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.
| Aspect | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
|---|---|
| Pricing and Availability | Released: September 2023 |
| $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329 | |
| Discounted: $179.99 (on Jabra US) | |
| Design and Build Quality | Soft silicone finish |
| Colors: Dark blue, caramel, grey, black | |
| IP68 rating (sweatproof, water-resistant) | |
| Charging case: IP54 rating | |
| Features and Performance | Jabra app customization |
| Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | |
| HearThrough mode for ambient awareness | |
| Battery life: 8 hours with ANC, 32 hours total | |
| Charging: USB-C, wireless charging | |
| Multipoint pairing (up to 10 devices) | |
| Performance and Sound Quality | 6mm drivers, powerful bass |
| EQ adjustments in the app | |
| Dolby Spatial Audio for immersion | |
| No support for aptX and LDAC | |
| Verdict | Overall Rating: 4.5/5 – Excellent |
| Exceptional value for fitness enthusiasts | |
| Balanced design, improved ANC, competitive pricing | |
| Worthy consideration for mid to high-end range |
FAQs
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds were released in September 2023
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is priced at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329. However, there may be discounts available, and at the time of writing, Jabra’s US website offers them at $179.99.
The Elite 8 Active boasts several improvements, including a higher IP68 rating for dust- and water-resistance, enhanced ANC performance, and a larger bud design for added stability compared to the Elite 7 Active.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is designed with a focus on durability, stability, and comfort. With an IP68 rating, they are sweatproof and can withstand water submersion. The soft silicone finish ensures a secure grip during various workouts.
Yes, the Jabra Elite 8 Active features improved ANC performance, effectively masking external sounds during use.
The earbuds provide 8 hours of listening time with ANC on, and a total of 32 hours with the charging case. This makes them suitable for extended workout sessions and daily use.