In the ever-evolving world of wireless earbuds, Jabra has made a bold move with its flagship Elite 10 earbuds. In a market inundated with options, these earbuds stand out by offering a unique blend of comfort, sound quality, and innovative features. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Jabra Elite 10 special and whether they are worth your investment.
Over the past few years, Jabra introduced a multitude of earbuds, which, while impressive, sometimes left consumers bewildered with too many choices. However, the latest release shows a more focused approach. Jabra has launched two models simultaneously, the Elite 8 Active and the Elite 10, with no plans for a standard Elite 8 or an Elite 10 Active, simplifying their lineup.
Jabra Elite 10 Key Specs
Here are the key specifications of the Jabra Elite 10, as provided by Jabra:
- Enhanced for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking
- Incorporates Jabra ComfortFit technology, ensuring a natural, breathable fit that reduces ear pressure
- Features a six-microphone system with advanced algorithms for improved call clarity in various environments
- Utilizes Jabra’s Advanced ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology, effectively blocking out twice as much noise compared to Jabra’s standard ANC
- Equipped with HearThrough technology, offering wind-noise reduction
- Boasts a 6-hour battery life (or up to 27 hours when combined with the charging case) when ANC is active
- Supports wireless charging for added convenience
- Possesses an IP57 rating, providing dust resistance and water resistance
- Offers Bluetooth Multipoint connection, allowing simultaneous pairing with multiple devices
- Features hands-free Voice Assistant support, Fast Pair, Swift Pair, and Spotify Tap playback
- Ready to support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and the LC3 and LC3plus audio codecs with a future firmware update
- Priced at $250
Jabra Elite 10 Design
The Elite 8 Active offers a familiar design, with a noise-isolating fit achieved by jamming the tips into your ears. These earbuds boast durability and enhanced noise-canceling technology. However, it’s the Elite 10 that truly piques our interest.
The Elite 10 takes a different approach. Designed for those who prefer not having ear tips firmly inserted, these earbuds provide an exceptional level of comfort. The unique oval-shaped silicone ear tips nestle comfortably in your ears, making them one of the most comfortable options with silicone ear tips on the market.
Despite their unconventional shape, the Elite 10s fit securely and discreetly. They don’t protrude conspicuously from your ears, offering a sleek and unobtrusive profile.
Jabra Elite 10 Features
Jabra has equipped the Elite 10 with a robust set of features. They include Jabra’s “Advanced” adaptive noise canceling and an adjustable HearThru transparency mode, which lets you stay connected with the outside world. The ear-detection sensors automatically pause your music when you remove a bud.
One noteworthy aspect is the adoption of the new LE Audio standard, including the LC3 audio codec. While it’s slated for a future firmware update, this shows Jabra’s commitment to staying at the forefront of audio technology.
The Elite 10s also support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, enabling you to connect them to two devices simultaneously. Android users benefit from hands-free Google Assistant integration, and Siri is available for Apple users, though it requires a button press to activate.
One standout feature is the inclusion of Dolby’s Spatial Sound, which takes your audio experience to another level. Unlike some competitors, the Elite 10s feature Dolby Spatial Sound with Dolby head tracking. This technology creates an immersive audio experience, enhancing both music and video playback, irrespective of your device’s operating system.
Another useful feature is the “Find My Jabra” function, which helps you locate your earbuds if they get misplaced. While not as precise as some alternatives, it offers peace of mind.
Jabra Elite 10 Sound Quality
The Elite 10s boast larger 10mm drivers, resulting in a richer and more accurate sound compared to their Elite 8 Active counterparts. In quieter environments, the Elite 10s deliver exceptional audio quality, ranking among the best wireless earbuds available. The sound is clean, detailed, and well-defined, with a focus on delivering natural midrange frequencies.
Jabra provides customization options for sound through its app, allowing you to select preset EQ profiles or create your own. Additionally, the Dolby Spatial Sound can be toggled on and off, offering a noticeable change in your listening experience.
Comparing these earbuds to Sony’s WF-1000XM5, which are priced higher, the Jabras exhibit a slightly more open and dynamic sound. While the Sonys offer a bit more accuracy, the Jabras provide a bolder and expansive audio profile. Adjusting the EQ settings to suit your preferences may be necessary, but it’s a small trade-off for the audio quality on offer.
Jabra Elite 10 Noise Canceling
Semi-open earbuds like the Elite 10s face the challenge of allowing some external sound leakage. While these earbuds perform better than their predecessors in reducing ambient noise, they still fall short of competitors like the AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2.
The Elite 10s offer noise reduction that filters out ambient noise but still allows some sounds to pass through. It’s akin to a strainer, letting through milder sounds while catching harsher noises. While this may suit those who don’t prefer strong noise cancelation, it may not be the best choice for frequent flyers or individuals seeking complete noise isolation.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the sound profile slightly changes when switching between active noise canceling and HearThru modes or turning off noise cancelation altogether.
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Jabra Elite 10 Voice-Calling Performance
Voice-calling performance with the Elite 10s and Elite 8 Actives is good in less noisy environments, with clear call quality reported by callers. However, in noisy conditions, the performance lags behind competitors like the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5. Callers noted that background noise reduction was less effective, and voice quality occasionally suffered.
Jabra Elite 10 Battery Life
The Elite 10s offer a decent battery life, with up to 6 hours of playback time at moderate volume levels with ANC enabled, compared to the Elite 8 Active’s 8-hour rating. This places them on par with the AirPods Pro 2.
Jabra Elite 10 Earbuds Price
The Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are competitively priced at $249, offering a premium audio experience at an accessible price point. These earbuds will be available in a range of stylish colors, including Cream, Cocoa, Titanium Black, Gloss Black, and Matte Black, starting in September.
What makes the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds stand out in their price range?
Can you provide more information about the available color options for the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds?
What are LC3 and LC3plus codecs, and how will they enhance the audio experience with the Elite 10?
Final Thoughts on the Jabra Elite 10
In a crowded market, Jabra’s Elite 10 earbuds manage to stand out by focusing on comfort without compromising on performance. While they have some limitations, such as lighter noise canceling compared to competitors and a relatively high price tag, they excel in comfort and audio quality.
If Jabra can improve voice-calling performance through firmware updates and potentially lower the price, the Elite 10 could earn an Editors’ Choice designation. In the meantime, these earbuds offer a compelling option for those seeking an exceptionally comfortable and sonically impressive listening experience.
With features like Dolby Spatial Sound, IP57 water resistance, wireless charging, and robust connectivity options, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds have a lot to offer. Whether they are the right choice for you depends on your priorities, but one thing is clear: Jabra has crafted an earbud that challenges the norms of comfort and sound quality in the wireless audio landscape.
