When it comes to premium true wireless earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro ($149.99) and Jabra Elite 7 Pro ($199.99) represent two different approaches to solving common earbud challenges. Both were released in late 2021 and have maintained their positions as strong contenders in the market. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best for.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models need to excel across multiple areas: sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and smart features. Both the Beats Fit Pro and Jabra Elite 7 Pro entered the market when these features were becoming standard, but each takes a distinct approach to implementation.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio, but they take different paths. The Beats Fit Pro features Apple's H1 chip, which enables spatial audio - a technology that creates a 3D soundstage that adjusts as you move your head. This is particularly impressive when watching movies or playing games, making you feel like you're in a home theater. The sound signature is typically "Beats" - energetic with prominent bass, though much more refined than earlier Beats products.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers a more neutral sound profile out of the box, but includes extensive EQ customization through their app. While it doesn't offer spatial audio, its sound quality is excellent for music and supports both AAC and SBC codecs (these are methods for transmitting high-quality audio over Bluetooth).
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. The Beats Fit Pro has notably better ANC performance, approaching the quality of higher-end models like the AirPods Pro. The transparency mode (which lets you hear your surroundings) sounds more natural on the Beats as well.
The Jabra's ANC is good but not great. However, it offers more customization options for both ANC and transparency modes through its app, letting you fine-tune how much external sound you want to let in.
This is where the Jabra Elite 7 Pro really shines. It uses bone conduction sensors (which detect vibrations from your jaw when speaking) combined with traditional microphones to deliver exceptional call clarity. The Beats Fit Pro has good call quality, but it's not quite at the same level.
The Beats Fit Pro uses a wing tip design that locks into your ear's concha (the bowl-shaped area above your ear canal). This makes them extremely secure for exercise but might not be comfortable for everyone during long listening sessions.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro takes a more traditional approach with a compact design that sits flush in your ear. They're more comfortable for extended wear but might not feel as secure during vigorous activity.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro has an IP57 rating, meaning it's protected against dust and can be submerged in shallow water. The Beats Fit Pro has an IPX4 rating, which only protects against sweat and light rain. This is a clear win for the Jabra if durability is a priority.
If you're an iPhone user, the Beats Fit Pro offers several advantages:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro works equally well with all devices and supports connecting to two devices simultaneously (like your phone and laptop). The Beats can only do this with Apple devices.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro leads in battery life with 8 hours per charge (30 hours total with case), while the Beats Fit Pro offers 6 hours (24 hours total). Both support fast charging, but only the Jabra offers wireless charging.
The Beats Fit Pro at $149.99 offers better value for:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro at $199.99 is worth the extra cost if you:
Since their late 2021 release, both models have received firmware updates improving their performance. The Beats Fit Pro has gotten better Android support, while the Jabra Elite 7 Pro has refined its ANC capabilities. Neither feels outdated in 2023, though we may see successors announced soon.
Think about your primary use cases. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration, the Beats Fit Pro is an excellent choice that saves you $50. However, if you prioritize call quality and durability, or if you frequently switch between devices from different manufacturers, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro's additional features justify its higher price.
Both are solid choices that represent different priorities in earbud design. The Beats focuses on seamless integration and secure fit, while the Jabra emphasizes durability and call quality. Your specific needs will determine which approach makes more sense for you.
| Beats Fit Pro ($149.99) | Jabra Elite 7 Pro ($199.99) |
|---|---|
| Apple Integration - Critical if you use iPhone/iPad as your primary devices | |
| Full Apple ecosystem integration with H1 chip | Basic iOS support, no special features |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6 hours (buds) + 18 hours (case) | 8 hours (buds) + 22 hours (case) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Essential for exercise or outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP57 (waterproof, dustproof) |
| Noise Cancellation - Key for commuting or office use | |
| Superior ANC with adaptive adjustment | Good but not class-leading ANC |
| Call Quality - Critical for business use or frequent calls | |
| Good voice pickup, dual beamforming mics | Exceptional with bone conduction sensor |
| Fit Security - Important for exercise and active use | |
| Secure wing tip design, great for workouts | Traditional fit, may shift during vigorous activity |
| Sound Customization - Valuable for audio enthusiasts | |
| Fixed EQ, no customization | Full EQ control via app |
| Multi-Device Connection - Important for work/personal device switching | |
| Apple devices only | Any two devices simultaneously |
| Special Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Spatial Audio with head tracking | MySound profile customization |
| Size/Weight - Affects comfort during long sessions | |
| 5.6g per bud, compact case | 5.4g per bud, slightly larger case |
The Beats Fit Pro has an advantage for movie watching due to its Spatial Audio with head tracking, creating a more immersive home theater experience. While the Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers good sound quality, it lacks this cinema-like feature.
At $149.99, the Beats Fit Pro offers better value, especially for Apple users and movie enthusiasts. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro at $199.99 justifies its higher price if you need superior call quality and durability.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers 8 hours per charge plus 22 hours from the case, while the Beats Fit Pro provides 6 hours plus 18 hours from the case.
Both are suitable, but the Beats Fit Pro has an edge with lower latency when paired with Apple TV and superior noise cancellation, making it better for late-night viewing without disturbing others.
The Beats Fit Pro offers superior noise cancellation, making it better for immersive movie watching. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro has good but not class-leading ANC.
The Beats Fit Pro performs better for gaming due to lower latency with Apple devices and spatial audio support. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro has higher latency, making it less ideal for gaming.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro can connect to two devices simultaneously. The Beats Fit Pro only offers this feature with Apple devices.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is generally more comfortable for extended viewing, while the Beats Fit Pro has a sportier fit that some may find less comfortable over long periods.
Both work excellently with streaming services, but the Beats Fit Pro offers enhanced spatial audio with supported content on Apple TV+, Disney+, and Netflix.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro excels in call quality with its bone conduction sensor technology. The Beats Fit Pro offers good but not exceptional call performance.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro has superior IP57 water/dust protection, while the Beats Fit Pro offers basic IPX4 splash resistance.
The Beats Fit Pro is significantly better for iPhone users with seamless Apple integration, instant pairing, and spatial audio features. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro works with iPhones but lacks these special features.
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 - nextpit.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - soyacincau.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - headsetadvisor.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com
