Jabra Elite 8 Active: Quick Overview

The Jabra Elite 8 Active, the latest addition to Jabra’s Active range, promises an upgraded fitness-centric audio experience. With an emphasis on durability, stability, and enhanced features, these earbuds aim to be a top choice for workout enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the review to uncover whether the Elite 8 Active lives up to its promises.

Pricing and Availability

Released in September 2023, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is priced at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329. While they started at a slightly higher cost compared to their predecessor, the Elite 7 Active, the upgrades seem to justify the price difference. Currently discounted on Jabra’s US website to $179.99, these earbuds offer competitive pricing within the workout earbuds market, putting them in line with options like the Beats Fit Pro.

Design and Build Quality: 5/5

The Elite 8 Active showcases a design focused on comfort, stability, and durability. Coated in a soft silicone finish, these earbuds not only feel velvety but also provide an excellent grip. The range of colors, including dark blue, caramel, grey, and black, caters to different aesthetic preferences. With an IP68 rating, these earbuds are sweatproof and can even withstand submersion up to 1.5 meters, making them a reliable workout companion. The accompanying charging case, while not as durable, complements the buds with a simple design.

Features and Performance: 4.5/5

The Jabra Elite 8 Active integrates with the Jabra app, allowing users to customize their experience, including tweaking the EQ settings. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has seen significant improvement, effectively masking most external sounds. A noteworthy addition is the HearThrough mode, offering awareness of surroundings without removing the earbuds.

With a battery life of 8 hours with ANC on and a total of 32 hours with the charging case, the Elite 8 Active stands out in the workout earbuds category. The small charging case supports USB-C charging and wireless charging, providing added convenience.

Performance and Sound Quality: 4/5

Equipped with 6mm drivers, the Elite 8 Active delivers a powerful, bass-heavy sound suitable for a dynamic workout playlist. While the mids might not receive as much attention, the EQ settings in the app allow users to make adjustments. The absence of head-tracking sound contributes to a straightforward soundstage, with Dolby Spatial Audio enhancing the immersive experience for movies but not universally ideal for regular audio.

While lacking high-res codecs like aptX and LDAC, the Elite 8 Active caters to a broad audience seeking a balance between performance and cost.

Verdict: 4.5/5 – Excellent

The Jabra Elite 8 Active successfully combines comfort, durability, and solid performance, making them a strong contender for the best workout earbuds. With a thoughtful design, improved ANC, and competitive pricing, these earbuds offer exceptional value for fitness enthusiasts willing to invest in a mid to high-end range. If you prioritize fitness features and durability, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is a worthy consideration.

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