Jabra Elite 8 Active Review

Finding earbuds that can keep up with a busy, active life isn’t always easy. The Jabra Elite 8 Active steps up with a tough build, solid sound, and features aimed at people who move, whether that’s running trails or just tackling a packed day. They’re not cheap, but they’re designed to last through sweat, dust, and even a dunk in water. This review breaks down what it’s like to use them, based on real testing, to see if they’re worth the investment for someone who needs reliable gear.

What You Get with the Jabra Elite 8 Active

Released on August 31, 2023, the Jabra Elite 8 Active lands as a high-end option in Jabra’s lineup, aimed at folks who need earbuds that don’t quit. Here’s a rundown of what comes in the box and what they’re all about.

In the Box

The package keeps it simple:

1. Two earbuds (5g each)

2. A charging case (46g)

3. Three pairs of silicone ear tips (10mm, 12mm, 14mm)

4. A short USB-A to USB-C cable

5. Some paperwork with warranty info and warnings

No extra frills, just the essentials. The case is compact, about 24mm x 47mm x 65mm, so it slips into a pocket without much fuss.

The Basics

These earbuds are built for durability. They carry an IP68 rating, meaning they’re dust-tight and can handle being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The case gets an IP54 rating, so it’s resistant to dust and splashes but not as tough as the buds themselves. They connect via Bluetooth 5.3, support multipoint pairing, and work with basic SBC and AAC codecs. Battery life clocks in at 8 hours with noise canceling on, based on standardized tests, and the case holds a few extra charges.

Design and Fit

The Jabra Elite 8 Active doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s got a practical look and feel that fits its purpose.

How They Look

Each bud weighs 5g and measures 20mm x 20mm x 29mm. They’re coated in a rubbery silicone layer Jabra calls ShakeGrip, which feels grippy without attracting dust. Available in five colors - Black, Navy, Dark Gray, and Caramel, they’ve got a understated, round shape with angled tips, similar to other Jabra models. The case is plastic, lightweight, and has a magnetic lid that snaps shut securely. Two LEDs on the case show charging status: one for the case, one for the buds.

Comfort and Stability

Fit is key for earbuds you’re taking on a run or to the gym. The Elite 8 Active comes with three tip sizes, which should work for most ears, though some might wish for a fourth option. They sit pretty deep in the ear canal, but they don’t feel intrusive for most people. The ShakeGrip coating helps them stay put during movement, testers found them stable even without fins or hooks, though a perfect seal depends on picking the right tip size. For smaller ears, they might feel a bit bulky, and the fit can loosen slightly during intense activity.

How They Work Day-to-Day

Using the Elite 8 Active feels straightforward, with controls and features that mostly get the job done.

Controls

Physical buttons on each bud handle the basics:

• Left Bud:

• Single press: Toggle ANC or HearThrough mode, answer calls, mute/unmute mic

• Double press: Voice assistant, end/reject call

• Hold: Volume down

• Right Bud:

• Single press: Play/pause, answer calls, mute/unmute mic

• Double press: Next track, end/reject call

• Triple press: Restart track

• Hold: Volume up

The buttons are clicky and responsive, but pressing them can push the buds deeper into your ears, which might get annoying. You can tweak the controls in the Jabra Sound+ app, and there’s a Spotify Tap feature if you’re into that.

The App Experience

The Jabra Sound+ app (available for iOS and Android) ties everything together. It’s where you update firmware, adjust the 5-band equalizer, or turn on Dolby Spatial Audio for a wider soundstage. You can also switch between ANC and HearThrough modes or set an auto-off timer. It’s not available for desktop, and it does track some data, so privacy folks might hesitate. Still, it’s handy for tailoring the buds to your liking.

Connectivity

With Bluetooth 5.3, the connection stays solid, no dropouts in testing. Multipoint pairing lets you link two devices, like a phone and laptop, at once. Pairing is simple: pop the buds out of the case, and they show up in your Bluetooth menu. The app makes it even smoother. Latency is high at 333ms with SBC, so video might lag a bit unless your device compensates.

Sound Quality

The Elite 8 Active delivers sound that’s tuned for everyday listening, with a slight twist for workout vibes.

How They Sound

The frequency response sticks close to a consumer-friendly curve. There’s a mild bass boost, think punchy kicks and rumble on tracks like EDM or hip-hop, without drowning out the mids. Vocals and instruments come through clear, though the highest treble (above 10kHz) dips slightly, softening details like cymbals. Testing with a bass-heavy track like Love by Molecule and Johnny Clark showed the low end drives the energy, while mids and highs keep things balanced.

Equalizer Options

The app’s 5-band EQ offers presets like:

1. Bass Boost: Pumps up the low end without overdoing it.

2. Smooth: Flattens things out for a neutral vibe.

3. Treble Boost: Cuts some bass and lifts the highs.

4. Energize: Cranks the treble, which might feel sharp for some.

You can also make your own custom EQ. The sound stays consistent if the buds fit well, though a loose seal can thin out the bass.

Spatial Audio

Dolby Spatial Audio, activated via the app, adds a sense of space to the sound. It’s not true surround sound like Dolby Atmos, but it makes music feel less stuck in your head. You don’t need special content to use it, which is a plus.

Noise Canceling and Isolation

The Elite 8 Active tackles noise with a mix of active and passive methods, though it’s not flawless.

Active Noise Canceling (ANC)

Jabra calls it Adaptive Hybrid ANC, meaning it adjusts to your surroundings. It cuts low-frequency noise, like a humming engine, by about 36dB at 100Hz, which is solid. Mid-range sounds, like traffic, get reduced but still seep through a bit. High-pitched noises, like clattering dishes, can be a weak spot; the ANC sometimes amplifies them briefly, which testers noticed while cooking. A firmware update in March 2024 improved this, but it’s not perfect.

Passive Isolation

The buds block some sound just by fitting in your ears. A good seal helps with mids and highs, like voices or AC hum, but it’s not enough to fully mute the world. HearThrough mode lets ambient sound in when you need it, and it’s better in wind since that update.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is a strong point for these earbuds, especially for their size.

How Long They Last

With ANC on, they run for 9 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge, based on testing. Turn ANC off, and Jabra says you’ll get up to 14 hours. The case adds about three extra charges, bringing the total to around 35 hours with ANC. Real-world use might vary depending on volume or features like ANC.

Charging Details

A full charge takes three hours via the USB-C cable or a Qi wireless pad (though it’s picky about placement, lay it flat on its back). If the case has at least 30% juice, five minutes of fast charging gives you an hour of playback. The LEDs (red, yellow, green) show charge levels clearly.

Microphone Performance

The six-mic setup handles calls and voice chats decently, even in tough spots. In quiet settings, your voice comes through full and clear, though it can sound a tad distorted. In an office, background chatter gets muted, and your voice stays upfront. Wind chops it up a bit, but people can still understand you. Testers found it reliable for casual calls or quick meetings.

Durability and Build

These earbuds are made to take a beating, and it shows. The IP68 rating means they’ve survived dust, submersion, and sweat in testing. Jabra also puts them through military-grade trials (MIL-STD-810H) and corrosion checks. Dropped in mud? Rinse them off, they’ll keep going. The case, at IP54, isn’t as rugged but handles splashes fine. The silicone tips are sturdy but could tear if you’re rough with them.

How They Stack Up

The Elite 8 Active isn’t alone in Jabra’s lineup or the market. Here’s how it compares.

1. Jabra Elite 7 Active

The older Elite 7 Active has an IP57 rating (less dust protection) and lasts 7 hours and 10 minutes with ANC. It isolates bass-range noise better but lacks the Elite 8’s grippy coating and spatial audio.

2. Jabra Elite 10

The Elite 10 (IP57) trades some durability for better noise isolation and Dolby Atmos support. It’s less workout-focused but lasts longer per charge.

3. Beats Fit Pro

The Beats Fit Pro uses ear hooks for stability and has stronger ANC, but its battery life is shorter, and there’s no EQ customization.

Nighttime Audio Alternative Worth a Look

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Who’s This For?

The Elite 8 Active suits people who need earbuds that can handle workouts and still fit into daily life. Gym-goers, runners, or anyone outdoors a lot will appreciate the durability. They’re also fine for office use or casual listening, thanks to the sound and app features. If you hate buttons or need top-tier ANC, though, they might not be the pick.

Conclusion

The Jabra Elite 8 Active proves itself as a solid choice for anyone who needs earbuds that can take a beating and still sound decent. They’ve got the durability to handle sweaty workouts, dusty trails, or a quick rinse after a muddy mishap, and the battery life keeps them going through long days. The sound’s got a punchy edge that works for pumping up a run, and the app lets you tweak things to fit your vibe. They’re not perfect, ANC has its quirks, and the fit might not click for everyone, but for folks who live active lives and want gear that keeps up, these buds deliver without much fuss. They’re a bit of an investment, but they’re built to stick around for the long haul, making them worth a look if reliability’s your thing.

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