If you're shopping for wireless earbuds in 2024, you're entering a mature market with lots of great choices. Today we're comparing the Jabra Elite 4 Active ($100) and the JBL Tune Buds ($50), two popular options at different price points.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Today's models offer impressive battery life, active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out ambient noise), and sound quality that rivals many wired options. The technology has matured significantly, with Bluetooth 5.3 solving many of the connection issues that plagued early models.
Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active and JBL Tune Buds launched in 2023, making them current-generation products with modern features. They both include key technologies like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes (which let you hear your surroundings when needed), but their approaches and effectiveness differ considerably.
Let's start with what matters most - how they sound. The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers a more balanced sound profile, with clear mids (where vocals and most instruments live) and controlled bass. It supports the aptX codec, which provides better audio quality on Android devices compared to standard Bluetooth audio.
The JBL Tune Buds lean into JBL's signature sound with emphasized bass - great for modern pop and hip-hop, but potentially overwhelming for classical or acoustic music. They support the AAC codec, making them a better choice for iPhone users, as Apple devices don't support aptX.
For home theater use, the Jabra's lower latency (delay between video and audio) makes it the better choice. While neither will match dedicated home theater headphones, the Jabra's aptX support helps minimize lip-sync issues when watching videos.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both models show this:
Both use USB-C charging, but neither offers wireless charging - a feature increasingly common in this price range. Fast charging is available on both, providing about an hour of playback from a 10-minute charge.
Here's where we see significant differences that might matter depending on your lifestyle. The Jabra Elite 4 Active features an IP57 rating, meaning it's fully protected against dust and can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice for runners and gym enthusiasts.
The JBL Tune Buds carry an IP54 rating, offering protection against dust and splashes but not submersion. For most daily use this is fine, but if you're planning to use them while working out or in the rain, the Jabra offers better protection.
Both models come with multiple ear tip sizes, but their approaches to fit security differ. The Jabra Elite 4 Active uses a slightly textured surface material that helps keep them in place during activity. I've found them particularly stable during running and high-impact exercises.
The JBL Tune Buds use a more traditional smooth surface and rely primarily on the ear tips for security. They're comfortable for casual use but might not stay in place as well during vigorous activity.
In testing, the Jabra Elite 4 Active significantly outperforms the JBL Tune Buds for call quality. The Jabra uses four microphones with advanced noise reduction, making voices clear even in windy conditions. The JBL's microphone performance is adequate for occasional calls but struggles more with background noise.
Both earbuds offer touch controls and voice assistant support, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active provides more customization through its Sound+ app. You can adjust the EQ (equalizer settings to customize sound), customize button functions, and fine-tune the ANC levels.
The JBL Tune Buds offer basic app functionality with fewer customization options but include all essential controls for playback and calls.
At $50, the JBL Tune Buds offer impressive features for the price:
At $100, the Jabra Elite 4 Active justifies its higher price with:
Your choice between these models should depend primarily on your specific needs:
If you're on a tight budget but want modern features like ANC and good battery life, the JBL Tune Buds offer excellent value at $50. They're a great choice for casual listening and occasional calls.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active makes more sense if:
Consider your typical use case carefully. For example, if you mainly listen while commuting, either model will serve you well. But if you're planning to use them during workouts or in wet conditions, the extra investment in the Jabra Elite 4 Active is worthwhile.
Both models are current generation (2023) and should remain competitive through 2024. However, we're likely to see new models with features like wireless charging and improved battery life in the coming year. If these features are important to you, it might be worth waiting for next-generation models.
The true wireless earbud market continues to evolve, but both these models represent solid choices at their respective price points. The JBL Tune Buds deliver impressive value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers enhanced durability and performance for those willing to spend more.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active ($100) | JBL Tune Buds ($50) |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance Rating - Critical for workout use and durability | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof, good for running/rain) | IP54 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day listening | |
| 7 hours (28 total with case) | 10 hours (30 total with case) |
| Noise Cancellation - Makes a big difference in noisy environments | |
| Advanced ANC with customizable levels | Basic ANC, limited adjustment |
| Call Quality - Critical if you take frequent calls | |
| Excellent, 4-mic system with wind reduction | Basic, struggles with background noise |
| Fit Security - Important for active use | |
| Textured surface, stays put during exercise | Smooth surface, may shift during activity |
| Sound Signature - Choose based on listening preferences | |
| Balanced, accurate sound good for all genres | Bass-heavy, ideal for pop/hip-hop |
| Codec Support - Matters for audio quality, especially on Android | |
| aptX (better for Android) | AAC (better for iPhone) |
| App Features - Affects long-term usability | |
| Full EQ control, button customization | Basic EQ presets, limited customization |
| Fast Charging - Helpful for quick top-ups | |
| 60 min playback from 10 min charge | 4 hours playback from 15 min charge |
The Jabra Elite 4 Active ($100) performs better for home theater use due to its aptX codec support, which provides lower latency and better lip-sync when watching videos. The JBL Tune Buds ($50) may experience slight audio delay during movies.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active costs $100, while the JBL Tune Buds is priced at $50. The price difference reflects better build quality, waterproofing, and noise cancellation in the Jabra.
The JBL Tune Buds offers longer battery life with 10 hours per charge, compared to 7 hours for the Jabra Elite 4 Active. Both cases provide about 30 hours total playtime.
Yes, both models work well for late-night TV viewing. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has better noise cancellation to block outside sounds, while the JBL Tune Buds offers longer battery life for extended viewing sessions.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides superior noise cancellation with customizable levels, while the JBL Tune Buds offers basic ANC performance.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is specifically designed for exercise with IP57 waterproofing and secure fit. The JBL Tune Buds is less suitable with only IP54 splash resistance.
The JBL Tune Buds supports AAC codec, making it slightly better for iPhone users. The Jabra Elite 4 Active works well with iPhones but its aptX codec benefit is only available on Android.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers more balanced sound quality suitable for all genres, while the JBL Tune Buds provides bass-heavy sound better for modern music.
Both can handle calls, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active significantly outperforms with its 4-mic system. The JBL Tune Buds provides basic call functionality.
Neither the Jabra Elite 4 Active nor the JBL Tune Buds support wireless charging. Both use USB-C for charging.
Both offer multiple ear tip sizes, but the JBL Tune Buds may be more comfortable for extended use due to its lighter design. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has a sportier fit that some may find more noticeable during long sessions.
Neither model provides true surround sound, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active offers better spatial audio performance for movies. The JBL Tune Buds provides basic stereo separation suitable for casual viewing.
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 - rtings.com - greentoe.com - crutchfield.com - bestbuy.com - jbl.com - ggelectronics.com - youtube.com - jbl.co.nz - jbl.com - jblstore.com.ph - discussions.apple.com - jbl.com
