In September 2023, Jabra released the “strongest earbuds in the world”: the Jabra Elite 8 Active. Less than a year later, the brand has launched an upgrade in the form of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 – so what’s new?
The sturdiness of the earbuds remains, but Jabra has added an LE Audio smart case and improved active noise cancellation (ANC) to the mix. The earbuds, which cost $229.99 / £229.99 / AU$TBC, also feature improved Dolby Audio spatial sound and a new Natural HearThrough setting.
The “world’s first LE Audio smart case” is the most interesting addition. With a Bluetooth LE audio chip built into the case, you can connect it to a range of devices via the charging cable (it’s compatible with USB-C and a 3.5mm jack) and then stream sound straight from the case to your streaming earbuds.
This promises less lag than a direct Bluetooth connection to the earbuds, offering better video sync. It also means you no longer have to fuss about pairing it with a new device: just tap a button and start listening, whether you’re connecting to a new smart treadmill at the gym or want to immerse yourself in entertainment during the workout. flight.
The new earbuds also offer improved spatial sound powered by Dolby Audio, improved calling performance thanks to AI calling algorithms that prioritize people’s voices while drowning out background noise, and upgraded ANC. The latter feature promises to block “up to twice as much noise as previous generations” through stronger mid- and low-frequency noise cancellation.
Additionally, the addition of a new Natural HearThrough listening option could be a response to the ever-increasing inventory of best bone conduction headphones.
Bone conduction headphones allow runners, cyclists and the like to listen to their workouts without clogging their ears, allowing them to remain aware of their surroundings. Jabra hopes the Natural HearThrough (essentially a transparency mode) will provide similarly heightened “situational awareness” as you listen, although there’s still an earbud in each ear.
Is it worth upgrading?
I wear my Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds for most workouts and haven’t considered a replacement since I started using them. They are lightweight, sound good and stay securely in place during dynamic exercises without the need for an uncomfortably stiff silicone wing. You can now also pick up a pair for closer to $100/£100 or even less, while you’ll have to double that, and a little more, for a new set of Elite 8 Active Gen 2s.
But the improved ANC in the Jabra Elite 8 Active caught my attention. When I wear these earbuds for work and need to concentrate, the ANC falls short of rivals’ empty-room-like experiences by allowing background noise. So I’d be intrigued to see if this new pair makes a noticeable improvement.
The smart housing also piqued my interest. At first I didn’t see the appeal of exercise, but then I remembered how much time I’d spent over the past few years pairing earbuds with various treadmills, exercise bikes, and rowing machines.
Overall, if you’re looking for a premium pair of new workout buds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 could be well worth the (admittedly, significant) $200-plus investment. They are long lasting, springy and (most importantly) don’t fall out of your ears during burpees. But if you have an older Jabra model, consider sticking with the current model for now.