Compact earbuds with extended battery life are elevated by Dolby surround sound, enhancing the audio experience for music and movies
Jabra, pioneers in Bluetooth technology, has introduced a new set of noise-canceling earbuds that offer a comfortable fit and advanced Dolby Atmos spatial audio for both Android and iPhone users.
Priced at £230 (€250/$250/A$380), the Elite 10 competes favorably with counterparts from Apple, Bose, and Sony, providing the same features regardless of the user’s choice of phone or tablet—a rarity in the market.
Known for their comfort, Jabra’s previous earbuds have consistently been among the most comfortable options. The Elite 10 continues this trend with a lighter, vented design that eliminates the sensation of being “plugged in” or blocked, a common issue with some earbuds. The oval-shaped silicone ear tips sit gently and securely in the ear canal, while the soft-touch plastic body rests in the concha.
Each earbud is equipped with a button that handles fully customizable functions, allowing users to toggle between noise-canceling modes, control playback, and adjust volume through single, double, triple, and press-and-hold actions. Additionally, the automatic pause feature is triggered when one earbud is removed, providing convenience during music playback.
With an IP57 water-resistant rating, these earbuds exceed the standards set by most competitors, ensuring their durability and ability to withstand water submersion, such as an accidental dip in the pool.
Specifications:
Water resistance rating: IP57 (IP54 for the case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (Supports SBC and AAC)
Battery life: 6 hours with ANC (up to 27 hours with the charging case)
Earbud weight: 5.7 grams
Earbud dimensions: 19.6 x 18.8 x 28.2mm
Driver size: 10mm
Charging case weight: 45.9 grams
Charging case dimensions: 24.4 x 46.9 x 65.4mm
Charging options: USB-C, Qi wireless charging
The Elite 10 shine in terms of connectivity features, boasting Bluetooth 5.3 and supporting Google and Microsoft fast pairing. They offer compatibility with the standard SBC and AAC audio formats right out of the box, with a promise of an upcoming update to include the new LC3 audio format.
These earbuds can establish connections with two devices concurrently, a feature seamlessly functional for managing calls and watching videos simultaneously. Call quality remains impressive, delivering clear audio in both quiet office settings and noisy environments. It allows a subtle amount of background noise while maintaining clarity.
In terms of noise cancellation, the Jabras perform well but fall short of being class-leading. They effectively reduce the hum of engines and fans, though they encounter more difficulty with higher-pitched sounds and voices, permitting more external road noise compared to top-tier competitors. However, their “HearThrough” or transparency mode is among the best available.
Their audio quality is highly satisfying, delivering well-balanced and enjoyable sound. The bass is robust, the mids are pronounced, and the highs are sharp. Additionally, the Jabra Sound+ app provides a comprehensive equalizer for customization. While they may not surpass the absolute best in capturing intricate audio details, they do offer a spacious and enjoyable soundstage and excel in distinguishing between different tones.
Where these earbuds truly stand out is in their nearly unparalleled support for Dolby spatial audio across all devices. They can create a virtual surround sound effect with head tracking, ensuring that the center channel remains in front of you even if you turn your head. This feature is highly effective for movies and can also enhance the depth of standard stereo music.
Environmental Sustainability
Jabra expects the batteries to last for over 500 full-charge cycles, retaining at least 80% of their original capacity. Unfortunately, these batteries are not user-replaceable, and the earbuds themselves are not designed for repair, making them essentially non-reparable. On the positive side, the cases are repairable, and Jabra provides replacement options for earbuds, cases, and tips.
Both the earbuds and the case are made from 75.7% recycled plastic. Furthermore, Jabra actively participates in trade-in programs in the UK and publishes annual sustainability reports, showcasing its dedication to environmentally responsible practices.
Price
The Jabra Elite 10 is available in five color options and is priced at £229.99 (€249.99/$249.99/A$379).
In contrast, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is priced at £259, the Google Pixel Buds Pro at £199, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 at £189, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 at £279.95, and the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at £229.
Verdict
Jabra once again showcases its prowess with the Elite 10, presenting an outstanding pair of earbuds that come in a compact and comfortable design, all at a slightly more budget-friendly price when compared to top-tier competitors.
While they may not outshine the absolute best in terms of noise cancellation or achieve audiophile-level audio quality, and they lack support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio formats such as aptX, they serve as a convenient daily commuting companion. Their easy-listening sound, reliable battery life, compact case, user-friendly button controls, and clear call quality make them a sensible choice.
The incorporation of cross-platform Dolby spatial audio support, catering to both Android and Apple device users, is a noteworthy advantage. Furthermore, the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously via multipoint Bluetooth adds versatility. Unfortunately, like many earbuds, the lack of repairability makes them disposable, resulting in a slight deduction in their overall rating.