Jabra Elite 8 Active Specs: What You Need to Know
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are built for people who don’t sit still. Whether it’s a rainy run, a sweaty gym session, or just a busy day, these earbuds aim to keep up. They come with a mix of durability, sound features, and tech that’s meant to fit into real life. This article digs into the details of their specs, laying out what they bring to the table in a way that’s easy to follow.

Design and Build
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds are designed to handle tough conditions without feeling bulky. They’re small, lightweight, and made to stay put no matter what you’re doing. Here’s a breakdown of what stands out in their physical setup.
Size and Weight
Each earbud weighs just 5 grams, so they’re light enough to wear for hours without feeling weighed down. The charging case adds 46 grams, keeping the whole package pocket-friendly. They don’t stick out much from your ears, which makes them less likely to snag on anything during a workout or commute.
Materials and Durability
The earbuds are coated in a silicone rubber that feels soft but grips well, even when wet. This isn’t just for comfort, it’s part of what Jabra calls ShakeGrip, a design trick to keep them secure without extra wings or hooks. They’ve got an IP68 rating, meaning they’re fully dustproof and can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water. The case gets an IP54 rating, so it’s not as tough but can still shrug off dust and light splashes of water.
What’s in the Box
When you open the package, you’ll find:
-
The Elite 8 Active earbuds
-
A charging case
-
Three sizes of silicone ear tips (small, medium, large)
-
A USB-C to USB-A charging cable
-
A warranty card and safety info sheet
Everything comes in simple, frustration-free packaging, no wrestling with plastic clamshells here.
Sound and Audio Features
The Elite 8 Active earbuds are built to deliver sound that works for a range of situations, from music to calls. They’re not trying to rewrite the rulebook, but they’ve got some solid tech packed in.
Drivers and Sound Profile
These earbuds use 6mm dynamic drivers, covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. That’s the standard span of human hearing, so you’re getting the full picture, from deep bass to high notes. The sound leans balanced - lows, mids, and highs all get their moment, but bass gets a slight boost, which suits genres like pop or EDM. If you’re into tweaking things, the Jabra Sound+ app lets you adjust the equalizer with presets or your own custom setup.
Dolby Audio
One feature that sets these apart is support for Dolby Audio, which adds a spatial, 3D-like effect to the sound. It’s not full-on surround sound, but it makes music feel a bit more open, like it’s coming from around you rather than just inside your head. It works best with compatible tracks, like those on streaming platforms that support it.
Noise Control Options
The earbuds come with adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC). This uses mics to listen for outside noise and adjusts on the fly to block it out. It’s decent for cutting low rumbles, like a train or office hum, but higher-pitched sounds might still sneak through. There’s also a HearThrough mode, which lets ambient sound in when you need to stay aware, like during a run outdoors. You can tweak both settings in the app, though some find HearThrough a bit loud and unfiltered.
Connectivity and Controls
Getting these earbuds linked up and running is straightforward, and they’ve got some handy features for switching between devices or managing playback.
Bluetooth Specs
They run on Bluetooth 5.3, which keeps the connection stable and power-efficient. Multipoint pairing is included, so you can connect to two devices, like your phone and laptop, at once and switch between them without re-pairing. The earbuds support SBC and AAC codecs, which are basic but reliable for most setups. Apple users get the most out of AAC, while Android performance can vary depending on the device.
Physical Buttons
Each earbud has a button on the flat outer panel for controls. You can play or pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, or toggle ANC modes with single, double, or triple presses. The buttons need a firm push, not as light as a tap, but they’re less likely to trigger by accident. The app lets you remap what each press does if the defaults don’t suit you.
Smartwatch Compatibility
A neat perk is that these earbuds can connect directly to smartwatches that support Bluetooth audio profiles (HFP, A2DP, AVRCP). That means you can leave your phone behind and stream music straight from your wrist while running or working out.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is a big deal for earbuds, and the Elite 8 Active hold their own with numbers that fit most people’s daily grind.
Battery Life Breakdown
-
With ANC on: Up to 8 hours per earbud, plus 24 hours from the case, for a total of 32 hours.
-
With ANC off: Up to 14 hours per earbud, stretching the total to 56 hours with the case.
Real-world results depend on volume and ANC use, but a quick test showed about a 25% drop after an hour with ANC running at moderate levels.
Charging Options
The case charges via a USB-C port with the included cable. A 5-minute fast charge gives you an hour of playback, while a full charge takes around 3 hours. Jabra Elite 8 Active also support wireless charging Qi.
Case Design
The charging case is compact and sturdy, made of matte plastic that resists scratches. It’s got a status LED on the front to show battery levels and a button inside for pairing. The earbuds snap in with magnets, lining up their charging pads to the pins without fuss.
Fit and Comfort
For earbuds meant for active use, staying in place and feeling good over time are key. The Elite 8 Active tackle this with a focus on simplicity and grip.
Secure Fit with ShakeGrip
Jabra’s ShakeGrip tech relies on the silicone coating and ergonomic shape to lock the earbuds in without wings or hooks. They fit snugly with a slight twist motion, and most users find they stay put during runs, gym sessions, or even high-impact moves like burpees. The lack of extra parts keeps them low-profile and cuts down on pressure points.
Ear Tip Options
Three sizes of silicone tips (small, medium, large) come included, so you can find the right seal for your ears. A good fit boosts noise isolation and bass response, and the tips are soft enough for long wear without soreness.
Comfort Over Time
At 5 grams each, these earbuds don’t weigh your ears down. People wearing them for hours, say, a long run followed by desk time, report no real discomfort. The silicone feels smooth, and the design avoids poking or rubbing, even when sweaty.
Microphone and Call Quality
With six built-in microphones, these earbuds are set up to handle calls and voice commands in different environments.
-
Microphone Setup: The six mics split duties: some pick up your voice, others filter out background noise. They’ve got wind protection too, which helps on breezy days. The sound comes through clear in quiet spots, though loud places like a busy street might muddy things a bit until the noise gate kicks in.
-
Call Performance: In calm settings, voices sound full and natural. In noisier spots, the mics do a solid job separating speech from chaos, though extreme noise, like a subway, can still challenge them. They’re not studio-grade, but they’re more than fine for casual chats or quick voice assistant triggers.
App and Customization
The Jabra Sound+ app ties everything together, giving you control over how the earbuds work and sound.
Key App Features
Here’s what you can do:
-
Check battery levels: See charge status for each earbud and the case.
-
Adjust sound: Use the 5-band equalizer or pick from six presets.
-
Tweak ANC: Dial in noise cancellation or HearThrough levels.
-
Remap buttons: Change what single, double, or triple presses do.
-
Update firmware: Keep the earbuds current with new fixes or features.
The app’s clean and works on both Android and iOS, plus it can track your earbuds’ last known location if you lose them.
Voice Assistant Support
The earbuds play nice with Google Assistant and Siri. You can trigger them with a button press (customizable in the app) for hands-free commands like setting reminders or checking the weather.
Durability Testing and Warranty
These earbuds are billed as tough, and they’ve got the creds to back it up.
Rugged Credentials
The IP68 rating comes from passing tests like:
-
Submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes
-
Exposure to dust with no ingress
-
Military-grade durability checks (e.g., drops from 1 meter)
They’ve also been through corrosion tests with salt water and high humidity, proving they can take a beating from sweat or rain.
Warranty Details
You get a 2-year warranty against dust and water damage, but you need to register the earbuds in the Sound+ app to activate it. It’s a straightforward process, and it covers the kind of wear and tear they’re built for.
How They Stack Up
The Elite 8 Active sit in a crowded field of workout earbuds. Here’s where they land compared to the basics.
Against Older Jabra Models
Compared to the Elite 7 Active, these have a higher IP68 rating (up from IP57), better ANC, and Dolby Audio. The fit’s similar, but the 8s feel more polished. Sound-wise, they’re a step up from the Elite 4 Active too, though not a giant leap from the 7s.
In the Market
AThey’re priced mid-to-high for sports earbuds. They’re tougher than most, like the Sony LinkBuds S (IPX4, and match the battery life of premium picks like the Beats Fit Pro, though ANC isn’t as strong as top dogs like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Sleep-Friendly Earbuds to Check Out
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
Conclusion
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds pack a lot into a small package for folks who need gear that keeps up with their day. From the rugged build that shrugs off water and dust to the sound tech that adjusts to noisy spots, they’re made for real-world use, whether that’s a gym session or a packed commute. The battery life stretches long enough to not leave you hanging, and the app gives you a say in how they work, which is handy for tweaking things just right. They don’t overcomplicate anything, sticking to practical features that fit into busy routines without much fuss.
For anyone curious about how these earbuds hold up, the specs tell a story of durability and flexibility. They’re not here to rewrite the rules of audio gear, but they deliver where it counts: staying put, sounding decent, and handling whatever the day throws at them. People who’ve tried them out tend to stick with them for the long haul, and that says something about how they fit into everyday life without trying too hard to stand out.
FAQs
How long do the earbuds last on a single charge?
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds can go up to 8 hours with noise cancellation turned on, or stretch to 14 hours if you switch it off. The case adds another 24 hours with ANC active, pushing the total to 32 hours. Without ANC, you’re looking at 56 hours combined. Real life might tweak those numbers a bit depending on how loud you play your tunes.
Are they really waterproof?
Yep, they’ve got an IP68 rating, so they can handle being dunked in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without a hitch. Dust doesn’t get in either. The case is a bit less tough with an IP54 rating, meaning it’s fine with splashes and dust but not a full soak. Good for sweaty runs or rainy days, no problem.
Can you use them for phone calls?
Absolutely. They’ve got six mics working together to pick up your voice and cut out background noise. In quiet spots, calls sound clear and natural. If it’s windy or busy, like on a crowded street, they still do a decent job keeping your voice upfront, though super loud places might test their limits.
Do they stay in your ears during workouts?
They’re built with something called ShakeGrip, which uses a grippy silicone coating and a snug shape to lock them in place. No wings or hooks needed. Most folks say they don’t budge during runs, gym time, or even jumping around, as long as you pick the right ear tip size from the three included options.
What’s the deal with the app?
The Jabra Sound+ app lets you mess with a bunch of stuff. You can check battery levels, tweak the sound with an equalizer, adjust how much noise cancellation you want, or even change what the buttons do. It’s pretty straightforward and works on both Android and iOS, plus it’ll show you where your earbuds were last if you misplace them.
Can you connect them to more than one device?
Yeah, they’ve got Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing, so you can link them to two things at once, like your phone and laptop. Switching between them is smooth, no need to disconnect and reconnect. They also hook up to smartwatches that support Bluetooth audio, which is handy for phone-free workouts.
What happens if they get damaged?
They come with a 2-year warranty that covers dust and water issues, but you’ve got to register them in the Sound+ app to lock it in. It’s a quick step, and it’s there for the kind of wear and tear they’re built to take, like sweat or a drop in a puddle.