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Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 vs Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Jabra Elite series has long been a staple in the true wireless earbud market. As the line comes to a close, we compare two of its final offerings: the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and the Elite 8 Active Gen 2. Both models showcase Jabra’s expertise in portable audio, but each has its own strengths and target audience.
In this comparison of Jabra’s latest true wireless earbuds, we’ll explore how the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stack up against each other in terms of design, features, performance, and overall value.
Editor’s note: this article was published on July 11, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 compared to the Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 share some design similarities but cater to different user needs. The Elite 10 Gen 2 features a semi-open design with silicone-wrapped ovoid nozzles and clicky buttons on the back. It’s designed for comfort and everyday use and has an IP57 water and dust resistance rating.
In contrast, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is built for more rugged use. It retains the same form factor as its predecessor and is covered in a ShakeGrip coating to prevent slippage during workouts. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 boasts a higher IP68 water and dust resistance rating for the earbuds, making them more suitable for intense workouts and various environments.
Both models come with multiple sizes of ear tips for a customizable fit. The Elite 10 Gen 2 emphasizes comfort for extended wear, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 focuses on stability during physical activities. Neither model includes wings or hooks, which are sometimes found on sport-oriented earbuds.
The charging cases also differ in their protection levels. The Elite 10 Gen 2’s case doesn’t have a specified IP rating, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2’s case has an IP54 rating, offering some protection against dust and water splashes.
How do you control the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
Both models feature physical button controls on each earbud, but their default settings differ slightly:
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2:
| Input | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Input Single tap | Left earbud HearThrough/ANC | Right earbud Play/pause |
| Input Double tap | Left earbud Voice assistant | Right earbud Next track |
| Input Triple tap | Left earbud (Assignable) | Right earbud Previous track |
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2:
| Left earbud | Right earbud | |
|---|---|---|
Single press | Left earbud ANC/Hear-Through, answer call, mute mic | Right earbud Play/pause, answer call, mute mic |
Double press | Left earbud Voice assistant, reject call, end call | Right earbud Next track, reject call, end call |
Triple press | Left earbud | Right earbud Restart track |
Both models allow users to customize these controls through the Jabra Sound+ app, giving them the flexibility to adjust the controls to their preferences.
Should you use the Jabra Sound+ app with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
The Jabra Sound+ app is an essential component for both the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2, offering a wide range of features and customization options. For both models, the app provides:
- Firmware updates
- EQ presets and custom EQ settings
- ANC and HearThrough mode adjustments
- Control customization
- Find My Device feature
- Multipoint device management
The Elite 10 Gen 2 additionally offers:
- Dolby Atmos with head tracking for spatial audio
- Sleep bud option with various soundscapes
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 includes:
- Dolby Spatial Sound (without head tracking)
- Stereo Spatializer mode
- Microphone equalizer for calls
Both models benefit significantly from using the app, as it unlocks the full potential of the earbuds and allows for a personalized listening experience. However, privacy-conscious users should note that the app is necessary to access all features and updates.
How do the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 connect?
Both the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offer versatile connectivity options. Both models use Bluetooth 5.3 and support SBC and AAC codecs, as well as Bluetooth Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously.
Both models also feature a unique ability to connect to wired sources through their charging cases. This is achieved using a special cable with an adapter that plugs into the charging case’s USB-C port. The case then acts as a transmitter, using LC3 to broadcast audio to the earbuds. This feature allows both models to connect to 3.5mm audio sources (like airplane entertainment systems).
The ability to connect to wired sources sets these Jabra models apart from many competitors, offering greater versatility for users who need to connect to non-Bluetooth devices.
The pairing process is similar for both models:
- Open the Bluetooth menu on your source device
- Open the charging case
- Select the respective Jabra model from the list of available devices
For using the case as a transmitter:
- Connect the included USB cable to the case and the source
- Press the button on the charging case to start transmitting
Is battery life better on the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 outperforms the Elite 10 Gen 2 in terms of battery life. In our testing, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 lasted for 9 hours and 3 minutes of playback, while the Elite 10 Gen 2 provided 5 hours and 27 minutes of playback time.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 clearly has the advantage in battery life, offering nearly 4 more hours of playback per charge.
Both models have USB-C charging, wireless charging via Qi-compatible pads, and fast charging, with 5 minutes yielding about 1 hour of playback.
Do the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Elite 8 Active Gen 2 block noise better?
Both models offer strong active noise cancelation (ANC), but the Elite 10 Gen 2 has the edge. As you can see in the chart below, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 achieves over 85% noise reduction and is particularly effective at canceling low-frequency noise. In short, these are the best noise canceling earbuds currently available, and they set a new benchmark for ANC performance in earbuds.
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Still, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 aren’t bad either. They reduce environmental noise by a respectable 80% and attenuate low-frequency noise below 100Hz by about 30 dB. In short, they perform well against low-frequency noise but not as effectively for mid-range noise.
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Both models also offer transparency modes (called HearThrough) that allow users to hear their surroundings. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2’s HearThrough mode is adjustable, with the ability to amplify environmental sounds beyond natural levels.
While both models provide excellent noise cancelation, the Elite 10 Gen 2 has a clear advantage, making it the better choice for those prioritizing ANC performance.
Do the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 sound better than the Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
Both the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offer good sound quality, but they have different sound profiles.
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)
Looking at the MDAQS results, the biggest discrepancy between the two is in Distortion, with the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 providing significantly less, as indicated by the higher score. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 scores higher in the MDAQS ratings, suggesting it may sound more pleasing to most listeners.
Objective measurements
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As the frequency response chart above shows, the Elite 10 Gen 2 peaks in the high frequencies, around 7.2kHz, which can be fatiguing for some listeners. Compared to our preference curve, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has a relative overemphasis in the sub-bass below 100Hz and underemphasis on low-mid frequencies (200-500Hz) and high frequencies above 8kHz.
Both models offer EQ customization through the Jabra Sound+ app, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences.
Do the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Elite 8 Active Gen 2 have a better microphone?
Both the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 feature capable microphone systems for calls. They each have a 6-mic array, reject background noise well, and focus on your voice in loud environments. Take a listen.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 vs Elite 8 Active Gen 2: Price and availability
Both earbuds launched in June 2024, with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 priced at $279.99 at Amazon and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 priced at $229.99 at Amazon.
It’s important to note that Jabra’s parent company has decided to end the Elite line of earbuds. The company plans to clear existing stocks by the end of 2024, which means that significant discounts may be available, especially during sales events like Black Friday. That means while prices may decrease, the stock may become limited.
Should you get the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Elite 8 Active Gen 2?
Choose the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 if you:
- Prioritize top-tier ANC performance
- Want the most comfortable fit for extended wear
- Prefer a more balanced sound profile out of the box
- Need Dolby Atmos with head tracking
Choose the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 if you:
- Need rugged earbuds for workouts and active lifestyles
- Prioritize longer battery life
- Prefer a bass-forward sound signature
- Want a more affordable option with similar features
Both models offer excellent overall performance, versatile connectivity options, and comprehensive app support. However, potential buyers should be aware that Jabra is discontinuing the Elite line, which may affect future software updates and support.
Spatial audio
Extremely durable
Ultimately, both the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 represent the pinnacle of Jabra’s true wireless earbud technology, offering feature-rich experiences for different user needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The Elite 10 Gen 2 has an IP57 rating, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has a higher IP68 rating for the earbuds and IP54 for the case.
Yes, both models offer active noise cancelation (ANC). The Elite 10 Gen 2 achieves 85.1% noise reduction, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 reduces most environmental noise by 80%.
Yes, both models support wireless charging via Qi-compatible charging pads.
Yes, both can connect to laptops via Bluetooth. They can also connect to laptops with no Bluetooth using their charging cases as transmitters for USB or 3.5mm connections.
Yes, both models support Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Given that Jabra is discontinuing the Elite line, future software updates may be limited. While the company hasn’t provided specific details, it’s possible that support may end in the near future.
While both models offer high water resistance ratings (IP57 for Elite 10 Gen 2 and IP68 for Elite 8 Active Gen 2), neither is specifically designed for swimming. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 might be better suited for water-related activities. Still, for swimming, you may want to consider earbuds with onboard storage to avoid Bluetooth connection issues in water.