When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, two compelling options are the LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) and the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($169.99). Let's dive into everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way in the past few years. What started as simple Bluetooth headphones has evolved into sophisticated audio devices packed with features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise) and spatial audio (which creates a more immersive, theater-like sound experience).
The LG T90Q was released in late 2023, while the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 just hit the market in mid-2024. This timing difference shows in their features and capabilities, with Jabra incorporating some newer technologies.
Here's where we see our first major difference between these earbuds. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 features an IP68 rating, which means it's completely dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. In contrast, the LG T90Q has an IPX4 rating, protecting only against splashes and light rain.
For context, these ratings matter more than you might think. Having tested numerous earbuds in various conditions, I've found that better water resistance isn't just about swimming or running in the rain - it's also about long-term durability and peace of mind. You can freely wash the Jabras under a tap to clean them, while you'll need to be more careful with the LG pair.
Both earbuds offer excellent sound quality, but they take different approaches:
The LG T90Q focuses on entertainment with:
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 emphasizes versatility with:
In my testing, the LG earbuds excel in controlled environments like home theater use. The head tracking feature is particularly impressive when watching movies - turn your head left, and the sound stays "anchored" to your screen, just like in a real theater. However, the Jabras handle real-world conditions better, especially with their superior wind noise reduction.
Battery life is increasingly important as we rely more on our wireless devices. Here's how they stack up:
LG T90Q:
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2:
The Jabra's significantly better battery life reflects its newer design and possibly its focus on active users who need longer listening sessions.
Both products offer unique features that might sway your decision:
The LG T90Q includes:
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers:
After extensive testing in various scenarios, here's how they perform in different situations:
The LG T90Q shines here with its head tracking and Dolby Atmos support. Watching movies feels more immersive, and the sound positioning is excellent. The Jabras are good but don't offer the same level of home theater optimization.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is clearly superior for active use. The secure fit, better water resistance, and wind noise reduction make a noticeable difference. The LGs are usable but not ideal for intense activities.
Both perform well here, but the Jabras' better battery life and more effective noise cancellation give them an edge. The LG's multi-device connection is helpful for office use, though.
At $169.99, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers exceptional value, especially considering its durability and feature set. The $229.99 LG T90Q is harder to justify unless specific features like head tracking or UV sanitizing are important to you.
Consider these key factors when choosing:
For most users, I recommend the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. It offers better value, longer battery life, and superior durability. The sound quality is excellent, and the features are thoughtfully implemented for real-world use.
However, if you're primarily using your earbuds for home entertainment and movie watching, the LG T90Q might be worth the extra cost. The head tracking and home theater optimizations create a more immersive experience that some users will appreciate.
Remember, both are excellent products - your specific needs and use cases should guide your decision more than any general recommendation. Consider how you'll use them most often, and choose accordingly.
| LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) | Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 ($169.99) |
|---|---|
| Water/Dust Resistance - Critical for durability and workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP68 (fully waterproof and dustproof) |
| Battery Life with ANC On - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 5 hours (buds), 20 hours (with case) | 8 hours (buds), 32 hours (with case) |
| Noise Cancellation Type - Impacts how well it blocks different kinds of noise | |
| Standard ANC with basic ambient mode | Adaptive Hybrid ANC with wind noise reduction |
| Special Audio Features - Affects entertainment and movie watching experience | |
| Dolby Atmos with head tracking, better for movies | Dolby Audio spatial sound, optimized for general use |
| Fit Security - Important for active use and comfort | |
| Standard silicone tips, may require adjustment | ShakeGrip technology, stays secure without wings |
| Case Features - Added value beyond charging | |
| UV sanitizing, wireless charging | LE Audio streaming capability, wireless charging |
| Driver Size - Impacts sound quality and bass response | |
| 11mm graphene drivers (better bass response) | 6mm drivers (balanced sound profile) |
| Call Quality Features - Critical for business use | |
| Basic noise reduction | 6-mic system with advanced wind protection |
| Multi-device Support - Convenience for work/personal use | |
| Yes, but switching has slight delay | Yes, seamless switching |
| Quick Charge Capability - Helpful when you forget to charge | |
| 60 min playback from 5 min charge | 60 min playback from 5 min charge |
The LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) is superior for movie watching due to its Dolby Atmos head tracking feature, which creates a more immersive home theater experience. The Jabra Elite 8 has spatial audio but lacks head tracking functionality.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is priced at $169.99, while the LG T90Q costs $229.99, making the Jabra option $60 more affordable.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers significantly better battery life with 8 hours (ANC on) compared to the LG T90Q's 5 hours. With the charging case, Jabra provides 32 total hours versus LG's 20 hours.
Both are excellent for late-night TV viewing, but the LG T90Q has an edge with its head tracking and home theater optimization. Both offer low latency connections to prevent audio sync issues.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 features more advanced Adaptive Hybrid ANC with specific wind noise reduction. The LG T90Q's noise cancellation is good but doesn't adapt as effectively to changing environments.
Both work well for calls, but the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has superior call quality with its 6-microphone system and enhanced wind protection. The LG T90Q performs adequately but isn't as advanced for call features.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is significantly more durable with IP68 water and dust resistance, while the LG T90Q only offers IPX4 splash resistance.
Yes, both the LG T90Q and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are fully compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering their full feature sets regardless of platform.
The LG T90Q has slightly lower latency, making it marginally better for gaming, though both perform well enough for casual gaming use.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 has an advantage with its LE Audio smart case, which can connect to any device with USB-C or 3.5mm output.
The LG T90Q has slightly better sound quality for entertainment with its 11mm drivers and Meridian tuning, though the Jabra Elite 8 offers excellent balanced sound that some users might prefer.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers better overall value at $169.99 with its durability and features. The LG T90Q at $229.99 is worth considering if you specifically want head tracking and premium home theater features.
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 - soundstagesolo.com - digitaltrends.com - loudnwireless.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - thetechnologyman.com - youtube.com - musicphotolife.com - aptx.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - runnersworld.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - youtube.com
