In recent years, Jabra seems to have inundated the market with a plethora of earbud models, causing a befuddling array of options for consumers. The offerings spanned from the Elites 3, 4, 5, to the 7 Pro, with some of them even receiving the “Active” treatment.
Having used the Elite Active 4 for an extended period of time as a daily driver, I was excited to try the Elite Active 8. Afterall, it’s 4 generations of improvements, right? By answering some questions that we had about the earbuds, we’ll see if the Elite Active 8 managed to impress.
Jabra Elite Active 8: Durable, but does it look good?
Jabra adheres closely to the design philosophy of its Active line when crafting the Elite Active 8, granting users the choice of four distinct bud and case colors, including the sophisticated matte blue variant that I had the opportunity to test.
Staying true to its minimalist aesthetics, Jabra continues to rely on its ShakeGrip fit, complemented by a selection of large, medium, and small silicone ear gels to ensure a secure fit without the need for wingtips or earhooks.
Jabra’s emphasis on durability is evident in both the earbuds and their protective case. The earbuds boast an IP68 rating, signifying their resilience to submersion in water up to a depth of 1.5 meters. While swimming with them is not advised due to the inherent limitations of Bluetooth and water, this rating does ensure a high level of moisture protection.
Moreover, the charging case, which sports a taller profile, carries an IP54 rating and is impervious to dust, rendering it safeguarded against water sprays and some level of dirt infiltration. Jabra proudly claims that its earbuds have undergone rigorous testing to meet military standards, endowing users with a set of truly robust earbuds.
It’s commendable that Jabra has retained discreet physical controls discreetly concealed on the outer surface of the earbuds.
This thoughtful design feature allows users to execute a single press, multiple taps, or button holds to perform various functions, such as adjusting volume, controlling playback, managing calls, and toggling between ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and HearThrough modes. These controls continue to demonstrate Jabra’s mastery of seamlessly integrating physical controls without compromising the earbuds’ design or making them unwieldy in size.
Jabra Elite Active 8: What cool, new features to expect?
Both the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 earbuds – which we reviewed here – come equipped with a dynamic duo of features: adaptive noise canceling and an adjustable HearThrough transparency mode, affording you the ability to stay connected to the outside world when needed. Thanks to ear-detection sensors, your music pauses seamlessly when you remove a bud from your ears. Moreover, you have the flexibility to use a single bud in mono mode while the other rests and recharges within the protective case.
Notably, for these two earbud models, Jabra has transitioned away from employing Qualcomm chips. Consequently, they no longer support the AptX audio codec for Android devices. Nevertheless, they offer support for the AAC audio codec and are compatible with the new LE Audio standard, which incorporates the LC3 audio codec. The promise of LE Audio features becoming available via a firmware update looms on the horizon, albeit without a specific timeline.
A sought-after feature, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, makes its debut right out of the box, allowing you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously—a notable upgrade from its absence in the Elite 7 Pro. Android users will appreciate the hands-free integration of Google Assistant; the wake word is all that’s required to summon the assistant. Additionally, users can utilize their device’s native voice assistant, including Siri on Apple devices, albeit with a button press to activate it.
One of the standout enhancements in both the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 is the inclusion of Dolby’s Spatial Sound. However, a key distinction between the two lies in the Elite 10’s incorporation of Dolby Spatial Sound with head tracking. While the standard Dolby Spatial Audio in the Elite 8 Active creates an illusion of sound emanating from a wider soundscape, the head-tracking feature in the Elite 10 elevates spatial audio to a new level.
Last but not least, a practical feature known as “Find My Jabra” is at your disposal, enabling you to determine the last known location of your earbuds before they disconnected from your device.
Jabra Elite Active 8: How does it sound?
Sporting new 6mm drivers (in contrast to the Elite 10s’ 10mm drivers), the Elite 8 Actives, while perhaps not the epitome of precision and refinement, still manage to hold their own when compared to pricier earbuds.
Though not awe-inspiring, these earbuds offer a commendable blend of decent clarity and a satisfyingly punchy bass. The sound quality falls well in line with what one can expect from sports-oriented earbuds within this price bracket. Furthermore, much like their Elite 10 counterparts, users have the option to fine-tune the audio with preset EQ profiles or create custom equalization settings through the accompanying app.
One noteworthy feature is the activation of Dolby Spatial Sound in the Jabra Sound Plus app for both iOS and Android, which, while optional, offers a significant enhancement to the listening experience. In essence, it expands the sonic stage. Many standard earbuds and headphones tend to confine the sound within the listener’s head, producing a somewhat closed-off sensation.
In contrast, premium options provide a more expansive, airy soundscape with greater depth. With Dolby Spatial Sound enabled, the music feels as if it emanates from beyond the confines of the listener’s skull, creating a perceptible sense of space and dimension. This spatial audio feature, I found, to be a worthwhile addition, and it made most of my listening sessions much more enjoyable.
Jabra Elite Active 8: What about call quality?
Jabra’s transition from four to six onboard microphones in their Elite 8 Active earbuds marks a substantial upgrade, particularly in terms of their ability to distinguish between voices and background noise. Moreover, the inclusion of new features, such as a wind-protecting mesh to enhance call quality during outdoor use, reflects the brand’s commitment to improving the user experience.
While these earbuds may not deliver the absolute best-in-class call quality, they certainly don’t fall into the category of producing muffled, hollow-sounding conversations. Instead, they offer a commendable compromise, effectively blocking out external sounds and providing good, though not quite stellar, call quality. For activities like Zoom calls and calls on the go, they perform reliably.
Jabra Elite Active 8: ANC any good?
The Elite 8 Active earphones prove their mettle when it comes to noise cancellation. They adeptly attenuate the pervasive, low-frequency hum and capably suppress the midrange and bass frequencies when tested in a bustling restaurant setting. Although some midrange and high-frequency sounds manage to slip through, the overall performance is noteworthy.
Jabra’s HearThrough mode is also a standout feature, providing a clear and crisp microphone signal, making it ideal for conversations or maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Moreover, the app allows you to fine-tune the level of environmental sound you wish to let in using a convenient slider control.
Jabra Elite Active 8: How long does the battery last?
Impressively, the Elite 8 Active earbuds boast a robust battery life, offering up to 8 hours of use with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, and a notable 14 hours when ANC is turned off. On our tests, the numbers do not lie.
These figures certainly rank as commendable, and they outshine the Elite 10’s performance in this department, as the latter is rated for 6 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels when ANC is active. It’s clear that Jabra has prioritized endurance with the Elite 8 Active, making them an enticing option for those who value prolonged usage without frequent recharging.
Jabra Elite Active 8: What’s the app like?
The Jabra Sound+ app, available on both Android and iOS, boasts an appealing and user-friendly interface while packing a multitude of valuable features. At the top of the app’s main page, a visual representation of the earbuds takes center stage. It provides at-a-glance information on the remaining battery life for each earpiece and the accompanying case. Directly below this, the Sound Modes section offers convenient toggles for switching between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), HearThrough mode (inclusive of a slider for sound adjustment), and turning off these modes. This is also where you can activate Dolby Spatial Sound, delivering an experience akin to Apple’s spatial audio, albeit without the head tracking functionality, which, to be fair, often feels more like a novelty than a substantial improvement.
Scrolling further down, the EQ section grants users the power to fine-tune their audio experience with five customizable bands. Additionally, it provides a range of presets, including options like Bass Boost, Neutral (the default setting), and Treble Boost. Keep scrolling, and you’ll discover the Soundscapes tile, offering access to soothing soundscapes like ocean waves and white noise, designed to enhance your listening ambiance.
The settings menu is a treasure trove of customization options. It allows you to configure the layout of your earbud controls, activate a location-based Find My feature, and easily install firmware updates to keep your devices up to date. Moreover, you can adjust the sidetone level for calls, enable Spotify Tap, and even add the Off option to the ANC selection cycle for the on-ear controls. Most voice assistants are readily accessible through push-button controls, while Google Assistant stands out by offering hands-free activation, simplifying your interactions with the app.
Jabra Elite Active 8: How much do they cost?
The Jabra Elite Active 8 is available here at SGD $308.
It is also available on Shopee for the same price.
Finally, should you buy the Jabra Elite 8 Active?
The Jabra Elite 8 Active emerges as a dependable companion for both workouts and everyday activities. These earbuds offer a pleasing sound quality, a secure fit, and a robust IP68 rating, coupled with an IP54-rated case, making them a commendable choice for those leading an active lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that these earbuds utilize buttons for control, which may not be to everyone’s liking, especially if you prefer touchpad controls. Functionally, they provide several conveniences, including Dolby Atmos support, in-ear detection, and sidetone functionality during calls.
The noise cancellation feature proves effective, yet it may struggle with high-pitched, incidental noises. On the bright side, the battery life is impressive, and the lightweight, pocket-friendly case adds to their overall portability. The primary drawback lies in their price point, which some may find slightly on the higher side, particularly at the regular retail cost. Nevertheless, these earbuds are an excellent choice for exercise enthusiasts, as they eliminate the need for over-ear hooks or stabilizers, making them versatile enough for use in office settings as well.
