When it comes to true wireless earbuds in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Today, let's compare two popular options: the Jabra Elite 7 Pro ($200) and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($230), breaking down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the original AirPods in 2016. Today's models pack impressive tech into tiny packages - we're talking active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise), advanced audio processing, and smart features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro launched in late 2021, while the Samsung Buds2 Pro arrived about a year later in mid-2022. Both have received several firmware updates since release, improving their performance and adding new features.
Sound quality is where these earbuds show their biggest differences. The Samsung Buds2 Pro uses a dual-driver design (meaning separate speakers for high and low frequencies) with a 10mm woofer and 5.3mm tweeter. This separation allows for cleaner, more detailed sound across all frequencies. In practice, this means you'll hear more detail in complex music, with better separation between instruments.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro uses a single 6mm driver but compensates with excellent tuning. While it can't match the Samsung's dynamic range (the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds), it provides a well-balanced sound that works great for most music genres. After a significant firmware update in early 2022, the sound quality improved notably, especially in the mid-range frequencies where vocals live.
For home theater use, the Samsung pulls ahead thanks to its support for 360-degree audio, which creates a more immersive soundstage when watching movies. The Jabra doesn't offer this feature, though both support standard stereo playback just fine.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature, and here the Samsung takes the lead. Its ANC technology does a better job handling both constant noise (like airplane engines) and irregular sounds (like office chatter). The Buds2 Pro can reduce background noise by up to 33dB, which is impressive for earbuds this size.
The Jabra's ANC is decent but not outstanding. It handles low-frequency noise well but struggles more with mid and high frequencies. However, both models offer adjustable transparency modes (called HearThrough on the Jabra and Ambient Sound on the Samsung) that let you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Battery life is where the Jabra Elite 7 Pro shines. You get 8 hours of playback with ANC on, and the case provides enough juice for 35 hours total. The Samsung manages only 5 hours with ANC and 30 hours total with the case.
Both support wireless charging and fast charging, but the Jabra's numbers are more impressive here too - 5 minutes of charging gives you about an hour of playback.
Both earbuds are comfortable, but they take different approaches. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is notably smaller and lighter (5.4g per bud), making it more comfortable for longer wearing sessions. The Samsung Buds2 Pro (5.5g per bud) has a slightly larger design but includes advanced fit detection to help you get the best seal.
For durability, both offer good water resistance - the Jabra with IP57 (protected against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter) and the Samsung with IPX7 (same water protection but no dust rating). I've used both while exercising, and they've held up well to sweat and light rain.
The Samsung Buds2 Pro really shines if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem. They offer automatic device switching between Samsung devices, Samsung's Seamless Codec for high-quality audio, and integration with SmartThings Find for locating lost earbuds.
The Jabra takes a more platform-agnostic approach, working equally well with any device. It supports multipoint connectivity, letting you connect to two devices simultaneously - great for switching between your phone and laptop.
Call quality is crucial for many users, and here the Jabra Elite 7 Pro takes the lead. It uses what Jabra calls "MultiSensor Voice Technology," combining traditional microphones with a bone conduction sensor that detects jaw movement. This helps it separate your voice from background noise more effectively.
The Samsung's three-microphone system is good but not quite as impressive in noisy environments. Both handle indoor calls well, but the Jabra performs better outdoors or in noisy situations.
Both earbuds offer companion apps for customization. Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app provides extensive features but works best with Samsung phones. The Jabra Sound+ app works equally well on all platforms and offers more customization options, including a full equalizer.
Physical controls are present on both, with the Jabra using physical buttons (which I prefer) and the Samsung using touch controls (which can be finicky in wet conditions or with gloves).
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro launched at $200 but often sells for around $150 or even less on sale. The Samsung Buds2 Pro maintains a higher price point at $230, though you can find it for around $170 during sales.
Your choice really comes down to your priorities:
Choose the Jabra Elite 7 Pro if you:
Choose the Samsung Buds2 Pro if you:
Both are excellent earbuds that have improved since their release through software updates. The Jabra offers better value for most users, while the Samsung justifies its higher price with superior sound quality and noise cancellation, especially if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem.
| Jabra Elite 7 Pro ($200) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($230) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life with ANC - Crucial for all-day use without recharging | |
| 8 hours (35 total with case) | 5 hours (30 total with case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for noisy environments and travel | |
| Average performance, struggles with high frequencies | Superior performance, up to 33dB reduction |
| Sound Quality - Key factor for music enjoyment and detail | |
| Single 6mm driver, balanced but less dynamic | Dual drivers (10mm + 5.3mm), more detailed sound |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Critical for durability and exercise use | |
| IP57 (protected against dust and water) | IPX7 (water only, no dust protection) |
| Call Quality - Essential for business use and voice clarity | |
| Superior with bone conduction sensor | Good but less effective in noisy environments |
| Device Connectivity - Important for switching between devices | |
| Multipoint connection (2 devices simultaneously) | Single device, seamless Samsung ecosystem switching |
| Weight Per Earbud - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 5.4g (more comfortable for extended wear) | 5.5g (slightly heavier) |
| Special Features - Can enhance daily usability | |
| Platform-agnostic, customizable EQ | 360° audio, Samsung codec support |
For home theater use, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is superior due to its 360-degree audio support and dual-driver system. While the Jabra Elite 7 Pro works fine for movies, it lacks spatial audio features that enhance the viewing experience.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro typically costs $200 but often sells for around $150, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro is priced at $230 with occasional sales around $170.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers superior battery life with 8 hours of playback (ANC on) compared to the Samsung Buds2 Pro's 5 hours. With their cases, total battery life is 35 hours for Jabra versus 30 hours for Samsung.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Samsung Buds2 Pro works especially well with Samsung TVs, while the Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers more universal compatibility.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro provides notably better noise cancellation, reducing ambient noise by up to 33dB. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers adequate but less effective noise cancellation.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro excels at voice calls due to its bone conduction sensor and MultiSensor Voice technology. The Samsung Buds2 Pro performs well but isn't quite as clear in noisy environments.
Both are sweat-resistant with the Jabra Elite 7 Pro rated IP57 (dust and water) and Samsung Buds2 Pro rated IPX7 (water only). Both are suitable for exercise.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro is slightly lighter and more compact, making it more comfortable for extended wear. The Samsung Buds2 Pro is still comfortable but slightly bulkier.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro supports multipoint connection for two devices simultaneously. The Samsung Buds2 Pro only connects to one device at a time but offers seamless switching between Samsung devices.
The Samsung Buds2 Pro delivers superior sound quality with its dual-driver system. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers good but less dynamic sound.
Both support gaming mode to reduce latency, but the Samsung Buds2 Pro performs better with Samsung devices. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers consistent performance across all platforms.
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro offers better value with its lower price point and versatile features. However, if sound quality is your priority, the Samsung Buds2 Pro justifies its higher price with superior audio performance and ANC.
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: nextpit.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - soyacincau.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - headsetadvisor.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com
