A comfortable pair of wireless earbuds can make a workout fly by or a long run more bearable. But in order to truly enjoy these audio devices while exercising, it’s important that they have certain features like long battery life, ease of use, and a comfortable fit. Fortunately, the best Jabra earbuds provide all of these features and then some.
Jabra is known for producing earbuds and listening devices that offer some of the best sound quality on the market. And their top three models, the Elite 3, Elite 75t, and Elite Active 65t, meet a variety of listening needs and price points.
But how do you know which is the right fit for you before you purchase? To help you come to a decision, the ACTIVE Reviews Team broke down the pros, cons, favorite features, and pricing of three Jabra models to help you decide if one of these earbuds is worth the investment.
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Jabra Earbuds Lineup
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- Best Overall Jabra Earbuds: Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds
- Best Quality Jabra Earbuds: Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds
- Best Budget Jabra Earbuds: Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
What to Look for When Shopping for Jabra Earbuds
Shopping for earbuds can be overwhelming: Not only are there several brands producing quality products, but each company makes so many different models it can be difficult to know which one might work best for you. That's why having a list of what to look for when you shop is helpful. Here are some things to consider while browsing different options:
Type of Use
The first thing to consider when shopping for Jabra earbuds is how you'll use them. If daily use for several hours is a priority (marathon runners, we're looking at you), you'll want to go with earbuds designed for all-day comfort and long battery life. But if an hour-long training session is the only time you'll be wearing your buds, then water resistance, a snug fit, and anti-slip features are key factors to consider.
Also, if being able to use one earbud at a time is important, make sure to check the mono mode. All Jabra models can operate with one earbud, but not all models give you the choice of which earbud works individually. For example, the Elite 3 can work in mono mode with the left or right earbud, but the 75t and 65t only work in mono mode while using the right earbud.
Battery Life
Most Jabra earbuds have a battery life ranging from 5 to 6 hours for entry-level models to 7 to 9 hours for higher-end earbuds. This range reflects a full charge. Jabra earbuds also come with a charging case that extends the battery life (up to 28 hours on a full charge with the case), but be sure to also consider how long it takes to charge your earbuds.
If you're heading off to the gym, but forgot to charge your earbuds, it's ideal to have a pair of earbuds that can reach a full charge quickly. On average, Jabra earbuds take about two hours to charge fully, but they do have a quick charge function that takes just 10 to 15 minutes for one hour of playback time—enough to power you through a solid workout.
Budget
In addition to determining the purpose of your earbuds, you also need to consider the cost. Jabra wireless earbuds range in price from $74 to $199.99, so remember to factor in your budget when shopping. You may not need all the bells and whistles that come with the higher sticker price, but it's helpful to know which features are a must-have so you know how much you're willing to spend.
Best Jabra Earbuds Overall – Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds
SPECS
- Type: Wireless, in ear-earbuds
- Earpods weight: 4.6g each
- Earpods dimensions: 20.1 x 27.2 x 20.8 mm (W x H x D), 6mm speaker size
- Batteries: Rechargeable lithium ion-battery
- Battery life: Up to 7 hours on a single charge, 3 full charging cycles in the case, overall battery life of 28 hours
- Charging time: Up to 3.5 hours., 10 min. for 1 hour of playback time
- Water resistance: IP55, dust and water resistant
- Special features: 2-year limited warranty, up to 33' wireless range, noise-isolating design, use either earbud with mono mode, Google Fast Pair (Android only), works with Amazon Alexa (Android only), Siri, and Google Assistant
The Jabra Elite 3 are versatile, affordable, and easy to use, making them our pick for best overall Jabra earbuds. Not only do they fit the needs of everyday listeners, but they're also a great choice for athletes, runners, and people looking for budget-friendly buds with all the perks of a higher-priced model. Choose the size that fits you best (small, medium, or large) thanks to the three silicone ear gels that come with these buds. We also like how the Elite 3 buds have a generous battery life, providing seven hours of listening on one charge and up to 28 hours with the charging case. Another one of our favorite features is the HearThrough function, which allows you to hear the outside world without removing the earbuds.
Plus, the mono mode gives you the freedom to choose which earbud to leave in when you only want to use one. For better quality sound, the Elite 3 buds also come equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology—not only is the sound higher quality, but it has a longer range, too. This is ideal for those times when you want to leave your phone behind while grabbing equipment from the other side of the gym.
PROS
- Affordable
- Available in 4 colors
- Easy to use
- Solid battery life
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Use either earbud with mono mode
- HearThrough mode lets you hear outside noises without removing earbuds
- Dust and water resistant, good for sweaty workouts
CONS
- Wireless charging not available with charging case
- No active noise cancellation
Best Quality Jabra Earbuds – Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds
SPECS
- Type: Wireless, in ear-earbuds
- Earpods weight: 5.5g each
- Earpods dimensions: 21.9 x 19.4 x 16.2 mm (L x W x H)
- Batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Battery life: Up to 7.5 hours on a single charge, up to 28 hours with charging case with active noise canceling off, lower battery life with active noise canceling on
- Charging time: Up to 2.5 hours, 1 hour of battery time from a quick 15-min. charge
- Water resistance: IP55, dust and water resistant
- Special features: Active noise cancellation, USB-C charging port, wireless range of up to 33’, 2-year limited warranty, 4-microphone technology, Bluetooth 5.0, in-ear pressure relief
Product quality is one of—if not the—most important factor when shopping for earbuds, especially when you're spending $100+ per pair. That's why we chose the Jabra Elite 75t as the best quality Jabra earbuds. The Jabra Elite 75t earbuds are built for superior sound, making them a solid choice for taking phone calls or listening to music and podcasts. Plus, they're the only model on this list that offers active noise cancellation. Like other Jabra styles, they’re designed for a secure and comfortable fit, ideal for either all-day wear or long training sessions. You also get voice assistance with the Elite 75t through Siri and Google Assistant.
Another key feature? The Elite 75t buds come with the Jabra Sound+ app, which allows you to personalize your sound so your music intuitively fits your environment. But take note that the battery doesn’t last quite as long when using this feature.
PROS
- Compact and lightweight
- Generous battery life
- HearThrough mode lets you hear outside noises without removing earbuds
- Charging with USB-C cable
- Good audio quality
- Active noise cancellation
CONS
- Mono earbud use only works with the right earbud
- Wireless charging not available
- Pricier than other options
- Bass and treble heavy, some may not prefer this type of sound
Best Budget-Friendly Jabra Earbuds – Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
SPECS
- Type: Wireless, in ear-earbuds
- Earpods weight: 6.5 g right headset, 5.8 g left headset
- Earpods dimensions: 27 x 30 x 22.5 mm (L x W x H)
- Batteries: Cell lithium-ion battery
- Battery life: Up to 5 hours on one charge, up to 15 hours with charging case
- Charging time: Up to 2 hours, 15-min. rapid charge gives up to 1.5 hours of battery
- Water resistance: IP56, dust and sweat resistant
- Special Features: 1-year limited warranty and 2-year warranty against damage from sweat and dust, Bluetooth 5.0, passive noise cancellation, wireless range of up to 33 feet
If sticking to a budget is a priority, you'll like what the Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds have to offer. With a price point of just $74, the Elite Active 65t is our choice for the best budget-friendly Jabra earbuds. Like the other Jabra models, we like that the Active 65t comes with simple voice commands that allow you to instantly connect to Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. We also like the higher water resistance rating of IP56 compared to the other two models (which are IP55). This bump in rating means you'll get better water resistance, which is great for those who sweat a lot or exercise outdoors in the rain.
One thing we're not too sure about though is the size of these earbuds. Compared to other Jabra models, the Active 65t is heavier and larger, which may not be ideal for runners or cyclists wanting a smaller, more lightweight earbud. Another potential downside of these earbuds is the battery life, which is about two hours less than other models. However, even with their downsides, these earbuds still offer top-notch sound and a comfortable fit for an affordable price.
PROS
- Secure and snug fit
- Very affordable for entry-level earbuds
- Good sound quality for music and phone calls
- Voice command can connect to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant
- More water resistant than the other two Jabra models
CONS
- Lower battery life than other Jabra Earbud models
- Mono earbud use only works with the right earbud
- No active noise cancellation
BUY: Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
FAQs about Jabra Earbuds
Is Jabra a good brand for earbuds?
Overall, we think Jabra is a solid brand. They offer strong sound quality, a comfortable fit, easy-to-use controls, solid connectivity, and generous battery life—all at a variety of price points and models. Plus, they're ideal for both daily and physical activity like running or gym sessions. But because noise canceling is only available for certain models, it's important to read the fine print if this is a must-have feature for you.
Can I pair my Jabra earbuds?
Yes, you can pair Jabra earbuds: All three Jabra earbuds features in this review are Bluetooth enabled. A Jabra device remembers up to eight paired devices and can connect to two devices simultaneously. You can also play audio from one paired device at a time. Pairing your Jabra device is easy and only requires a few steps. Plus, once you pair a device with your earbuds, they automatically reconnect with the last previously paired device when in range.
Is Jabra owned by JBL?
No, Jabra is not owned by JBL. In fact, they are two separate companies. JBL is an American company that manufactures audio equipment, including headphones, wireless earbuds, and speakers and is owned by a subsidiary of Samsung. Jabra is a Danish brand owned by GN Audio. These brands frequently get paired together because of their similar names and specialization in audio equipment like wireless earbuds and video conferencing systems.