Which Premium Wireless Earbuds Should You Buy in 2024?

When it comes to wireless earbuds, there's never been more choice - or more confusion. Today, we're comparing two popular premium options: the recently released Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279) and the JBL Tour Pro+ ($199). Both promise amazing sound and convenient features, but they take different approaches to earning a spot in your ears.

The Current State of Wireless Earbuds

Before diving into these specific models, let's talk about what matters in wireless earbuds today. The technology has matured significantly since the first true wireless earbuds appeared. In 2024, we expect not just great sound, but also effective noise cancellation, reliable connectivity, and smart features that make our lives easier.

The biggest recent advances have been in spatial audio (which creates a more immersive, theater-like sound experience), noise cancellation technology, and battery life. We're also seeing better integration with phones and other devices, plus more attention to call quality as remote work becomes permanent.

Breaking Down the Two Contenders

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 arrived in early 2024, bringing several improvements over its predecessor. Most notably, it introduces a smart case with LE Audio (Low Energy Audio, a new Bluetooth standard that provides better sound quality while using less power) and enhanced noise cancellation.

The JBL Tour Pro+, released in late 2023, takes a more traditional approach but offers excellent battery life and JBL's signature sound profile, known for its punchy bass and clear vocals.

Sound Quality: The Most Important Factor

Let's start with what matters most - how these earbuds actually sound.

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 represents a significant step forward in audio quality. Its implementation of Dolby Atmos (a technology that creates 3D sound positioning) is particularly impressive. When watching movies or listening to Atmos-mixed music, you get a genuine sense of sound coming from different directions. This isn't just marketing - I've tested these while watching action movies, and the experience is noticeably more immersive than standard stereo earbuds.

The JBL Tour Pro+ delivers what the brand is known for - powerful, energetic sound with emphasized bass. While it doesn't offer spatial audio features, its traditional stereo presentation is well-executed. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and vocals come through clearly. For listeners who prefer a more conventional sound signature, especially for genres like hip-hop or electronic music, these might actually be preferable.

Noise Cancellation: Creating Your Bubble

Both models offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create anti-noise waves to cancel it out. However, there are significant differences in their effectiveness.

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 features what the company calls "Advanced ANC," which can reduce up to 90% of external noise. In my testing, it handled both constant low-frequency noise (like airplane engines or air conditioners) and variable mid-frequency sounds (like office chatter) very well. The system also adapts to your ear shape, which helps maintain consistent performance across different users.

The JBL Tour Pro+ offers decent noise cancellation but focuses primarily on low-frequency sounds. It's effective for things like train noise or the hum of an air conditioner, but less so for human voices or higher-pitched sounds. This might be sufficient for many users, but if you frequently work in noisy environments or travel a lot, the Jabra's superior ANC might be worth the extra cost.

Battery Life and Charging

Here's where the JBL pulls ahead. The Tour Pro+ offers up to 10 hours of playback with ANC off (8 hours with it on), and the case provides an additional 32 hours. That's significantly more than the Jabra's 8 hours (6 with ANC) and 27 hours from the case.

Both models support wireless charging and quick charging features, but there's an interesting twist: The Jabra's smart case can connect directly to audio sources via USB-C, which is particularly useful for airplane entertainment systems or older devices without Bluetooth.

Special Features and Use Cases

This is where the price difference between these models starts to make sense. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2's smart case isn't just a battery - it's a Bluetooth transmitter that can connect to any audio source with a USB-C or 3.5mm port. This means you can use these earbuds with:

• Airplane entertainment systems
• Gym equipment
• Gaming consoles
• Old TVs or stereos

The JBL focuses on core features like touch controls and voice assistant integration. While these work well, they don't offer the same level of flexibility.

Call Quality and Microphones

For work calls or video meetings, both models perform admirably but in different ways. The Jabra uses six microphones with advanced noise reduction algorithms, making it particularly good at handling wind noise and background chatter. The JBL uses three microphones, which work well in quiet environments but struggle more in noisy conditions.

How to Decide

The choice between these earbuds really comes down to your priorities and use cases:

Choose the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 if:

• You watch a lot of movies or spatial audio content
• You travel frequently and want to use them with in-flight entertainment
• Call quality is crucial for your work
• You want the most effective noise cancellation
• You're willing to pay more for additional features

Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if:

• Battery life is your top priority
• You prefer stronger bass response
• You mainly listen to music rather than watching videos
• You want to save $80 while still getting premium features
• You don't need spatial audio or advanced connectivity options

Final Thoughts

Both of these earbuds represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is clearly the more advanced product, with features that justify its higher price for the right user. The JBL Tour Pro+ offers tremendous value, focusing on core features and executing them well.

Remember, the "best" choice depends entirely on your specific needs and how you plan to use them. Consider your typical use cases, the devices you'll connect to, and whether features like spatial audio or extended battery life matter more to you.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 True Wireless Earbuds Deals and Prices

JBL Tour Pro+ True Wireless Headphones Deals and Prices