When it comes to premium wireless earbuds, there's a lot to consider beyond just sound quality. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) and Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99), two popular choices that take different approaches to personal audio.
The wireless earbud market has matured significantly since early models struggled with connection issues and poor battery life. Released in late 2022, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro represented Samsung's push to compete with Apple's AirPods Pro. More recently, the Elite 10 Gen 2 launched in early 2024, bringing several technological improvements to Jabra's flagship line.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio, but there are notable differences in their approach:
These earbuds use a two-way speaker system (meaning separate drivers for high and low frequencies) that produces clean, balanced sound. The 10mm woofer handles bass while a 5.3mm tweeter manages higher frequencies. This separation helps prevent music from sounding muddy or confused, especially in complex passages.
Jabra's latest flagship takes things further with Dolby Atmos support and dynamic head tracking. This means the audio adjusts as you move your head, creating a more immersive experience - particularly useful when watching movies. The 10mm drivers might be simpler in design, but the processing behind them is more sophisticated.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - technology that uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out - has become a crucial feature:
Samsung's ANC is good but not class-leading. It works well for constant low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners but struggles more with irregular noises like voices or traffic.
Jabra has made significant strides with their latest ANC implementation. It's notably more effective across a broader range of frequencies and adapts better to changing environments. The natural "HearThrough" mode (which lets you hear your surroundings) also feels more natural than Samsung's equivalent.
Both manufacturers have prioritized comfort, but their approaches differ:
These are notably compact and lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear. The ergonomic design fits snugly in most ears, though some users with larger ear canals might need to experiment with the included tip sizes.
Jabra's ComfortFit technology uses a semi-open design that reduces ear pressure - a common complaint with sealed earbuds. While slightly larger than the Samsung buds, they're engineered to distribute weight evenly and stay secure during activity.
Modern earbuds have largely solved early battery life challenges, though there's still room for improvement:
This is where we see some of the biggest differences between these models:
For movie watching, both earbuds offer different advantages:
The Elite 10 Gen 2 excels here with its Dolby Atmos support and head tracking, creating a more cinema-like experience. The LE Audio feature also means you can connect directly to newer TVs with minimal latency - no more audio sync issues.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro still performs well for movie watching, especially with Samsung TVs, but lacks the spatial audio sophistication of the Jabra model.
Despite the significant price difference, both products can represent good value depending on your needs:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $129.99 offers excellent performance for the price, especially if you're already in the Samsung ecosystem. You get most of the essential features of premium earbuds at a mid-tier price point.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 at $279.99 justifies its premium price through superior noise cancellation, better call quality, and more advanced audio features. For audiophiles or heavy users, these improvements might be worth the extra investment.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro represents an excellent value proposition, especially for Samsung users. They nail the basics and offer good sound quality at a reasonable price point.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 justifies its higher price through superior technology and versatility. If you want the best possible audio experience and can afford the premium, they're worth the investment.
Both products show how far wireless earbuds have come, offering features that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget, but either option will serve you well in daily use.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) | Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279.99) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Critical for blocking ambient noise in daily use | |
| Good ANC for constant sounds, struggles with irregular noise | Superior ANC with adaptive technology, better for varied environments |
| Battery Life with ANC - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 5 hours buds, 20 hours total with case | 6 hours buds, 27 hours total with case |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for durability and workout use | |
| IPX7 (waterproof only) | IP57 (dust and water protected) |
| Audio Technology - Affects overall sound quality and immersion | |
| Dual driver system (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) | Single 10mm driver with Dolby Atmos and head tracking |
| Connectivity Features - Important for device switching and compatibility | |
| Basic multi-device, optimized for Samsung | Advanced Bluetooth Multipoint, LE Audio support |
| Call Quality - Critical for business users and frequent callers | |
| 3-mic system, adequate for casual use | 6-mic system with enhanced noise reduction |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Touch controls, wireless charging, Samsung ecosystem benefits | Physical buttons, wireless charging, universal compatibility |
| Size and Comfort - Affects long-term wearability | |
| Compact and lightweight (5.5g per bud) | Slightly larger but pressure-relieving design (5.7g per bud) |
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers superior movie watching experience with Dolby Atmos support and head tracking. While the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro works well with Samsung TVs, the Elite 10's LE Audio feature provides better audio sync and spatial audio performance.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro costs $129.99, while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is priced at $279.99, making a significant $150 difference in price point.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers 6 hours with ANC on (27 hours total with case), while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro provides 5 hours with ANC on (20 hours total with case).
Both are excellent for late-night viewing, but the Elite 10 Gen 2 edges out with lower latency and better spatial audio features. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro works particularly well with Samsung TVs.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 features superior noise cancellation technology compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, especially for varying environmental sounds.
Both are water-resistant, but the Elite 10 Gen 2 has better dust protection (IP57) compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro (IPX7). Both are suitable for workouts.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 offers superior multi-device connectivity with Bluetooth Multipoint, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro works best within the Samsung ecosystem.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 features a superior 6-mic system for better call quality, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers adequate call performance with its 3-mic system.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is lighter and more compact, while the Elite 10 Gen 2 features pressure-relieving design. Both are comfortable, but individual ear shape will determine the best fit.
Yes, both the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Elite 10 Gen 2 support wireless charging through their cases.
The Elite 10 Gen 2 offers more advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos and head tracking, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro provides excellent balanced sound with its dual-driver system.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers better value at $129.99 for basic features, while the Elite 10 Gen 2 at $279.99 justifies its premium price with advanced features and superior performance.
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: samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - loudnwireless.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - seriousinsights.net
