If you're in the market for high-quality wireless earbuds in 2024, you might be comparing the $100 Jabra Elite 4 Active and the $250 Bowers & Wilkins Pi6. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs and budget.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first Apple AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models offer impressive features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out environmental noise), advanced Bluetooth codecs (think of these as "languages" that determine audio quality), and smart features that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active (released April 2023) and B&W Pi6 (released late 2023) represent the latest generation of wireless earbuds, each taking different approaches to what matters most.
Let's start with what many consider most important: how these earbuds actually sound.
The B&W Pi6 clearly wins in pure audio quality, thanks to its 12mm bio-cellulose drivers (the tiny speakers inside the earbuds). These specialized drivers produce clearer, more detailed sound with better separation between instruments. If you're someone who can hear the difference between high-quality and compressed music files, you'll appreciate the Pi6's support for aptX Adaptive - a high-quality Bluetooth codec that allows for better wireless audio transmission.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active, while not matching the Pi6's audio refinement, still delivers impressive sound for its price point. It supports the standard SBC and aptX codecs, which provide good but not exceptional wireless audio quality. In my testing, the Jabra produced clear, balanced sound that works well for most music genres, podcasts, and calls.
This is where the Jabra really shines. With an IP57 rating (protected against dust and can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep), the Elite 4 Active is built for everything from intense workouts to sudden rainstorms. The B&W Pi6, with its IP54 rating, can handle some sweat and light rain but isn't quite as robust.
Both models come with multiple ear tip sizes, but the Jabra's sport-focused design tends to stay more secure during active use. I've found the Jabra excellent for running and gym sessions, while the B&W feels more at home during commutes or office work.
Here's how they stack up:
Jabra Elite 4 Active:
B&W Pi6:
The Jabra's longer battery life makes it more practical for all-day use, though both should satisfy most users' daily needs.
Both models offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but implement it differently:
The B&W Pi6 provides more sophisticated noise cancellation, using advanced algorithms to better adapt to your environment. It's particularly effective at blocking out consistent sounds like airplane engines or office noise.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers simpler but still effective ANC that works well for general use. Both models include transparency modes (called HearThrough on the Jabra) that let you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Both models offer companion apps for customization, but Jabra's app typically provides more adjustable settings and features. The Jabra includes physical buttons that work reliably even with wet hands, while the B&W uses touch controls that look sleeker but can be less reliable during activity.
For home theater use, the B&W Pi6's support for aptX Adaptive means lower latency (less delay between video and audio) when watching movies or gaming. The Jabra's standard aptX support still performs adequately but might show slight audio delay in some situations.
After extensive testing with both models, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The price difference between these models is significant. The Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers impressive value at $100, offering most of the features people want in wireless earbuds at a mid-range price point. The B&W Pi6, at $250, represents a premium option for those prioritizing sound quality and refinement over pure practicality.
Choose the Jabra Elite 4 Active if:
Choose the B&W Pi6 if:
Both models have received firmware updates since their release, improving stability and features. The Jabra has seen updates to its noise cancellation algorithms, while B&W has refined its touch controls and connection stability.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active and B&W Pi6 represent different approaches to wireless earbuds. The Jabra focuses on versatility and value, while B&W prioritizes audio quality and refinement. For most users, the Jabra's combination of features, durability, and price make it the more practical choice. However, if you're an audio enthusiast who primarily uses earbuds for music listening in controlled environments, the B&W Pi6's superior sound quality might justify its premium price.
Remember that both models represent significant improvements over earlier wireless earbuds, with better battery life, connectivity, and features than their predecessors. Whichever you choose, you're getting capable earbuds that demonstrate how far this technology has come in recent years.
| $100 Jabra Elite 4 Active | $250 Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Rating - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof, gym-ready) | IP54 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without charging | |
| 7 hours (buds), 28 hours total | 5 hours (buds), 24 hours total |
| Audio Codecs - Determines maximum sound quality potential | |
| SBC, aptX (good but basic) | aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC (superior) |
| Driver Size - Impacts sound quality and bass response | |
| 6mm drivers (adequate for most users) | 12mm bio-cellulose (noticeably better audio) |
| ANC Performance - Crucial for commuting and office use | |
| Basic ANC (adequate for most situations) | Advanced adaptive ANC (notably better) |
| Controls - Affects ease of use during activities | |
| Physical buttons (more reliable when wet) | Touch controls (sleeker but less reliable) |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 60 min playback from 10 min charge | 120 min playback from 15 min charge |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection stability and range | |
| 5.2 (reliable connection) | 5.4 (slightly better range and stability) |
| Case Size - Affects pocket-ability | |
| Compact (28.4 x 38.9 x 64mm) | Slightly larger (not specified) |
| Value Proposition - Overall worth for features | |
| Excellent value, versatile use | Premium price for superior audio |
The $250 B&W Pi6 delivers noticeably superior sound quality with its 12mm bio-cellulose drivers and advanced codec support. While the $100 Jabra Elite 4 Active offers good sound, it's not at the same audiophile level as the Pi6.
The B&W Pi6 is better for home theater use due to its aptX Adaptive codec support, which reduces audio lag. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works adequately but may have slight video sync issues.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers 7 hours of playback with 28 hours total including the case. The B&W Pi6 provides 5 hours of playback with 24 hours total with the case.
The B&W Pi6 features more sophisticated noise cancellation that adapts to your environment. The Jabra Elite 4 Active's ANC is functional but basic in comparison.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is specifically designed for exercise with IP57 waterproofing and secure fit. The B&W Pi6 has only IP54 protection and isn't ideal for intense workouts.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers exceptional value at $100 with most premium features. The B&W Pi6 costs significantly more at $250 but justifies its price with superior audio quality.
The B&W Pi6 supports multipoint connection for easy switching between devices. The Jabra Elite 4 Active requires manual reconnection when switching devices.
Both are comfortable, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active tends to be better for extended wear due to its lighter weight and sport-oriented design.
Both work with Bluetooth-enabled TVs, but the B&W Pi6's aptX Adaptive codec provides better latency and audio quality for TV viewing.
The B&W Pi6 offers superior call quality with better microphones and noise reduction. The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides adequate but not exceptional call performance.
The B&W Pi6 is better for gaming due to lower latency with aptX Adaptive. The Jabra Elite 4 Active may have noticeable audio delay during gaming.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active has more reliable physical buttons, while the B&W Pi6 uses touch controls that can be less consistent but offer a more premium feel.
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: 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 - stuff.tv - bowerswilkins.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - bowerswilkins.com - audio46.com - crutchfield.com - baybloorradio.com - skybygramophone.com - nfm.com - ofinet.es - bowerswilkins.com
