Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1 vs 2: A Smart Leap with LE Audio Smart Case
By Elisabeth Christ
Published June 2024
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds have always been a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, but the Gen 2 takes things to a whole new level. While the design may appear deceptively similar, the internal upgrades and a game-changing LE Audio Smart Case make this iteration a worthy contender for the top spot in the wireless earbuds market.
Key Takeaways
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, notably highlighted by the integration of LE Audio and the innovative Smart Case. Equipped with 7mm dynamic drivers, the Gen 2 delivers a richer and more expansive soundstage compared to the Gen 1's 6mm drivers, enhancing audio quality across all frequencies. The introduction of LE Audio ensures superior sound fidelity and improved battery efficiency, leveraging the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology for a more stable and efficient connection. The Gen 2's battery life is on par with the 1st gen, offering up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC ON, 14 hours with ANC off, and with the Smart Case providing an additional 32 hours. The leap in technology and performance makes the Gen 2 not only a smart choice but also a future-proof investment for audio enthusiasts.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1
Better Choice for Sweaty Activities
✓ 6mm dynamic drivers
✓ Bluetooth 5.3
✓ Up to 40 hours of battery life
✓ Intuitive controls
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Better Choice for Improved ANC
✓ IP68 rating water resistance
✓ Enhanced ANC
✓ Up to 40 hours of battery life
✓ Multipoint connectivity
#1 Price & Design
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1
When considering the financial investment, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1 was launched at a competitive $200 price point, offering exceptional value for high-quality, durable earbuds. The Gen 1 model features a sleek and robust design, utilizing high-grade materials for a comfortable yet secure fit. Available in a range of colors, these earbuds not only perform well but also make a style statement.
The Gen 2, on the other hand, sees a modest price increase at $230, justified by its array of enhanced features and improvements. With a refined design that builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the Gen 2 boasts a more streamlined aesthetic and improved ergonomics. This iteration is crafted with advanced materials that further enhance durability and comfort, ensuring a snug fit for extended use. The new color options also cater to a broader range of tastes, making it a versatile choice for fashion-conscious users.
#2 Sound Quality
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Gen 1 earbuds are equipped with 6mm drivers, delivering a rich, immersive audio experience with a well-balanced sound profile. They excel in providing clear mids, punchy bass, and crisp highs, making them suitable for a variety of music genres. The earbuds also feature passive noise isolation, allowing users to enjoy their music without external distractions.
The Gen 2 steps up the game with 7mm drivers, offering even more dynamic sound. The bass response is deeper and more resonant, while the mids and highs maintain their clarity and precision. This model also introduces advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, significantly reducing ambient noise and enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether in a busy office or a crowded street, the Gen 2 ensures that your music is front and center, undisturbed by the world around you.
#3 Sound+ App & Buds’ Performances
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1
The Jabra Sound+ app serves as the command center for both generations, offering users a suite of tools to customize and optimize their audio experience. For Gen 1, the app provides access to customizable sound profiles and an intuitive equalizer, allowing users to fine-tune their audio settings to match their personal preferences. Firmware updates are seamlessly delivered through the app, ensuring that the earbuds remain at the cutting edge of performance and functionality. Performance-wise, the Gen 1 earbuds deliver consistent and reliable audio, making them a dependable choice for everyday use.
With Gen 2, the Sound+ app takes personalization to new heights. The MySound feature uses a sophisticated hearing test to create a unique sound profile tailored to the user's hearing capabilities, ensuring that every note and nuance is heard as intended. MyControls allows users to configure the earbud controls to their liking, providing unparalleled flexibility and convenience. The app also introduces enhanced ANC settings, offering granular control over the level of noise cancellation. This allows users to adapt to different environments seamlessly, whether needing full noise cancellation for focus or a more relaxed setting for situational awareness. These advancements ensure that the Gen 2 earbuds deliver a highly personalized and versatile audio experience, tailored to the unique preferences and needs of each user.
#4 Controls and Connectivity
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Both the Elite 8 Active gen 1 and 2 earbuds offer a user-friendly control experience with intuitive touch controls that allow users to manage calls, music playback, and voice assistants with simple taps. A single tap on the left bud toggles between immersive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or answers/mutes calls, while the right bud takes charge of your playlist – play, pause, and even answer/mute calls. Double tapping offers a swift exit from conversations on either bud or skips to the next track on the right. For those moments when you want to rewind, a triple tap on the right bud takes you to the previous track. But it doesn't stop there. A long press on the left bud gracefully lowers the volume, while the right bud amps it up, all without reaching for your device. And if you ever need to initiate manual pairing mode, a simple 3-second press on either bud does the trick. These earbuds seamlessly blend technology with user-friendly design, putting you in command of your audio experience with just a touch.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
In terms of connectivity, Jabra Elite 8 active gen 1 uses Bluetooth 5.3 to ensures a stable and efficient connection, minimizing latency and dropouts. The earbuds support a reliable range, enabling users to move freely without losing connection to their devices. The inclusion of aptX codec support further enhances audio quality by ensuring high-fidelity sound transmission.
The Gen 2 elevates the control and connectivity experience to new heights. Using the same Bluetooth 5.3, the Gen 2 still offers improved connectivity, delivering a more stable and efficient link to your devices. This model also introduces multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals who need to transition between their smartphone and laptop throughout the day. Additionally, the inclusion of the AAC and SBC codecs ensures high-quality audio streaming across a variety of devices.
#5 Battery Life
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1
Battery performance is a crucial aspect of wireless earbuds, and the Gen 1 and 2 offer the same battery life with up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC on, 14 hours with ANC off, and an additional 32 hours provided by the charging case. Quick charge functionality ensures that you can get back to your music swiftly, with just 15 minutes of charging providing up to an hour of playback. These enhancements make the Gen 2 ideal for long commutes, travel, and extended listening sessions without the constant need to recharge.
#6 Who is it suitable for?
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Gen 1 earbuds cater to active individuals who require durable and high-performing earbuds for various activities. Their robust design, excellent sound quality, and reliable battery life make them ideal for workouts, daily commutes, and casual listening. The customizable sound profiles and intuitive controls add to their appeal, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of users.
The Gen 2, with its advanced features and enhanced performance, is perfect for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts who demand the best in audio quality and functionality. The improved sound drivers, ANC technology, and personalized audio settings cater to those who seek a premium listening experience. The superior battery life and multipoint connectivity also make them a top choice for professionals and frequent travelers who need reliable and long-lasting earbuds.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1 vs 2
Final Thoughts
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 1 vs 2
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is a worthy successor to the original, offering a host of improvements and innovations that solidify its position as a top contender in the wireless earbuds market. While the design may seem familiar, the internal upgrades and the addition of the LE Audio Smart Case make this iteration a must-have for anyone seeking top-tier audio performance, personalized features, and unparalleled convenience.
If you like to read more about Wireless Earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Jabra to stop Elite earbuds
Beats Solo Buds vs Studio Buds
Beats Solo Buds vs Airpods Pro
New Sennheiser’s $330 Sport Earbuds
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