In September 2023, Jabra launched the “world's toughest headphones”: the Jabra Elite 8 Active. Less than a year later, the brand released an update with the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. So what's new?
The sturdiness of the headphones remains, but Jabra has added an LE Audio smart case and improved active noise cancellation (ANC) to the mix. The headphones, which are priced at $229.99 / £229.99 / AU$ TBC, also feature enhanced Dolby Audio spatial sound and a new Natural HearThrough setting.
The “world’s first LE Audio smart case” is the most exciting addition. A Bluetooth LE audio chip built into the case allows you to connect it to a variety of devices via the charging cable (it supports USB-C and a 3.5mm jack) and then stream sound directly from the case to your headphones.
This promises less delay than a direct Bluetooth connection to the headphones, offering better video syncing. It also means you'll no longer have to waste time trying to pair it with a new device – simply touch a button and start listening, whether you're connecting to a new smart treadmill at the gym or looking to immerse yourself in some entertainment at home. board.
The new headphones also offer enhanced spatial sound with Dolby Audio technology, improved call performance thanks to AI calling algorithms that prioritize people's voices while drowning out background noise, and improved ANC. This latest feature promises to “block up to twice the noise of previous generations” through more powerful mid- and low-frequency noise cancellation.
Beyond this, the addition of a new Natural HearThrough listening option could be a response to the increasing stock of The best bone conduction headphones..
Bone conduction headphones allow runners, cyclists, and the like to add music to their workouts without covering their ears, so they can stay aware of their surroundings. Jabra hopes that her Natural HearThrough (basically a transparency mode) will offer similar greater “situational awareness” while she listens, although she will still have an earpiece housed in each ear.
Is it worth upgrading?
I use my Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds for most workouts and haven't considered replacing them since I started using them. They're lightweight, sound good, and stay securely in place during dynamic exercises without the need for an uncomfortably stiff silicone wing. You can now also pick up a pair for around $100/£100 or even less, while you'll need double that and a bit more for a new set of Elite 8 Active Gen 2.
But the Jabra Elite 8 Active's improved ANC did catch my attention. When I use these headphones for work and need to concentrate, the ANC falls short of my rivals' empty-room experiences by allowing background sounds to filter in. Therefore, I would be intrigued to see if this new pair offers a noticeable improvement.
The smart case also piqued my interest. I didn't see the appeal of exercise at first, but then I remembered how much time I'd spent plugging headphones into various treadmills, stationary bikes, and rowing machines over the past few years.
Overall, if you're looking for a pair of new premium workout earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 could well be worth the (admittedly considerable) $200+ investment. They're durable, rugged, and (most importantly) don't break. They come out of the ears during burpees. But, if you have an older Jabra model, consider sticking with the one you have for now.
