Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 vs Elite 10 Gen 2: Which One is the All-Around Champion?
By Elisabeth Christ
Published June 2024
Jabra has consistently delivered high-quality audio experiences, and their latest offerings, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2, are no exception. These two earbuds cater to different lifestyles and preferences, making the choice between them a delightful dilemma. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2, designed for active individuals, promises a secure fit and durability, while the Elite 10 Gen 2 focuses on delivering immersive audio and advanced noise cancellation for the everyday user. In this head-to-head comparison, we'll dissect their features, sound quality, comfort, and overall performance to determine which one truly deserves the title of the all-around champion.
Key Takeaways
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2 present a compelling comparison in terms of features and battery life. While both models boast Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and voice assistant compatibility, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 edges ahead with its innovative LE Audio-enabled case, allowing for standalone audio streaming. In terms of battery life, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 boasts a slightly longer playtime of 8 hours (ANC on) compared to the Elite 10 Gen 2's 6 hours (ANC on). Hence, the Jabra 8 Active Gen 2 offers a total of 40 hours of playback while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 fall short at 37 hours with the charging case. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2's LE Audio case functionality could potentially impact overall battery consumption, but real-world usage data is needed for a definitive comparison.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Better Choice for Sweaty Activities
✓ IP68 rating water resistance
✓ Enhanced ANC
✓ Up to 40 hours of battery life
✓ Multipoint connectivity
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Better Choice for Latest Technology
✓ Advanced 10mm drivers
✓ Effective and enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
✓ Up to 37 hours of battery life
✓ Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
#1 Price & Design
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 enters the market as a top-tier choice for those seeking durability and performance. Priced competitively within the premium segment at around $230, it combines affordability with high-end features. Its design is sleek and ergonomic, crafted to provide a secure fit during even the most intense activities. The materials used are both robust and lightweight, ensuring comfort and resilience. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced with multiple color options, allowing users to choose a style that suits their personal taste.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, while commanding a higher $279 price point, justifies the investment with significant design upgrades. This model features a more streamlined and futuristic design, with a focus on maximizing user comfort and aesthetic appeal. The materials have been enhanced to provide even greater durability without compromising on weight. The Elite 10 Gen 2 also offers a broader range of color options and a more refined finish, appealing to users who prioritize both performance and style. The additional cost is offset by the superior build quality and sophisticated design, making it a worthwhile investment for discerning users.
#2 Sound Quality
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
The sound quality of the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is driven by its advanced 7mm dynamic drivers, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Users can enjoy deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making these earbuds suitable for a wide range of music genres. The inclusion of advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology further enhances the listening experience by reducing ambient noise, allowing for uninterrupted music enjoyment. The soundstage is expansive, providing a detailed and vibrant audio landscape that brings music to life.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 takes sound quality to the next level with its upgraded 10mm dynamic drivers. These drivers offer a broader frequency response, delivering even deeper bass and more precise highs. The result is an audio experience that is both powerful and nuanced, catering to audiophiles who demand the highest quality sound. The ANC technology in the Elite 10 Gen 2 is also more advanced, offering superior noise cancellation capabilities that create a serene listening environment. Whether in a noisy office or a bustling street, users can enjoy their music without distractions, experiencing every detail with clarity and precision.
#3 Sound+ App & Buds’ Performances
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Jabra Sound+ app is a crucial component for maximizing the functionality of both the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2. For the Elite 8 Active Gen 2, the app provides customizable sound profiles and an intuitive equalizer, allowing users to tailor their audio settings to their preferences. MySound technology creates a personalized audio experience based on individual hearing profiles, ensuring optimal sound quality. The app also facilitates firmware updates, ensuring the earbuds remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
The Elite 10 Gen 2, on the other hand, benefits from additional enhancements in the Sound+ app. MyControls offers even greater customization of earbud controls, allowing users to configure commands to their liking. The app also includes advanced ANC settings, providing granular control over noise cancellation levels. This allows users to adapt to different environments seamlessly, ensuring the perfect balance between noise reduction and situational awareness. The Elite 10 Gen 2's performance is further enhanced by its superior hardware, delivering a more responsive and immersive audio experience.
#4 Controls and Connectivity
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers intuitive touch controls that make managing calls, music playback, and voice assistants effortless. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable and efficient connection, minimizing latency and dropouts. The earbuds support multipoint connectivity, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who need to transition between their smartphone and laptop throughout the day.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
The Elite 10 Gen 2 builds on these features with even more responsive and precise touch controls. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity in the Elite 10 Gen 2 is further optimized for stability and efficiency, providing a seamless audio experience. This model also includes support for high-quality audio codecs such as AAC and aptX, ensuring high-fidelity sound transmission across a variety of devices. The enhanced multipoint connectivity allows users to connect to multiple devices effortlessly, providing unparalleled convenience and flexibility. These connectivity enhancements make the Elite 10 Gen 2 the ideal choice for modern, multitasking lifestyles.
#5 Battery Life
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
When it comes to battery life, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 takes the lead, boasting an impressive 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled, surpassing the Elite 10 Gen 2's 6 hours. This advantage extends to the charging cases as well, with the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offering a total of 40 hours of playtime with ANC on, compared to the Elite 10 Gen 2's 37 hours. However, the Elite 10 Gen 2's case does have the unique advantage of supporting wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience for those who prefer a cable-free experience.
#6 Who is it suitable for?
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is designed for active individuals who require durable, high-performance audio equipment for a variety of activities. The 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 enhance their appeal, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of users.
The Elite 10 Gen 2, with its advanced features and enhanced performance, caters to audiophiles and tech enthusiasts who demand the best in audio quality and functionality. The improved sound drivers, ANC technology, and personalized audio settings offer a premium listening experience. The superior battery life and multipoint connectivity make them a top choice for professionals and frequent travelers who need reliable, long-lasting earbuds.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 vs Elite 10 Gen 2
Final Thoughts
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 vs Elite 10 Gen 2
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 and Elite 10 Gen 2 are both exceptional earbuds, each excelling in their respective domains. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is a powerhouse for active individuals, boasting a secure fit, durability, and impressive sound quality. Meanwhile, the Elite 10 Gen 2 caters to those seeking a more immersive audio experience, with superior noise cancellation and a comfortable design perfect for all-day wear. Ultimately, the choice between these two earbuds comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you lead an active lifestyle and prioritize a secure fit and durability, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 might be the better choice. However, if you crave immersive audio and top-notch noise cancellation for everyday use, the Elite 10 Gen 2 could be your perfect companion.
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