Audio expert Jabra’s latest workout buds will last longer than your will to exercise
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(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 Verdict
Extra durable construction
Optimised ANC and Wind Neutralising HearThrough
Updated form factor for long-term comfort
Reasons to avoid-Wingtip-less design isn’t suitable for vigorous exercise
Wingtip-less design isn’t suitable for vigorous exercise
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jabra Elite 8 Active deals
$14.99$8.99View$199.99$149.99ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025$199.99View
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$14.99$8.99View
$14.99$8.99View
$14.99$8.99
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$199.99$149.99ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
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$199.99$149.99View
$199.99$149.99
$149.99
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One thing is for sure: if you need durable, truly rugged workout headphones, you won’t find a better option than the Jabra Elite 8 Active. Read my full review below, where I’ll talk about what changes Jabra applied to the headphones and why you should consider investing in a pair.
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: price and availability
The Jabra Elite 8 Active true wireless earbuds were launched on 31 August 2023 and are available to buy now at Jabra in Caramel, Navy, Black and Dark Grey colourways for a recommended retail price of £199.99 atJabra. The suggested retail price of the Jabra Elite 7 Active was $179/ £169 / AU$ 279, so the price has gone up, which is sad but understandable.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: design and build quality
The Jabra Elite 7 Active was already IP57-rated, which is very close to being the highest ingress protection rating against solids and liquids for any non-industrial product. So you could very rightly assume the new Elite 8 Active won’t improve on this. You’re mistaken. I was, too, before Jabra’s representatives introduced me to Highly Accelerated Corrosion Testing (HACT).
HACT requires the earbuds to pass 11 full cycles of testing, including enduring 2 hours in 40°C temperatures with 93% humidity, going through a 15-minute splash test in salt water, and surviving a 15-minute 40°C heat drying test to prove their anti-corrosion credentials successfully. And yes, the Jabra Elite 8 Active passed this test.
Plus, the Jabra Elite 6 Active has an IP68 rating, meaning you can wash the buds under running water after the workout to ensure they stay in tip-top conditions for yours to come. The case is also IP54 dust and splash-proof, so you don’t have to be too gentle with it, either.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
These super tough earbuds also completed all the required tests for the US Military Standard for Ruggedised Electronics (810H). This is the same test most rugged outdoor watches claim they passed, and it involves everything from humidity and high temperature to rain and altitude checks. Even the charging case is IP54 rated to be dust and splashproof!
The Jabra Elite 8 Active has a similar design to its predecessor and uses the same ShakeGrip technology to ensure the buds stay in your ears during workouts without using wingtips or ear hooks. However, a larger surface area is now covered in ShakeGrip to maximise in-ear grip.
The stem connecting the main body of the buds with the part that slides into your ear canal has been shortened, which makes for a more comfortable listening experience. You can choose from four different ear gel sizes, although the Jabra Elite 8 Active won’t help you find the correct fit as the Elite 7 Active did. (I’ve been told this feature will be added later via a firmware update).
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: sound quality
The Jabra Elite 8 Active delivers significant improvements in the sound department. The size of the driver remained the same (6 mm), but active noise cancellation (ANC) is said to be stronger. The buds use an Adaptive Hybrid ANC system that automatically adjusts depending on your environment. Jabra claims that the buds scan the ears to measure sound levels almost continuously to ensure ANC is always spot on.
This scanning feature somewhat replaces MyFit in the Sound+ app. This was used to help people find the best ear gel size to optimise passive noise cancellation. Instead, Elite 8 Active optimises ANC without the users' input, which is admirable, although I think some of us would still appreciate it if the Sound+ app helped find the right ear gel size. Jabra said MyFit will most likely be added to the feature roster later.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earbuds use a 6-microphone setup for calls (and for other features, such as ANC, etc.). The mics are said to have a wind noise-protecting mesh cover and beam-forming capability, so people can hear you better even when the air moves around your face quickly.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
You’ll find six music presets in the Jabra Sound+ app to personalise the sound of the buds, and you can also create your own presets. I generally go with ‘Energize’, which slightly lifts the lows and highs. I often find Jabra headphones lack power in those regions anyway, but since there is an easy fix, I don’t mind.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: workout performance
I took the Jabra Elite 8 Active on quite a few runs to test the capabilities of the ShakeGrip and the ANC/HearThrough. The buds stayed firmly in place during exercise from the get-go for the entire duration of the run – top marks there. They weren’t just secure, but the Jabra Elite 8 Active buds also felt comfortable in my ears.
(Truth be told, I usually don’t crank up the volume higher than 75-78 dB to protect my hearing. I’m sure at full blast, I could have heard the Jabra Elite 8 Active just fine.)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: verdict
As I mentioned in the intro, despite the improvements, the Jabra Elite 8 Active, the successor of a 5-star product, only earned four stars this time. This is not to say they aren’t excellent; on the contrary, they are brilliant workout buds, the most rugged on the market, with excellent sound. However, ANC and HearThrough features are underwhelming, which is a shame.
That said, algorithms can be tweaked via software updates, so it’s not impossible that once Jabra improves the buds, they won’t get a better rating. For now, they aren’t perfect, justreallygood. If you need durable headphones, you need the Jabra Elite 8 Active. Easy as that.
Jabra Elite 8 Active review: also consider
Alternatively, have a look at ourbest noise-cancelling earbudsguide for more options. Not all of them are workout-ready, but some of the listed buds are compact enough for all-day use. If comfort is what you’re after, I’d highly recommend Beats' Studio Buds Plus; these tiny headphones have amazing sound and weigh next to nothing. Read my fullBeats Studio Buds Plus review.
Jabra Elite 8 Active: Price Comparison
$14.99$8.99View$24.99View$199.99$129.99View$199.99$149.99ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025$199.99View
$14.99$8.99View
$14.99$8.99View
$14.99$8.99View
$14.99$8.99
$8.99
$24.99View
$24.99View
$24.99View
$24.99
$24.99
$199.99$129.99View
$199.99$129.99View
$199.99$129.99View
$199.99$129.99
$129.99
$199.99$149.99ViewDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
$199.99$149.99View
$199.99$149.99View
$199.99$149.99
$149.99
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025
$199.99View
$199.99View
$199.99View
$199.99
$199.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
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