Jabra Elite 10: Comfortable Noise-Canceling Earbuds Featuring Spatial Audio

Compact earbuds boasting extended battery life are elevated by Dolby surround sound for an immersive music and movie experience

Pioneers in Bluetooth technology, Jabra, have introduced a new set of noise-canceling earbuds that offer a comfortable fit and advanced Dolby Atmos spatial audio for users of both Android and iPhone devices.

Priced at £230 (€250/$250/A$380), the Elite 10 competes favorably with leading rivals from Apple, Bose, and Sony, providing all the same features irrespective of your preferred phone or tablet—an uncommon offering in the market.

Jabra’s past earbuds have consistently been recognized as some of the most comfortable choices, and the Elite 10 upholds this reputation. This iteration introduces a lighter, vented design that eliminates the feeling of being “plugged in” or blocked, a sensation some earbuds can induce. The oval-shaped silicone ear tips rest gently yet securely in your ear canal, while the rest of the soft-touch plastic body sits in your concha.

Each earbud is equipped with a button that oversees fully customizable functions, such as switching between noise-canceling modes, managing playback, and adjusting volume. These actions are executed through single, double, triple, and press-and-hold gestures. Additionally, removing one earbud automatically pauses the music playback.

These earbuds boast an IP57 water-resistant rating, surpassing the majority of their competitors. This ensures their capacity to withstand water submersion, making them resilient even in situations like an accidental dip in the pool.

Specifications:

• Water resistance rating: IP57 for the earbuds (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 connectivity features of the Elite 10 stand out. They come with Bluetooth 5.3 and support Google and Microsoft fast pairing. Out of the box, they are compatible with the standard SBC and AAC audio formats, with a forthcoming update promising inclusion of the new LC3 audio format.

These earbuds have the capability to connect to two devices simultaneously, facilitating the concurrent management of calls and video watching, a feature that operates smoothly. The call quality remains impressive, providing clear audio in both quiet office environments and noisy streets. It strikes a balance by allowing a subtle amount of background noise while maintaining clarity.

In terms of noise cancellation, the Jabras deliver solid performance but do not quite reach the level of class-leading. They effectively diminish the noise from engines and fans, yet they face challenges with higher-pitched sounds and voices, allowing more external road noise in comparison to top-tier competitors. Nevertheless, their “HearThrough” or transparency mode stands out as one of the best in the market.

The audio quality is highly satisfying, presenting a well-balanced and easily enjoyable sound. The bass is strong, the mids are distinct, and the highs are crisp. Additionally, the Jabra Sound+ app provides a comprehensive equalizer for personalized adjustments. Although they may not outshine the very best in capturing intricate audio details, they do provide a spacious and enjoyable soundstage and excel in discerning between various tones.

These earbuds truly stand out in their exceptional support for Dolby spatial audio across all devices. They can generate a virtual surround sound effect with head tracking, ensuring that the center channel stays in front of you, even when you turn your head. This feature proves highly effective for movies and can also enhance the depth of standard stereo music.

Environmental Sustainability

Jabra expects the batteries to last through over 500 full-charge cycles, retaining a minimum of 80% of their original capacity. Regrettably, these batteries are not user-replaceable, and the earbuds themselves are not designed for repair, making them essentially non-reusable. On a positive note, the cases are repairable, and Jabra provides replacement options for earbuds, cases, and tips.

Both the earbuds and the case are crafted using 75.7% recycled plastic. Additionally, Jabra actively participates in trade-in programs in the UK and releases annual sustainability reports, showcasing its dedication to environmentally responsible practices.

Price

The Jabra Elite 10 is available in a choice of five colors and comes with a price tag of £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 leaves a positive impression with the Elite 10, presenting an exceptional pair of earbuds in a compact and comfortable design, all at a slightly more budget-friendly price compared to top-tier competitors.

While they may not outperform the very best in terms of noise cancellation or audiophile-level audio quality, and lack support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio formats like aptX, they serve as a convenient daily commuting companion. Their easy-listening sound, reliable battery life, compact case, straightforward button controls, and clear call quality make them a user-friendly choice.

The incorporation of cross-platform Dolby spatial audio support, catering to both Android and Apple device users, is a noteworthy advantage. Additionally, the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously via multipoint Bluetooth adds versatility. Unfortunately, akin to many earbuds, their non-repairable nature makes them disposable, resulting in a slight deduction in their overall rating.