Whether you're looking to upgrade your workout gear or just want quality wireless earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro and Jabra Elite 4 Active are compelling options that take different approaches to solving similar problems. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best for.
When the Powerbeats Pro launched in 2019, they represented a major leap forward in workout earbuds. Their ear hook design addressed the primary concern many had with true wireless earbuds: would they stay in place during intense activity? Fast forward to 2022, and the Elite 4 Active arrived with a different solution - a more compact design relying on wing tips and ergonomic shaping.
The technology has evolved significantly in these few years. While the Powerbeats Pro nailed the basics of fit and sound, newer models like the Elite 4 Active have added features like active noise cancellation (ANC) - which uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise - and more sophisticated app integration.
The Powerbeats Pro takes a "belt and suspenders" approach to fit security. The adjustable ear hooks might seem like overkill for casual use, but anyone who's lost an earbud while running will appreciate the peace of mind they provide. The hooks are surprisingly comfortable once properly adjusted, though they do make the earbuds bulkier to carry.
In contrast, the Elite 4 Active represents the modern minimalist approach. Its compact design relies on carefully shaped wing tips and ergonomic contouring to stay in place. I've found this design works well for most activities, though extremely vigorous movements like burpees or jump rope might have you wishing for the Powerbeats' hooks.
Both earbuds deliver impressive sound quality, but they take different approaches:
The Powerbeats Pro features Apple's H1 chip (the same technology in AirPods), which enables:
The Elite 4 Active counters with:
In terms of raw sound quality, both perform admirably. The Powerbeats Pro has a more energetic, bass-forward sound that works well for workout playlists. The Elite 4 Active offers a more balanced profile that you can tweak to your preferences through the app.
Battery life remains a crucial factor for wireless earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro leads with up to 9 hours of continuous playback, while the Elite 4 Active manages about 7 hours with ANC off (6 hours with it on). Both include charging cases that provide multiple additional charges:
Both support quick charging, though with different results:
Here's where we see the biggest differences between these models. The Powerbeats Pro excels in the Apple ecosystem but offers relatively basic features. The Elite 4 Active provides more versatility but lacks the seamless Apple integration.
At $199-249 for the Powerbeats Pro versus $119 for the Elite 4 Active, there's a significant price gap. The value proposition depends heavily on your needs:
If you're deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize workout stability, the Powerbeats Pro's premium might be justified. The seamless integration and rock-solid fit are genuine quality-of-life improvements.
However, the Elite 4 Active offers remarkable value with its feature set. You're getting active noise cancellation, customizable sound, and a compact design at almost half the price of the Powerbeats Pro.
Having tested both in various scenarios, here's how they perform in specific situations:
Choose the Powerbeats Pro if:
Choose the Elite 4 Active if:
While both models are still excellent choices in 2023, it's worth noting that the Powerbeats Pro is showing its age in terms of features. However, its core strengths - fit security, battery life, and sound quality - remain competitive. The Elite 4 Active represents a newer generation of features but might not match the absolute stability of the ear hook design.
For most users, the Elite 4 Active's modern feature set and lower price make it the more practical choice. However, if you're specifically looking for workout earbuds and don't mind the premium price, the Powerbeats Pro's rock-solid fit stability remains unmatched in the category.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Jabra Elite 4 Active |
|---|---|
| Price - Your starting decision point | |
| $199-249 (premium pricing) | $119 (excellent value) |
| Fit Style - Critical for workout stability | |
| Ear hooks (maximum stability) | Wing tips (good stability, more compact) |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use | |
| 9 hours + 24h case (industry-leading) | 7 hours + 28h case (above average) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Key for noisy environments | |
| No ANC (passive isolation only) | Yes (decent performance for price) |
| Water Resistance - Essential for workouts | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP57 (waterproof, dustproof) |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects ease of use | |
| Apple H1 chip (seamless iOS experience) | Platform agnostic (works well with all) |
| Sound Customization - Flexibility for different preferences | |
| Fixed tuning (bass-forward) | App with EQ (adjustable to taste) |
| Extra Features - Added value considerations | |
| "Hey Siri", auto device switching (Apple only) | Spotify Tap, HearThrough mode, MultiConnect |
| Case Size - Impacts portability | |
| Large (bulky in pocket) | Compact (easily pocketable) |
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is better for home theater use due to its active noise cancellation and customizable EQ. While the Powerbeats Pro has good sound quality, it lacks ANC which helps immerse you in movies.
The Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours per charge versus 7 hours for the Elite 4 Active. However, the Elite 4's case provides more total charging capacity (28 hours vs 24 hours).
Both perform well for TV watching, but the Powerbeats Pro has slightly lower latency with Apple devices. The Elite 4 Active supports aptX for low latency on compatible Android devices.
The Elite 4 Active is generally more comfortable for extended wear due to its lighter, more compact design. The Powerbeats Pro's ear hooks can become noticeable during long sessions.
Yes, both handle calls well, but the Powerbeats Pro has slightly better call quality in quiet environments, while the Elite 4 Active performs better in noisy situations due to its wind-reduction technology.
The Powerbeats Pro has stronger bass out of the box, but the Elite 4 Active can be EQ'd through its app to match your bass preferences for different content.
The Elite 4 Active offers MultiConnect for two devices simultaneously. The Powerbeats Pro only offers automatic switching between Apple devices.
The Elite 4 Active edges out here due to its customizable EQ and ANC, letting you optimize dialogue clarity. The Powerbeats Pro has good clarity but lacks adjustment options.
Yes, both work with any Bluetooth audio source, but the Powerbeats Pro works best with Apple devices, while the Elite 4 Active is more versatile across platforms.
The Elite 4 Active offers more customizable controls through its app. The Powerbeats Pro has physical buttons that are reliable but less customizable.
Both support single earbud use, but the Powerbeats Pro handles this more seamlessly. The Elite 4 Active works in mono mode but with some feature limitations.
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: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.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
