Today we're diving deep into two excellent wireless earbud options - the Jabra Elite 8 Active ($129.99) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99). While both launched in late 2023, they take different approaches to serving your audio needs.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Modern premium earbuds now pack impressive tech into tiny packages - from active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise) to spatial audio (creating a 3D sound effect that makes audio feel like it's coming from all around you).
The key features buyers should consider have evolved too. While basic sound quality is still crucial, factors like smart features, battery life, and ecosystem integration now play major roles in the decision.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active delivers a balanced sound profile that works well across music genres. Its implementation of Dolby Audio provides decent spatial awareness, though it's not quite as sophisticated as some competitors. Having tested these extensively, I've found they excel with podcasts and vocal-heavy music, while still handling bass-heavy tracks competently.
The Samsung Buds3 Pro edges ahead in pure audio quality, especially when paired with Samsung devices. They support 24-bit audio (meaning they can reproduce more detailed sound than standard 16-bit audio) and offer more advanced spatial audio with head tracking - particularly useful when watching movies.
Here's where the Jabra really shines. With an IP68 rating (meaning they're fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water), they're essentially life-proof. The "ShakeGrip" coating keeps them secure during intense workouts - I've tested them during running and HIIT sessions without a single slip.
The Samsung buds offer IP57 protection (good water resistance but less dust protection) and while comfortable, aren't specifically designed for intense activities.
Battery life is increasingly important as we use earbuds for work and entertainment. The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers 14 hours of playback with noise cancelling on - impressive for this category. The charging case adds another 28 hours.
The Samsung Buds3 Pro provides 7 hours of playback with ANC on, with the case adding 16 more hours. Both support wireless charging, but Samsung's implementation works seamlessly with Samsung phone reverse wireless charging.
This is where your choice might largely depend on your other devices. The Samsung buds offer deeper integration with Samsung phones - instant pairing, seamless switching between devices, and enhanced features like 24-bit audio support.
The Jabra takes a more universal approach, working equally well with any device. Their companion app offers extensive customization options and works on both Android and iOS. A unique feature is their "smart case" which can turn any wired audio source into a wireless one - great for using with gym equipment or older devices.
Both offer effective active noise cancellation, but implement it differently. The Jabra uses adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment - particularly useful when moving between different spaces. The Samsung's implementation is slightly more aggressive at blocking low frequencies, making it better for plane travel.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is the clear winner here. The combination of superior water/dust protection, secure fit, and physical controls that work well with sweaty fingers makes them ideal for any workout scenario.
Both perform well, but for different reasons. The Samsung's better ANC makes it great for planes, while the Jabra's longer battery life means less charging on long trips.
If you're planning to use these with your TV or home theater setup, the Samsung offers better spatial audio performance and lower latency with Samsung TVs. However, the Jabra's smart case feature means it can connect to any TV with an audio output - a unique advantage.
Both handle calls well, but the Jabra's better battery life and more secure fit make it more practical for all-day use. The Samsung does offer better integration with Microsoft Teams if that's important to your workflow.
At $129.99, the Jabra Elite 8 Active offers exceptional value, especially considering its durability and battery life. The Samsung Buds3 Pro at $189.99 justifies its premium price mainly through its advanced features and ecosystem integration.
Choose the Jabra if:
Choose the Samsung if:
Remember, both are excellent choices - it really comes down to your specific needs and how you'll primarily use them. For most users, the Jabra offers better value, but Samsung users will appreciate the seamless integration and enhanced features of the Buds3 Pro.
| Jabra Elite 8 Active ($129.99) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Rating - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IP68 (fully waterproof/dustproof) | IP57 (water-resistant, less dust protection) |
| Battery Life - Important for all-day use without charging | |
| 14 hours (ANC on), 42 total with case | 7 hours (ANC on), 23 total with case |
| Noise Cancellation - Affects how well they block outside noise | |
| Adaptive ANC, auto-adjusts to environment | Standard ANC, better at low frequencies |
| Fit Security - Critical for active use and comfort | |
| ShakeGrip coating, won't fall out during workouts | Standard silicone tips, good for casual use |
| Ecosystem Integration - Affects advanced features availability | |
| Universal compatibility, works equally well with all devices | Enhanced features with Samsung devices only |
| Audio Quality - Important for music and content enjoyment | |
| Balanced sound, good clarity but basic spatial audio | 24-bit audio, advanced spatial with head tracking |
| Special Features - Can make daily use more convenient | |
| Smart case for wired-to-wireless conversion, multipoint connectivity | Real-time translation, Samsung device auto-switching |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C, Wireless charging | USB-C, Wireless charging, Reverse charging with Samsung phones |
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) offers superior spatial audio with head tracking, making them better for movies. However, the Jabra Elite 8 Active ($129.99) includes a smart case that can connect to any TV's audio output, which might be more practical for some home theater setups.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers better value at $129.99 with longer battery life and better durability. The Samsung Buds3 Pro at $189.99 justifies its higher price mainly through advanced features and Samsung integration.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro edges out with superior sound quality, especially when paired with Samsung devices, offering 24-bit audio. The Jabra Elite 8 Active provides balanced, clear sound but with less sophisticated spatial audio.
Yes, both work with Bluetooth-enabled TVs. The Jabra Elite 8 Active has an advantage with its smart case that can connect to any TV with an audio output. The Samsung Buds3 Pro works best with Samsung TVs, offering lower latency.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active significantly outperforms with 14 hours of playback (42 with case), while the Samsung Buds3 Pro offers 7 hours (23 with case).
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is specifically designed for exercise with IP68 waterproofing and secure fit. The Samsung Buds3 Pro is water-resistant but not optimized for intense workouts.
Both offer effective noise cancellation, but serve different needs. The Jabra Elite 8 Active features adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically, while the Samsung Buds3 Pro is particularly effective at blocking low frequencies.
Yes, both handle calls well. The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers better battery life for all-day use, while the Samsung Buds3 Pro has better Microsoft Teams integration.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active works equally well with all devices. The Samsung Buds3 Pro works with all devices but offers enhanced features only with Samsung devices.
The Samsung Buds3 Pro is designed for comfort during extended use, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active prioritizes secure fit over pure comfort.
Both support multipoint connectivity, but the Samsung Buds3 Pro offers smoother switching between Samsung devices. The Jabra Elite 8 Active provides more universal multipoint functionality.
The Samsung Buds3 Pro provides more sophisticated spatial audio with head tracking, making it superior for movie watching. The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers basic Dolby Audio support but isn't as immersive.
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: techradar.com - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - runnersworld.com - target.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.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
