Finding the right wireless earbuds can feel overwhelming with all the options available today. I've spent time testing both the Jabra Elite 8 Active ($129.99) and Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ($129.99), and while they're priced identically, they serve quite different needs. Let's break down exactly who should buy each one.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - everything from active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out unwanted sounds) to spatial audio (creating a 3D-like surround sound effect). Both the Elite 8 Active and Liberty 4 Pro represent the latest generation, released in late 2023, and showcase just how far we've come.
The key technologies to understand are:
The Jabra Elite 8 Active earns its "Active" name with impressive durability credentials. With an IP68 rating, it can handle submersion in water and is completely dustproof - something I've tested personally during sweaty workouts and even an accidental drop in a puddle. It's also military-grade certified (MIL-STD-810H), meaning it's tested against drops, temperature extremes, and other harsh conditions.
The Liberty 4 Pro takes a more conventional approach with IPX4 water resistance. This means it can handle sweat and rain but isn't submersible. For most users, this is perfectly adequate - I've used mine during light workouts without issue. However, if you're into outdoor adventures or intense training, the Elite 8 Active offers more peace of mind.
Here's where things get interesting. The Liberty 4 Pro supports LDAC, Sony's high-quality Bluetooth codec that can transmit nearly three times more data than standard Bluetooth audio. For Android users especially, this means noticeably better sound quality when streaming high-resolution audio. The earbuds also feature dual drivers (separate speakers for high and low frequencies), resulting in clearer separation between bass and treble.
The Elite 8 Active focuses on delivering consistent, clear sound even during movement. While it doesn't support LDAC, it does offer Dolby Audio processing and has impressive noise isolation thanks to its secure fit. In my testing, the bass stays punchy even during runs, and the sound never gets muddy.
For home theater use, both models support low-latency modes to keep audio in sync with video. The Liberty 4 Pro edges ahead here with its dedicated Movie Mode, which adjusts the sound profile for better dialog clarity and immersion.
Modern earbuds have largely solved the battery life concerns of early models. Here's how these two stack up:
Elite 8 Active:
Liberty 4 Pro:
Both models support wireless charging, which is convenient but slower than wired charging. In real-world use, I've found both pairs easily last through a full day of mixed use.
Both models offer companion apps that expand their capabilities:
Jabra Sound+:
Soundcore App:
The Liberty 4 Pro offers more customization options, while the Elite 8 Active focuses on reliability and simplicity. Both apps are well-designed and easy to use.
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
Commuting:
Exercise:
Home Theater:
Office Use:
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is the clear choice if you:
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is better if you:
Both options provide excellent value at $129.99, but they serve different users. The Elite 8 Active is the more robust, sports-focused option, while the Liberty 4 Pro caters to audio enthusiasts and feature-lovers.
Technology in wireless earbuds continues to improve rapidly. Both these models represent excellent value in their respective niches. The Elite 8 Active's durability and stability make it my go-to recommendation for active users, while the Liberty 4 Pro's superior sound quality and features make it perfect for audio enthusiasts.
Remember that personal preference plays a huge role - if possible, try both pairs or at least read user reviews from people with similar needs to yours. Both manufacturers offer good warranty coverage and return policies, so you can buy with confidence knowing you can make a change if needed.
In the end, both the Elite 8 Active and Liberty 4 Pro are excellent earbuds that show just how far wireless audio has come. Your choice should align with your primary use case rather than trying to find an absolute "better" option.
| Jabra Elite 8 Active | Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Durability Rating - Determines where and how you can use them | |
| IP68 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - How long you can listen before needing a charge | |
| 8 hours (32 total with case) | 9 hours (50 total with case) |
| Audio Codec Support - Affects sound quality, especially on Android | |
| Standard SBC/AAC only | LDAC, SBC, AAC (LDAC offers notably better quality) |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Adaptive ANC with wind reduction | Standard ANC, good for indoor use |
| Fit Security - Critical for exercise and active use | |
| ShakeGrip™ coating, military-grade durability | Standard silicone tips, less secure |
| Sound Customization - Ability to adjust audio to your preferences | |
| Basic EQ settings | 22 presets, HearID personalization |
| Fast Charging Speed - How quickly you can get back to listening | |
| 1 hour playback from 10 min charge | 4 hours playback from 5 min charge |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality that adds value | |
| Dolby Audio, multipoint connection | Spatial audio with head tracking, movie mode |
| Price - Overall value proposition | |
| $129.99 (better for active users) | $129.99 (better for audio enthusiasts) |
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro has a dedicated Movie Mode and superior codec support, making it the better choice for home theater use. While the Jabra Elite 8 Active offers Dolby Audio, it lacks the specialized movie features and advanced audio codecs of the Liberty 4 Pro.
Both the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are priced at $129.99, offering different features at the same price point.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offers superior battery life with 9 hours per charge and 50 hours total with the case, compared to the Elite 8 Active's 8 hours and 32 hours total.
Yes, both models work well for private listening. The Liberty 4 Pro has better latency optimization for video content, while the Elite 8 Active offers good basic synchronization.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active has more advanced adaptive noise cancellation, but the Liberty 4 Pro's ANC is perfectly suitable for quiet home environments where intense noise cancellation isn't crucial.
Both support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to switch between devices like your TV and phone. The Elite 8 Active and Liberty 4 Pro handle this equally well.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro edges out with superior sound quality, especially for Android users, thanks to LDAC support and dual drivers. The Elite 8 Active focuses more on stable, consistent sound during movement.
Yes, both models connect via Bluetooth to smart TVs. The Liberty 4 Pro offers better codec support for higher quality audio, while the Elite 8 Active provides reliable basic connectivity.
The Liberty 4 Pro offers more customizable controls through its app, while the Elite 8 Active has simpler, more straightforward controls that work well during physical activity.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro has better spatial audio implementation with head tracking, making it superior for movie watching compared to the Elite 8 Active's basic Dolby Audio support.
The Liberty 4 Pro is designed for extended listening comfort, while the Elite 8 Active prioritizes a secure fit that might feel tighter during long sessions.
While both can be used for gaming, neither is specifically optimized for it. The Liberty 4 Pro has slightly lower latency, while the Elite 8 Active offers more stable connectivity. For serious gaming, dedicated gaming headphones would be better.
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 - bestbuy.com - soundcore.com - alwayswander.info - youtube.com - digitaltrends.com - gadgetoid.com - soundguys.com - laptopmag.com
