When it comes to wireless earbuds, Jabra has consistently delivered quality products that balance features and value. Today, we're comparing the budget-friendly Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119.99) with the premium Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99) to help you decide which best fits your needs.
Wireless earbuds have evolved significantly since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Modern earbuds aren't just for music - they're multifunction devices for calls, workouts, gaming, and even home theater use. The key features buyers look for today include:
The Elite 4 Active, released in early 2022, aimed to deliver core features at a more accessible price point. It brought active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out external sounds) and water resistance to the mid-range market.
The Elite 10 Gen 2, launched in 2024, represents Jabra's current flagship offering. It introduces several technical advances, including spatial audio (which creates a more immersive, theater-like sound experience) and a smart case that can connect directly to TVs and other devices.
The Elite 4 Active delivers surprisingly good sound for its price point. The balanced audio profile works well for most music genres, and you can adjust the equalizer (EQ) settings in Jabra's app to tune the sound to your preferences.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 takes things further with notably clearer highs and more detailed bass. The addition of Dolby Atmos support and head tracking creates a more immersive experience, especially when watching movies. In my testing, the difference is most noticeable with orchestral music and action movies, where the wider soundstage really shines.
Here's where the price difference becomes apparent. The Elite 4 Active's noise cancellation is good enough for commuting and office use, reducing constant background noise like air conditioning or train rumble.
The Elite 10 Gen 2's advanced ANC is significantly more effective, using improved algorithms and better microphones to cancel twice as much noise. It's particularly noticeable on airplane flights or in busy cafes, where it can reduce even irregular noises like conversations more effectively.
Interestingly, the less expensive Elite 4 Active wins in pure battery life, offering 7 hours of playback with ANC on, while the charging case provides an additional 21 hours. Fast charging gives you an hour of playback from 10 minutes of charging.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 manages 6 hours with ANC on and 27 hours total with the case. However, it adds wireless charging support and a smart case that can connect to other audio sources - a unique feature that might make up for the slightly shorter battery life depending on your needs.
Both models use Jabra's ergonomic design philosophy but take different approaches:
Both models offer good protection:
The Elite 4 Active covers the basics well:
The Elite 10 Gen 2 adds several premium features:
I've tested both models in various situations, and here's how they perform:
The Elite 4 Active excels here, with its secure fit and durable design. The physical controls work better with sweaty fingers than touch controls, and the IP57 rating provides peace of mind.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 works fine for exercise but isn't specifically designed for it. The semi-open design, while more comfortable for long sessions, might feel less secure during intense workouts.
This is where the Elite 10 Gen 2 really shines. The spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support create an immersive experience that's closer to a full home theater setup. The smart case can connect directly to your TV, eliminating the lag that often plagues Bluetooth connections.
The Elite 4 Active works for TV watching but lacks these advanced features. There's more latency, and the sound stage isn't as expansive.
Both perform well for everyday tasks like calls and music, but in different ways:
Elite 4 Active:
Elite 10 Gen 2:
The price difference ($160) between these models is significant, so let's break down the value proposition:
The Elite 4 Active delivers:
The Elite 10 Gen 2 justifies its premium with:
Choose the Elite 4 Active if:
Choose the Elite 10 Gen 2 if:
Both models excel in their respective price categories. The Elite 4 Active represents excellent value for most users, delivering core features at a reasonable price. The Elite 10 Gen 2 justifies its premium price with significant improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, and additional features like spatial audio and the smart case.
For most users, the Elite 4 Active will be more than sufficient. However, if you're an audio enthusiast, frequent traveler, or someone who will make use of the advanced features, the Elite 10 Gen 2 is worth the investment. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget rather than any objective "better" option.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active ($119.99) | Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Critical for blocking environmental noise during commuting and work | |
| Basic ANC, good for constant background noise | Advanced ANC (2x stronger), handles variable noises better |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day usage without recharging | |
| 7 hours (28 total with case) | 6 hours (27 total with case) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Determines durability for workouts and outdoor use | |
| IP57 (earbuds only) | IP57 (earbuds), IP54 (case) |
| Sound Quality - Impacts overall listening experience | |
| Good balanced sound, basic EQ control | Premium sound, Dolby Atmos, spatial audio with head tracking |
| Connectivity Features - Affects convenience and versatility | |
| Single device connection, basic Bluetooth | Multipoint connection, smart case with LE Audio for TV |
| Charging Options - Influences convenience and usage flexibility | |
| USB-C only | USB-C and wireless Qi charging |
| Fit Style - Impacts comfort and usage scenarios | |
| Secure fit for workouts, more snug | Semi-open design for comfort, less pressure |
| Call Quality - Important for work and personal use | |
| 4-mic system, good clarity | 6-mic system, superior noise reduction |
| Extra Features - Adds value and functionality | |
| Basic app controls, HearThrough mode | Spatial audio, smart case TV connectivity, enhanced app features |
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is significantly better for movies thanks to its Dolby Atmos support and spatial audio with head tracking. The Elite 4 Active works fine for basic TV watching but lacks these immersive features and has more audio latency.
For home theater use, yes. The Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99) justifies its premium over the Elite 4 Active ($119.99) with superior sound quality, better noise cancellation, and the smart case that can connect directly to TVs without lag.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 includes a smart case that can connect directly to TVs using either USB or 3.5mm connections. The Elite 4 Active requires your TV to have Bluetooth capability for connection.
The Elite 4 Active actually has slightly better battery life with 7 hours per charge (28 total with case) compared to the Elite 10 Gen 2's 6 hours (27 total with case).
Yes, but the Elite 10 Gen 2 has significantly better noise cancellation that's twice as effective as the Elite 4 Active, especially for variable sounds like voices and traffic.
Both models work well for private listening. The Elite 10 Gen 2 offers a more comfortable semi-open design for long viewing sessions, while the Elite 4 Active has a snugger fit that might be less comfortable for extended wear.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 has notably less delay, especially when using its smart case connection. The Elite 4 Active may have noticeable lag depending on your device's Bluetooth implementation.
Only the Elite 10 Gen 2 supports multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. The Elite 4 Active can only connect to one device at a time.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, creating a virtual surround sound experience. The Elite 4 Active only provides basic stereo playback.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 has superior call quality with its 6-mic system, while the Elite 4 Active uses a 4-mic system that's good but not as clear.
Only the Elite 10 Gen 2 supports wireless charging. The Elite 4 Active charges exclusively via USB-C.
The Elite 10 Gen 2's smart case can connect directly to receivers via 3.5mm or USB. The Elite 4 Active would need to connect through a Bluetooth-enabled receiver or TV.
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 - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - loudnwireless.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - seriousinsights.net
