking, “how could this be if the Bose’s buds have the best ANC in the category?” We’re not debating that. The QuietComfort Earbuds are untouchable when it comes to noise cancellation. They just aren’t the better overall wireless earbuds. 

Bose’s ability to replicate the 700’s noise-cancelling performance and sound signature is remarkable. The same goes for call quality. At the same time, Bose dropped the ball in three key categories: design, battery life, and extra features. That isn’t to say we don’t recommend purchasing them, but if you’re planning to, learn to live with its shortcomings.

Many active noise cancelling wireless earbuds have stepped up to challenge the AirPods Pro, and none have managed to dethrone the category leader. Even the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, which features best-in-class ANC, couldn’t get the job done. Now, Jabra has thrown its hat into the ring, releasing the all-new Elite 85t, which has the performance and spec sheet to give Apple’s sound-silencing danglers a run for their money. 

Let’s not forget why the AirPods Pro are considered some of the best noise-cancelling headphones. Great active noise cancellation, improved sound, and an ergonomic design have elevated the AirPods series to a level we didn’t think Apple could achieve.

• Check out our Beats Studio Buds vs Jabra Elite Active 75t analysis
• The best wireless headphones you can buy
• AirPods Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Here's how they stack up

Despite being late to the party, Jabra’s first-ever ANC earbuds were well worth the wait and build on the foundation that made their predecessor, the perfect-scoring Jabra Elite Active 75t, a true wireless triumph. This includes superior sound, luxe aesthetics, reliable wireless performance, and a wide feature set. The inclusion of active noise cancellation doesn’t disappoint either.

Which of these is the better noise-cancelling option? Let's find out.

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Specs compared

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Price and value

The price point for top-tier ANC wireless earbuds is usually set around the $200 (or higher) mark, so to see the AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite 85t fall in this range is no shocker. 

Jabra lists the Elite 85t at a lower price point than its competitor, and for $230, you can’t go wrong when factoring in overall performance. Even if the AirPods Pro is pricier at $250, the amount of functionality you get makes these earbuds worth every penny. This decision ultimately comes down to your preference and budget.

Winner: Draw

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Design

The Elite 85t is the more fashionable option, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Jabra housed these buds in a durable all-plastic shell that protects the internals, doesn’t scuff up easily, and boasts a smooth matte finish. They also have an IPX4 rating for water resistance.

Jabra stays committed to its oval-shaped design, which is discrete, but slightly bulkier this time around to accommodate the extra hardware. The buds are noticeably heavier, though you won’t feel weighed down when sporting them on walks. Jabra’s ear tips do a fine job with on-ear stability as well.

The Elite 85t’s charging case is thicker and wider, but also lighter and more durable than the AirPods Pro’s case. The buds are handsomely displayed when docked on the charging magnets. Speaking of which, the magnet used to close the lid is very strong and ensures the buds won’t spill out when dropping the case; this is the biggest issue with every AirPods case.

Apple’s long-stem silhouette has overstayed its welcome, which is why we’re excited about the rumors regarding the AirPods Pro 2 featuring an all-new design. But we won’t completely undermine the current design, as Apple did make some changes to give this version a more distinctive look. The all-plastic construction remains intact, but small touches like the black vents on the front and silver accents at the bottom are appreciated. IPX4 coating was also added for sweat and water resistance.

We did find the AirPods Pro to be comfier and provide a better fit. The longer sound port with ear tips is a huge difference maker that allows the buds to rest firmly on the ears. Apple even developed its own Ear Tip Fit Test to help users determine the best tips for enhanced performance. So, you can see why the AirPods Pro is considered one of the best sport headphones out there.

The AirPods Pro’s charging case isn’t all that different from the previous versions. It’s still slim and attractive, and you can easily slide it into your pockets. The only real change is that the frame is wider. However, the weak magnet is a concern, as it doesn’t provide the tightest seal. All it takes is one hard fall to the ground to see your buds slide across the room.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Controls

Apple’s new pinch-gesture system is awesome. Placing the force sensors near the bottom of the stems may seem awkward at first, but it’s something you’ll easily adapt to with time. More importantly, they register multi-presses accurately. On-ear detection is also spot-on for when you want to automatically pause playback by taking off one of the earbuds.

While the Elite 85t’s physical buttons operate well and produce great tactility to ensure users that their intended commands will be executed, they also work against the model. How so? Every time you press a button, it digs the buds further into your ear, which, after several presses, creates discomfort. On the plus side, the MyControls feature expands the controls for both earbuds, letting you assign single-, double-, and triple-press gestures to manage playback, call management, and enable/disable listening modes. On-ear detection is available too, and works well.

But the real clincher in this category is digital assistant support. As great as Siri and Google Assistant work on the Elite 85t, nothing beats the hands-free “Hey Siri” on the AirPods Pro that instantly calls up Apple’s AI bot whenever spoken and operates flawlessly. Apple’s mics pick up every syllable, and Siri responds to commands as quickly as she receives them.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Audio

The Elite Active 75t proved that Jabra had Apple’s number in the audio department and the Elite 85t ups the ante. Jabra redesigned and fine-tuned its drivers to pump out pleasant, energetic sound, giving the Elite 85t a unique soundstage that falls somewhere in between bright and warm. That means you can expect a full dose of lows, mids, and highs.

Listening to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” I could feel the reverberation from the guitar plucks, as the consistent hi-hats maintained their presence over the symphonic production. The lead vocals sounded compelling and only intensified as the song progressed. Raising the bass levels, I transitioned to hip-hop and blasted Jazz Cartier’s "Tempted," which delivered a sonic boom to my eardrum. The monstrous (and enticing) low end was reproduced superbly, something I have only experienced from Sennheiser and Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds.

Audio on the AirPods Pro is clean and warm, a significant upgrade from the previous models. I loved how crisp and punchy the snares sounded on The Pharcyde’s “Runnin’” over the groovy Jazz sample, while the iconic guitar riffs on AC/DC’s “Back in Black” carried that same intensity you would expect to hear from premium over-ear headphones. All good things aside, the AirPods Pro doesn’t perform well with low-fi recordings and cannot match the bass prowess of the Elite 85t; percussive elements are masked on certain songs.

Where the AirPods Pro shows its true value in sound is spatial audio. Enabling the feature creates a 3D-like soundscape that creates an immersive listening experience when watching videos. It makes watching movies more entertaining compared to the Elite 85t. We also believe it’s a fine example of how Apple continues to optimize performance on the AirPods Pro through software updates.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Active noise cancelation

It was close, but we give the ANC edge to Jabra’s buds based on adjustability. You can tailor the Elite 85t’s active noise cancellation to your hearing and adjust the intensity on five levels, which increases 3 decibels at each level.

The combination of six mics, Qualcomm’s QCC5126 processor, and Jabra’s dedicated ANC chip work hard to block out 85% of ambient sound, doing so at a level right below the QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000xM3. This was sufficient for muting common distractions like chirping birds and doorbells, though high-frequency noises like car horns and whistles were noticeable, but only when in close proximity. 

I have sung Apple’s ANC praises since the AirPods Pro launched last year and nothing has changed. The two-mic noise-cancelling system does a surprisingly good job of quieting your commutes, noisy co-workers, and many other distractions you’ll encounter on a daily basis. However, Apple’s technology isn’t as powerful as Jabra’s, muting about 80% of ambient sounds.

A transparency mode is available on the AirPods and Elite 85t, letting environmental sounds into the soundscape to gain better awareness of your surroundings. Both are equally great and purposeful if you want to hear what is happening around you. I found Jabra’s mode offered better clarity, which made it easier to communicate with family members when I didn’t want to remove the buds or stop music.

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: App and special features

When it comes to special features, Jabra has had a leg up on Apple a long time. But with the latest iOS 14 update (and some hidden AirPods Pro tricks), Apple has caught up to the competition. The good news is that both the AirPods Pro and Elite 85t are loaded with features that elevate the user experience in unique ways.

The Jabra Sound+ app is the hub for all of the Elite 85t’s functionality. Audio-wise, there is plenty to mess around with, from the customizable EQ to the well-engineered presets that lend themselves well to most music genres. There is a cool Soundscapes mode with 12 settings that produce different soothing sounds to relax you when feeling tensed up. You can also improve call quality either through the Sidetone slider to adjust how loud you want to sound on calls or the Call Equalizer to add more treble or bass for the caller on the opposite end.

Jabra has other versatile features worth checking out, including MyControls and MySound. The former lets you personalize and expand the controls on both earbuds, while the latter performs an audio test to create a sound profile based on your hearing. Both were buggy when launched earlier in the year, though they have been fixed and work very well. There are also sliders for the ANC and HearThrough modes to adjust either listening mode.

With the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple started to roll out the AirPods Pro’s heavyweight features, with the aforementioned spatial audio being at the forefront. iOS users also receive auto switching to easily swap between audio sources, as long as those iDevices are paired to the same iCloud account. It may not be multipoint technology, which the Elite 85t supports to pair to two devices simultaneously, but it’s still a great alternative.

Keep in mind that the AirPods Pro already has some great perks that come programmed with the H1 chip. This includes better battery management, “Hey Siri,” and audio sharing between two pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones. Apple has yet to develop an adjustable EQ for its buds, but you can modify audio by going into the iPhone settings and picking from 20 different presets (the same can be done in Spotify).

What’s so wonderful about these two models is the prospect of more features to come via firmware updates. 

Winner: Draw

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Call quality

I’m a huge fan of the AirPods Pro’s call quality. Apple’s noise-cancelling mics make a world of difference, minimizing background fracas to enjoy clear-sounding calls. Feedback has been positive over the past year, especially on video conferences, where many of my clients have complimented the loudness and crispness of calls. It’s also great that the H1 chip gives you 50% more talk time, which is clutch for business types who jump from call to call all day long.

Call quality on the Elite 85t is a step up from its predecessors. Jabra’s mic system does do a fantastic job of neutralizing external sounds when taking calls outside; my wife was unaware of the chaos (e.g. construction tools, gusty winds) around me during calls. As well as it performs, I still find the AirPods Pro to be the more reliable calling headset.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Battery life and charging case

You already know that ANC sucks up a lot of juice, but there are a few truly wireless models out there that can get you strong playtimes on a single charge. The AirPods Pro and Elite 85t do not fall into this category. Nonetheless, the Elite 85t is the longer-lasting pair.

Jabra rates battery life at 5.5 hours with ANC on, which is only an hour more than the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours), but you also have the option to disable the feature to gain an extra 2 hours. This was enough for 3 days of moderate listening (with ANC on) before recharging. You can disable the noise functions (ANC and Transparency modes) on the AirPods Pro, which reduce battery life significantly, though it still doesn’t get you more playtime than the Elite 85t.

Like the Elite 85t, Apple’s buds have terrific power optimization, so you’ll be able to squeeze every bit of juice out of the battery. Quick charging is programmed into these two models as well, with the AirPods Pro estimated to get you 2 hours on a 15-minute charge, while the Elite 85t generates 1 hour of use in the same charge time.

Apple and Jabra’s charging cases support wireless charging (they work with Qi-certified wireless chargers) and hold the same battery life when using ANC regularly: 24 hours. The only difference is that Elite 85t case has a stronger battery underneath the hood and holds 28 hours when disabling ANC. 

Winner: Jabra Elite 85t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 85t: Verdict

Ladies and gents, we have our first face-off draw. The truth is you can’t go wrong with either the AirPods Pro or Jabra Elite 85t. These are two high-performance models worth every penny. However, if you need deciding factors to determine the better buy, we've broken it down for you in the score card below and elaborate a bit more underneath it.

Both the AirPods Pro and Elite 85t deliver gratifying sound and come with a wide range of features that extend functionality. Apple’s buds have impressive noise cancellation, the more practical control scheme and voice assistant, and are only second to the QuietComfort Earbuds in call quality. 

As for the Jabra Elite 85t, you’re looking at premium aesthetics (these are some sleek-looking buds), longer battery life, and stronger ANC. Ask yourself what categories matter most and don’t feel a drop of guilt splurging on the model that best suits your needs.

• More: Our list of the best noise-cancelling earbuds right now

When the Jabra Elite 75t are clearly intended to steal Apple’s thunder, having launched not far behind the AirPods Pro. But a handful of shortcomings meant they couldn’t quite dethrone Apple’s buds, and more recently, they’ve been replaced by the Jabra Elite 85t.

Does that mean the Elite 75t are consigned to history? Not yet. Despite some flaws this is still a very good pair of earbuds, and numerous price drops have allowed them to take a place on our best cheap noise-cancelling headphones list. If you’re not too concerned about owning an older model, keep reading our original Jabra Elite 75t review to find out why they’re still worth your attention.

Jabra Elite 75t price and availability

Despite having been replaced, the Jabra Elite 75t are still easily available from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Dell.

What's more, it's dropped from its $180 launch price to as low as $130, so if you want a quality pair of noise-cancelling earbuds on a budget, this is a smart buy.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Design

Jabra did a magnificent job designing the Elite 75t, making the buds 20% smaller than the Elite 65t without compromising on specs. Inside the box you’ll find the charging case, three sets of ear tips, and a short USB-C charging cable. They are available in two colors, Black and Titan Black, which is essentially dark slate gray.

 The Elite 75t is IP55-certified, meaning the buds are dust and water resistant, but not sweatproof (e.g. Elite Active 65t). Technically, you could use them for working out, but they’re really made for leisure. Another detail that stands out is the slimmer profile, which is more discreet and perfect for incognito listening. The Elite 65t’s bulkier frame makes them stick out like a sore thumb, while the AirPods Pro’s long-stem form isn’t very flattering.

Size and IPX ratings aren’t the only distinctions between the Elite models. Jabra flexed its engineering muscle by shortening the tip of the earbuds where the voice mics are placed. The inlays on the front, which also double as the buttons, were made smaller and produce similar tactility as the Elite 65t. Keeping the buds one color does maintain a clean, minimalist look, but I felt the two-tone colorways on the older versions appeared edgier.

Something else Jabra made smaller and more practical: the charging case. One issue that often irked me with the previous case was that you had to squeeze both ends and push up on the tiny ridge to open it. Not anymore. The Elite 75t’s case has a magnetic closure that makes opening and closing the lid seamless. Despite losing the soft-touch rubberized finish, which reduced scuffs and scratches, the plastic casing has a substantial feel to it that also complements the buds’ premium appearance.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Comfort and fit

At 0.19 ounces, the Elite 75t is the epitome of lightweight. That number may seem trivial when compared to the Elite 65t (0.22 ounces), but you can feel the difference in weight when holding and wearing the two models. More interestingly, they weigh the same as the AirPods Pro, and Jabra’s charging case (1.2 ounces) is lighter than Apple’s (1.61 ounces).

The sound port appears to be longer, allowing the buds to easily slide into the ear. The gel tips also create a decent fit and seal around the canal. Overall, the buds were a pleasant wear that provided great comfort at my desk and on long commutes.

However, the slightest wetness makes the plastic casing a slippery surface, which affects grip control. I could feel the buds shifting when bobbing my head to music on the train platform. There was a moment where I feared losing them on the tracks. This also deems them less fit for exercising; the rubberized texture on the Elite Active 65t had better grip and stability.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Controls

Jabra streamlined the Elite 75t’s controls by programming multiple functions into two physical buttons, along with on-ear detection. Playback, volume, and features are split between each earbud, which seems like a confusing setup, but is simple to master. Also, Jabra added a new feature called MyControls that lets you expand the control scheme by assigning single, double, and triple tap gestures to both earbuds.

The left earbud operates as follows: enable/disable HearThrough mode (1x press), forward track (2x press), previous track (3x press), and lower volume (long press). The right earbud operates as follows: play/pause music and answer/end calls (1x press), enable digital assistant (2x press), and raise volume (long press). Latency was a major problem in the beginning, but the buttons demonstrated better responsiveness after the update.

I assumed the on-ear detection would show the same erratic behavior, but man, was I completely wrong. In fact, the feature operated flawlessly. I kept removing and placing the earbuds back on my ears like a toddler discovering the light button for the first time, admiring their movement precision and how quickly the buds would play and pause music.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Active and passive noise cancellation

In an announcement no one saw coming, Jabra claimed it was releasing an over-the-air update that would bring active noise cancellation to the Elite 75t series. It has arrived and after testing the feature for a few days, we’ve come to a few conclusions.

1) It is surprisingly effective. 2) It operates slightly better on these than the Elite Active 75t. 3) It is no substitute for what the AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds or the newer Elite 85t offer in noise neutralization. Don’t get me wrong, the technology is fine for dealing with common noises like rowdy neighbors or whisking cars, but you’ll need something stronger should you expect to silence crying babies or airplane engines. If you want to know about the setup process, we break it down in our Elite Active 75t review.

The Elite 75t also comes with passive noise cancellation, which isn’t as powerful as the ANC featured on competitive models, but not a bad substitute for those who like to hear their music with very little background noise present.

The buds employ the same four-microphone technology as the Elite 65t, only this time around, Jabra repositioned the mics. Each bud carries two – one in the front and one in the back. It was nice listening to music around my house without the construction across the hall disrupting my vibes. Using the buds outside kept loud noises to a minimum as well; I barely heard high-frequency sounds (e.g. ambulance sirens, jackhammers) that were a block away.

It’s also worth noting how good the noise isolation is on these buds. It won’t completely silence environmental fracas, but it can muffle about 80% of unwanted noise. Something else that’s impressive is the low level of sound leakage. My fiancée couldn’t tell I had a song playing until she muted the TV and I blasted music at max level from a few feet away. Even then, she couldn’t identify what I was listening to.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Audio quality

Dynamic, lively sound was one of the Elite 65t’s biggest highlights. Though they share the same drivers, the Elite 75t has more punch to it, which can be overbearing on certain songs. Thankfully, the Sound+ app is perfect for fine-tuning audio and lends itself greatly to most music genres.

Hard rock and hip-hop lovers will want to change the EQ from Default to Treble Boost for the best results. Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” benefitted from the change, bringing down the lows and giving the mid-range more presence for a neutral listen. The bass rumble on LL Cool J’s “Momma Said Knock You Out” also knocked hard (in a good way) without diminishing the rapper’s fiery vocal delivery.

You’ll need to be wary of listening at max volume because blasting music creates excessive reverberation that’s unsettling to hear. The Roots’ “The Show,” a record that takes the low end to distortion-ville, made the hook and verses inaudible due to bloaty sonics. Bass response felt better balanced on the AirPods Pro, but more impactful on the Elite 75t.

To get a better feel for the buds’ musical range, I transitioned into melodic recordings. Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” was a serene listen that sounded great on multiple presets (Smooth did the trick) and reproduced highs superbly. My ears were treated to crisp-sounding strings and hi-hats. Mary J. Blige’s “I Love You” had me feeling the pain in the singer’s voice, alongside the striking piano keys. The Elite 65t was able to maintain this depth, while the AirPods Pro failed to match it; highs were less distinctive.

Where the Elite 75t sounds best is podcasts and videos, especially interviews. I breezed through several ESPN clips and was astounded by how loud and clear the reporters sounded. More impressive was how well the buds reproduced background noises; I could hear off-camera conversations and sneakers screeching on the court during pre-game segments.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Jabra Sound+ app and special features

Jabra’s companion app hosts a variety of features that allow for great audio personalization. The home screen greets you with a custom equalizer, six music presets (Default, Bass Boost, Energize, Speech, Smooth, and Treble Boost), and toggle settings for both listening modes: Soundscapes and HearThrough.

Soundscapes is a nice treat for anyone in need of some aural TLC, programmed with 12 different modes that produce different noises to drown out distractions. The Ocean Waves mode was incredibly calming and transported me back to the tranquil Punta Cana beachfront room of my vacation last month.

HearThrough is the best ambient-listening mode that I’ve tested on earbuds not named the AirPods Pro, though I still need more hands-on time to determine which model offers the better hear-through experience. It lets in a sufficient amount of noise to distinguish sounds and hear voices clearly. I always feel awkward testing a feature like this in public, especially when attempting to convey my coffee order to baristas, but I felt more optimistic this time around. It’s also cool that the mode automatically turns on when pausing music.

Along with the aforementioned MyControls, Jabra has introduced MySound, a new feature that tailors the EQ to your hearing. All in all, it works well and slightly boosts the sound quality. You should definitely check out the Call Experience option as well, especially it lets you modify call settings to increase how loud and deep your voice sounds on phone calls.

The Elite 75t works with both Google Assistant and Siri, though doesn’t function well with all devices, even after the update. Google Assistant and Siri barely acknowledged my voice on my Pixel 2 XL and MacBook Pro; sentences were misinterpreted for one-word inquires that resulted in definitions. The feature also froze at times. Using my Pixel 3 XL and iPhone 8 proved to be much better, as the speech recognition was spot-on and both AI bots responded to commands accurately.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Battery life

Jabra rates battery life at 7.5 hours, which is really around 6.5 to 7 hours. It offers more playtime than the Elite 65t (5 hours) and AirPods Pro (4.5 hours) and falls in line with the Plantronics BackBeat 5100 (6.5 hours), but still comes in shorter than class leaders like the Powerbeats Pro (9 hours). All in all, the buds held a charge long enough for me to enjoy music and YouTube videos on daily walks. I managed about 2 hours of wireless listening for 3 days straight before tossing them into the charging case. Be mindful that ANC mode does decrease playtimes by about an hour.

The revamped charging case is the true difference maker for the Elite 75t. Whereas the Elite 65t’s case carried up to 15 hours of playtime, this one increases it up to 20.5 hours, which is about three full charges. USB-C is finally onboard and fast charging speeds up the process by generating a full hour of use on a 15-minute charge. It’s such a convenient carry on every level.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Call quality and connectivity

One hallmark that has always drawn me to Jabra earbuds has been call quality. The Elite 65t series allowed for loud, crisp-sounding calls. I don’t know where Jabra went wrong with the Elite 75t. Before the update, every call I screened sounded extremely low, and that was with the buds and my smartphone at max volume. Nothing changed with the update.

Every call I screened sounded extremely low, even with the buds and my smartphone at max volume. I could barely make out sentences when chatting in quiet settings, let alone outside. A few callers complained about my voice sounding muffled. The mics were very sensitive to noise and picked up tiny details that hindered clarity. Wind resistance wasn’t the best either with the slightest draft creating excessive clatter. Tweaking the settings didn’t help much.

Connectivity was spotty my first go-round, but the latest update provided a much-needed boost. The most important fix Jabra made was strengthening the left earbud’s connection; no longer does it randomly drop out. Bluetooth range is now longer and more stable. Where I previously experienced dropout within 25 feet of my connected device, now I’m able to enjoy up to 35 feet of wireless listening.

Pairing to portable devices was a breeze. Multipoint technology allowed for connection to two devices simultaneously and made it effortless to switch between audio sources without unpairing. The freedom to play Spotify playlists from my laptop and control playback on my smartphone while cooking is liberating.

Jabra Elite 75t review: Verdict

The Jabra Elite 75t is a nice upgrade from the Elite 65t, plus the new active noise cancelling update makes it one of the better values in the category. A tinier design and increased battery life are what will have true wireless seekers gravitating towards this product. The buds look sexy, feel comfortable, and the charging case is as substantial as they make them: small, sturdy, and stores plenty of portable power. Jabra also deserves props for programming efficient listening modes; ANC and HearThrough perform better than expected.

What prevents the buds from earning a perfect score are their unexpected shortcomings. The new update did fix a lot of the bugs in the system. Unfortunately, the digital assistant is still hit-or-miss, depending on your device. It’s also hard to overlook the poor call quality.

Even if the Elite 75t doesn’t leave the same impact as its predecessors, it is still a fine-looking set of buds with better sound and battery life than the AirPods Pro, at a lower price.

It's time to upgrade those old workout headphones of yours, especially now that Prime Day deals are here to offer huge discounts on these excellent earbuds from Jabra. The Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds have a secure-fit design that wraps around your ears so they won’t fall off while you’re exercising.

The Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds are on sale now for just $49.99, down from $99.99. That’s a 50% savings on these excellent sports headphones. The deal covers all three colors, so you can take your pick of Black, Navy Blue or Mint Green. 

Normally these Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds are a little too pricey to sit in our best cheap running headphones guide. But now that they're just $49.99, they’re currently the same price as our top place pick: the JLabs JBuds Air True Wireless. The JBuds are fine headphones for sure, but the Jabra set blows them out of the water in a few areas.

For one thing, the Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds are completely waterproof with an IP67 rating, rather than just water-resistant. They also offer a more secure fit while being slimmer and more fashionable. You’re also looking at an extra three hours of battery life.

The only real downside to the Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds is the lack of noise-cancelling technology, which would be nice, especially for anyone looking to run outdoors. But for $50, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair of headphones.

This is also the cheapest that we’ve ever seen the Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports Earbuds, with the best previous deal bringing them down only to $59.99.

Check out all of the best Prime Day headphone deals and our main Prime Day deals page for big savings in every category.

When debating the best wireless earbuds for fitness, two brands always seem to dominate the conversation: Beats and Jabra. And that battle continues in our Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t face-off.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro has become the ideal sporty alternative to the AirPods. It shares the same seamless iOS performance and water resistance, but in a sleeker, more fitness-friendly design. Beats’ cordless buds happen to carry the same $249 price tag too.

• Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Premium ANC buds compared
• Find more of the best Apple AirPods alternatives

Our current market favorite, the Jabra Elite Active 75t, builds on everything that made the Elite Active 65t a critical darling. This includes longer battery life, tighter bass response, more features, and stronger waterproof capabilities in a tinier form. 

These are two of the best sport headphones money can buy, but only one will be recognized as the true category leader. Read on to find out which is the better fitness investment.

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Specs compared

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Price

You’re looking at a $50 difference between the two models. Take everything into account, starting from design and ending with battery life, and you’ll find the $199 Elite Active 75t offers more bang for your buck. A fully waterproof shell and the promise of more features ups its value. Also, keep in mind that Jabra’s pretty generous with markdowns, so there is a good chance you’ll find these buds on sale in a few months.

The Powerbeats Pro shares the same premium as the AirPods Pro ($250), yet also lacks some of the standout features (e.g. noise cancelation, small charging case) that make its dangling sibling the more enticing Apple earbuds purchase. That same argument can be made when compared to Jabra’s sporty buds as well. I suggest waiting until it goes down to $199, which happens time and again.

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Design

Attractive, well built, and ergonomically designed, both of these models are equally appealing to fashion-forward exercisers. However, the real difference maker lies in waterproof protection, which is only found in the Jabra Elite Active 75t.

Jabra definitely flexed its creative muscle by squeezing lots of powerful circuitry (e.g. Bluetooth 5.0, four-microphone system, passive noise cancelation) into a tiny design; the Elite Active 75t is 22% smaller than the last-gen version. Craftsmanship is a great balance of svelte and sturdy, which gives the buds a ruggedly handsome look. But their biggest selling point is IP57 certification. That means they are waterproof, dust- and sweat-resistant. It takes a lot of damage to destroy the Elite Active 75t. 

Surprisingly, Jabra’s charging case has also been shrunken down a tad. It’s so lightweight and slim that you won’t even notice it in your pocket. I appreciate its sturdiness, along with how well it safely stores the buds inside, thanks to powerful magnets that lock each one into their respective storage slots and shut the lid tightly.

Beats’ penchant for stylish designs is demonstrated on the Powerbeats Pro. Series hallmarks like the embossed brand logo on the front of each bud, which is also a multifunctional button, and wrap-around-the-ear hooks are unique details that will draw eyes at the gym. The buds and charging case are both reinforced with the same solid plastic casing, keeping them fully protected from environmental hazards. There hasn’t been any confirmation from either Beats or Apple about the buds IPX rating, but they are sweat- and water-resistant.

Color options for these two models are abundant for the product category. Jabra sells the Elite Active 75t in Navy, Titanium Black, and Copper Black, while newer colors (Grey, Mint, and Sienna) are expected to launch this Spring. Beats offers the Powerbeats Pro in four earthy shades: Ivory, Moss, Navy, and Black. Although, if the company’s track record is any indication, we can expect to see some new colors in the form of fashion collaborations and special edition releases; my heart is set on a (PRODUCT) RED version.

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Comfort

These two sets of earbuds offer some of the best fit in their class. Regarding comfort, well, one does it better than the other. The Elite Active 75t is the one you’ll find to be the more pleasant wear for commuting and exercising.

At 0.19 ounces, the Elite Active 75t practically weighs nothing and won’t fatigue your ears during long workouts. I’ve actually worn the buds for extended periods throughout the day (2-3 hours daily) with no issues. It’s also quite remarkable how steady Jabra’s buds remain on the ears when looking at their smaller form. The redesigned sound port easily slides into the ear, while the gel tips produce a tight seal around the canal. What I find most impressive is the sweat absorption, which is superb at preventing slippage.

Beats’ integrated hooks vastly contribute to stability, latching around the ear and keeping the Powerbeats Pro in place, which is perfect for lateral movements. These buds aren’t going to fall out when performing burpees or crunches. Weight-wise, they’re airy at 0.72 ounces. Unfortunately, the angled front cavity sits firmly on the concha and feels stiff after an hour, while pressing the buttons only pushes the buds further into your ears causing more discomfort.

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Controls and digital assistant

Jabra does a tremendous job of streamlining functionality on the Elite Active 75t, from the accurate on-ear detection to the responsive, flushed MF buttons on the front. You get some great playback versatility between the two control schemes that is spot-on. The click sound made when pressing either button offers reassurance when executing intended commands.

The Powerbeats Pro may seem more simple to operate with a MF button and volume rocker on each bud, but the setup isn’t so practical in hindsight. As I’ve already stressed, pressing each button applies unwanted pressure to your ears; managing volume and skipping tracks becomes frustrating. In addition, the MF buttons often require an extra press or two to execute commands, which is a shame since the rockers produce great tactile feedback.

Those who prefer using voice commands to operate their smartphone will find the digital assistant support on each device terrific. The Elite Active 75t has the big three (Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa) available and delivers trustworthy speech recognition to pick up vocals verbatim. However, nothing is more rewarding than the hands-free “Hey Siri” feature that works flawlessly on all current Apple earbuds, including the AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro. It’s a joy to have Apple’s AI bot pull up playlists and read back messages without a hitch.

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Special features and apps

A companion app loaded with personalized audio settings, innovative listening modes, and a Find My Buds feature, Jabra wins this round easily. It all starts with the built-in EQ to fine-tune and create your own sound profiles. Users also have access to several music presets that cater to different genres. Select the settings icon and you’ll discover some other hidden gems like Call Experience that increases how loud and deep your voice sounds on phone calls.

Thanks to Apple, Sony, and Master & Dynamic, it’s looking more like active noise cancelation will become a common feature on true wireless earbuds. Jabra may offer the lower-tiered option in passive noise cancelation, but the Elite Active 75t is effective at neutralizing external sounds to enjoy music peacefully at the gym. It won’t silence a construction site, but when listening at a high volume, the technology does a reliable job canceling out 80% of noise. Outdoor runners will also find HearThrough Mode useful for being aware of their surroundings, whereas special modes like Soundscapes serve as a great recovery tool to calm and relieve the body by listening to soothing sounds.

That should be more than enough to work with. Right? It turns out Jabra has plans of launching more features in the coming months. MyControls will let you personalize the controls on both buds and use one bud for mono listening, while MySound employs adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile tailored to your hearing.

I’ve always admired Apple’s approach to streamlining the user experience, even if it’s been at the expense of less practical features. The company’s H1 chip is the engine running the Powerbeats Pro and it affords listeners much of the same functionality found on the AirPods Pro. This includes modes like Announce Messages to have Siri read off incoming messages and Audio Sharing to share audio from one iOS device to two pairs of Beats headphones or AirPods. Other perks include 50% more talk time, instant connectivity to iOS devices, and “Hey Siri” support.

Having no built-in EQ already hurt the Powerbeats Pro coming into this round, but the exclusion of other standout AirPods features like ambient audio passthrough and a Find My Buds mode really does these buds in on the features front. 

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Audio quality

Sound is everything for workout buds, wired or wireless. You want energetic, impactful audio that is going to boost your momentum during warmups and trigger a second wind when you’re nearing the finish line. The Elite Active 75t and Powerbeats Pro deliver these results, but it’s the former that offers the more detailed listening experience.

The Elite Active 75t showcases great sonic range, lending itself well to songs across all genres. “Boom” by Royce da 5’9” is considered a masterclass in boom-bap hip hop, and it had my adrenaline raised right from the clock-ticking intro. Bass was punchy, but what really stood out to my ears was how prominent the background effects (e.g. explosions, record scratches) sounded over the banging snares and intensified strings. Transitioning into something more melodic, I pulled up Wes Montgomery’s “West Coast Blues,” which made for some fine Jazz listening during recovery mode. Reproduction was wonderful and gave every instrument a consonant feel. 

Noise isolation is another area where the Elite Active 75t excels. Its ability to block outside noise from leaking into your ears makes music sound fuller. I also like that the buds bleed very little sound when listening at max volume; no one in the stretching area at the gym noticed I was blasting 2Pac’s “California Love.”

Beats has come a long way with its audio, which is exemplary on the Powerbeats Pro. Sure, it’s still big on bass, but at least the low end isn’t as overbearing as it has been on older Beats models or fake AirPods knockoffs. The thunderous bassline on The Throne’s “No Church in the Wild” is well balanced and remains powerful throughout the track without distorting any of the rappers’ vocals. Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” maintained it punchy resonance with the record’s percussive elements leading the sonic charge.

It’s when playing boomy records like Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” where you’ll notice a dip in highs. The crashing cymbals and hi-hats aren’t as distinguishable as they are on the Elite Active 75t. The buds also underperform with low-fi recordings. Listening to several tracks on Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the 36 Chambers, nuances like the Kung-Fu voiceovers and sword effects sounded recessed.

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Call quality

The Powerbeats Pro is Beats’ best calling headset. Each bud is equipped with beamforming mics that make taking calls and interacting with Siri a breeze. Every call I took sounded loud and clear, though drafty conditions muffled my voice just a tad. I was still able to engage in full conversations with friends across different platforms on calls and over Skype.

The Elite Active 75t is a major step up in call quality from the Elite 75t, but a step below what the Powerbeats Pro offers. I could hear callers on the other end clearly and had fun chats on the move, but that was mainly the case in quiet settings. Speaking in high traffic areas like Rockefeller Center caused some interference, as my fiancée pointed out on a few occasions; gusty winds and loud commuters interrupted our discussions.

Winner: Powerbeats Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Charging case

More portable power in a much smaller design, Jabra’s charging case wins this round. A fully powered case gives you 28 hours, which equates to 4 full charges. Those committed to their fitness regimen should get about two weeks of use before having to recharge the case. Also, Jabra programmed its case with an intelligent power management system that preserves power and doesn’t overcharge the buds when not in use. I found the case’s unsung feature to be its super-compact size, which made for a comfy and featherweight carry.

squeezing this hunk of plastic into your back pocket, you’ll probably tear the denim in the process. On the plus side, it holds up to 24 hours of playtime and is extremely durable, which keeps the buds locked in and secured whenever dropped to the ground. FYI, it will take you several tries to figure out how to dock the buds onto the awkwardly designed charging slots.

Winner: Elite Active 75t

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Battery life

Beats edges out Jabra here, but by very little. The Powerbeats Pro is rated at 9 hours, which is more like 8 hours when factoring in music streaming and loud volume. It’s a great amount of playtime for fitness buffs who live at the gym; I got nearly a full week out of the buds (1 hour daily for 6 days). Fast Fuel technology was also clutch for quick charging the device when rushing out of the door, netting me 4.5 hours on a 15-minute charge.

While slightly shorter, the Elite Active 75t isn’t far behind with a 7.5-hour-rated battery that is realistically 7 hours on a full charge. Features like HearThrough and Soundscapes do shorten playtime, though it’s unnoticeable. This got me through 5 days (1.5 hours daily) of training before having to toss them in their case. If only Jabra’s fast charging technology was as powerful as Beats; a 15-minute charge only generates 1 hour of battery.

Winner: Powerbeats Pro

Beats Powerbeats Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Verdict

The Jabra Elite 65t was nearly perfect, so to see the Jabra Elite Active 75t improve on almost every facet is worthy of a standing ovation. Any pair of fitness earbuds that can house dynamic sound, dependable noise cancellation, stable battery life, and a plethora of features in a super-tiny, personalized, and waterproof design must be considered No. 1 in its class. It turns out the Elite Active 75t isn’t just the best pair of sport earbuds out there – it’s the best wireless earbuds. Period.

Judging by the scorecard, it looks like the Beats Powerbeats Pro didn’t present much of a challenge. That’s a farce. Outside of special features and the charging case, every lost category was a neck and neck battle between the two. These buds are arguably the brand’s best audio product to date and serve their purpose incredibly well by blessing listeners with great sound and battery life in a bold, tenable design. But the $50 extra that Beats wants for them is a bit too much, especially when Jabra is offering more performance for less.

• More: Check out the best cheap wireless earbuds for budget-friendly alternatives

It's the Apple AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite Active 75t for naming the ultimate wireless earbuds.

Based on our AirPods Pro review, Apple's earbuds have been the measuring stick for true wireless excellence over the past several months. Seamless performance combined with great active noise cancellation and an updated, more practical design (e.g. more secure fit, water resistance), it has remained a top overall pick on most of the best wireless earbuds lists.

However, a new competitor has stepped into the arena that is very strong, as we learned in our Jabra Elite Active 75t review. Jabra's earbuds offer better battery life and sound, as well as sportier aesthetics. It isn’t short on features, nor bass response. It also boasts smart controls and its own impressive noise-cancelling technology. 

Both devices have earned an illustrious perfect score from Tom’s Guide, a feat very few audio products have ever achieved. But in a market where there are no equals, which of these models should be recognized as the category leader? Let's find out.

• The best noise cancelling headphones
• AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: See how the cheaper non-Active Jabras stack up

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Specs compared

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Price

At $199, the Elite Active 75t is only $20 more than the standard Elite 75t, but well worth spending the extra Andrew Jackson for many reasons. Design-wise, it’s much sleeker and more durable than the AirPods Pro; the IP57-rated shell is an insurance policy against water damage. Not to mention it offers more performance across the board at a cheaper cost.

Apple products always come at a premium and the AirPods Pro ($249) are worth the splurge. The upgraded design and special features are all welcomed enhancements that elevate the product’s overall value. It’s just a lot of money to spend on wireless earbuds that cost as much as luxury noise-cancelling headphones. You’ll also want to take into consideration the replacement costs per bud ($89) and charging case ($99).

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Design

Based on looks alone, you can see which model blends form, function, and fashion the best: the Jabra Elite Active 75t. Jabra shrunk down the design of its predecessor, the Jabra lite Active 65t, by 22%, while also retaining signature elements like the embossed logo and handsome matte finish. But all of those facets take a backseat to the IP57 rating, which makes the buds waterproof, dust- and sweat-resistant. Three weeks and several intense cardio sessions later, they have yet to sustain any damage.

I absolutely love Jabra’s charging case, as its durability and lightweight feel make it an awesome travel companion. The magnetic lid and connectors on the inside guarantee the buds remain safely stored, even when dropping the case by accident. It also feels a bit more rugged than the standard Elite 75t case, although Jabra claims it is the same case. My only complaint is that the case should have been water resistant as well. Overall, the Elite Active 75t’s build quality is sleek and superb.

Not to sound like a broken record, but Apple’s dangling stem design is just not attractive. Nor will it ever be. For what it’s worth, the company did implement slight changes to make the AirPods Pro look more distinctive. This includes a longer sound port, black microphone vents, and shorter stems. The biggest design change is one you can’t see, which is IPX4 certification for sweat- and water-resistance. It’s also worth noting that Apple has taken a greener approach to manufacturing its earbuds, creating the AirPods Pro from eco-friendly parts.

Another noticeable change comes in the form of the charging case, which is wider than the previous versions, but still small enough to slide into any pocket. However, the build quality of both the buds and case is just not up to par. The plastic coating on both makes them a scuff magnet. In addition, the magnetic closure on the charging case doesn’t keep the lid shut tightly; one spill to the ground and your AirPods Pro will go all over the place.

What about color options? That is a rhetorical question for the AirPods Pro (duh, it’s white, and white only). The Elite Active 75t has far more exciting colorways that currently include Navy, Titanium Black, and Copper Black. Expect newer shades like Grey, Mint, and Sienna to become available sometime in Spring 2020 as well.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Comfort

Excellent comfort and personalized fit in different forms, the AirPods Pro and Elite Active 75t are neck and neck here. Unique design components combined with different ear tips sizes should make you feel confident knowing neither set of buds will fall down a sewer grate when powerwalking through congested on-foot traffic.

One of the biggest complaints about the previous AirPods has been on-ear stability; the lack of ear tips has resulted in millions being lost and replaced. Apple fixed this by installing a pair of ear tips on the AirPods Pro that makes a huge difference in fit, and surprisingly, sound quality (more on that later). It’s this, along with the redesigned sound port, that affords listeners with a secure, relaxed fit.

If that’s not reassuring, then you need to give Apple’s all-new Ear Tip Fit Test a try, as it was specifically programmed to determine which tip sizes offer you the best fit. You’ll be surprised by how well it works.

The Elite Active 75t is similar to the standard Elite 75t, sharing the same weight (0.19 ounces) and sound port design, which is longer and slides easily into the ear. Where the difference lies is in wetness protection, as the newer version provides better sweat absorption to prevent slippage. Once adjusting the buds to achieve a proper fit, you’ll find them to be a pleasant wear for 2-3 hours during workouts or casual listening sessions.

Winner: Draw

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Controls and digital assistant

The controls on both the AirPods Pro and Elite Active 75t are intuitive and responsive. However, Apple’s digital assistant support is matchless, therefore giving its noise-cancellers the edge here.

Apple swapped out the tap controls for pinch gestures that can be performed on the haptic force sensor located near the bottom of each stem. It feels awkward to use at first, but I find it more accurate; you get a nice click sound that provides a sense of certainty when executing intended commands. There is also on-ear detection to automatically pause music when removing the buds, plus you can customize the controls to include a volume slider on the screen. But it’s all about the voice activated “Hey Siri” feature, which makes using Siri a breeze and works flawlessly.

The Elite Active 75t keeps it simple with a multifunctional button on the front of each bud. I find the buttons offer great tactile feedback and register multi-press commands accurately. On-ear detection works well too. Siri and Google Assistant get the job done, but again, Hey Siri is more favorable for voice commands.

Winner: AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Noise cancellation

Those who have read our AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite 75t face-off feature already know where this is going. Nothing has changed. Apple’s active noise cancellation is better suited for minimizing loud ambient sounds than Jabra’s passive noise cancellation, but that doesn’t mean you won’t still get some quality performance out of the latter.

Apple took its time engineering the AirPods Pro’s two-mic noise-cancelling system, and the payoff is surprisingly good. By having one mic on the outside and a second mic on the inside, this creates a buffer to limit external sounds from making their way onto the soundstage. I would say it cancels close to 85% of unwanted noises. That is enough to keep things quiet or at hushed level when walking through a street festival. Still, I wouldn’t place Apple’s ANC in the same tier as the Bose 700 noise cancelling headphones; high-frequency sounds (e.g. crying babies, sirens) will catch your ear.

While we’re still waiting for Jabra to integrate ANC technology into its wireless buds, there’s nothing wrong with settling for its passive noise cancellation, especially when it’s this good. The company made improvements to its mic configuration and PNC algorithm, which allow the Elite Active 75t to cancel out 80% of sound interference. It helps to silence crude commuters and droning dump trucks, but that’s about it.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Audio quality

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is arguably Jabra’s best-sounding set of wireless earbuds to date and lends itself well to every music genre. These are workout buds, so you’ll notice the sound signature emphasizes bass, which is strong, yet more refined this time around. Expect energetic, punchy, and detailed audio.

Press play on Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” if you want to the Elite Active 75t’s bass levels to the test. The song’s synth-driven production is one boom-filled listen that serves as sonic Red Bull. Reverberation was even more impressive: it’s everlasting and doesn’t distort the vocals.

For something more melodic, I jumped into Nina Simone’s “I Put a Spell on You” and was met with captivating results. Not only were Simone’s vocals beautifully reproduced, but the band’s instrumental play sounded prominent, allowing me to identify individual instruments and revel in the record’s jazzy aura.

Something else that attributes to the Elite Active 75t’s in-depth audio is its solid noise isolation. The buds create a tight seal that keeps music sounding full. You’ll experience very little leakage, but only when listening at max volume, which can get extremely loud. Keep that in mind when blasting your favorite tracks at the gym.

Apple has not made significant strides with its audio quality, but the AirPods Pro are a notable improvement over all of the company’s previous offerings. An adaptive EQ was built into these buds, which adjusts the sound to suit your ear shape. As cool as that is, most listeners won’t likely notice the distinct changes in audio performance. The sound profile leans more towards the warm side, but you can also expect to hear clean, balanced mids and highs.

Bass, while enjoyable, doesn’t have much impact on the AirPods Pro. For upbeat productions like Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down,” I easily got into a rhythm and nodded along to the track’s fun bassline and percussive elements. However, I got different vibes listening to Drake’s “In My Feelings” because the low end was much more docile, especially when compared to other boomy models like the Sony WH-1000xM3 and Beats Powerbeats Pro.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Special features

The Jabra Sound+ app is one of the best in the biz, hosting several features that enhance the listening experience. At the forefront is the custom EQ to personalize sound, along with six music presets (Default, Bass Boost, Energize, Speech, Smooth, and Treble Boost) that cater to specific genres. One feature I highly recommend using is Call Experience, as it enhances call quality by increasing how loud and deep your voice sounds on phone calls.

Jabra also has a special mode called Soundscapes that provides listeners some aural TLC. There are 12 different settings that produce soothing noises to help relax you; I’ve definitely found this helpful when putting in long hours at the office. Other cool features you’ll find in Sound+ are the Find My Jabra mode for locating misplaced buds and toggle options for the controls.

Even more promising are the two new features set to launch this Spring: MyControls and MySound. MyControls will allow users to personalize the controls on both buds and give the option to use one bud for mono listening, which also preserves battery life. MySound is the one to be most excited for it since it uses adaptive sound technology to create a sound profile based on your hearing.

For Apple, the goal has been to keep the AirPods experience as streamlined as possible, which the AirPods Pro achieves. It all starts with the engine, which in this case is the H1 chip that is said to improve audio latency, battery management (50% more talk time), and Bluetooth connection.

Other cool features include Announce Messages to have Siri read off incoming messages and Audio Share to share music from an iPhone to two pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones. There are a few other AirPods Pro tricks you can unravel by playing with the settings, but nothing beats a customizable EQ, which is MIA on these buds.

Both devices also have their own ambient-listening modes that pump in surrounding sounds, so you can be more aware of what’s going on around you. Since the feature is most preferred for outdoor runners (like me), I found Jabra’s HearThrough mode more serviceable, as the ability to adjust the ambient levels made it easier to hear different sounds; I noticed speeding buses and trucks coming down the block during outdoor jogs. Apple’s Transparency Mode also works surprisingly well, especially when engaging in brief chats outside.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Call quality

Every AirPods model has made a great calling headset, but the third-gen version sets itself apart with noise-cancelling mics that help produce crisp-sounding calls. When chatting with friends in quiet settings, most were convinced that I was speaking directly into my smartphone, surprised by how loud and clear my voice sounded. My fiancée also took notice of how well the buds performed outdoors, especially on windy days; this was clutch for communicating wedding updates to each other on the go.

The call quality on the Jabra Elite 75t was poor, Jabra managed to fix it on the Elite Active 75t. I engaged in full conversations and heard people clearly, although speaking in high volume areas did present a few challenges. My fiancée identified specific background noises and thought my voice sounded slightly distant at times. Once I moved to a quieter area, we could hear each other better.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Charging case

Jabra doesn’t get enough credit for its fine craftsmanship, which is exemplary on the Jabra Elite Active 75t’s charging case. Extremely compact, lightweight, and storing a 28-hour battery (4 full charges), it’s the worthier portable option. Jabra programmed the case with what it calls an “intelligent power management system,” which preserves juice by keeping the buds from overcharging. I say it works great considering I only recharge the case once every two weeks.

The original AirPods may have set the standard for true wireless power with its 24-hour charging case. We’re in the third generation and that number hasn’t changed. It is an indispensable amount of juice to have; a fully charged case gives you 5 to 6 extra charges. However, that is still shorter than what Jabra offers. The case is also longer and heavier than Jabra’s case. One advantage it does have over the Elite Active 75t: wireless charging.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

AirPods Pro vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t: Battery life

I won’t say the Elite Active 75t crushes the AirPods Pro in battery life because that would be an exaggeration. What it offers is a sufficient amount of listening time at 7 hours on a full charge, which is 2.5 hours more than its dangling competitor. Bingeing videos and enabling HearThrough mode does shorten playtime. When at full charge, the buds gave me enough juice for about 5 days (1.5 hours daily) of gym time. Fast charging also nets you 1 hour of use on a 15-minute charge.

The AirPods Pro battery life is relatively mediocre at 4.5 hours with active noise cancellation on and 5 hours with it off. Realistically, it’s close to 4 hours when factoring in ANC, music streaming, and high volume. You’ll be lucky to get two days of moderate use out of Apple’s buds before tossing them into the charging case.

Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Overall Winner: Jabra Elite Active 75t

I’ve suggested in numerous face-offs that it was going to practically take a Herculean effort to overthrow the AirPods Pro form the true wireless throne. Several challenges later and a new category leader has risen in the form of the Elite Active 75t. Jabra took notice of what didn’t work on the previous model and performed the necessary tweaks to get these buds operating with near-flawless precision. The battery life is longer, the build quality is better, the sound is superior, and their massive feature set is more serviceable. 

This loss doesn’t take away from the AirPods Pro’s greatness. It still remains the best option for iOS users and delivers some of the best noise cancellation in the category, right behind the Sony WH-1000xM3, which should tell you just how good Apple’s ANC technology is. The inclusion of ear tips makes a huge difference in fit as well. Despite making vast improvements in one or two areas, the AirPods Pro hasn’t evolved as much in other key areas including design, battery life and sound. Look over the scoreboard again and see how a king lost its crown. 

Since its surprise launch in fall 2019, the Apple AirPods Pro have been the talk of the true-wireless town. Improved ergonomics, water resistance, and noise cancellation (finally), the latest cord-free danglers to come out of Apple’s factory is the series’ best, as well as the current category leader.

It was just a matter of time before Jabra, the previous leader in that race, responded with its own next-gen release, the Elite 75t. A sleek update to the beloved Elite 65t, these buds pack dynamic audio, longer battery life, and noise-cancelling technology into one of the tiniest designs we’ve seen. So does that make them any better than Apple’s sound-silencers? Let's find out.

Both products appear in our ranking of the best wireless earbuds, but this AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t face-off should help you decide which one to buy. For more detail on each product individually, see our dedicated AirPods Pro review and Jabra Elite 75t review.

• Bag a bargain with one of the best cheap AirPods deals
• Browse our general list of the best wireless headphones
• Too pricey? Try a pair of the best fake AirPods

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Specs 

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Design

The Elite 65t was gorgeous, with the build quality to match its striking appearance. Much of that same aesthetic appeal has been transferred over to the Elite 75t, except this time, Jabra scaled down the design to make the buds smaller and chicer. They are less noticeable on the ear, which is perfect for those who love to hear their music without being spotted; I see a lot of bored office workers and college undergrads sporting them. Colors are currently limited to Black and Titan Black (aka dark slate gray), but if Jabra’s track record is any indication, we should expect some new shades in the coming months.

Construction-wise, the buds are durable with IP55-certification for dust and water resistance. They are not sweatproof like the Elite Active 65t. The charging case is also solid and has been slimmed down to a more compact size. What I value most about it is the magnetic closure that keeps the buds safely stored and makes accessing the buds far simpler than the previous case; that whole squeezing-the-sides-and-pushing-the-front-ridge system was annoying.

Apple may have implemented some changes to the AirPods Pro (e.g. black microphone vents, chrome-accent tips, shorter stems), but they still retain the same tampon-esque, unattractive design. Ear tips are now integrated onto the sound port, which look longer and slide easily into your ears. Most importantly, the buds have sweat- and water-resistant protection. The charging case is still small, but wider, though it doesn’t affect portability whatsoever. Apple also gets cool points for creating the AirPods Pro from eco-friendly parts.

Unfortunately, the AirPods Pro are still fragile AF. The plastic coating on both the buds and case takes on blemishes like crazy. Not to mention the case lid doesn’t shut securely, so the buds spill out when dropped to the ground. We know that asking Apple for more colors tends to fall on deaf ears, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to put out an early request for the AirPods 3/Pro 2.

Winner: Elite 75t

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Comfort and fit

Apple finally caved into the pressure of including ear tips with its latest model. Do they make that much of a difference? They really do. The tips create a nice seal around the ear to ensure a locked, secure fit, which you can sport comfortably until the buds reach zero percent. If that’s not enough, Apple also developed an Ear Tip Fit Test that helps users determine their best tip size. How’s that for effort?

Jabra claims the Elite 75t’s smaller design creates “optimal comfort and secure fit.” There’s half truth to that. The buds definitely provide great comfort that allows for long listening sessions; I sported them for two hours, several days straight, never once feeling fatigued. The extra silicone tips accommodate different ear shapes as well. It’s the plastic casing that presents an issue, as sweat or the slightest wetness causes slippage.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Controls

Swapping out the AirPods’ tap gestures for pinch gestures seems like an awkward way to engage with the buds, but the control scheme isn’t so bad. Apple placed a new haptic force sensor at the bottom of each stem that produces a click sound to confirm your intended commands. You’ll be able to play/pause music or answer/end calls (1x pinch), skip track (2x pinch), skip back track (3x pinch) and enable ANC/Transparency Mode (long pinch). Going into the control center lets you customize the controls to include a volume slider. Overall, the controls are very responsive, which is what really matters most.

Jabra deserves a lot of credit for squeezing in so many functions into a two-button control scheme. I did encounter some bugs right out of the box that resulted in some latency, but the latest firmware update fixed these problems. The buttons have a nice tactile feel to them and respond to one-button presses accurately. Although, the buds do have a tendency of misinterpreting basic commands, like pausing music (1x press) instead of enabling the digital assistant (2x press).

On-ear detection is available on either device. Removing the AirPods Pro or Elite 75t from your ears will automatically pause music, while placing them back on plays music. It works smoothly on both sets of earbuds, but the Elite 75t demonstrates flawless movement detection.

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Noise cancellation

We’re talking active vs. passive here. Both technologies have their own pros and cons. However, ANC is the more coveted and effective of the two, and it’s especially effective on the AirPods Pro.

Apple’s two-mic noise-cancelling system is well engineered, employing one mic on the outside to block ambient sound and a second mic on the inside to deal with whatever leaks through. It does the trick for the most part, eliminating close to 85% of street noise. I enjoyed lots of interference-free listening when commuting through the city. High-frequency sounds (e.g. police sirens, whistles) were audible at times, but that never pulled me away from the music. Using ANC indoors was even more rewarding; I breathed a sigh of relief working from home in peace without my cat being a constant distraction.

The Elite 75t is no slouch on the noise-neutralizing end either. Jabra’s redesigned mic configuration and PNC algorithm clear out about 80% of environmental fracas. Nearby conversations and whisking taxis were specific sounds that went unnoticed, but constructions tools and sirens made their way onto the soundscape. Noise isolation on the Elite 75t is also impressive with little sound leaking through the buds. 

Winner: AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t: Audio

Jabra has engineered some of the best-sounding earbuds at the mid-luxury price point. The Elite 75t adds another notch to the company’s audio belt, but they require some fine-tuning in the app to get the best results. Why is that? The soundstage is very boomy and listening at high volume tends to muddle the sound and produce distortion.

The lows on N.W.A.’s “Straight Out of Compton” originally came on too strong. However, adjusting the frequency settings or selecting one of the six presets in the companion app fixed this. Treble Boost did the best job stabilizing frequencies across the board, and it made the mid-range more prominent on bass-heavy songs. A record like Rage Against the Machine’s “Bombtrack” upheld its incisive riffs and tenacious vocal delivery.

Highs also have a nice, bright feel, which is evident on orchestral recordings. Pull up Bob Marley & The Wailers’ “Could You Be Loved” and singular instruments like the Brazilian cuíca will catch your ear. The Elite 75t also performs well with video content, so you’ll hear dialogue and interview segments clearly.

It’s not a far stretch to say that the AirPods Pro are the company’s best-sounding earbuds. They produce warm, balanced audio that resonates nicely across different contemporary music genres. The addictive bassline on Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” packs a punch, while percussion sounds like the tambourine jingle were more prominent. The buds can handle their own with jazzy arrangements, too. Press play on Van Morrison’s “Moondance” and take note of the surprisingly good instrumental separation.

The AirPods Pro may not have a custom EQ at their disposal, but they’re programmed with an Adaptive EQ that supposedly adjusts the frequency levels based on your ear shape. After several hours of testing, I’ve started to notice subtle enhancements in sound, such as more detail in the low end. It still has room for improvement.

Winner: Elite 75t

Jabra Elite 75t vs AirPods Pro: Special features

The Jabra Sound+ app offers enough extended functionality to give the Elite 75t this round. Its champion feature is the custom EQ that allows for personalized sound and factors heavily into the overall sound quality. Being able to tweak the frequencies to create your own sound profile is huge. Six presets are also programmed into the app – each one lends itself well to a different music genre. Look deeper into the app settings and you’ll discover other notable settings like Call Experience, which optimizes call quality to personal preference; you can set how loud and deep your voice sounds on phone calls.

One feature that shouldn’t be taken for granted is Soundscapes. It’s a listening mode programmed with 12 different ambient-sounding profiles designed to help you focus better and relieve anxiety. I’ve used it on multiple occasions and found most of the sound effects soothing (Ocean Waves is awesome).

Some of the AirPods Pro features are intertwined with Apple’s all-new H1 chip, which offers sweet perks like 50% more talk time, lightning-fast connectivity, and hands-free “Hey Siri” support. Modes like Announce Messages are great for having Siri read off incoming messages as they come, while Audio Sharing lets you share audio from one iOS device to two pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones. There are plenty of hidden AirPods Pro tricks available.

Where the two devices are neck-and-neck is ambient-listening modes. The AirPods Pro has Transparency mode and the Elite 75t has HearThrough – they are virtually identical and allow listeners to hear what’s around them. Both work well so you can communicate clearly with others without removing your buds. Regardless, I give the edge to HearThrough since it provides better environmental awareness and makes sounds more distinguishable.

Winner: Elite 75t

Jabra Elite 75t vs AirPods Pro: Calls and digital assistant

Based on its renowned history of calling headsets, Jabra should be the clear-cut winner, right? Sorry. The Elite 75t was a disappointment we didn’t see coming that produced very low-sounding calls and muffled voice output. I couldn’t keep up with conversations due to poor clarity. Jabra’s four-mic system was sensitive to sound and performed worse in drafty conditions.

The AirPods Pro perform much better, as the noise-cancelling mics and tight seal allow for crisper-sounding calls in various environments. When ringing my fiancée from the apartment, she was sure I was speaking directly into my smartphone. Taking her calls outside, she could hear blaring sirens, but not gusty winds; wind resistance is solid here. Voices came in loud and clear, while callers on the other end provided me the same feedback.

In terms of digital assistance, both pairs can activate Siri and Google Assistant. Jabra previously threw Amazon's Alexa into the mix as well, but has since removed Alexa from its mobile app due to a certification issue. 

The “Hey Siri” feature operates superbly on iOS devices with strong speech recognition that picks up and registers voice commands easily.

My experience with the Elite 75t was 50/50. Google Assistant and Siri were a bust on some devices (e.g. the Pixel 2 XL and MacBook Pro) and worked fine on others (e.g. the Pixel 3 XL and iPhone 8). When things went well, my voice commands were met with quick responses. When things didn’t, Google Assistant would either freeze or not register full-sentence commands. It would have been cool if Jabra had its own hands-free answer to “Hey Siri,” too.

Winner: AirPods Pro

Jabra Elite 75t vs AirPods Pro: Charging case

Each charging case is a winner in its own right. Jabra made some significant changes to the Elite 75t case, packing a 20-hour battery into a super-tiny and durable design. Jabra made the wise decision of ditching micro-USB in favor of USB-C charging, which helps juice up the buds faster. A wireless charging option is also on the way in 2020.

The AirPods Pro case is wider and slightly heavier this time around. That doesn’t make it any more inconvenient for travel; it fits comfortably in any denim pocket. You also get the same 24-hour battery performance as the previous cases that equates to about 5 extra charges. It also supports wireless charging and works with Qi-compatible chargers.

Winner: Draw

Jabra Elite 75t vs AirPods Pro: Battery life

One sees a boost in battery life and the other takes a slight dip. The Elite 75 falls under the former, blessing owners with an estimated 6.5 to 7 hours of playtime on a full charge. It’s plenty to keep commuters entertained on a coast-to-coast flight or when trekking to work. I got 1.5 hours of playtime daily for about 4 days straights before tossing them back into the case to recharge.

The AirPods Pro don’t just have a lower-rated battery (4.5 hours) than the Elite 75t – they’re actually lower than the AirPods II (5 hours). To make up for this, Apple programmed the buds to better maintain battery usage. Getting close to 4 hours with ANC on, while adding Facetime calls and Spotify into the equation, sounds fairly decent. That doesn’t mean you won’t still be bound to your charging case after one day of use.

Winner: Elite 75t

Jabra Elite 75t vs AirPods Pro: Price

The Elite 75t are the more feature-heavy buds with better sound and battery life. They also take hits in categories they shouldn’t. While originally priced at $200, Jabra is keeping things competitive by discounting the buds by $20 heading into Black Friday. That number could drop even lower heading into Christmas. Either way, the $70

Apple’s buds are pricier at $250, but if any version presented the strongest case for purchase, it’s the AirPods Pro. Adaptive listening modes, expanded controls, and a semi-custom design are all hallmarks that come with a higher premium. If it’s out of your price range, keep in mind that there are already a ton of AirPods Pro Black Friday Deals announced, so the odds of scoring them for slightly less are pretty high.

Winner: AirPods Pro

Much of the hype surrounding the AirPods Pro is legit. Apple’s latest buds set a benchmark in the true wireless category with such well-rounded performance that’s tough to beat. The ergonomic design ensures a tight, secure fit. ANC is really good; not Bose good, but adequate enough to silence most of what’s around you. iOS integration also remains flawless with strongly reliable connectivity and Siri performance. Certain areas still need work such as audio and standard battery life, but the AirPods Pro are the closest thing to perfection right now.

Apple’s success shouldn’t undermine Jabra’s accomplishments. The company did a remarkable job designing the Elite 75, squeezing more functionality into a smaller, chicer package. The buds feel as good as they look, carry 50% more battery life (the charging case is exceptional) and have lots of features that allow for personalized listening. Jabra’s passive noise cancellation won’t compete with Apple’s active noise cancellation, but it can filter out a good amount of unwanted sounds in rowdy environments. If only the call quality and digital assistant were up to par. Despite these two flaws, the Elite 75t is still a great value for any Jabra lover or newcomer who wants a tip-top AirPods alternative.