28 Jan
Blog

Jabra Elite 7 Pro Review: Perfect True Wireless Earbuds

Man wearing Jabra Elite 7 Pro.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

MSRP $200.00

“These Elite 7 Pro get everything right and don’t cost a fortune.”

Pros

  • Super comfortable
  • Great sound quality
  • Excellent call quality
  • Very good ANC and transparency
  • Good battery life
  • Wireless charging
  • Tons of customization options
  • Excellent water/dust protection

How do you improve on an awesome set of true wireless earbuds? That’s the question that faced Jabra as it contemplated the design for its new $200 Elite 7 Pro, the successor to its excellent Elite 75t, which proved to be some of the best true wireless earbuds you could buy when they debuted in 2019. The answer, it seems, is to double down on what the Elite 75t got right, and then fill in the missing gaps. Did that formula work out? You bet it did. Let’s take a look.

Design

Jabra Elite 7 Pro.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 7 Pro are a natural evolution of Jabra’s true wireless designs. They’re just as rounded and ergonomically shaped as the Elite 75t, yet smaller and lighter. When compared to Jabra’s flagship Elite 85t, the 7 Pro are downright tiny. The multifunction buttons now have a teardrop shape and occupy the entire outer surface of the earbuds, making them impossible to miss. The new design also affords much better water protection, with an IP57 rating (the Elite 75t were IP55), making them effectively waterproof.

The Elite 7 Pro are the most comfortable noise-canceling true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

But the most noticeable change has to be the charging case. Jabra has abandoned its distinctive, upright design with its flip-top lid for a more conventional clamshell shape. It’s ever so slightly larger now, but it also has wireless charging built-in, something you needed to pay extra for in the past.

It might also be the first charging case that puts its charging port on the front instead of the rear. Though not as pretty, it’s eminently more practical.

The lid isn’t quite as easy to open because of its curved sides, but that’s a minor critique of what is otherwise an excellent design. The earbuds snap in and out of their charging sockets with ease — something that has long been one of Jabra’s strengths.

Comfort, controls, and connections

Jabra Elite 7 Pro seen next to Jabra Elite 75t.Jabra Elite 7 Pro (left) and Elite 75t. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Let’s just get this out of the way: The Elite 7 Pro are the most comfortable noise-canceling true wireless earbuds you can buy right now. The Elite 75t were already mighty comfortable, but Jabra has managed to refine that shape so that they feel even better. The company says it also reengineered the material of the eartips, which probably contributes to their excellent fit. Maybe it’s just the particular shape of my ears, but the Elite 7 Pro feel like they were custom-made for me — I could happily wear them for hours at a time without pain or fatigue. Not sure if you chose the right size of eartips? You can run a fit test within the Sound+ app to find out.

The Elite 7 Pro are the most customizable earbuds I’ve ever tested.

Jabra targets the Elite 7 Active at those who want a set of earbuds for high-intensity activities, and you could totally get away with using the Elite 7 Pro for all but the heaviest of workouts — once in my ears, they didn’t budge at all.

Jabra Elite 7 Pro seen next to Jabra Elite 85t and Elite 75t.Jabra Elite 85t (left), Elite 7 Pro (middle), and Elite 75t. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The controls remain the best in the business: Big, easy-to-press physical buttons that offer an unmistakable tactile click when you use them. With single-, double-, and triple-click gestures, plus one for press-and-hold, you can control everything from calls to playback to active noise cancellation (ANC). If you don’t like Jabra’s default control scheme, you can change it within the Jabra Sound+ app, with almost unlimited freedom to pick and choose what each gesture does. In fact, the Elite 7 Pro are the most customizable earbuds I’ve ever tested. If you can think of a function, I guarantee there’s a section in the Sound+ app that lets you modify it.

You can trigger your phone’s built-in voice assistant, or you can configure the Elite 7 Pro to work with Amazon Alexa. With in-ear detection, you can choose to autopause and play your music when you remove or reinsert one of the earbuds.

With Bluetooth 5.2, the Elite 7 Pro are easy to pair and they can stay reliably connected up to 50 feet away (a little less indoors). You can also use the earbuds independently.

They’re pleasure to listen to, no matter your chosen music genre.

When I initially reviewed the Elite 7 Pro in October 2021, it suffered from just one flaw: It lacked Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously. As of January 27, 2022, that has been rectified via a firmware update, removing my only real criticism of these earbuds.

Sound quality

Man wearing Jabra Elite 7 Pro.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 75t possessed enormously powerful bass for such small earbuds, so much so that the low end had a tendency to trample on the midranges. You needed to jump into the EQ settings to rein it in. The Elite Active 75t was milder in the bass department but arguably not as clear. The Elite 7 Pro manages to be the best of both worlds, with a deeply resonant low end that is much better controlled.

A track like Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, where the opening vocals are essentially whispers that float above a thumping bass line, is an ideal test — if the EQ isn’t just right, the tiny nuances in Eilish’s voice are lost under the pressure of the constant beat. The Elite 7 Pro handle it like a champ, not only giving the low end the power it deserves, but also keeping it where it belongs so that Eilish’s shiver-inducing whispers can be heard with excellent clarity.

Jabra’s call quality has always been good, but I was blown away by the Elite 7 Pro.

You can tweak EQ manually or use Jabra’s small selection of presets in the Sound+ app, but I doubt you’ll need to. The factory EQ is so well-balanced for all kinds of music, I didn’t feel the need to change it at all. You can also choose to use the MySound feature in the Sound+ app, which will attempt to personalize the EQ according to your specific hearing profile. I didn’t find it improved things for me, so I kept it turned off, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Flipping back and forth between the Elite 7 Pro and Jabra’s more expensive Elite 85t proved to be an incredibly tricky comparison. It felt like I could hear a little more detail from the 85t, but you’d literally need to do a side-by-side comparison like I did to notice.

Either way, the Elite 7 Pro are a pleasure to listen to, no matter your chosen genre.

Noise cancellation and transparency

The Elite 85t were Jabra’s first earbuds to offer a hybrid ANC system (the Elite 75t and Active 75t were given ANC with a firmware upgrade, but those buds don’t use the combination of feed-forward and feedback mics that the 85t has). The Elite 7 Pro are better at canceling unwanted sounds than the 85t, but their transparency mode isn’t quite as crystal clear.

I think this is due to the 85t’s semi-open architecture, which lets in a small amount of outside air. That openness simultaneously makes it easier to hear outside sounds and harder to cancel them. The Elite 7 Pro are fully closed, which gives them the noise-canceling edge. The Sound+ app lets you fine-tune the ANC performance, but much like the MySound feature, I didn’t notice a big difference.

The Elite 7 Pro can’t quite keep up with the reigning champs of ANC and transparency — the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — or the AirPods Pro, but considering their lower price, that’s not surprising and, honestly, the difference isn’t huge.

Flipping between the two modes is almost instant: Whether you want quiet or conversation, one press on the left earbud is all you need.

Call quality

For the Elite 7 Pro, Jabra has used what it calls MultiSensor Voice technology, which aims to provide better voice pickup through bone conduction-sensing mics. It’s not hype. Jabra’s call quality has always been good, but I was blown away by how much better the Elite 7 Pro are at calls than Jabra’s previous buds. I stood in a parking lot on a windy day, with an active construction site just a few yards away, and yet almost none of that was audible during my tests. A small amount of compression worked its way in there during the loudest moments, but in general, it was superb. And in a relatively quiet spot, it was impeccable.

With Jabra’s adjustable sidetone feature, you can let in as much of your voice as you want, and there’s even a microphone-mute feature you can engage while on a call — something that even pricey earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds don’t offer.

All of this makes the Elite 7 Pro an ideal choice for those who like to talk.

Battery life

Jabra Elite 7 Pro charging case seen next to Jabra Elite 75t charging case.Jabra Elite 7 Pro wirelessly charging case (left) and Jabra Elite 75t charging case. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra claims you’ll get up to eight hours per charge on the Elite 7 Pro earbuds with ANC on, and the key here is the “up to” part. I played music continuously on them with ANC on and volume set at 50%, and while the left earbud made it the full eight hours, the right earbud only managed 7.5 hours. Given that the right earbud was the first to connect and thus the “primary” earbud, this makes sense — it has to do more work. A fast charge of five minutes will buy you an extra hour of use if you’re in a pinch.

With the charging case included, you should be able to get 30 hours of total playtime, and likely a good bit more if you keep ANC and transparency turned off. The numbers aren’t at the top end of what true wireless earbuds can do, but they’re more than sufficient for daily use and all but the longest of travel plans.

Extras

In addition to the wealth of capabilities I’ve described above, this review wouldn’t be complete unless I mentioned some of the lesser-known features that Jabra throws in, like Find My earbuds, adjustable auto-power off timing, and your choice of voice guidance, tone guidance, or none at all. You can choose if you want to cycle through ANC, transparency, and off modes when activating the mode switch, or you can choose any two of those modes. There’s a separate EQ setting just for phone calls. In-ear detection can be used to automatically answer phone calls or mute the mics. And finally, the Sound+ app offers a series of “soundscapes,” some of which are designed to mask external sounds, while others are meant to be more relaxing or meditative.

What’s in the box?

Jabra Elite 7 Pro box contents.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra is getting better and better at making sustainable product boxes. The Elite 7 Pro comes in an attractive, yet fully recyclable cardboard box, with only one small plastic blister pack for the extra eartips. Inside, you’ll find the earbuds, their charging case, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and three sizes of eartip (mediums are installed by default).

Our take

I’ve tried and failed to find something about the Jabra Elite 7 Pro that I don’t like. At this price, nothing beats them. And while better ANC, transparency, and sound quality are available, for most folks, it simply won’t be worth the extra investment to get them.

Is there a better alternative?

No. Jabra has priced the Elite 7 Pro low enough that they obliterate any other set of earbuds that cost around $150 to $200. Your only real options are to spend more on models like the Sony WF-1000XM4, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, or the Master & Dynamic MW08.

How long will they last?

I’m still rocking a set of two-year-old Elite 75t, and while they don’t get constant daily use, they’re still in outstanding shape. I expect the Elite 7 Pro to last for many years. With their IP57 protection, not much will affect them (short of actual immersion in water — don’t do that), and Jabra is so confident in that rating it will extend its normal one-year water and dust warranty to two years if you register your earbuds in the Sound+ app.

Should you buy them?

Yes. They’re an absolutely killer set of true wireless earbuds.

Editors’ Recommendations



11 Jan
Blog

Jabra Elite 4 Active Review: Workout-Ready, Wallet-Friendly

Jabra Elite 4 Active.

Jabra Elite 4 Active

RRP $ 120.00

"Budget-conscious fitness fans will have a hard time finding a better set of buds."

benefits

  • Comfortable, secure fit

  • Completely waterproof

  • Very good sound quality

  • Effective ANC

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • No wear sensors

It's not difficult to find great true wireless earbuds for training that have a comfortable but very secure fit, lots of water and dust protection, and active noise cancellation (ANC). Jabras Elite 7 Active, JBLs Reflect Flow Pro and Jaybirds Vista 2 – to select just three current models – all qualify. But with prices starting at $ 150 and going up to $ 300, they're not nearly as friendly to your bank account as they are to your morning runs.

That makes Jabras Elite 4 Active look really convincing: they're completely waterproof, designed to be secure, and they even have a few handy extras like ANC, transparency mode, and customizable EQ. All for the much cheaper price of $ 120. Are these the training buds you've been waiting for? Let's find out.

The Jabra fits

Man with Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra's Elite line of true wireless earbuds are some of the best-fitting, most comfortable we've tested, and the Elite 4 Active is no exception. They are almost identical in shape to the budget Elite 3 and are very similar to both the Elite 7 Pro and the Elite 7 Active, meaning they fit very well. With a choice of three sizes of silicone earbuds in the box, it shouldn't be difficult to find a combination that works for you.

The part of the earbud that sits deepest in your ear is made of smooth plastic, while the part that sits right inside your outer ear has a lightly rubberized texture. It's not as grippy as the finish Jabra used on the Elite 7 Active, but it has more texture than the Elite 3. Will they stay in place during your intense workouts? In most cases the answer is yes.

The combination of small size, ergonomic shape, structured surface and low weight makes them as safe as possible without the need to add physical aids such as ear fins, wing tips or ear hooks. But anything that changes the shape of your ear canal, such as speaking, laughing, sneezing, or just grinning because you've just beaten your personal best, can affect the fit of the Elite 4 Active and therefore requires adjustment.

Press a little harder

Jabra Elite 4 Active with included accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Physical controls are still the way to go, and Jabra is still the master.

Jabra's controls are also legendary in my opinion. Because the company always uses physical buttons and never touches sensors, you get a pleasantly tactile click when you press it. And that leaves no doubt as to whether or not you got it right. The controls on the Elite 4 Active share this heritage, but require more force than other Jabra models.

I attribute this to the fact that the button is hidden behind a thin rubber membrane on the outside of the earbuds (one reason they offer such strong IP57 protection), but the surface area itself is pretty small. The result is a key that is still very precise and tactile, but requires almost twice as much force as the Elite 3 or Elite 7 Active.

That said, I'll be placing the Elite 4 Active's physical buttons over the touch controls of almost all of the other earbuds, especially when you're trying to focus on your workout. In addition, as with all physical buttons, you don't need bare skin or special gloves to operate them – another advantage, especially in cold weather.

Unlike the Elite 7 series, Jabra doesn't let you customize the controls on the Elite 4 Active, but the default settings give you everything you need including play / pause, skip tracks, answer / end calls, microphone mute, ANC / transparency, voice assistant and volume control. You can use each earbud independently, and if you're an Android user, you even have the option to replace the Google Assistant with Amazon Alexa. Android users also have the option to use Spotify Tap instead of a voice assistant to get instant access to their Spotify Premium playlists.

Power songs

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

A set of training buds is useless if they can't give your favorite tracks the strength and presence to motivate and move you. The Elite 4 Active definitely have what it takes here. They combine Jabra's balanced sound signature with an extra helping of bass. We're not talking about rattling bass here, but it's exactly what you need to feel the rhythm of your music as you pound on the sidewalk or throw your fists on a punching bag. Whether you're taking inspiration from AC / DC, Kendrick Lamar, or BTS, the Elite 4 Active are more than capable of keeping up.

I placed the Elite 4 Active head-to-head (ear-to-ear?) With the Elite 7 Active, and both models were surprisingly close. As you'd expect, the Elite 7 Active had a bit more detail and a wider soundstage than the Elite 4 Active, but since neither model is aimed at critical listening, I think the difference isn't enough to recommend the Elite 7 Active over 4 Active – at least not from a sonic point of view. We'll go into the other differences later.

Jabra Sound + app for Android.

Jabra Elite 4 Active Test elte 00021

With clear high frequencies and satisfactory mids, I found the default tuning to work fine on whatever genre of music I've thrown on these buds, but if it's not entirely to your liking, the Jabra Sound + app lets you EQ through a range optimize presets and manual options. You can't drastically change the sound signature, but there is more than enough headroom to add (or decrease) bass and treble for different listening preferences.

It's worth noting that these buds don't support the AAC bluetooth codec that Apple prefers for all of their phones and tablets – they use SBC on those devices instead – but they do support aptX on Android devices if yours is compatible with that codec . When switching back and forth between an iPhone 11 and a Google Pixel 5, I could hear a slight improvement in the pixel, but it was barely noticeable.

A little quiet, please

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Hear that No? That is the point.

Some Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) systems like Apple's AirPods Pro can magically eliminate external noise to the point where it simply disappears when the ANC is turned on. The Elite 4 Active's ANC system definitely reduces some of the outside frequencies getting into your ears, but it's not that noise cone effect that Apple has achieved.

But who is complaining? Especially at this price point, any ANC system that kills unwanted noise is a good thing. And that's exactly what you get. Switching from passive soundproofing to ANC provides a noticeable reduction in traffic, fans, background calls and other annoyances.

Best of all, with a click of the ANC's left earbud, you can switch to transparency mode which brings in the outside world. Or you can use the app to decide whether you want to switch between ANC on and off with this button, switch transparency on and off, or all three modes one after the other.

You can also use a slider setting in the app to decide how much of this external sound should be recorded. Transparency mode lets you hear other people and sounds well, but your own voice remains a little muffled.

Delete calls

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Telephoning with the Elite 4 Active, like most Jabra earbuds, is very good. Your voice comes through very clearly and the microphones seem to have no problem keeping unwanted background noise from overwhelming your conversations. I ran into a bit of wind during testing – not a lot, mind you – but it was barely registered on my recordings.

You can enable sidetone (which is like transparency mode but for phone / video calls). This will allow you to hear your own voice more clearly which will reduce fatigue on some earbud calls.

All day battery

How much battery life do you need for a set of true wireless earbuds? I'd argue that more is always better, but the seven hours of playtime per charge of the Elite 4 Active plus the additional three charges in the charging case (for a total of 28) should be enough. If you want even more time, Jabra says you get 8.5 hours without ANC and a total of 34 hours with the case.

When testing with the ANC on and the volume set to 50%, I got closer to six hours of use, but that's still pretty decent. A quick charge function gives you an additional hour of use for 10 minutes of charging.

Extras

Jabra includes a Find My Earbuds feature in the Sound + app that records the last known location when the Elite 4 Active was connected to your phone, making it easier to find lost earbuds. You can also have the earbuds play a tone so you can find out which sofa cushion they are under.

What's not included

While the Elite 4 Active has a decent number of features, here's what you'll find on a few other earbuds, including the more expensive ones Elite 7 active:

  • Wireless charging
  • Wear sensors for automatically pausing music
  • Fully customizable controls
  • Hands-free voice assistant
  • Bluetooth Multipoint (for connecting two devices at the same time)

Our opinion

The Jabra Elite 4 Active are the perfect workout earbuds for anyone who wants great sound, great fit, and great protection from the elements without spending more than $ 150.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Elite 4 Active seems to have found a nice little niche. You can pay more for the JBL Reflect Mini NC for $ 150 and get wireless charging and voice-activated assistants, but overall battery life isn't as good as that of the Jabra and the Reflect Mini NC is IP56 vs. IP57 for the Elite 4 Active.

You can also spend less and get the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2, a set of ear hook-style earbuds that have better battery life and even better water / dust protection, but have no ANC or transparency mode and there is no app-based one Adjustments for EQ.

So while there are certainly many alternatives to a set of wireless training buds, we haven't found one that combines the features of the Elite 4 Active with its affordable price.

How long will they last?

While it is never easy to predict such a thing, Jabra makes high quality products, and the Elite 4 Active looks well built and reasonably sturdy. Their IP57 rating protects them from most dust and waterfalls – even total immersion – and Jabra offers an extended two-year warranty for customers who register their earbuds through the Jabra Sound + app.

Should you buy it?

Yes. They don't fit as securely as training plugs with ear hooks or ear fins, but they do Elite 4 active are a good choice for price-conscious athletes who do not want to miss out on the essentials.

Editor's recommendations



10 Sep
Blog

Jabra Elite 3 Review: All Of The Basics On A Budget

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds.

Jabra Elite 3 review: all the basics on a budget

RRP $ 80.00

"Jabra's Elite 3 are a good selection of basic buds that want us to have a few more features."

advantages

  • Super comfortable fit

  • Excellent controls

  • Excellent call quality

disadvantage

  • Fewer functions than the competition

  • No AAC codec support

For years, Jabra's elite family of true wireless earbuds has been some of the best you can buy. But they were never particularly affordable, with regular prices often starting at $ 180. So to think of a set of Jabra earbuds that keep the brand's reputation for great sound, great fit, and great features at well under $ 100 is very appealing. That's the premise behind the new $ 80 Jabra Elite 3.

The price is certainly right, but has Jabra ditched too many of the Elite's signature features to achieve such cost savings? Let's check them out.

What's in the box?

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds included.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra has done an exemplary job reducing its product packaging, and the Elite 3 are further proof that you don't need to use plastic or foam to protect your product. The cardboard is 100% recyclable and the only touch of plastic (which is also made from the easily recyclable PET variety) is the small protective cover for the two optional earbuds. (You get a total of three sizes.) Inside you will find the Elite 3 earbuds, their charging case, a short USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a printed warranty brochure.

draft

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds alongside the Jabra Elite 75t.Jabra Elite 3 (left) and Jabra Elite 75t. Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

If it isn't broken, the saying goes, don't fix it. And Jabra has clearly followed this cliché with the Elite 3. The design of the earbuds is very similar to the Elite 75t and Elite 85t in that they maintain the ultra-comfortable ergonomics of these more expensive earbuds. But the Elite 3 also improves on these designs by increasing the size of the physical multi-function buttons and tilting the scale at a slightly lighter weight.

The charging case is also a near-perfect carbon copy of the 75t, albeit a bit shorter, and places the LED display on the front instead of the back. Jabra introduced this on the 85t and it's great to see it's been kept on the Elite 3.

They fit my ears perfectly – almost as if they were made just for me.

The case lid is easy to open and close, with a small notch in the hinge arm to keep it open when removing or reinserting the earbuds. There's no way an earbud can accidentally come off once in the case – a strong set of magnets conveniently grips the earbuds as they get close to their charging jacks, holding them firmly in place. Thanks to the shape of the buds, despite the power of the magnets, they're surprisingly easy to remove.

Jabra has also given the Elite 3 the same IP55 water and dust resistance as the Elite 75t, which should protect them from damage as long as you don't immerse them in water.

Comfort, controls and connections

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra's earbuds have always been some of the most comfortable you can buy, and the Elite 3 continues that tradition. They fit my ears perfectly – almost as if they were made just for me. There were no pressure points and they remained securely in place after insertion. Thanks to their small size and light weight, they are hardly noticeable. You shouldn't have a problem using them on your walks, runs, or other activities.

The Elite 3's buttons are Jabra's best yet.

Jabra's physical button controls are also some of the best in the true wireless world, and the Elite 3's buttons are the company's best yet. Since they occupy the entire outer surface of the bud, it's impossible to miss, and their precise click response means you'll get that tactile feedback every time you press it.

The click patterns (single, double, triple and click-and-hold) give you access to playback, call management, track skip, volume and voice assistant, as well as a one-click function to activate transparency mode (which Jabra calls HearThrough). ). I like the patterns Jabra chose for these controls and that you can use both earbuds solo if you want. But what I miss is the MyControls option that is available on the Elite 75t and 85t Buds, which gives you the ability to reassign which key clicks do those actions.

Another feature that is missing in Action is the automatic pause. Jabra's more expensive headphones use in-ear detection to pause and resume sound when you remove or reinsert them, but the Elite 3 lacks that capability.

Pairing the Elite 3 is a breeze. especially if you are an Android user thanks to the integration of Google's Fast Pair technology. After connecting, the bluetooth signal stayed strong and stable. I was able to put 30 feet of space between the buds and my phone before I noticed a disconnection.

It's a bit of a disappointment that they don't sound better than the competition.

The Android-only features don't stop there. You can also use Amazon Alexa instead of the Google Assistant, and with Jabra, Android users can swap voice assistant controls for double-tap access to Spotify. Use this option and your Spotify songs will start playing right away.

Unfortunately, Jabra decided to drop one of its signature features with the Elite 3: unlike other Jabra earbuds and headphones, you cannot connect the Elite 3 to more than one device (such as a smartphone and a computer) at the same time. It's a super-handy feature, especially for people who regularly switch between voice calls and video calls.

Sound quality

Man with Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

For the occasional listening, the Elite 3 are good performers. The factory sound signature is balanced, preferring neither highs nor lows, and there is decent detail and separation of the mids. It's the kind of vibe that works well with almost every genre of music, from hip-hop to classical, though it's not really stellar in any of them.

The bass response is satisfactory, although I think it doesn't quite live up to Jabra's "strong bass" promise. It's definitely strong enough to let you feel the beat – my test track, Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, had a lot of oomph – but if really big bass is your passion, then you should look elsewhere.

However, when comparing the Elite 3 to other earphones in this price range – like the Soundcore Life P3, Wyze Buds Pro, and Earfun Air Pro and Air Pro 2 – the Elites definitely feel like they're lacking some energy.

Jabra's set-up feels almost conservative compared to these other models, with a not-so-clear high-end and a relatively narrow soundstage. It's not dramatic, but considering how many features Jabra left out to bring these Buds to their $ 80 price point, it's a bit of a disappointment that they don't sound any better than the competition.

Thinking this might be the result of the Elite 3's lack of AAC Bluetooth codec support, I switched from my iPhone 11 to a Google Pixel 5 to try out the Qualcomm aptX codec. Warmth and detail have improved slightly, but the clarity in the highs, especially with female vocals, has remained mellow.

Jabra gives you several EQ presets to play with in the Sound + app – like Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Energize – but none of them added as much to the overall quality as I hoped. And right now there is no way to create your own custom EQ (Jabra says this will come with a firmware update).

Battery life

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbud charging case.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra claims the Elite 3 can get you 7 hours on a charge. If anything, that number could be more conservative. With HearThrough turned off and the volume set to 50%, I ended up with 7.5 hours before the batteries ran out.

A quick charge option adds an extra hour to your listening time with just 10 minutes of charging, and the case holds three full charges for a total of 28 hours before you need to find a USB charger.

Transparency mode

Jabra's HearThrough mode has always been one of my favorite features in the Elite series. They do an excellent job at passive noise isolation so it is really valuable to direct the outside world for conversation or just general awareness. Turning HearThrough on and off is almost instantaneous, and the Elite 3 won't bother you with verbal feedback like other earbuds – instead of a message like “HearThrough On,” you'll get a quick and discreet tone to let you know that mode has itself changed.

The quality of transparency isn't quite as good as Apple's AirPods Pro or Jabra's Elite 85t – your own voice still sounds a bit muffled – but it's fine for most external noises.

Call quality

Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Achieving good call quality with a set of real wireless earbuds can be a big challenge. Even buds that cost more than three times what Jabra charges for the Elite 3 – like the Klipsch T5 II ANC for $ 299 – can end up producing less than great results.

And yet the Elite 3 are great for making calls. Not only do they excellently block out background noise, they also deliver excellent speech reproduction. There's none of the usual wobble or compression noises that plague these devices, and when you're in a quiet area, your callers will be treated to a comfortably warm tonality that may even sound better than the microphone built into your phone.

When sidetone is on, you can hear yourself more clearly when you speak. All of this makes the Elite 3 a great accessory for those who make a lot of voice calls.

What is missing?

At this price point, it might not be reasonable to expect a brand like Jabra to offer all of the features of their high-end models, but there's no denying that the competition does just that. the Soundcore Life P3, Earfun Air Pro 2, and Wyze Buds Pro all cost $ 80 or less and include features like wireless charging and active noise cancellation (ANC). The Earfun and Wyze models also have an automatic pause.

But I'm more surprised at the lack of app-based features that the Jabra usually has, like sleep mode (which allows you to turn off the earbuds after a preset time), soundscape (a collection of sounds like rain, ocean waves, songbirds, etc. .), the ability to see how much battery life is left in the charging case, and the ability to automatically mute your audio when HearThrough mode is selected.

Our opinion

With the Elite 3, Jabra shows its strengths with first-class design, comfort and fit, controls and call quality. But given what the competition is offering for the same price or less, they're not quite as easy to recommend as the company's more expensive models.

Is there a better alternative?

In terms of call quality and convenience, I don't think you will find a better set of earbuds at any cost, but given the lack of advanced features on the Elite 3, these models should definitely be considered:

  • Soundcore Life P3: Better sound quality, ANC, customizable controls, customizable EQ, longer battery life, wireless charging, low latency gaming mode and Find My Earbuds.
  • Wyze Buds Pro: Better sound quality, ANC, Amazon Alexa compatibility, auto-pause and wireless charging.
  • Earfun Air 2 Pro: Better sound quality, ANC, longer battery life, wireless charging and automatic pause.

How long will they last?

Jabra products are very well made and use high quality materials. With an IP55 protection class against water and dust, the Elite 3 should prove to be quite robust, and Jabra supports this water / dust protection with a two-year guarantee that gives you great security.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. You might not throw it off the beaten track in terms of features, but they do Elite 3 are still a great set of true wireless earbuds that are especially good for those who are struggling to find a comfortable seat and / or make a lot of calls.

Editor's recommendations



03 Nov
Blog

Jabra Elite 85t Review: The Best AirPods Pro Alternative

Jabra Elite 85t

"Small but powerful, the Elite 85t offers impressive performance across the board."

  • Very convenient

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Excellent noise cancellation

  • Customizable controls

  • Excellent call quality

  • Wireless charging

  • Average battery life

  • No aptX or LDAC

Jabra's $ 180 Elite 75t and $ 200 Elite Active 75t are two of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy. They're comfortable, they sound great, they have decent battery life, and they can withstand a lot of water and dust. Active noise cancellation (ANC) will also be available from October.

Who could ask for more?

Yet more is precisely the goal of the new $ 230 Jabra Elite 85twhich, thanks to a new hybrid ANC system, promise better sound and improved noise suppression. They also aim to end occlusion – the feeling some people get when wearing in-ear earphones, that their ears are filled with cotton.

High goals indeed. Has Jabra succeeded? Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

First, praise for Jabra: The Elite 85t ship in a very small and fully recyclable box. A few tiny plastic labels are left over, but for the most part, it's an exceptionally eco-friendly package.

This box contains the Elite 85t, which is already contained in the charging case, a USB-C charging cable, two sets of silicone earplugs and a small brochure with a security and guarantee print.

design

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra knows that if something isn't broken, you won't fix it. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the hugely successful design of the Elite 75t has been adopted and simply enlarged to accommodate some of the new technology and features.

The charging case is more portable than ever, but now weighs a little more. That's likely because Jabra had to find room not only for the larger 85t earbuds, but also for the wireless charging capability. It's a handy feature that is showing up on more and more real wireless earbuds at varying prices from $ 50 to $ 350. So it's good to see that Jabra hasn't ignored them.

Little known fact: You can actually buy these Elite 75t or Elite Active 75t with a wireless charging case, but only from Jabra.com.

The USB-C port for wired charging is located under the hinge on the back of the case. However, Jabra made a careful decision to move the case's LED display to the front to make it easier to see.

Despite the extra bulk, the earbuds are still amazingly compact. The same single physical button – which I think is the best control system you can find – also returns. Unfortunately, due to its semi-open design, Jabra has not been able to maintain the amazing IP55 and IP57 ratings of the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t, respectively. The 85t are still IPX4, however, which is good enough for all but the wettest situations and is identical to the AirPods Pro.

Convenience, control and connections

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00003-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (left) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (right) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra Elite 85t "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/jabra-elite-85t-00004-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Jabra Elite 85t (right) and Elite 75t Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 75t sets a new standard for comfort and fit for true wireless earbuds. The 85t are just as comfortable, but their slightly larger shape means they don't fit quite as securely. I've always been very happy with how deep I can put the 75t in my ear canals thanks to its small body and tall tower, but the 85t sits a hair flatter.

The oval-shaped earbuds feel great, but their asymmetrical shape prevents you from twisting the earbuds in your search for the best fit. Oval earplugs can be hit or missed. They're fantastic on the AirPods Pro, but I found them challenging on the 1More Air ANC.

The choice of tip size is therefore even more important, and Jabra only offers three sizes in total. Media usually suits me best, but I've jumped on the big ones to get a better seal.

Switching back and forth between ANC and the HearThrough environment modes can be done instantly.

A good seal is crucial for both sound quality and noise cancellation. It is therefore a bit surprising that Jabra did not offer a test for fitting the earplugs in the Sound + app. These tests that Apple and Amazon use on their earbuds provide an extra level of reassurance that you have the right earbuds for your ears.

The 85t use a semi-open design that allows a small amount of air between your inner ear and the outside world. According to Jabra, this improves comfort by eliminating the pressure build-up that can occur with fully enclosed structures like the Elite 75t. This is also why the 85t is larger than the 75t – semi-open designs require a little more internal volume.

Since air travel is a bit hard to come by at the moment, I couldn't put this special claim to the test. What I can confirm, however, is that the 85t feels a lot more airy than the 75t, and they definitely reduce the feeling of having something in your ear.

As I said above, the controls are amazing. There's a click combo for every function imaginable, including volume and voice assistant access. Switching back and forth between ANC and HearThrough environmental mode can be done instantly with a single click. It's a faster transition than any other ANC earbud I've tried.

Not a fan of how Jabra mapped the controls? Simply jump into the Sound + app and rearrange it as you wish.

My only small point of criticism: With the Elite 75t, pressing buttons is practically powerless and happens regardless of where you place your finger. In contrast, the 85t uses an offset switch. You have to press the part of the button that is closest to the small triangular microphone slot for it to click as effortlessly as the 75t.

Like the Elite 75t before them, the Elite 85t has wear sensors and can automatically pause and resume music if you remove or paste it. It's accurate and incredibly fast.

Pairing the Elite 85t is a breeze. However, if you're an iPhone user, do yourself a favor: don't try to pair them through the Jabra Sound + app as stated in the box. I've never found this technique to work. Instead, just pair them normally in the Bluetooth section of the iOS Settings app and then open the Sound + app.

After pairing, I was surprised to have some really terrible connectivity issues. The left earbud sounded like it had an electrical short circuit, and the right bud wasn't much better. DT Senior Editor Caleb Denison experienced the same thing with his review unit. Oddly, however, it seems very specific in terms of location.

It only happened in my office, where I am surrounded by wireless devices and metal cabinets, and even then only sporadically. I'm pretty sure this won't be a problem for most people, and I expect Jabra will be releasing a firmware fix for it soon.

As with the Elite 75t and most other Jabra wireless headphones, you can pair the 85t with two devices at the same time. It's a great convenience for those of us who hop back and forth between computers and phones, but very few companies offer it (it's called Bluetooth Multipoint). The next thing you'll find is Apple's auto-toggle feature on the AirPods. However, it only works when transferring between two different Apple devices.

Sound quality

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

With the Elite 75t models you have the choice between different sound signatures. The normal 75t are huge on bass, while the Active model offers a much more neutral EQ. Both sound really good, but their soundstage is pretty tight and creates a sound that is more “in your head” than outside.

The Elite 85t are simply some of the best sounding true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

The Elite 85t are much more expansive and also have more details. They offer greater accuracy across the entire EQ spectrum, which allows instruments to be separated from one another. A good example of this is Thomas Newman's Dead Already from the American Beauty Soundtrack. With the Elite 75t, the multiple percussion layers are clear and full, but it's only when you use the Elite 85t that you will notice how tightly the 75t packs these layers. In contrast, the 85t open them directly, letting them take up a much larger space. With that extra space, you can really appreciate Newman's selection in the studio and the textures that selection created.

By default, the 85t have a relatively neutral EQ. You can pump up the bass in the Sound + app for a thunderous low end or increase the highs for more vocal clarity, but I didn't find a need for that either.

Our benchmark for actual wireless performance is the Sony WF-1000XM3. I spent a lot of time hopping back and forth between these earbuds, the AirPods Pro and the 85t. The Elite 85t are incredibly close to the Sony XM3 from an acoustic standpoint, and I think they beat the AirPods Pro in terms of warmth and resonance. In other words, the Elite 85t are simply some of the best sounding true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.

The only thing that could have improved the sound of the 85t would be adding higher quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX, aptX HD or LDAC.

Noise cancellation

ANC on the Elite 85t is excellent.

Since both the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t have ANC thanks to a recent firmware update, you may be wondering if the 85t is worth spending the extra cash on. In a word: yes.

ANC on the Elite 85t is excellent. It uses a hybrid system of feedforward and feedback microphones (as opposed to the 75t models which only have feedforward microphones). You can use the Sound + app to select exactly the noise cancellation you want. When this setting is set to the maximum, it's just as effective as the AirPods Pro and better than the WF-1000XM3.

But what sets the Elite 85t apart is the complete absence of any floor noise. If you listen carefully when no music is playing, you can usually hear a faint hiss when using ANC. It's noticeable on the WF-1000XM3 and even the AirPods Pro, but the 85t are completely silent.

It also needs to be repeated how quick and easy it is to switch between ANC and HearThrough modes – it's almost instantaneous. The AirPods Pro must be held down to toggle while the XM3 forces you to toggle between ANC on, ANC off, and ambient mode.

Battery life

Jabra Elite 85tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only area that hasn't improved much on the Elite 85t is battery life. It's essentially unchanged from the Elite 75t: you get about seven hours of operation with the ANC off and 5.5 hours with the ANC on. In fact, if you want to be picky, this is 30 minutes less run time than the 75t with ANC off.

Fast charging also remains unchanged. A 15-minute charge adds just one hour to playtime.

By today's standards, these statistics are not much to write home about. However, when you factor in the capacity of the charging case, you can still get a full day out of these buds (19.5 hours with the ANC on, 24 hours with the ANC off). And, to be fair, you have to spend a lot more money to get a lot longer battery life with a set of true wireless earbuds with ANC and great sound.

Call quality

Jabra has always had a reputation for making Bluetooth headsets with great call quality, and the Elite 85t maintains that credibility. The calls were crystal clear and only the loudest traffic or construction noises could keep up with my voice.

HearThrough mode (known as sidetone for phone calls) made my voice sound completely natural at the end of the conversation, which is very important for longer calls as it reduces fatigue.

Our opinion

With the Elite 85t, Jabra has taken its proven wireless earbud formula and made some big improvements. The result is a premium set of noise canceling earphones with premium sound quality and features that make them ideal companions for work, leisure, or travel.

Is there a better alternative?

At that price I don't think so. Sony WF-1000XM3 offer slightly better battery life, but are much larger and bulkier and cannot be charged wirelessly.

While iPhone users may prefer that AirPods Pro I think the Elite 85t sounds better and costs less because of its tight integration with the Apple ecosystem and hands-free Siri access.

How long will they last?

Jabra's products are very well made and the Elite 85t seems no exception. With only IPX4 protection, they won't withstand as much water or dust as the 75t series, but Jabra still gives them a two-year warranty in case something happens. I suspect the 85t will last for many years if used carefully.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Elite 85t will satisfy your need for comfort, tranquility and sound quality for less money than its closest competitors.

Editor's recommendations




20 Aug
Blog

Jabra Elite 45h Review: The Best $100 Headphones You Can Buy

Jabra Elite 45h headphones

"Great sound, convenience, and battery life set a new standard for $ 100 headphones."

  • Very convenient

  • Very good sound quality

  • Incredible battery life

  • Pairing multiple devices

  • No analog input

  • Shifts easily with head movement

Shopping for $ 100 worth of wireless headphones is a near-impossible task. There are so many models to choose from, and so many styles and functions, that it is a wonder more people are not giving up on mere election paralysis.

The good news is that all of these choices result in fierce competition between companies with buyers who are ultimately the winners.

While you might see the launch of another model – in this case, Jabra's $ 100 on-ear Elite 100h – as something that will make that choice even more difficult, after reading our full review, you should still check out if you can still do.

Let's get into that.

What's in the box?

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra has been getting minimal with its packaging (I think it's like "Jumbo Shrimp") and the Elite 45h comes in a simple box with an even simpler cardboard sleeve. The only reference to plastic is the small shelf hanging loop.

Inside is the Elite 45h, which is protected by the thin but stretchy carrying case supplied and accompanied by a single accessory: a short USB-C charging cable.

design

Up until the Elite 45h, Jabra's cheapest wireless headphones were the $ 99 Move-Style Edition – a highly respected on-ear model. The Elite 45h may have taken the price of the Move, but its style and design elements are as much influenced by Jabra's flagship Elite 85h noise-canceling headphones as they are by the Move.

Regardless of which of the five color schemes you choose, these are really good looking on-ear cans.

With its ultra-clear lines and tasteful accents, the Elite 45h has a premium look that reminds me of Denmark's other major audio brands: Bang and Olufsen.

However, all traces of fabric have been removed so that the Elite 45h is completely covered with plastic, silicone rubber and synthetic leather. This could have resulted in a drab, sterile atmosphere, except that Jabra uses anodized aluminum for the one-piece sliders and ear pegs.

Regardless of which of the five color schemes you choose (titanium black, gold beige, copper black, black, or navy), these are really good looking on-ear tins.

The Elite 45h doesn't have flip hinges like the Beats headphones, but the earcups fold flat, making them easier to stow in a backpack, especially if you're already using a flat device like a tablet or laptop. Oddly enough, the ear pads point up when worn around the neck rather than down when laid flat.

Perhaps the most distinctive element of the Elite 45h design, however, is the continuous ear pad surface. In contrast to practically all other on-ear headphones that look like miniature versions of their larger over-ear siblings, the ear cushions of the Elite 45h have no defined edge – the synthetic leather cover simply moves all the way over. Only interrupted by circular perforations to let the sound through.

Why did Jabra choose this approach? Aside from the clear continuity they offer for the overall look of the Elite 45h, there are also comfort and sound benefits, which I will discuss below.

I can only find one flaw in the design of the Elite 45h: it lacks an analog headphone input. This may sound like a deal breaker, but as you'll see in a moment, I doubt you mind.

Convenience, control and connections

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 45h weigh a little more than the Move Style Edition (160 grams versus 150 grams), but you will hardly notice any weight once on your head.

Their mass is very well distributed and the clamping force of the headband prevents the somewhat tight contact point with the top of your head from feeling tired.

The continuous surface of the ear pads shouldn't make much of a difference in how they feel. After all, beneath this surface are the same oval cushions that you find on all on-ear headphones. And yet they distribute the clamping pressure further, like a set of miniature trampolines for your ears. Once you've positioned them, they're incredibly comfortable.

With the exceptional running time of the Elite 45h of 50 hours between charging processes, fear of range should now be a thing of the past.

However, this wonderful pressure distribution has a disadvantage. Because the ear pads no longer have a defined comb, they can no longer grip your ears as well as a more traditional design. Because of this (and the narrow contact ridge of the headband), they shift more easily when you move your head.

While it's not a problem when you're at a desk or on your daily commute, it's less than ideal for jogging or activities where impact or rapid head movements are part of the routine.

The Elite 45h has four physical button controls as well as a power / bluetooth switch, all of which are located on the right ear cup. Unlike many wireless headphones, including the Jabra Move, the four main buttons are located high on the outer edge of the auricle, near the slider.

This encourages you to grip the rim with your thumb and middle / ring finger while pressing down on the controls with your index finger.

Play / pause, volume up / down, answer / end call and skip tracks forward / backward are behind the slider, while the dedicated voice assistant button is in the front.

Now that I've gotten used to it, I'm a fan of the layout. I've found that not only is my index finger better at handling fine movements than my thumb (which is usually tasked with pressing headphone buttons), it is also more sensitive to small shapes and edges.

Pairing via Bluetooth is a breeze. Just follow the now familiar steps to turn on the headphones when you take them out of the box and find their name in your Bluetooth settings menu.

The real main attraction, however, is the Bluetooth multipoint function, which allows you to pair two devices at the same time. It's not a feature that you often find on headphones at this price point (Sony just added it to their $ 350 WH-1000XM4), and it's very handy for those who don't worry about switching between one Phone and a laptop or a phone and a TV – it just works with Bluetooth Multipoint.

The Elite 45h offer excellent sound quality with a balanced EQ.

The Elite 45h doesn't give you a long wireless range – just 30m under ideal conditions – but just like Jabra's other products, it's a stable, reliable connection that never falters.

Battery life

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Do you remember when I said I didn't think you would mind that the Elite 45h doesn't have an analog headphone jack? That's because wired connections through wireless headphones really only exist to soothe the range anxiety of people who worry about the battery running out.

With the exceptional 50 hours running time of the Elite 45h between charging processes, this fear should now be a thing of the past.

Let's say you somehow manage to drain the Elite 45h's battery – although a pleasant voice will tell you the battery status every time you turn it on and they can automatically turn off when not in use – don't panic. If you can save 15 minutes on a quick charge, you'll be rewarded with an additional 10 hours of listening time.

Not only are these statistics good, they are also true for world-class wireless headphones.

Sound quality

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite 45h offer excellent sound quality with a balanced EQ.

Jabra likes to boast about the size of the drivers in these cans, but at 40mm, not only are they similar to many other models in this price range, but they're also the same size as Jabra's own Move Style Edition.

What matters a lot more than size is the design, materials and tuning of the riders, and luckily Jabra did a great job.

Unlike some other Jabra products like the true Elite 75t wireless earbuds, which put a heavy load on the bass, the Elite 45h targets the sweet spot where all frequencies coexist harmoniously.

As on-ear headphones you don't get the immersiveness of an over-ear set, but the unusual ear pad design of the Elite 45h gives these cans a small advantage: they offer better passive noise isolation than I'm used to.

This gives the sound a better sense of intimacy and helps keep details clear that might otherwise drown out – not bad for $ 100 headphones with no active noise cancellation (ANC).

Find a quiet place to listen and the Elite 45h comes into its own. Whether it's the deep groove notes that Linkin Park's new track She Couldn & # 39; t perform, or Adele's signature, soaring vocals, these cans have managed to put a smile on my face.

I think they pretty much hit the mark, but if you disagree then that's fine. Thanks to the free Jabra Sound + app for iOS and Android, you can tweak the Elite 45h the way you want with a decent collection of EQ presets and the ability to save your own.

Call quality

Jabra Elite 45h headphonesSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra is rightly proud of its call quality – its products have long been excellent for wireless calls in and out of the office.

The Elite 45h largely continues this tradition and offers a good mix of general speech quality and suppression of background noise. I wouldn't describe it as the kind of experience you would get with high-end headphones from Bose or Sony (that would be a miracle given the five or more microphones these fancy cans have), but for their price are you & # 39; I am very good.

What the Elite 45h lacks in most other headphones in this price range is a side tone option that can be set and turned on and off via the Sound + app.

When the side tone is on, you can more or less hear your own voice during a call. That way, there is a little less shouting and calls to sound like you are holding a phone to one ear.

It's a great feature, but you have to be careful with how much side tone you use. I found that more than 25% produced a noticeable high-frequency buzzing sound – presumably the result of two on-board microphones trying to amplify my voice without amplifying all the noise around me at the same time.

I would also like to be able to activate the background noise when you are not on the phone. However, this may be fixed in a future software update.

Our opinion

In the crowded $ 100 wireless headphone market, few models sound as good as the Jabra Elite 45h, and none that can do it with the Elite's combination of style and battery life.

Is there a better alternative?

I'm not sure if you'll find anything better than the Elite 45h for $ 100, but there are definitely other options. The 100 dollars Status audio BT-1They're great for sound and convenience, for example, and have an analog input that the Elite doesn't have. For a bigger bass-oriented sound, The $ 120 WH-XB700 from Sony are also good choices and often sell for $ 100.

How long will they last?

Jabra products are some of the best-built you will find. The Elite 45h comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty against dust and rain, although Jabra does not claim an explicit IP rating for these headphones.

You can expect the ear pads to occasionally need replacing, but they are inexpensive and can be ordered through Jabra itself or one of its retail partners.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Elite 45h is a good buy unless you need it for jogging or other high impact, high movement activities.

Editor's recommendations




06 Mar
Blog

Jabra Elite Active 75t review: Fully waterproof wonders

Jabra Elite Active 75t

"For $ 20 more than the Elite 75t, you get complete water protection and a super secure fit."

  • Safe and comfortable fit

  • Great sound quality

  • Waterproof

  • Good call quality

  • No wireless charging

  • Average battery life

When Jabra released its latest real wireless earbuds, the Elite 75t, we knew it wouldn't be long before the Elite Active 75t came out. After all, the same pattern occurred in 2018 when the company first launched the Elite 65t and then the Elite Active 65t.

Yes, history has repeated itself, and the Elite Active 75t can now be pre-ordered for $ 200-20 more than the Elite 75t. Although the new models are more expensive than their predecessors, the price difference between active and inactive versions remains the same.

Unlike the Elite Active 65t, which offers better water protection than the Elite 65t and built-in accelerometers for basic tracking of in-app activities, the Elite Active 75t offers only two small improvements. Complete sealing thanks to protection class IP57 and a slightly grippier outer surface. Are they worth the upgrade? Let's find out.

Design and comfort

Jabra Elite Active 75tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

We just come out and say it. The Jabra Elite 75t are the best fitting real wireless earbuds we've tried here at Digital Trends, and the Elite Active 75t are identical. They have the same ergonomic shape that feels like it was specially shaped for my ears. I know they don't fit everybody like a glove, but your chances of getting a good fit are better with these buds than with many other options.

Rest assured, the Elite Active 75t will not be released unintentionally.

The Elite Active 75t doubles this ergonomics with a slightly rubber-like outer surface. It is barely noticeable until you insert it in your ear, and it immediately becomes clear that if you don't pluck them freely, they won't go anywhere.

This is true when you use it for the first time, and it's still true an hour after your workout, as sweat has turned from a trickle to a current. Most people will find that the Elite 75t is completely safe, but if you want an extra level of safety, the Elite Actives offer just that.

If you've ever shied away from the Jabra Elites because they lack the ear hooks of a Powerbeats Pro or JLab Epic Air Sport, you can be sure that the Elite Active 75t won't be released unintentionally.

I found the standard medium tips to fit perfectly, but Jabra also includes a small and a large set.

Audio quality

Jabra Elite Active 75t just in caseSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Elite Active 75t sounds great. Some real wireless earbuds, especially at cheaper prices, feel like a compromise. You have the convenience of being completely wireless, but at the expense of decent sound. This is not the case here.

The Elite Actives do what good earphones should do: bring your music closer and discover nuances that you may not have heard through speakers or even headphones. With low, medium, and high frequencies, all of which are fully rendered, the Elite Active 75t is cheap compared to medium-range wired earbuds and the similar prices, but not completely wireless Bowers and Wilkins PI3.

To get a much better sound, you need to upgrade to the $ 300 master and Dynamic MW07 Plus.

They bring your music closer and let you discover nuances that you may not have heard before.

Although Jabra hasn't discussed the acoustic differences between the Elite 75t and the Elite Active 75t, I can tell you that they have unique sound signatures. The Elite 75t are large and bombastic with a bass forward sound that some may find overwhelming. The Elite Active 75t are much more balanced in comparison. With the free Jabra Sound + app for Android and iOS, you can customize the EQ to your heart's content. However, the default setting is very pleasantly neutral and suitable for most music genres.

You won't find active noise cancellation on the Elites, like more expensive buds like Apple's AirPods Pro or Sony's WF-1000XM3, but passive noise isolation through the silicone earplugs reduces most outside noise to the point where it doesn't occur more. t compete with your music. I guarantee that you will need to use Jabra's HearThrough system to have a personal conversation with the Elite Active 75t in your ears.

Controls and app

Jabra Elite Active 75tSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

We see more and more real wireless earbuds opting for touch controls instead of physical buttons. That's not a bad thing, especially when these touch controls are responsive and easy to use. Some, like Apple's AirPods Pro, are excellent. Others, well, not so much.

That's why I appreciate Jabra's only physical button on every Elite Active 75t earphone. They're easy to find with your fingers (whether you're wearing gloves or naked), easy to use (a light press is all that's needed), and can control almost all of the important functions, including volume and voice assistant access.

At the moment, you need to remember what the individual key and button combinations are responsible for, even if they don't feel intuitive. However, with an update to the Sound + app that will be released later this year, you can customize the way the buttons work.

Portability and ports

Jabra Elite Active 75t charging caseSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Even if your real wireless earbuds like the amazing Samsung Galaxy Buds + can hold all day, you probably won't be wearing them all day, so a good charging case is important. The charging case of the Elite Active 75t is very small, so it can easily be put in your pocket. The hinged lid can also be easily opened with one hand, but closes with a satisfactory click thanks to a tiny magnet.

A second set of stronger magnets will keep the earbuds docked in their sockets until you are ready to remove them. The overall construction and materials of the case are both superb, and a tiny LED on the back gives you a color-based battery status when you open or close the lid.

The USB-C connection is handy for charging (assuming you're a USB-C person), but there's no wireless charging – a bit of a disappointment considering the price.

Battery life

Jabra claims that the Elite Active 75t has a life of 7.5 hours before it needs to be returned to the charging case. I just reached this number when I played music between 50% and 75% volume. In today's world, this performance is good – certainly better than anything Apple's products can do (the AirPods and AirPods Pro each last about 5 hours) – but it's still far from the top of the charts.

Is this a problem? Let's be honest. Very few of us will ever want or need to listen to their buds for more than 7 hours. Still, it's a competitive world out there, and if Samsung can deliver 11 hours in one set of earphones that cost $ 50 less, it tells us what to expect from other real wireless buds.

With a total of 28 hours (including charging case) and a quick charging time of 15 minutes for 60 minutes of playing time, the Elite Active 75t doesn't have to apologize on this front.

durability

The Elite Active 75t isn't the first true wireless earbud to offer the waterproof protection that IP57 provides, but it's hard for us to find a set that doesn't compromise.

This is the real reason why you should consider the extra $ 20 when choosing between the elites and the elite activists. It's like an insurance policy. They pay a little more in advance to make sure that these buds, even if they choose an unintentional Kerplunk, will survive to play another day.

Does this insurance policy last? I carried her in the gym, in the shower after the gym, and let her sit in a sink for 10 minutes without a problem.

Technically speaking, IP57 means you can let them swim, but I would advise against it. For one thing, water and Bluetooth are bad companions. Connection problems are likely to occur. Second, as safe as the Elite Actives are, you will be a sad puppy if one or both of you can break free in the sea. In a pool, I guess the chances of recovery are a little better.

Too close to call

I found the call quality of the Elite 75t very good in almost all situations, and the Elite Active 75t performed equally well. The ability to use the correct earbuds alone is useful for calls, as is the side-tone feature for calls with two earbuds. It works just like HearThrough mode, so you can hear as much of your own voice as you want.

Warranty information

The Jabra Elite Active 75t comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty against dust and sweat.

Our opinion

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is identical in almost every respect to the excellent Elite 75t and offers a more secure fit and better protection from water for an additional investment of $ 20. They have a flatter EQ that reduces the strong bass signature of the Elite 75t, which can seduce those who don't need additional robustness, but simply want a more neutral sound.

Is there a better alternative?

No. If you want a set of completely waterproof, wireless earbuds that sound fantastic and fit like a glove, you won't find a better product than the Jabra Elite Active 75t – at all costs. If you mainly focus on water resistance and want to save some money, you'll get $ 150 JBL Reflect Flows They offer the same protection from water and a longer battery life, but they don't sound as good as the Jabras and they lack some functions like volume control.

How long it will take?

Jabra products are solidly made from high quality materials. The Elite Active 75t are no exception. We expect them to last for many years as long as they are not misused.

Should you buy them

Yes. The secure and comfortable fit of the Jabra Elite Active 75t as well as the excellent sound quality and protection from dust and water make it a perfect companion for everything from daily commuting to the most strenuous workout. As long as you are not looking for active noise cancellation or long battery life, they are a good choice.

Editor's recommendations




05 Mar
Blog

Jabra Elite 75t Review: Massive Bass From Tiny Buds

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphones

"With its excellent fit, comfort and battery life, the Elite 75t from Jabra are small but deliver a large bass."

  • Should fit most ears

  • Full, rich sound

  • Very light and convenient

  • Very portable

  • Outstanding call quality

  • Bass can be too much for some

  • No hands-free assistant option

  • Average battery life

The Jabra Elite 75t are the company's newest and best wireless earbuds. Originally planned for $ 200, Jabra lowered the price to $ 180 shortly before they hit the stores in November 2019.

This puts the Elite 75t in the middle of a crowded category: They are cheaper than a set of normal Apple AirPods with a wireless charging case, but more expensive than those who use a normal case. They're considerably cheaper than the Apple AirPods Pro, valued at $ 249, and yet are $ 20 to $ 30 more expensive than the Jabra Elite 65t, which the company plans to continue selling.

How does the Elite 75t stack up? Do they have enough features to justify a place in this exploding market and are they really as comfortable as Jabra has claimed? We put her to the test to find out.

Crazy comfort

It's true: the Elite 75t are extremely comfortable for real wireless earbuds. If you hate filling your ear canals with silicone, you won't magically become a fan of this sensation. But they're incredibly small, making them sit well in your outer ear and create less pressure in your ear canal to keep them there. Not only is this overall more comfortable, it may also give you the opportunity to enjoy real wireless earbuds if you're having trouble fitting other models.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

Unlike most real wireless in-ear earphones, the Elite 75t doesn't come with ear fins – the tiny silicone tabs that anchor a bud and prevent it from popping out. This is because they are small and light enough not to need them. This ultra-low weight virtually eliminates the feeling of bulk that other earphones can create during intense activities such as running. They really go away as soon as you put them in your ears.

Big, bold bass

Given the small size of the Elite 75t, one thing I wasn't expecting was the huge, deep, and resonant bass. When I started it for the first time, I was surprised and started looking for the EQ settings in the Jabra Sound + app. The equalizer was not messed up – it was set to the flat factory profile. The bottom line is that the Elite 75t has been tuned to prefer low frequencies, sometimes at the expense of clear and detailed highs or clear mids.

They are perfect for watching movies – who needs a subwoofer when you have the Elite 75t?

For some listeners, this is a treat. You won't usually find real wireless earbuds with this kind of bombastic bass response. So if you've been looking for buds that can mimic the boom that is usually associated with large over-the-ear cans like Beats Studios, you're here. I will love the Elite 75t. For some genres like jazz and classical, this distinctive low-end warms the sound and lets you feel the deep vibrations of the bass, which is played in a confined space. They are perfect for watching movies – who needs a subwoofer when you have the Elite 75t?

Music fans with a preference for balanced and precise acoustics should look elsewhere. Even after playing extensively with the EQ settings, it was impossible to find a really neutral setting that would allow my favorite songs to be played without prejudice.

Pocket mates

Aside from the bass, one of the first things you notice about the Elite 75ts is how small they are and how small their charging case is. Both were significantly reduced from the 65t, which makes them perfect travel companions, whether you prefer bags or purses or whether you go to work or to training. You just have to look at the Amazon Echo Buds to see how well the Elite 75t fits in your pocket.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The charging case has a lid that snaps into place with a magnetic seal. Even if it should accidentally open, the earbuds are firmly magnetically locked, making it unlikely that the earbuds will get out of control. Fortunately, in this case, you can use the Sound + app to track the location of the Elite 75t and force it to howl high if it gets stuck in the recesses of a sofa or wallet.

I was glad to see the charging case updated to USB-C as this is pretty much the standard for all (non-iOS) phones now, but I would prefer the charging indicator to be in the front rather than the back.

The case isn't as easy to open with one hand as the original AirPods or the super cool Klipsch T5, but we doubt that this will be a deal breaker for everyone.

Push your buttons

Real wireless earphones usually use a variation of touch-sensitive surfaces or good, old-fashioned buttons. The Elite 75t chooses the latter – one on each earphone – and I really like them. They are easy to use, you know exactly whether you pressed them or not thanks to a satisfactory click, and it is much more difficult to accidentally trigger them.

Jabra Elite 75t real wireless headphonesRich Shibley / Digital Trends

You may need to put a few fingers on the side of your head for better click accuracy. However, I do the job of repeatedly tapping an earphone into my skull to stop my music. You get a wide range of activities – four actions per earbud – with single, double, triple and long clicks.

All important tasks are covered: play / pause, skip / track tracks, answer / end calls, turn HearThrough mode on / off, volume and voice assistant. The only downside is that you can't have a say in what each button does. Every earphone and click combination has a specific action, but Jabra tells us that an update to the Jabra Sound + app in 2020 will activate "MyControls", a function to customize the button function.

It is your call

Jabra has a long history of making Bluetooth headsets with excellent call quality, and the Elite 75t doesn't disappoint. The four-microphone array can easily handle a variety of environments, and callers found it easy to hear me (and me, them).

Frequent voice callers will appreciate that you can use both earbuds or just the right earbud to make and receive calls.

When I first tested the Elite 75t, I noticed the inability to hear itself while I was on the phone with two earbuds. It turned out that I had missed the "Sidetone" function, which enables just that. With the Sound + app, you can not only switch Sidetone on or off using the left earbud, but also adjust how much of your voice gets through. After trying it out, I'm happy to let you know that it works very well and makes the Elite 75t a great companion for phone calls.

Asked and answered

In a similar context, it is also very easy to make yourself heard when you speak to your preferred voice assistant. Pressing the right earphone button twice activates either Alexa or Siri (on iOS) or Alexa or Google Assistant (on Android). As practical as it is, my time with the Echo Buds has made me a hands-free Alexa addict, and I want to be able to call any voice assistant by simply asking for it.

There are many cases where it is more convenient and safer to keep your hands where they are. There may even be emergencies where you simply cannot reach your ears or your phone. If you can say, "Hey Google, call 9-1-1," it can save your life. Jabra, if you're listening, please consider this for the Elite 85t.

Good (not great) battery

Jabra claims that the Elite 75t can last 7.5 hours on a full charge. In our tests, in which the earphones were operated continuously at maximum volume, we were only able to use them for almost 7 hours. Many new real wireless earbuds that aren't made by Apple are better, but it's still a solid upgrade over previous generations, and all the more impressive considering their small size.

The charging case is suitable for almost three full charges, so that you have a total time of approx. 28 hours between the plug-ins. With the quick charge function, you can take an hour with just 15 minutes of charge.

Quite passive

A feature that is becoming increasingly common in real wireless earbuds is active noise cancellation. Sony has it. Apple's expensive new AirPods Pro have it. Even the budget-friendly Echo Buds have it. But the Elite 75t doesn't.

On the one hand, you could argue that these in-ear earphones don't really need them due to their almost complete noise isolation. Because the noise isolation is so good, HearThrough mode offers adjustable microphone sensitivity to make noise when you need to know your surroundings better (or to have your name heard by the barista at Starbucks).

Would noise cancellation be a nice addition? Yes. But you don't need it to enjoy the Elite 75t, especially at its price.

Our opinion

The Jabra Elite 75t is small, but very comfortable and is a good choice for small ears or for those who want to wear earphones for a long time – something that enables their battery life of 7.5 hours. Their bass-heavy EQ is impressive given its size – but not for everyone. Overall, it is a highly portable, high-quality set of real radio buds with user-friendly controls and excellent call quality.

Is there a better alternative?

If you don't mind a slightly larger bud and a battery life of just 5 hours, the Amazon Echo Buds offer more features and less bass-intensive sound for a very reasonable $ 130. If battery life is paramount, you should definitely consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds + for $ 150.

However, if you are an iPhone user, you need to check out the excellent AirPods Pro. They cost $ 70 more but offer amazing noise cancellation, great sound, and go perfectly with Siri. However, none of these earphones can keep up with the water and dust protection class IP55 of the Elite 75t and the excellent ergonomics. If you want even more protection from water, the Elite Active 75t will soon be available with protection class IP57 for $ 200.

How long will they last?

The Jabra Elite 75t has a two-year warranty that is above average. The water and dust resistance corresponds to protection class IP55. This suggests that in the long run, they're at least as robust (if not significantly more) than many of the other real wireless earphones out there.

Jabra's build quality is excellent and the battery is solid (for real radio buds anyway), so they should last for years.

Should you buy them

If you're a fan of bone-shaking bass, you've come to the right place – the Elite 75t are the real wireless earbuds for you. They are also a good choice if you are having trouble fitting the earbuds. If you're looking for a more balanced sound, the Elite Active 75t will be available shortly and offer a less bass-heavy EQ in addition to its better water resistance.

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