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The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the next iteration in Jabra’s series of sporty true wireless earbuds, following the highly praised Elite 8 Active launched in September 2023. Our initial impressions hailed it as “everything you’d want from a pair of fitness earbuds.”
For the Gen 2 version, Jabra maintains its promise of durability, ensuring that these earbuds and their charging case can withstand the demands of an intense workout while offering an improved audio experience. The updates also enhance spatial sound capabilities and offer better active noise cancellation (ANC) and HearThrough modes for a more immersive listening experience.
Specifications and Pricing
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is set to be their final offering in the Elite true wireless series, as the company has decided to exit the consumer headphone market. This makes the Gen 2 model a standout option, particularly for fitness enthusiasts, although Gen 1 owners may not find it essential to upgrade.
- Priced at £229.99 / $229.99 / AU$329
- Released: June 2024
Imagine this: the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 launched in June 2024 at a price point of $229.99, which is slightly higher than the previous Gen 1 model currently available for $199.99. While they are among the pricier options in the true wireless sports earbuds category, they are still competitively priced compared to alternatives like the Beats Powerbeats Pro and Sennheiser Momentum Sport.
Design and Comfort
The design of the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. They are available in various colors, including black, coral, navy blue, and olive. Thanks to their liquid silicone rubber coating, they offer a soft touch and a comfortable fit.
Jabra employs its innovative ShakeGrip fit, allowing these earbuds to stay secure in your ears during intense workouts without the need for additional ear hooks or wingtips. Whether you’re running or lifting, they remain in place, delivering comfort even during extended sessions.
Keen attention has been paid to the controls as well; the physical buttons on the exterior allow for easy handling of calls, volume adjustments, and track navigation. The controls are more reliable than touch-sensitive alternatives, making them ideal for active users.
Audio Performance and Features
Despite primarily focusing on athletic use, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers a robust audio experience for various scenarios, including daily commuting and casual listening. The introduction of improved ANC and HearThrough modes makes them versatile for both workouts and regular use.
The companion Sound+ smartphone app adds features such as custom equalization, Spotify Tap mode, and improved ANC. The earbuds utilize AAC and SBC audio codecs, ensuring decent sound quality, although audiophiles may find this lacking.
Notably, the inclusion of a USB-C to 3.5mm cable allows users to plug into gym equipment and enjoy spatial sound without needing wired alternatives. Jabra claims that the ANC can now cancel out double the noise compared to Gen 1, although real-world experiences may vary.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The battery performance remains competitive, with up to 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled and 14 hours without it. When coupled with the charging case, users can expect between 32 to 56 hours of total usage, depending on the ANC settings. Additional features include fast charging and wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.
Connectivity has been mostly reliable, although some users reported dropouts while pairing with certain devices. However, when it comes to connectivity options, Jabra supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering multipoint sharing and an extended range.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 impresses with its combination of fit, comfort, sound quality, and features tailored for active users. While they do come with a higher price tag, their versatility and build quality might justify the investment for serious fitness enthusiasts.
If you are searching for a top-tier fitness earbud that blends performance with a secure fit, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 might be a worthy addition to your workout gear.
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