When you're spending over $150 on wireless earbuds, you're entering a world where advanced features and superior sound quality become standard expectations. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229.99) and the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) represent the latest in what manufacturers can pack into these tiny devices. But which one deserves your hard-earned money? Let's dive in.
The wireless earbud market has evolved significantly, with both models introducing meaningful improvements. Released in early 2024, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 brought enhanced noise cancellation and a revolutionary smart case. Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro, launched in late 2023, introduced AI-powered features and improved integration with Samsung devices.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 delivers a balanced sound profile that leans slightly warm, meaning bass frequencies are pleasantly emphasized without overwhelming the mix. The inclusion of Dolby Spatial Audio (which creates a virtual surround sound experience) makes these particularly enjoyable for movie watching. In my testing, action scenes felt more immersive, with explosions and soundtracks wrapping around my head rather than feeling stuck inside it.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro takes a different approach, offering what audio enthusiasts call a "V-shaped" sound signature. This means both low (bass) and high (treble) frequencies are boosted, creating an exciting sound that makes pop and rock music really shine. Their 360 Audio feature, while similar to Jabra's spatial audio, adds head tracking - the sound adjusts as you move your head, making it feel more natural.
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create anti-noise waves to cancel it out. However, there are important differences:
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 features what Jabra calls "Adaptive Hybrid ANC," which is notably more effective at blocking low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or bus rumble. In my experience, it's nearly twice as effective as their previous model, especially with those troublesome low frequencies that can make commuting tiresome.
While the Galaxy Buds3 Pro's ANC might not block quite as much noise, it offers smarter features like automatically adjusting to your environment and detecting when you're speaking. This "Voice Detect" feature temporarily reduces music volume and enables ambient sound when you start talking - pretty handy for quick conversations.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is built like a tank, with an IP68 rating (meaning it's completely protected against dust and can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter). The "ShakeGrip" coating helps them stay put during intense workouts. I've used mine during sweaty gym sessions and even got caught in the rain - no issues whatsoever.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro features an IP57 rating, which still offers good protection but isn't quite as robust. They're perfectly fine for workouts and light rain, but I wouldn't risk submerging them. The fit is comfortable but might need occasional adjustment during vigorous activity.
Battery life remains a crucial factor for wireless earbuds. Here's how they stack up:
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2's standout feature is its LE Audio smart case - a first in the industry. This allows you to connect the case directly to devices via USB-C or 3.5mm jack, streaming audio wirelessly to the earbuds. It's incredibly useful for in-flight entertainment systems or gaming consoles that don't support Bluetooth.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro shines brightest within Samsung's ecosystem. Features like:
For movie watching, both options offer compelling features:
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2's Dolby Spatial Audio and smart case make it an excellent choice for home theater use. The ability to connect directly to TV's via the case eliminates lip-sync issues common with Bluetooth audio.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro works particularly well with Samsung TVs, offering automatic switching and low latency. The head-tracking feature can enhance the viewing experience, though some might find it distracting during longer viewing sessions.
The higher price brings:
The lower price offers:
Your choice should primarily depend on your specific needs:
Both products represent excellent choices in the premium wireless earbud market, but they serve different users. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the more capable all-arounder, especially if you need durability or superior noise cancellation. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers better value and smarter features, particularly for Samsung users.
Choose the Jabra if you need the best noise cancellation and durability, regardless of price. Go with the Samsung if you're invested in their ecosystem or want the best value while still getting premium features. Either way, you'll end up with a capable set of earbuds that should serve you well for years to come.
| Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($229.99) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Rating - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IP68 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IP57 (water-resistant, dust protected) |
| Battery Life with ANC - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 8 hours (buds), 32 hours (with case) | 5.2 hours (buds), 20 hours (with case) |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Advanced Adaptive Hybrid ANC (superior low-freq blocking) | Standard ANC with adaptive adjustment |
| Special Features - Can justify price premium | |
| LE Audio smart case, universal compatibility, Dolby Audio | Real-time translation, Samsung ecosystem integration, 360 Audio |
| Fit Security - Critical for active users | |
| ShakeGrip coating, highly secure fit | Standard silicone tips, occasional adjustment needed |
| Codec Support - Affects audio quality with compatible devices | |
| AAC, SBC (universal compatibility) | Samsung Seamless (24-bit on Samsung devices), AAC, SBC |
| Case Charging - Convenience feature | |
| Wireless + USB-C, unique audio input capability | Wireless + USB-C standard charging |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| 6-mic array, good wind reduction | Advanced AI-powered noise reduction, superior for calls |
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has an edge for movie watching due to its Dolby Spatial Audio support and smart case that allows direct TV connection. While the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers good 360 Audio, the Jabra's direct connection capability means better audio sync for movies.
Both work well for TV, but the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out with its smart case that can connect directly to TVs via USB-C or 3.5mm jack, eliminating common Bluetooth lag issues. The Samsung Buds3 Pro works best with Samsung TVs through their ecosystem integration.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers superior battery life with 8 hours (ANC on) and 32 hours total with the case. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro provides 5.2 hours (ANC on) and 20 hours total with the case.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 features stronger noise cancellation, especially for low frequencies, making it better for travel and commuting. The Samsung Buds3 Pro offers good but not class-leading ANC.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has superior water resistance (IP68) and is fully waterproof. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is water-resistant (IP57) but not fully waterproof.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has an advantage with its smart case allowing direct connection to consoles via USB-C or 3.5mm, reducing audio lag. The Samsung Buds3 Pro relies on standard Bluetooth connection.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro excels in call quality with AI-powered noise reduction. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers good call quality with its 6-mic array but isn't quite as advanced.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers seamless integration with Samsung devices, including instant switching and exclusive features. While the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 works well with Samsung devices, it doesn't offer the same level of integration.
Both support multipoint connectivity, but the Samsung Buds3 Pro switches more seamlessly between Samsung devices. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers more universal multi-device compatibility.
At $189.99, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers better value, especially for Samsung users. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 at $229.99 justifies its higher price with better durability and unique features like the smart case.
Both offer spatial audio, but the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 uses Dolby processing for more accurate movie soundtracks. The Samsung Buds3 Pro adds head tracking, which some users find enhances the experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers more intuitive touch controls with customization options. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has reliable controls but focuses more on workout-friendly physical buttons.
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: tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - runnersworld.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - head-fi.org - soundguys.com - yankodesign.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - phonearena.com - cdw.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - cnet.com - samsung.com
