Jabra Elite 10: Nailing the Fundamentals of True Wireless Earbuds

Jabra has once again delivered with their latest flagship pair of earbuds, the Jabra Elite 10. These earbuds excel in the fundamental aspects that make a great pair of earbuds, such as comfort, wireless charging, multi-point connectivity, and a solid design. In this article, we will delve into the various features and capabilities of the Jabra Elite 10 and evaluate how they stack up against the competition.

Design and Color Options

The Jabra Elite 10 come in five different colors, including the exclusive Coco color. The variety of color options sets them apart from other earbuds on the market, which typically only come in white or black. The earbud case has a slim profile and features wireless charging capabilities, with a matte rubbery finish that adds to its aesthetic appeal. The case is also water-resistant, with an IP54 rating, while the earbuds themselves have an IP57 rating.

Comfort and Fit

Jabra has taken the time to carefully design the shape of the earbuds to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The earbuds stay in place and provide a comfortable listening experience, even during extended use. The inclusion of a proximity sensor enables automatic play and pause functionality.

Physical Buttons and Microphones

The Jabra Elite 10 feature physical buttons, which offer several advantages over capacitive touch sensors found in other earbuds. These buttons work even when your hands are wet or when wearing gloves. Additionally, accidental touches are minimized when adjusting the earbuds. The earbuds also incorporate three microphones for improved call quality.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Passive Noise Blocking

The Jabra Elite 10 employ advanced ANC technology, which effectively blocks out external noise, including construction sounds and wind. In various tests, the ANC performed well when blocking lower frequencies and moderate to high-pitched sounds. However, it may struggle slightly with passive noise blocking and higher-pitched voices. Additionally, the earbuds offer a transparency mode called HearThrough, which allows you to hear your surroundings.

Battery Life and Connectivity

With up to 6 hours of battery life in the earbuds and an additional 27 hours when using the case, the Jabra Elite 10 offer ample battery capacity for travel or long workdays. The earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures a stable and reliable connection. Multi-point connectivity allows seamless switching between devices, making them versatile for use with different devices simultaneously.

Sound Quality and Codecs

While the Jabra Elite 10 deliver a solid sound experience with their 10 mm drivers and customizable EQ, they lack high-resolution codecs, such as aptX or LDAC. This may be seen as a drawback for those seeking a premium audio experience. However, the sound quality remains satisfactory, and the bass response can be enhanced through EQ adjustments.

Additional Features and App Integration

The Jabra Elite 10 offer several additional features, including Dolby head tracking, which enhances the spatial audio experience by simulating sound placement. They also feature autoplay and auto pause, automatic volume adjustment, and a customizable EQ through the Jabra Sound+ app. The app provides access to various sound modes, including ANC, HearThrough, and soundscapes for relaxation or focus. The earbuds also support Spotify integration and are compatible with various devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and computers.

Pricing and Conclusion

The Jabra Elite 10 are priced at $249, which may initially seem high. However, considering their overall performance and features, they offer a competitive option for those in search of premium true wireless earbuds. In upcoming comparisons, we will assess how the Jabra Elite 10 stack up against top-tier competitors from brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple. Despite their more affordable price, the Jabra Elite 10 are poised to be strong contenders in the true wireless earbud market.