The New King of Sport Earbuds: Jabra - Elite 8 Active Gen 2

4.5/5 Excellent sound quality, battery life, very durable, but pricey!

When I heard I had the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 coming my way, I was excited and saddened. Sad to hear that Jabra was leaving the consumer earbud space but excited because of what I had heard about the original Elite Active series! As soon as I opened the shipping box for these, I was impressed by how compact the packaging was. The last premium ANC earbuds I picked up were the Sony XM3s in 2019, five years of excellent audio quality and slowly reducing battery life ago, these are at LEAST half the size and weight! They feel premium, covered in a quality rubber that assures you it’s as tough as the box says it should be, the case is tiny compared to my old Sony’s, so much more compact and convenient. Never fear, though, you can turn on “Find My Jabra” to trace your way back to where you might’ve left the case or earbud(s), I think this is just as thoughtful an inclusion as the tough build quality to ensure you can get your premium priced earbuds back if you lose them! In the coming review, I'll highlight my experiences with the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and why I believe they are the best premium active wireless earbuds with active noise canceling (ANC)!

Disclaimer

This is NOT a sponsored post, but I did receive this as a member of Best Buy's Tech Insider Program. As a member of this invitation-only program, I am provided products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased reviews. I did not purchase this product.

Setup

Setup is extremely easy, just download the app from scanning the QR code on top when you open the box and follow the instructions. This will suggest you follow a walkthrough of the features your new earbuds have and setup some of the behind-the-scenes items.

Features are plentiful! You can select what each number of taps does relating to a list of potential actions. The taps are of physical buttons on the earbuds, but they are soft enough to not put noticeable force into your ear like some require but also still works with gloves, sweat, and water on your fingers. In the app, you’re greeted with a handful of quick settings like selecting your listening mode (ANC, Hear Through, Off), EQ settings, and access to all of the other menus. You also can remove cards from the home screen, too.

Durability & Battery

Durability and battery life truly stand out as exceptional features of these earbuds. Upon receiving them, I wasted no time in setting them up with my Galaxy Z Flip 5 and putting them to the test. I embarked on a morning run club session at the beach, which I saw as the ultimate challenge for these supposedly "military grade" active earbuds. The conditions were demanding - sand, sweat, water exposure, potential drops, and even a quick swim. However, my initial experience was marred by a screeching noise and constant rebooting, which led me to disable the wind noise reduction mode to resolve the issue. Subsequent firmware updates seem to have rectified this, and I must commend Jabra's customer support for their friendly and effective assistance. Despite the rocky start, these earbuds proved their mettle during an intense 85F run, a beach volleyball session, and a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan. While I didn't expect Bluetooth to work underwater, the fact that the earbuds maintained a connection even in such conditions was impressive. In terms of battery life, I found myself needing to charge the case only about once a week, with occasional top-ups for longer bike rides. Whether it's for runs, walks, office use, or leisurely listening, a weekly charge suffices to keep these earbuds going strong. The added convenience of the USB-C charging port ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, while the fast-charging capability adds to the overall user experience. This level of durability and battery efficiency truly sets these earbuds apart, making them a reliable companion for various activities and lifestyles.

Experience & Thoughts

These Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds have seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming my go-to choice for various activities. From conference calls to outdoor adventures like bike rides and runs, these earbuds have proven their versatility. I have found myself relying on them in different settings, whether I am outside enjoying the fresh air or indoors focusing on tasks. The convenience they offer is truly remarkable, as they effortlessly transition from one activity to another. For instance, during a recent metric century ride, the earbuds impressively maintained battery life throughout the entire journey, thanks to the efficient "hear through" ambient mode. Moreover, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds have enhanced my communication capabilities, allowing me to easily switch from leisure activities to important business calls. Their reliability and performance have made them an essential tool for staying connected and productive. The comfort and quality of sound they provide make every interaction, whether it's a casual conversation or a professional discussion about quarterly financials, a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Overall, these active earbuds are truly exceptional in various aspects. Let's delve deeper into what makes them stand out. Firstly, the battery life of these earbuds is truly remarkable, providing extended usage without the need for frequent recharging. This feature ensures that you can enjoy your music or calls for extended periods without any interruptions. The added 3.5mm Aux to USB-C to Bluetooth broadcasting of the case is worth highlighting. Not only does it serve as a protective storage unit for the earbuds, but it also doubles as a transmitter, allowing you to connect older devices like your iPod via Bluetooth. This versatility adds a layer of functionality that enhances the overall user experience. The sound quality of the earbuds is another standout feature. With incredible noise cancellation technology, the earbuds deliver an immersive audio experience, allowing you to enjoy your music with exceptional clarity and depth. The hear-through ambient mode further enhances this experience by providing clear and natural sound, making it easy to forget that you are even wearing the earbuds. Additionally, the lightweight design of the earbuds contributes to their overall comfort and usability. You can wear them for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort, making them ideal for daily use or active lifestyles. While these earbuds may come at a higher price point, the features and quality they offer more than justify the investment. If you are looking for top-notch sound quality, durability, and overall performance in active earbuds, these are definitely a worthwhile choice.

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