True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into incredibly small packages, offering features that seemed impossible just a few years ago. The Beats Fit Pro ($199) and Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119), both released in late 2021/early 2022, represent two different approaches to modern wireless earbuds.
Let's explore what makes these earbuds tick and who they're best suited for.
The Beats Fit Pro delivers notably refined sound, thanks to Apple's acoustic architecture. What does this mean in practice? You get crisp highs, detailed midrange, and controlled bass - a significant improvement over the often bass-heavy Beats products of the past. The spatial audio feature (which creates a virtual surround sound experience) is particularly impressive when watching movies or playing games, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active takes a different approach, offering powerful sound that you can customize through its comprehensive EQ settings. While it doesn't have spatial audio, its sound signature is pleasant and well-balanced right out of the box. For movie watching, it performs admirably, though without the immersive spatial effects of the Beats.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to detect external noise and create anti-noise waves to cancel it out. The Beats Fit Pro implements this technology exceptionally well, rivaling even the AirPods Pro in effectiveness. It's particularly good at blocking out both low rumbles (like airplane engines) and higher-frequency sounds (like office chatter).
The Jabra's ANC is competent but not quite as comprehensive. It handles low frequencies well but struggles more with sudden or higher-pitched noises. However, for most daily use - commuting, office work, or gym sessions - it's more than adequate.
Both earbuds offer solid battery life, but there are notable differences:
Quick charging capabilities are also important: the Beats provides 1 hour of playback from a 5-minute charge, while the Jabra needs 10 minutes for the same result.
The Beats Fit Pro's wingtip design is genuinely innovative. These flexible wings tuck into your ear's concha (the bowl-shaped area above your ear canal), providing exceptional stability without pressure points. I've used them during running and high-intensity workouts without any stability issues.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active uses a more traditional design but still manages to stay secure through most activities. Their smaller size might actually be preferable for those with smaller ears or who find the Beats' wingtips intrusive.
If you're an iPhone user, the Beats Fit Pro offers several advantages:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is more platform-agnostic and actually offers some unique features for Android users:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active has a superior IP57 rating, meaning it's protected against dust and can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The Beats Fit Pro's IPX4 rating only guarantees protection against splashes and sweat.
Both products feature compact cases, but the Beats case is slightly smaller and more pocket-friendly. However, the Jabra's case feels more robust and has a more satisfying magnetic closure.
When considering the $80 price difference, it's important to evaluate what you're getting for the extra money. The Beats Fit Pro justifies its premium pricing through:
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers excellent value through:
Both the Beats Fit Pro and Jabra Elite 4 Active are excellent earbuds that have maintained their relevance since their release. While newer models have emerged, these remain solid choices due to their combination of features, performance, and reliability.
For Apple users who want the best possible integration and sound quality, the Beats Fit Pro is worth the premium. For everyone else, the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers exceptional value while compromising very little on real-world performance.
Remember, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and use cases. Consider your primary activities, ecosystem preferences, and budget when making your decision.
| Beats Fit Pro ($199) | Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Superior ANC with Apple H1 chip technology | Basic ANC that handles low frequencies well |
| Battery Life - Important for daily convenience | |
| 6h buds + 18h case with ANC on | 7h buds + 21h case with ANC on |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Essential for workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP57 (fully water/dust proof) |
| Fit Security - Critical for active use | |
| Secure wingtip design, excellent for workouts | Traditional design, good but less secure |
| Ecosystem Integration - Impacts ease of use | |
| Seamless Apple integration, limited Android features | Platform agnostic, better Android support |
| Sound Quality - Primary feature for enjoyment | |
| Refined, balanced with spatial audio support | Good sound with customizable EQ |
| Quick Charging - Helpful for emergency power | |
| 5min charge = 1h playback | 10min charge = 1h playback |
| Additional Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial audio, auto device switching, "Hey Siri" | Spotify Tap, customizable controls, better Android app |
| Case Size - Affects portability | |
| Smaller, more pocketable case | Slightly larger but more durable case |
| Value Proposition - Overall worth | |
| Premium price justified for Apple users & athletes | Better value for general use & Android users |
The Beats Fit Pro ($199) is superior for movie watching due to its spatial audio feature, which creates an immersive surround sound experience. The Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119) offers good sound quality but lacks spatial audio capabilities.
For Apple users and those wanting spatial audio, the Beats Fit Pro justifies its higher price. However, if these features aren't essential, the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers better value with similar core performance.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active edges out with 7 hours (plus 21 in case) compared to the Beats Fit Pro's 6 hours (plus 18 in case) with ANC on.
The Beats Fit Pro has notably superior noise cancellation, especially for high frequencies. The Jabra Elite 4 Active handles low frequencies well but isn't as comprehensive.
Yes, both work well for late-night viewing. The Beats Fit Pro offers better immersion with spatial audio, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active provides good sound with lower latency.
The Beats Fit Pro delivers more refined sound with spatial audio support. The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers good sound quality with more EQ customization options.
Both work excellently with streaming services. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has Spotify Tap integration, while the Beats Fit Pro offers better integration with Apple TV+.
The Beats Fit Pro is significantly better for iPhone users with seamless Apple integration. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works with iPhones but lacks advanced integration features.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers better Android compatibility with more features and customization. The Beats Fit Pro works with Android but loses some key features.
Both are comfortable, but the Beats Fit Pro may cause fatigue after several hours due to the wingtips. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has a more traditional, potentially more comfortable design for extended use.
The Beats Fit Pro supports audio sharing with other Beats or Apple headphones. The Jabra Elite 4 Active doesn't offer this feature.
Both offer good call quality, but the Beats Fit Pro has slightly better voice clarity with its 6-mic array compared to the Jabra Elite 4 Active's 4-mic system.
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: sixminutemile.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - expercom.com - target.com - beatsbydre.com - soundguys.com - businesswire.com - staples.com - soundguys.com - blog.ear-phone-review.com - camelcamelcamel.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - headphonecheck.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - jabra.com
