Let's dive into a thorough comparison of two interesting wireless earbuds: the budget-friendly Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) and the feature-packed LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99). Whether you're looking for workout companions or premium audio experiences, understanding the key differences will help you make the right choice.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly since these models were released. The Jabra Elite 4 Active launched in early 2022, while the LG TONE Free T90Q arrived later that year. Since then, we've seen improvements in battery life and noise cancellation across the industry, but both these models still hold their own in important ways.
The most significant recent developments have been in connectivity and spatial audio. While newer models might offer slightly better battery life or marginally improved noise cancellation, the core features that make these earbuds great haven't changed dramatically.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active takes a straightforward approach to sound. It offers a balanced audio profile that works well for most music genres. The bass is present but not overwhelming, and the mids are clear enough for podcast listening. Having tested these extensively, I've found they handle most music types well, though they might lack the deep bass some users prefer for genres like hip-hop or EDM.
The LG TONE Free T90Q steps things up with more advanced audio features. Its standout feature is Dolby head tracking, which means the sound adjusts as you move your head, creating a more immersive experience. This is particularly noticeable when watching movies or playing games - the sound stays anchored to your device rather than moving with your head.
For home theater use, the LG has a clear advantage. Its charging case can act as a Bluetooth transmitter, meaning you can connect it to older TVs or audio equipment that don't have Bluetooth built-in. This feature has saved me multiple times when wanting to watch late-night TV without disturbing others.
Both models approach fit differently:
The Jabra prioritizes stability during movement. The earbuds use a wing-free design that somehow manages to stay secure during workouts. The IP57 rating (meaning they're protected against dust and can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep) makes them ideal for sweaty workouts or running in the rain.
The LG earbuds focus more on all-day comfort. They're lighter and have a more traditional design. While they're water-resistant (IPX4, which means they can handle sweat and light rain), they're not as rugged as the Jabra. I've found them more comfortable for long listening sessions, though they might not be as secure for intense workouts.
Battery technology hasn't changed much since these models were released, but both offer competitive performance:
The LG adds wireless charging and UV sterilization in the case - nice features if you're concerned about cleanliness. The Jabra charges only via USB-C but offers slightly faster quick-charging: 10 minutes gives you an hour of playback.
The Jabra takes a simpler approach with physical buttons that work reliably, even with wet hands. The LG uses touch controls that are more elegant but can be finicky in wet conditions.
For the tech-savvy, codec support affects audio quality and latency. The Jabra supports aptX and SBC, while the LG adds AAC and aptX Adaptive. In practical terms, this means the LG might sound slightly better with high-quality audio sources and have lower latency when gaming or watching videos.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active makes sense if you:
The LG TONE Free T90Q is worth the premium if you:
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in specific scenarios:
The Jabra is the clear winner here. The secure fit and physical controls make it much easier to use while moving, and the better water resistance means you don't have to worry about damage from sweat.
The LG pulls ahead significantly. The head tracking and Bluetooth transmitter case make it a more versatile option for movie watching. The spatial audio creates a more immersive experience that's noticeable when watching action movies or playing games.
Both perform well, but in different ways. The Jabra's better noise isolation might be preferable on noisy trains, while the LG's more advanced ANC and comfort might work better for longer trips.
Consider these key factors:
The wireless earbud market continues to evolve, but both these models remain solid choices in their respective price brackets. The Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers exceptional value for those focused on core features and durability, while the LG TONE Free T90Q offers premium features that justify its higher price for users who'll take advantage of them.
| Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) | LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance Rating - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IP57 (fully protected against dust, can be submerged) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Important for daily convenience and long sessions | |
| 7 hours (buds), 28 hours (with case) | 9 hours (buds), 29 hours (with case) |
| Noise Cancellation - Key for commuting and office environments | |
| Basic ANC, adequate for consistent noises | Advanced adaptive ANC, better for variable environments |
| Audio Codecs - Affects sound quality and device compatibility | |
| SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (better for high-res audio) |
| Special Features - Can justify price premium if useful to you | |
| Basic app EQ, HearThrough mode | Dolby head tracking, UV sterilization, multi-device pairing |
| Controls - Impacts usability during activities | |
| Physical buttons (more reliable when wet/sweaty) | Touch controls (more elegant but can be finicky) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C only, 10min = 1hr playback | USB-C, wireless charging, 5min = 1hr playback |
| Fit Style - Critical for intended use case | |
| Secure athletic fit, stable during movement | Comfort-focused design, better for long sessions |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| 4 mics, good wind resistance | 6 mics, better voice clarity, average wind handling |
The LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) is significantly better for movies thanks to its Dolby head tracking and superior codec support. Its charging case can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter for older TVs, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active ($69.99) lacks these home theater-focused features.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active costs $69.99, while the LG TONE Free T90Q is priced at $229.99, making a significant $160 difference between the two models.
The LG TONE Free T90Q offers slightly longer battery life with 9 hours per charge, compared to the Jabra Elite 4 Active with 7 hours. Both provide similar total battery life with their cases (around 28-29 hours).
Yes, both models work well for private listening, but the LG TONE Free T90Q has an advantage with its Bluetooth transmitter case that can connect to any TV with audio output.
The LG TONE Free T90Q features more advanced adaptive noise cancellation, making it better for varying environments. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has basic ANC that works adequately for consistent background noise.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active is specifically designed for workouts with IP57 water resistance and a secure fit. The LG TONE Free T90Q is less suitable for intense exercise with only IPX4 rating.
The LG TONE Free T90Q supports multi-device pairing, while the Jabra Elite 4 Active can only connect to one device at a time.
The LG TONE Free T90Q offers superior sound quality with better codec support and Dolby head tracking. The Jabra Elite 4 Active provides good but basic sound quality suitable for most users.
Both work well for calls, but the LG TONE Free T90Q has better microphone quality with 6 mics compared to the Jabra Elite 4 Active's 4 mics.
Only the LG TONE Free T90Q supports wireless charging. The Jabra Elite 4 Active charges via USB-C only.
The LG TONE Free T90Q is better for gaming due to its lower latency with aptX Adaptive support and Dolby head tracking features. The Jabra Elite 4 Active has higher latency, making it less suitable for gaming.
The Jabra Elite 4 Active offers excellent value at $69.99 for basic features and durability. The LG TONE Free T90Q at $229.99 is worth it if you'll use its premium features like spatial audio and multi-device connectivity.
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 - techradar.com - soundstagesolo.com - digitaltrends.com - loudnwireless.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - thetechnologyman.com - youtube.com - musicphotolife.com - aptx.com
