Jabra Elite 4 review

When fascinated with wi-fi earbuds, most of the main smartphone corporations come to thoughts first. The likes of Apple, Samsung and Google all have variations of their very own, however you shouldn’t neglect companies that concentrate on audio.  

They embody Jabra, the Danish model that’s been round for a minimum of 4 a long time. Jabra sells a number of completely different pairs of wi-fi earbuds, however none extra inexpensive than the Elite line. 2023’s Elite 4 provides energetic noise cancelling (ANC) for the primary time, however will increase the worth to simply underneath $100/£100. 

That also means they match into our finances class however has it been value it, or is your cash higher spent elsewhere? Finally, the reply to each of these questions is sure (for most individuals), however let’s discover in additional element. 

Design & Construct

• Premium bud design
• Enticing however low cost case
• Annoying on-bud controls

With regards to design, Jabra has embraced the outdated saying: “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it”. The Elite 4 buds and case look equivalent to final 12 months’s Elite 3, even all the way down to the 4 colors accessible: Grey, Mild Beige, Lilac and Navy Blue. 

I examined the latter, the place the blue end could be very refined. You’ll solely be capable to inform it other than the gray model or different black buds by analyzing them up shut. However whereas I get pleasure from this minimalist aesthetic, it’s good to have a number of choices to select from.

The horizontal pillbox-style case nonetheless does the job, with a sturdy hinge connecting the bottom to the lid. I’ve no issues about its long-term sturdiness, which isn’t at all times a given on inexpensive buds. 

Nevertheless, the plastic construct nonetheless feels low cost. Any phantasm of the Elite 4 being a high-end product is shattered as quickly as you choose up the case. It’s additionally susceptible to accumulating scratch marks, so I firmly consider Jabra might’ve accomplished higher right here. 

One advantage of this design is that it’s impressively light-weight: the case is simply 33.4g when empty, or 42.6g with each buds inside. Consequently, they’re extremely simple to take anyplace you may enterprise.

Other than the Jabra emblem, there’s not a lot else to report relating to the case. You get an LED charging/pairing indicator gentle on the entrance and USB-C charging port on the again, however each are customary options. 

Happily, the buds themselves really feel far more premium than the case. As a substitute of the widespread quick stem design, the Elite 4 go for a extra rounded physique that sits nearly fully throughout the ear. I usually want this method, because it creates a great seal that advantages energetic noise cancellation. 

It will probably take some time to get used to, although, and it’s necessary to decide on the correct dimension of ear suggestions and Jabra contains three within the field. Even then, the Elite 4 are removed from essentially the most comfy wi-fi earbuds I’ve used. They don’t damage, however your ears are in fixed contact with onerous plastic whereas carrying them. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

See also  Beats Studio Pro review: Upgraded sound makes all the difference

Consequently, I wouldn’t advocate these buds to somebody who recurrently listens for a number of hours at a time. However for an hour or two right here and there, consolation isn’t a serious subject. 

It’s good to see a waterproofing score on the Elite 4, though it’s solely IP55. Whereas that protects it from most mud, it’s solely rated to outlive low-pressure water jets. It’ll be effective should you’re caught within the rain, however that’s about it.

I complained about Jabra’s method to on-bud controls within the Elite 3 evaluation, and nothing has modified on their successor. Slightly than being activated by contact, it’s a must to bodily press the button on the surface of every bud to set off key features. 

The advantage of that is that it’s extra proof against unintended presses, however the trade-offs aren’t value it for me. Each time you modify one thing, the tip of the bud is pushed additional into your ear canal. It’s significantly disagreeable when utilizing the lengthy press performance, however you’ll discover it each time. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

It is a actual disgrace, because the vary of performance accessible is spectacular. Studying how you can toggle ANC, entry a digital assistant or management music is straightforward, but I used to be reluctant to make use of them more often than not. Relying in your cellphone a lot appears like a backward step, nevertheless it’s the lesser of two evils right here. 

A extra profitable design alternative is the LED indicator on every bud, which helps you to know battery, pairing and charging standing. Robust magnets preserve the buds in place whereas within the case, making it nearly unattainable to by accident forestall them from charging. 

Sound High quality

• Spectacular, versatile audio
• Nice for music or voices
• No Hello-Res assist

The success of any wi-fi earbuds hinges on their sound high quality, so I’m glad to report that it’s one of many key strengths of the Jabra Elite 4. The buds provide spectacular audio throughout a spread of situations, even when they’re not fairly best-in-class on this respect. 

Typically, the twin 6mm drivers ship wealthy sound that’s brimming with heat and element. That actually advantages music, the place songs sound excellent no matter style. 

Taylor Swift followers gained’t be disenchanted, with the whole lot from ‘Shake It Off’ to ‘Anti-Hero’ sounding punchy and atmospheric. Different fashionable songs equivalent to ‘Really feel It Nonetheless’ by Portugal. ‘The Man’ and ‘Higher Now’ by Put up Malone strike a great steadiness between crisp vocals and detailed backing tracks. 

However loads of traditional older tunes are simply pretty much as good. The complicated backing band in ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Hearth complement Maurice White’s vocals excellently, with neither changing into overpowering.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

AC/DC’s ‘Again In Black’ is completely completely different, however the lengthy electrical guitar solos are nonetheless represented in wonderful element. In the meantime, stripped-back tracks equivalent to ‘Think about’ by John Lennon and ‘Somebody Like You’ by Adele lose none of their traditional affect. 

Even should you want rap, nation or classical music, it’s onerous to discover a model of music that the Elite 4 wrestle with. Some songs sound higher than others, however the high quality of each observe I examined is a lot adequate for informal listening at this inexpensive worth. 

It’s additionally value noting that my testing was solely at Amazon Music’s ‘customary’ high quality. It is a extremely compressed model of the unique, however being restricted to SBC and Qualcomm aptX codecs means the Elite 4 aren’t suitable with Hello-Res audio. 

But when there’s one major weak spot, it’s bass. These lower-pitched sounds are nonetheless audible, however don’t have fairly the identical affect as premium buds. There’s additionally some distortion at greater volumes, though it’s onerous to complain about both an excessive amount of at this worth level. 

The audio will be tweaked through the Jabra Sound+ app, with equalizer controls for bass, mid-range and treble. For those who’re not assured adjusting the audio your self, there are six presets accessible.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

All have a transparent affect on the audio, however not sufficient to basically change the best way it sounds. For those who’re searching for in-depth customisation, these aren’t the buds for you. 

Elsewhere, crystal-clear voices make the Elite 4 a good selection for each podcasts and calls. 4 microphones imply audio enter is respectable, albeit nowhere close to pretty much as good as most wired headphones.

Noise Cancelling & Good Options

• Spectacular ANC efficiency
• Will be customised through companion app
• Transparency mode and digital assistant assist

Energetic noise cancelling (ANC) is the headline new characteristic on the Elite 4. It was the primary motive to not purchase the Elite 3, so I’m glad Jabra has added it. 

You should use the ANC with out downloading the Jabra Sound+ companion app, however that’s the place it may be personalised. This basically includes selecting the extent of noise suppression and steadiness (between the left and proper earbud) that fits you greatest.

Each can have a surprisingly massive impact on the effectiveness of the ANC, so it’s value doing. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

As soon as arrange, its implementation right here is spectacular. The ANC does a great job of drowning out most background noise, even in busy environments.  

I generally get pleasure from listening to music at a comparatively low quantity, the place the characteristic on most earbuds lets too many annoying sounds by way of to make it worthwhile. Not right here, although, I might fortunately get pleasure from quiet music and keep fully targeted on what I’m doing.  

You’ll be able to reconfigure the ANC at any time through the Sound+ app, nevertheless it’d be good to regulate the depth with out going by way of that setup course of every time. Generally I solely need a few of the background noise to be eliminated, nevertheless it’s an all or nothing method right here.  

The safe match of the Elite 4 buds additionally means little or no sound escapes into the room. Even with the buds only some centimetres from my ears, I couldn’t hear something. If, like me, you are concerned about individuals close to you listening to what you’re taking part in, these buds are an amazing alternative. 

Jabra’s transparency mode is called ‘HearThrough’. It does an excellent job of amplifying the sound round you, making it nice for crossing a busy highway or rapidly tuning right into a dialog. The one caveat is that there’s no in-ear detection, so music gained’t pause routinely should you take away the buds. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

The Jabra Sound+ app is obtainable on iOS and Android, with the digital assistant relying on which cellphone you’re utilizing. Siri and Google Assistant are each triggered through a double faucet of the left earbud by default, responding in the identical means as traditional. It’s a pleasant choice to have. 

Battery Life & Charging

• As much as 5.5 hours with ANC on
• Additional three prices from case
• Respectable USB-C charging speeds

Jabra claims you may stand up to seven hours of listening time from the Elite 4 buds, however solely with ANC turned off. With the characteristic enabled, one thing I’d advocate, this drops to five.5 hours. 

That’s roughly consistent with my expertise, which implies solely lengthy listening classes will totally deplete the battery in a single sitting. For contemporary wi-fi earbuds, that’s pretty customary. 

In fact, the buds will keep within the case once you’re not utilizing them. This provides an additional three full prices, so that you’re taking a look at a complete of as much as 28 hours with ANC off or 22 hours with it on. Based mostly on my expertise, the latter is a usually lifelike determine, and it ought to translate to round a full week for most individuals. 

You can see higher battery life elsewhere, nevertheless it’s simple to plug them in in the beginning of the week and probably not fear about operating out of cost. For those who solely use earbuds very sometimes, the Elite 4 are rated to final for as much as 75 days on standby. I couldn’t confirm this declare throughout testing, however they do appear to carry cost nicely.  

The Elite 4 assist quick charging, although there’s solely a USB-C to A cable included within the field. Jabra’s declare of 10 minutes plugged in getting you roughly an hour of utilization appears correct, though it takes round 3.5 hours to totally cost each the buds and case. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Worth & Availability

The Jabra Elite 4 sit on the extra inexpensive finish of the wi-fi earbud market. They price $99.99/£99.99, and can be found at a wide range of retailers together with direct from Jabra and through Amazon within the US and UK.

That worth means they’re nearly low cost sufficient for our finances buds chart, however there’s a lot of competitors. The Google Pixel Buds A, Nothing Ear (Stick) and OnePlus Buds Z2 are all priced very equally, though solely the latter options energetic noise cancellation. 

However spending simply barely extra can get you the Nothing Ear (2) or Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, each of which supply a greater all-round expertise. 

There’s no doubting that the Jabra Elite 4 are nonetheless nice worth for cash – they’re simply not the one ones. 

Verdict

The Elite 4 is perhaps the most cost effective wi-fi earbuds Jabra at the moment makes, however they nonetheless pack a punch. 

Combining ANC with nice sound high quality is mightily spectacular at this worth level, particularly alongside the strong battery life. The traditional earbud design nonetheless seems the half, whereas the companion app provides some spectacular customisation. 

Nevertheless, you’ll have to put up with an inexpensive plastic case and irritating controls on the buds themselves except you’re on the facet of the fence preferring correct buttons.

It’s simple to miss these minor inconveniences at this worth level, however the Elite 4 lack any standout characteristic when in comparison with the big selection of alternate options. 

Specs

• Energetic Noise Cancellation 
• Wi-fi: Bluetooth 5.2, Qualcomm aptX, SBC 
• Voice management: Siri, Google Assistant 
• Contact controls: Sure 
• Battery life: 7 hours from buds, 28 hours together with case (with out ANC, claimed) 
• Charging: As much as 3.5 hours 
• Ear suggestions suggestions: Three sizes 
• Colors: Grey, Mild Beige, Lilac, Navy Blue 
• Weight: 4.6g (every bud), 33.4g (case)