Jabra, I will miss you

As you may have heard, Jabra has announced its departure from the consumer earbuds market. As one of the pioneers of true wireless technology, Jabra’s exit marks the end of an era in personal audio, and the SoundGuys team will sorely miss their line of earbuds.

Jabra’s journey in the true wireless space began in 2016 with the Elite Sport, just as the cord-cutting took off. Over the years, they’ve consistently delivered innovative products that pushed the boundaries of what we expect from tiny in-ear devices. From durable workout companions to premium audio powerhouses, Jabra has always had something unique to offer.

Following the Elite Sport, Jabra’s true wireless journey hit its stride with the Elite t-series. The Elite 65t in 2018 set a solid foundation, while the 75t in 2019 refined the design and improved battery life. The Elite 85t in 2020 introduced active noise cancelation. Many fans were anticipating a potential Elite 95t, but the company pivoted to focus on the Elite and Elite Active line, delivering consistent hits.

The company’s swan song comes in the form of the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2. These final offerings showcase how far Jabra has come, setting new standards in noise cancelation and workout-friendly design. In particular, the Elite 10 Gen 2 boasts some of the best ANC we’ve ever seen in earbuds, with an impressive 85.1% noise reduction — surpassing many industry giants.

What set Jabra apart was its attention to detail and user-centric features. The Elite series consistently offered excellent fit options, robust build quality, and sound that appealed to a wide range of listeners. For instance, with the Elite 8 Active series, designed for athletes and runners, Jabra developed an innovative ShakeGrip coating, a new liquid silicone rubber material to provide a soft, tactile feel while ensuring stability. Unlike traditional materials, ShakeGrip becomes tackier when wet with sweat, so the earbuds stay in place during intense workouts without the need for ear hooks or wings.

Both of their latest models even include an innovative charging case that can connect to wired sources, such as airplane entertainment systems. Many people might not even know such a feature was possible, but it is an example of Jabra going above and beyond what is usually expected.

Despite these strengths, Jabra never quite achieved the household name status of brands like Apple or Sony in the consumer audio space. This may be partly due to marketing challenges and the sheer dominance of tech giants in the field. However, for those in the know, Jabra has long been synonymous with value for price, and they’ve quietly pushed other brands to improve their own offerings. Features like multi-point connectivity and customizable EQ, which Jabra helped popularize, are now expected in premium earbuds.

Looking ahead, the true wireless market continues to evolve rapidly. As we see advancements like MEMS drivers and lossless audio on the horizon, it’s bittersweet to think of the future of earbuds without Jabra. It’s worth noting that since Jabra’s parent company, GN, also owns SteelSeries, many of the talented engineers behind the Elite line may find new opportunities to innovate gaming headsets.

For audio enthusiasts and everyday users alike, Jabra’s final offerings shouldn’t be overlooked. The Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are among the best earbuds available, excelling in noise cancelation and durability, respectively. While Jabra promises to “continue to service and support customers for several years,” production is ceasing soon, and software updates are uncertain. Still, if you’re in the market for top-tier earbuds, now is the time to act. These models represent the pinnacle of Jabra’s expertise, and once current stocks are depleted, they won’t be restocked. Don’t miss the chance to own a pair before they’re gone for good.