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Jabra releases sequels to Elite 10, Elite 8 Active
- Jabra has followed up its Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active with a second version of each product.
- Both pairs of earbuds boast USB-C and 3.5mm jacks via the LE Audio smart case to offer more source compatibility.
- The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 reportedly have improved ANC, passthrough performance over the past generation.
Headset giant Jabra has been a fixture of true wireless earbuds since the beginning, with some of the most prominent non-Apple models. Today, the company looks to continue its streak of successful models with the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2.
Though earbuds tend to go through lots of incremental upgrades, Jabra is hoping that the radical changes to its charging case design for both products will entire new users. Specifically, the LE Audio charging case allows users to listen to USB-C or 3.5mm audio by using the included cable to connect to compatible source devices. Then, the case acts as a transmitter to get the audio to your ears.
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2:
Representing the flagship earbuds of the Jabra Elite lineup, the Elite 10 Gen 2 brings top-of-the-line specs and features to bear. The earbuds are built around a 10mm driver with a semi-open chassis, and an IP57 ingress protection rating.
Jabra upgraded the internal components of the Elite 10 Gen 2 over its predecessor by ensuring LE audio compatibility from day 1, and spatial audio with head tracking by Dolby Audio. Additionally, the earbuds will support Swift Pair, Fast Pair, and Spotify Tap.
For commuters, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 claims to offer active noise cancelation that’s twice as effective as that of the Jabra Elite 10. The company notes that it improved the feedback microphone in an attempt to make the ANC more effective overall.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2:
Much like the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, there’s a lot under the hood of the Jabra Elite 8 Active. However, these earbuds are more workout-focused than the Elite 10 Gen 2, as the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has a better ingress protection rating of IP68. Additinoally, the case is IP54 rated, meaning it can take a little moisture or dust here and there.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 brings many similar improvements to the table to what the Elite 10 Gen 2 does. For example, improved ANC, the LE Audio smart case, improved Spatial Sound, and Natural HearThrough. But it also boasts improved smartwatch compatibility — so long as yours supports HFP, A2DP and AVRCP.
Finally, the Jabra Elite 8 Active debuts a 6-mic array with wind screens, to hopefully improve your call quality. This can be a sore spot for many earbuds, so be sure to check back for mic samples to see if these earbuds make the grade.
Pricing and availability
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is available in mid-June for $279, in Titanium Black, Gloss Black, Cocoa, Denim, and Soft White colorways. The Jabra Elite 8 Active will set customers back $229, and comes in Navy, Black, Coral, and Olive colorways.