When shopping for premium wireless earbuds in 2024, two standout options are the Apple AirPods 4 ($249) and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium earbuds offer active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and counter external noise), spatial audio (creating a 3D sound experience), and advanced features like adaptive sound modes that adjust to your environment.
The key factors most people care about haven't changed though - sound quality, comfort, battery life, and ease of use still matter most. What has changed is how well earbuds deliver on these basics while adding new capabilities.
The AirPods 4 showcase Apple's latest audio technology, featuring their H2 chip which powers improved active noise cancellation and spatial audio processing. The sound signature is notably balanced, with clear mids and highs that make voices and instruments easy to distinguish. While bass isn't as prominent as some competitors, it's clean and controlled.
In contrast, the Jabra Elite 8 takes a different approach with more emphasis on bass response. Its Dolby audio support creates an immersive soundstage that works especially well for movies and games. The built-in equalizer lets you adjust the sound profile to your taste - something Apple doesn't offer.
For home theater use, both perform well but in different ways. The AirPods' spatial audio feature works brilliantly with Apple TV, creating a convincing surround sound effect that follows your head movements. The Jabra's Dolby implementation provides excellent immersion too, though without the head tracking.
Here's where we see big differences. The AirPods 4 feature an IPX4 rating, meaning they're splash resistant but not waterproof. They use a semi-open design that some find more comfortable for long sessions but might not stay secure during intense workouts.
The Jabra Elite 8 boasts a military-grade durability rating and IP68 water/dust protection - you can literally rinse them under a tap. Their ShakeGrip technology (a special coating that increases friction) keeps them firmly in place during exercise. For active users, this is a significant advantage.
Battery technology continues to improve, and both models show this. The Jabra Elite 8 leads with 8 hours of playback (ANC on) and 32 hours total with the case. The AirPods 4 manage 5 hours with ANC and 20 hours total. Both support wireless charging and quick charging features.
Real-world testing shows these numbers are fairly accurate, though your volume levels and feature usage will impact battery life. Both will easily handle a full day of intermittent use, but the Jabra's longer battery life means less frequent charging.
The AirPods 4 shine brightest in the Apple ecosystem. They pair instantly with iPhones, automatically switch between Apple devices, and integrate with Find My tracking. The downside? Android users lose many of these features.
The Jabra Elite 8 works equally well with any device. Their multipoint connection lets you connect to two devices simultaneously (like your phone and laptop), and they support both Google Fast Pair and Swift Pair for Windows.
While the $20 price difference might seem small, it's worth considering what you get for your money. The AirPods 4 premium gets you better Apple integration and slightly better call quality. The Jabra Elite 8 offers better durability, longer battery life, and more flexible platform support at a lower price.
Both products have seen meaningful improvements over their predecessors. The AirPods 4 received upgraded noise cancellation, better battery life, and improved sound quality compared to the previous generation. The Jabra Elite 8 added Dolby audio support, enhanced durability, and better call quality over the Elite 7 series.
The choice really comes down to your priorities and ecosystem:
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
Choose the Jabra Elite 8 if:
Both are excellent choices in their own right. The AirPods 4 excel at being the perfect Apple companion, while the Jabra Elite 8 offers more versatility and durability at a slightly lower price point.
These products represent the current state of the art in wireless earbuds, each with its own strengths. While both will serve you well for music, calls, and entertainment, your specific needs and ecosystem preferences should guide your choice. Consider how you'll primarily use them and which features matter most to you.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($249) | Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229) |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Protection - Critical for exercise and durability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP68 (fully waterproof, dustproof) |
| Battery Life with ANC - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 5 hours buds, 20 hours with case | 8 hours buds, 32 hours with case |
| Noise Cancellation Type - Impacts your ability to focus in noisy environments | |
| Adaptive with H2 chip (excellent for voices) | Hybrid ANC (better for constant noise) |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and stability during activity | |
| Semi-open design (less secure, more comfortable) | ShakeGrip coating (very secure, workout-focused) |
| Ecosystem Integration - Determines ease of use with your devices | |
| Seamless Apple integration, limited Android | Universal compatibility, multi-point connection |
| Audio Features - Impacts overall sound experience | |
| Spatial Audio with head tracking, fixed EQ | Dolby Audio, customizable EQ |
| Call Quality - Important for work and communication | |
| Superior voice isolation, best-in-class | Good but not exceptional |
| Extra Features - Additional value considerations | |
| Find My tracking, auto device switching | Military-grade durability, Spotify Tap |
The Apple AirPods 4 offer better spatial audio with head tracking when watching movies, especially through Apple TV. However, the Jabra Elite 8 provides excellent Dolby Audio support and longer battery life for extended viewing sessions.
The Jabra Elite 8 at $229 offers better value with superior durability, longer battery life, and platform flexibility. The AirPods 4 at $249 is worth the premium mainly for Apple users who value ecosystem integration.
The AirPods 4 provides more adaptive noise cancellation that works well for varying home environments. The Jabra Elite 8 offers stronger constant noise reduction but may not adjust as smoothly to sudden changes.
Both work with Bluetooth TVs, but the Jabra Elite 8 includes an LE Audio smart case that can connect to any TV with USB-C or 3.5mm ports. The AirPods 4 works best with Apple TV.
The Jabra Elite 8 wins with 8 hours of playback with ANC on, compared to 5 hours for the AirPods 4. This difference matters for longer viewing sessions or binge-watching.
Both offer low latency, but the AirPods 4 has less delay when used with Apple devices. The Jabra Elite 8 performs similarly across all platforms and offers stronger bass for gaming effects.
The AirPods 4 semi-open design is generally more comfortable for extended use. The Jabra Elite 8 has a tighter seal that some may find fatiguing after several hours.
Yes, both excel at dual-use. The AirPods 4 offers superior call quality and seamless device switching within Apple ecosystem. The Jabra Elite 8 provides better multi-device connectivity across platforms.
Both offer excellent audio, but differ in approach. The AirPods 4 provides more natural spatial audio, while the Jabra Elite 8 delivers stronger bass and customizable EQ for different movie genres.
Both work with any streaming service, but the AirPods 4 spatial audio features are limited to supported apps. The Jabra Elite 8 Dolby Audio works universally.
The Jabra Elite 8 offers easier sharing with its universal compatibility. The AirPods 4 works best when all users have Apple devices.
Both provide excellent isolation. The Jabra Elite 8 offers better passive noise isolation due to its sealed design, while the AirPods 4 relies more on active noise cancellation.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - runnersworld.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com
