If you're shopping for wireless earbuds in 2024, you've probably noticed there are more choices than ever. Today, we'll compare two popular options: Apple's AirPods 4 ($129.99) and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229), helping you understand which might be right for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have evolved significantly since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Modern earbuds aren't just for music - they're multifunction devices handling calls, voice assistants, and even spatial audio for immersive entertainment. The key features that matter most are sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, durability, and how well they integrate with your devices.
The AirPods 4 arrived in late 2023, bringing improvements like better noise cancellation and the new H2 chip, which enables more advanced audio processing and better battery efficiency. They're Apple's most affordable wireless earbuds, positioned below the AirPods Pro.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 launched in June 2024, representing a significant upgrade over the original Elite 8. The biggest improvements are in noise cancellation (now twice as effective) and durability, with military-grade protection against drops and elements.
The AirPods deliver balanced, pleasant audio that works well for most music and podcasts. However, they don't offer much customization - what you hear is what you get. Having tested both extensively, I've found the Elite 8 Active provides notably better bass response and allows you to fine-tune the sound through their companion app. This means you can adjust the audio to your preferences, whether you like extra bass for workouts or clearer vocals for podcasts.
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise. The Elite 8 Active has a clear advantage here - its adaptive system automatically adjusts to your environment and is particularly effective against wind noise. The AirPods' noise cancellation is decent but noticeably less powerful, especially in challenging environments like airplanes or busy streets.
This is where the differences become stark. The Elite 8 Active is built like a tank, with IP68 water and dust protection (meaning it can handle being submerged in water) and military-grade drop resistance. The AirPods have basic IP54 protection, which handles sweat and light rain but isn't meant for serious water exposure.
For fit, the Elite 8 Active uses Jabra's "ShakeGrip" technology - a special coating that helps them stay put during intense movement. The AirPods use Apple's one-size-fits-most design, which works well for many but can feel less secure during exercise.
Battery life is a clear win for Jabra:
Both cases support wireless charging and quick charging features, though the AirPods integrate more seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem for battery monitoring.
The AirPods 4 shine brightest in the Apple ecosystem. They pair instantly, switch seamlessly between Apple devices, and offer hands-free "Hey Siri" support. The spatial audio feature creates an immersive surround sound effect that's particularly impressive for movies and TV shows.
The Elite 8 Active takes a more platform-agnostic approach. They support multipoint connection (connecting to two devices simultaneously), work equally well with Android or iOS, and offer customizable controls through their app. Their spatial audio implementation uses Dolby technology and works across all devices.
At $129.99, the AirPods 4 represent solid value for Apple users who want quality everyday earbuds. The Elite 8 Active's higher $229 price tag (though often discounted to $169.99) reflects their premium features and durability.
For home theater use, both earbuds support spatial audio, but implement it differently. The AirPods' implementation is more sophisticated within the Apple ecosystem, using head tracking to create a more cinema-like experience. The Elite 8 Active's Dolby-powered spatial audio works across more devices but doesn't include head tracking.
One unique advantage of the Elite 8 Active for home theater use is their smart case, which can connect directly to non-Bluetooth devices through USB-C or 3.5mm connections - perfect for older TVs or gaming systems.
Choose the AirPods 4 if:
Choose the Elite 8 Active if:
Both of these earbuds excel in their intended use cases. The AirPods 4 offer a polished, seamless experience that's hard to beat for Apple users who want quality everyday earbuds. The Elite 8 Active justify their higher price with superior durability, sound customization, and versatility across platforms.
In my experience testing both, I've found that the decision really comes down to your lifestyle and how you plan to use them. The AirPods are my go-to for daily office use and casual listening, while the Elite 8 Active are my choice for workouts and travel where their superior noise cancellation and durability make a real difference.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($129.99) | Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229) |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Rating - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IP54 (splash resistant) | IP68 (fully waterproof, swimproof) |
| Battery Life with ANC - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 5 hours (30 with case) | 8 hours (32 with case) |
| Noise Cancellation - Impacts usage in noisy environments | |
| Basic ANC | Advanced Adaptive ANC (2x stronger) |
| Device Compatibility - Affects everyday usability | |
| Optimized for Apple devices only | Works equally well with all devices, supports multipoint |
| Sound Customization - Important for personalizing audio | |
| Fixed sound profile | Adjustable EQ with app control |
| Fit Security - Critical for exercise and active use | |
| Standard fit, may loosen during activity | ShakeGrip coating, stays secure during intense movement |
| Spatial Audio - Enhances movie and gaming experience | |
| Advanced with head tracking (Apple devices only) | Basic Dolby implementation (works on all devices) |
| Charging Case Features - Affects versatility | |
| Wireless charging, Find My support | Wireless charging, USB-C/3.5mm audio input capability |
| Voice Assistant - Helps with hands-free control | |
| Siri only (hands-free) | Multiple assistants (button activated) |
| Military Drop Protection - Important for durability | |
| No certification | MIL-STD-810H certified |
The Apple AirPods 4 ($129.99) offer better spatial audio for movies, with head tracking that creates a more theater-like experience when using Apple devices. The Jabra Elite 8 Active ($229) provides basic Dolby spatial audio and has the advantage of connecting directly to non-Bluetooth devices through its smart case.
The AirPods 4 offer better value at $129.99 for basic users, especially in the Apple ecosystem. The Elite 8 Active justifies its higher price with better durability, sound quality, and features, making it better value for active users or those needing premium features.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers superior battery life with 8 hours of playback (32 with case), while the AirPods 4 provide 5 hours (30 with case).
The Elite 8 Active offers more versatile TV connectivity through its smart case with USB-C and 3.5mm inputs. The AirPods 4 work best with Apple TV but may have latency issues with other TV setups.
The Elite 8 Active features significantly stronger noise cancellation that's twice as effective as its predecessor. The AirPods 4 offer basic noise cancellation that's adequate for casual use but less effective in noisy environments.
The AirPods 4 have lower latency when used with Apple devices but may experience lag with other systems. The Elite 8 Active offer more consistent performance across platforms and can connect directly to gaming devices through the smart case.
The Elite 8 Active is significantly more durable with IP68 waterproofing and military-grade drop protection. The AirPods 4 have basic IP54 splash resistance.
The Elite 8 Active support multipoint connection for seamless switching between devices. The AirPods 4 switch easily between Apple devices but don't support multipoint for non-Apple devices.
The Elite 8 Active offer fuller sound with customizable EQ settings. The AirPods 4 provide good but fixed sound quality optimized for Apple devices.
Both perform well, but the Elite 8 Active have superior wind noise reduction and clearer call quality. The AirPods 4 integrate better with FaceTime on Apple devices.
The Elite 8 Active's smart case can connect directly to receivers via USB-C or 3.5mm input. The AirPods 4 require Bluetooth connectivity, which may not be available on all receivers.
The AirPods 4 provide more sophisticated spatial audio with head tracking when used with Apple devices, while the Elite 8 Active offer standard Dolby spatial audio that works across all platforms.
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: cnet.com - apple.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - apple.com - support.apple.com - phonearena.com - apple.com - cdw.com - apple.com - apple.com - connection.com - bhphotovideo.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
