The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since 2019, when Beats Powerbeats Pro first launched at $249.95. Now available at $129.99, they're competing with newer models like the recently released Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 at $229.99. Let's explore how these options stack up in today's market.
Premium wireless earbuds have become essential gear for many of us, serving multiple roles from workout companion to office headset. The key features buyers should consider have expanded beyond just sound quality and battery life. Today's users expect advanced noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and counter external sounds), water resistance (measured by IP ratings), and smart features like spatial audio (creating a more immersive, theater-like sound experience).
The Powerbeats Pro and Elite 8 Active take notably different approaches to staying secure in your ears. Beats opted for traditional ear hooks - those curved pieces that wrap around your outer ear. While some find them slightly bulky, I've found them incredibly reliable during intense workouts. They simply won't fall out, period.
Jabra took a more innovative route with their ShakeGrip technology, using specially designed liquid silicone rubber that creates a secure seal without hooks. It's impressively effective and makes the earbuds more compact and easier to pocket.
This is where we see the biggest technological leap between these generations of earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro carries an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain. For most users in 2019, this was plenty.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 boasts an IP68 rating, meaning they're fully dustproof and can be submerged in water. This reflects how our expectations for durability have evolved - modern premium earbuds are expected to handle whatever life throws at them.
Both models deliver excellent audio quality, but their approaches differ significantly:
The lack of ANC in the Powerbeats might seem dated, but it helps achieve their impressive battery life. That said, the Elite 8's noise cancellation is genuinely impressive, especially in handling wind noise - a common weakness in many earbuds.
Battery technology hasn't seen dramatic improvements since 2019, but manufacturers have gotten better at power management. The Powerbeats Pro still leads in single-charge battery life at 9 hours, while the Elite 8 Active manages 8 hours with ANC on (14 hours with it off).
Both offer quick charging features:
The technology gap is most apparent here. The Powerbeats Pro uses Apple's H1 chip and Bluetooth 5.0, which was cutting edge in 2019. It still provides excellent iOS integration and reliable connectivity.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 employs Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved stability and power efficiency. Its smart case can stream audio directly from devices via USB-C or 3.5mm connections - a clever feature for situations like airplane entertainment systems.
While neither model is specifically designed for home theater use, the Elite 8 Active's Dolby spatial audio support makes it the better choice here. When watching movies, the spatial audio creates a more immersive experience by simulating surround sound. The Powerbeats Pro, while offering good sound quality, lacks this feature and might feel less engaging for movie watching.
The price difference here is significant: $129.99 vs $229.99. The question isn't just which is better, but whether the additional features justify the $100 difference.
The Powerbeats Pro represents excellent value if you:
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 justifies its higher price if you:
Consider these questions:
Both options excel in their intended use cases. The Powerbeats Pro remains a solid choice for workout-focused users who want reliable performance without paying for extras they won't use. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 represents the current state of the art, with features that make it more versatile across different situations.
For most users, I'd recommend the Powerbeats Pro if budget is a concern and workout performance is the priority. However, if you can afford the premium, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers more features and better future-proofing. Its advanced noise cancellation and durability make it more adaptable to various situations, from commuting to office work to workouts.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and how you'll actually use them day to day. Don't pay extra for features you won't use, but also don't compromise on features that would significantly improve your daily experience.
| Beats Powerbeats Pro $129.99 | Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 $229.99 |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance - Critical for workout durability and longevity | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP68 (fully waterproof - worth it for serious athletes) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without recharging | |
| 9 hours (buds), 24 hours (with case) | 8 hours (ANC on), 32 hours (with case) |
| Fit Style - Crucial for workout stability and comfort | |
| Ear hooks (most secure for intense workouts) | ShakeGrip technology (excellent stability, more discrete) |
| Noise Cancellation - Essential for commuting or office use | |
| None (basic isolation only) | Advanced Adaptive ANC (significant upgrade for noisy environments) |
| Connectivity - Affects ease of use and reliability | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, H1 chip (excellent for iOS) | Bluetooth 5.3 (better range, works well with all devices) |
| Special Features - Consider if worth the price premium | |
| Fast Fuel charging, "Hey Siri" | Dolby Audio, smart case streaming, customizable EQ |
| Size/Portability - Affects everyday carrying convenience | |
| Larger due to ear hooks (less pocketable) | Compact design (easily pocketable) |
| Value Proposition - Consider your primary use case | |
| Better value for basic workout needs | Premium price justified if you need durability/ANC |
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is significantly better for movie watching due to its Dolby spatial audio support. While the Beats Powerbeats Pro offers good sound quality, it lacks the immersive audio features that make the Elite 8 Active ideal for home theater use.
Both can work with TV, but the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out due to its smart case that can connect directly to TV audio outputs via USB-C or 3.5mm cable, reducing latency issues common in Bluetooth TV connections.
The Powerbeats Pro offers 9 hours per charge, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 provides 8 hours with ANC on (14 hours with ANC off). Including the charging case, the Elite 8 Active provides more total playtime at 32 hours versus 24 hours.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is significantly more durable with IP68 waterproof rating, compared to the Powerbeats Pro's IPX4 splash-resistant rating.
The Powerbeats Pro excels at workouts due to its secure ear hooks, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 uses innovative ShakeGrip technology. Both are excellent, but Powerbeats Pro offers more traditional security.
Only the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 features Active Noise Cancellation. The Powerbeats Pro relies on passive noise isolation only.
The Powerbeats Pro integrates better with iPhone due to Apple's H1 chip, offering seamless pairing and "Hey Siri" support. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 works well with all devices but lacks these Apple-specific features.
Both work well for calls, but the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has superior call quality with 6 microphones and advanced noise reduction. The Powerbeats Pro offers good but basic call performance.
Both offer excellent sound, but the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 edges out with more advanced audio features and customizable EQ. The Powerbeats Pro still delivers robust, well-balanced audio suitable for most users.
Neither is ideal for gaming due to Bluetooth latency, but the Elite 8 Active Gen 2's smart case with direct connections can provide better gaming performance than the Powerbeats Pro.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is superior for home theater use with Dolby spatial audio support, creating a more immersive experience than the Powerbeats Pro, which lacks surround sound 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: rtings.com - mddevicerepair.com - adambowie.com - verizon.com - globalmobilesinc.com - costco.com - support.apple.com - soundguys.com - techshop.umich.edu - cnet.com - rcwilley.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
