Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Review
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: Experience top-tier sound quality and durability with these premium, next-gen wireless earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out as the epitome of ruggedness in the wireless earbud market. Renowned for their durability and high-performance audio solutions, Jabra has long been a trusted brand among consumers seeking reliability and quality. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds build on the brand’s legacy, incorporating advanced features that cater to the needs of active users and audiophiles alike.
These earbuds are an evolution of their predecessors, offering enhanced durability and performance. Designed to withstand the rigors of a physically demanding lifestyle, they boast an IP68 waterproof rating and military-grade standards for dust and sweat resistance. This makes them not only ideal for workouts and outdoor activities but also capable of enduring the harshest conditions.
Jabra has also made significant improvements in sound quality, with the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 featuring superior audio technology that delivers rich, balanced sound. The inclusion of adaptive noise cancellation allows users to immerse themselves fully in their music or calls, regardless of their surroundings. Additionally, the ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making them perfect for prolonged use.
However, this release comes with a bittersweet note as Jabra has announced its decision to exit the earbud market. This move marks the end of an era for a brand that has consistently pushed the boundaries of what wireless earbuds can achieve. Despite this, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. As we delve deeper into their features and performance, it becomes clear that these earbuds are a fitting swan song for Jabra’s storied journey in the earbuds space.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Audio | None |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Adaptive Hybrid ANC |
| ANC on Calls | Yes |
| Automatic Volume Adjustment | Yes |
| Number of Microphones | 6 (MEMS) |
| Microphone Bandwidth | 100Hz – 8000Hz |
| Spatial Sound | Yes (Dolby Audio) |
| Sidetone | Yes |
| Mono Mode | Yes |
| Natural HearThrough | Yes |
| Noise-isolating Fit | Yes |
| Speaker Size | 6mm |
| Speaker Bandwidth (Music Mode) | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Speaker Bandwidth (Speak Mode) | 100Hz – 8000Hz |
| Audio Codecs Supported | AAC, SBC |
| Auto Resume Music | Yes |
| Auto Pause Music | Yes |
| Connectivity | None |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | Yes (up to 2 devices) |
| Battery | None |
| Music Time (Total, ANC Off – Earbuds & Charging Case) | Up to 56 hours |
| Music Time (ANC Off – Earbuds) | Up to 14 hours |
| Music Time with ANC (Earbuds Only) | Up to 7 hours |
| Talk Time (Earbuds Only) | Up to 10 hours |
| Charging Time | Up to 2 hours |
| Fit & Comfort | None |
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Earbud Weight (Each) | 5g |
| Charging Case Weight | 47.5g |
| Eartips | 3 pairs of included eartips (for secure fit) |
| ShakeGrip™ | Yes (Liquid silicone rubber for secure fit) |
| In-Ear Pressure Relief | Yes |
| Durability | None |
| IP Rating (Earbuds) | IP68 (Dustproof & Waterproof) |
| IP Rating (Charging Case) | IP54 (Dust & Splash Resistant) |
| Military Standard | Yes (MIL-STD-810h) |
| Software & Apps | None |
| Compatible App | Jabra Sound+ |
| App Features | Battery Status, Customisable Music EQ, Music EQ presets, MyControls, Soundscape, Spatial Sound |
| Other | None |
| Warranty | 2 years (Against failure from dust and water with Jabra Sound+ app registration) |
| LED Features | Battery Status, Firmware Update Status |
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out in the crowded wireless earbuds market with a suite of advanced features designed for both active users and audiophiles. These earbuds bring a significant upgrade in terms of active noise cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough technology, ensuring that users experience optimal audio whether they are in a noisy environment or need to stay aware of their surroundings. The LE audio capability of the charging case further enhances the listening experience by providing higher audio quality with lower latency.
One of the standout features of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is its exceptional audio quality. These earbuds deliver rich, balanced sound with deep bass and clear treble, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres and audio content. The inclusion of customizable sound profiles allows users to tailor the audio experience to their personal preferences.
Here are the key specifications of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2:
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on a single charge, with an additional 30 hours provided by the charging case.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 for stable and efficient wireless connections.
- Water Resistance: IP57 rating, making them dustproof and water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Fit: Ergonomically designed for a secure and comfortable fit, with multiple ear tip sizes included.
The enhanced durability of these earbuds makes them an ideal choice for users with an active lifestyle. The robust build ensures they can withstand daily wear and tear, while the comfortable fit minimizes ear fatigue during prolonged use. Whether you are hitting the gym or commuting to work, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers reliable performance and superior comfort.
Performance and User Experience
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 wireless earbuds deliver exceptional performance across various scenarios, making them a versatile companion for diverse activities. When it comes to audio quality, these earbuds truly shine. Users have reported rich, well-balanced sound characterized by deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist during a workout or taking an important call, the audio experience remains consistently high-quality. The earbuds also feature advanced call technology with four microphones, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly, even in noisy environments.
The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough features are particularly noteworthy. The ANC effectively minimizes ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or conversation without distractions. This feature is especially beneficial in environments such as busy gyms or crowded public transport. Conversely, the HearThrough feature enables ambient sound to filter through, ensuring safety and awareness during outdoor activities. Users have praised the seamless transition between these modes, which can be controlled easily via the Jabra Sound+ app.
Comfort and fit are critical for any pair of earbuds, and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 excels in this area. The ergonomic design and multiple ear tip options ensure a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense physical activities. Users have mentioned that the earbuds remain snug and comfortable over extended periods, which is a significant advantage for long workouts or commutes.
Battery life is another strong point. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 21 hours. This extended battery life means less frequent charging and more time enjoying your music and calls. However, some users have noted occasional connectivity issues, particularly in areas with heavy wireless traffic. While these instances are relatively rare, they are worth considering.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds offer a compelling blend of audio quality, comfort, and durability, making them an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle. Despite minor connectivity issues, their performance in various environments and impressive battery life make them a standout option in the wireless earbuds market.
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Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Pros and Cons
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds come with a host of advantages that make them a solid choice for users seeking high-performance wireless earbuds. Here are some of the key pros:
Pros:
- Solid Audio Quality: The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 delivers impressive sound quality with balanced bass and clear treble, making them suitable for various music genres.
- Improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough: The enhanced ANC effectively blocks out ambient noise, while the HearThrough feature allows users to stay aware of their surroundings when needed.
- Outstanding Durability: These earbuds are designed to withstand tough conditions, featuring an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
- Comfortable Fit: With multiple ear tip sizes and a secure fit, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ensures comfort during prolonged use, whether for workouts or daily commutes.
- Better Phone Call Quality: The earbuds offer superior call quality with noise reduction technology, ensuring clear conversations in various environments.
- Superb Battery Life: Users can enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case, reducing the need for frequent recharges.
Despite these advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
Cons:
- Jabra’s Decision to Exit the Earbuds Market: Jabra has announced its exit from the earbuds market, which may affect future support and updates for the Elite 8 Active Gen 2.
- Minor User Issues: Some users have reported minor connectivity issues and occasional discomfort during extended use, though these experiences are not universal.
In summary, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds are an excellent choice for individuals seeking durable, high-quality audio devices with effective noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. Active users, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for reliable phone call quality will find these earbuds particularly beneficial.
