Jabra Elite 10

Jabra’s wireless earbuds have been commendable for their appealing designs and high-performing features at competitive prices, demonstrating a positive trajectory for the brand. With the Elite 10, Jabra aims to penetrate the premium segment of the wireless earbud market, dominated by industry heavyweights like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the Sony WF-1000XM5.

The Elite 10 earbuds are notable for their comfortable fit, improved design, superior sound quality, and significantly enhanced noise canceling performance, along with remarkable Dolby spatial audio with head tracking.

The Elite 10 earbuds are highly comfortable and provide exceptional sound quality, making them suitable for extended use.  

The Jabra Elite 10 are earbuds designed with the human ear in mind, ensuring better fit, isolation, and active noise cancellation (ANC).

The Elite 10 stands out with its impressive features like Dolby Atmos spatial audio and Bluetooth Multipoint, offered at a competitive price that is noticeably lower than its competitors.

The accompanying app is commendable and the Active Noise Cancellation work

The Elite 10 wireless earbuds offer a strong and stable sound profile right from the start, with their Active Noise Cancelling feature enhancing the authenticity and depth of the sound. They offer a well-structured and weighty soundstage, with music elements feeling substantial and organized, ensuring no tone or rhythm becomes excessively shrill or disorderly. These earbuds deliver powerful and compact audio, comparable to the strong and compact build of a rugby union prop forward, showcasing their ability to offer robust sound.

The earbuds have the potential to reach Editors’ Choice status if voice-calling performance is improved with a firmware update.

The enhanced bass and efficient HearThrough mode make these headphones perfect for runners.

These earbuds are designed with unique oval-shaped silicone ear tips that nestle in the ears, making them one of the most comfortable earbuds in the market. Despite feeling a bit loose, they offer a secure fit.

The Jabra Elite 10 presents itself as a high-end pair of earbuds, providing numerous high-performing features that offer significant value for the cost.

• The product offers a rich, well-controlled sound with sufficient detail.
• It’s sold at a competitive price.
• It is also packed with features.

• They have very comfortable fit.
• They have excellent sound quality.
• These are equipped with Dolby Spatial Sound with head tracking.
• They are fully waterproof.

• The product offers a robust bass and bright high tones, enhancing the overall audio experience.
• The noise cancellation feature is competitive, although there’s a slight hissing sound when activated.
• It supports Dolby Atmos with head tracking and offers an adjustable equalizer for personalized sound tuning.
• The product has a high-quality build.
• Its case supports wireless charging, adding to its convenience.

• It lacks vivacity and deep sonic insight.
• Despite its good features, the listening experience may not be the most engaging for users.
• The product does not support high-quality codecs, which might affect the audio experience.

• The voice-calling performance could be improved.
• They allow some sound to leak in due to their semi-open design.
• The noise canceling feature is not particularly strong.

• The on-ear buttons can be easily activated accidentally
• There is a slight masking hiss in noise cancellation mode, which may disrupt the user experience.

Each earbud features a clickable button for main controls, which doesn’t compromise the fit and is easy to use casually.

Despite the plastic case feeling a bit cheap and unremarkable, it’s the worst you can say about the design.

The earbuds are versatile in fitting a variety of ear shapes, allowing for comfortable wear even during headbanging.

They are equipped with larger 10 millimeter drivers that contribute to delivering a richer and more accurate sound.

The buds are appealing with a slightly textured matte finish and a glossy, reflective button-control panel.

Jabra provides a range of ear tips in four sizes, ensuring a good fit. The silicone buds’ design, with an angled-in stem and a slightly squashed, tapered tip, ensures they stay securely in place.

They have a solid feel in hand and come with an IP57 rating, which means they can withstand being submerged in water up to 3ft deep for 30 minutes.

The earbuds have an IPX57 waterproof rating.

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earphones have a high resistance to water and sweat with an IP57 rating, making them ideal for intense workouts.

With an IP57 rating for the earbuds and IP54 for the case, the Jabra Elite 10 can handle moisture and dust, but should not be submerged in water.

While the Elite 8 Active had a higher durability rating, the Elite 10 maintains an IP57 rating, indicating good dust resistance and the ability to be fully submerged in water, making them suitable for running.

Jabra has transitioned from Qualcomm chips in these earbuds, leading to the lack of support for the APTX audio codec for Android devices. However, they support the AAC audio codec and are compatible with the new LE audio standard, including the LC3 audio codec, which will be available through a future firmware upgrade.

The Jabra app provides extensive customization options, including control settings, EQ presets, ANC levels, and integration with Spotify.

Jabra’s buds have a Dolby-enhanced spatial audio feature that provides an immersive listening experience. The head tracking feature ensures a consistent audio source regardless of head movements, effectively anchoring the sound. The Dolby Atmos spatial audio also proves its effectiveness, with noticeable differences in the soundstage spacing of instruments when testing with and without spatial audio.

These earphones come with a HearThrough ambient listening mode, which allows you to stay connected with your surroundings while enjoying your music.

The Jabra Elite 10 features hybrid ANC that records noise inside and outside the ear canal to dull outside noise as much as possible.

Similar to Apple’s spatial audio, the Elite 10 can enhance video watching by creating a virtual surround experience, with dialogue fixed at the center of your smartphone or tablet screen. This feature works with both Apple and Android devices.

These earbuds produce top-tier wireless audio quality that’s clean, detailed, and open with well-defined bass. The sound quality is more natural than the Elite 8 Actives, especially in the mid-range where vocals are present, providing more depth and texture.

The spatial audio of these buds is comparable to Apple’s, with some arguing it’s slightly superior. It enhances the listening experience with music, especially tracks remixed with Dolby Atmos.

• The device supports Bluetooth version 5.3.
• It provides support for LDAC and SBC codecs.
• It comes with noise-cancelling functionality.
• The earbuds offer up to 8 hours of battery life when ANC is turned off, and a total of 27 hours of usage with the charging case, also with ANC off.
• There are five different finish options available: Cream, Cocoa, Titanium Black, Gloss Black, and Matte Black.
• Each earbud weighs 5.7 grams.

• The earbuds have noise cancelling.
• They have multipoint capability.

• These earphones are in-canal.
• They are wireless.
• They connect through Bluetooth.
• They are also sweat and water-resistant
• They feature active noise cancellation.

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earphones provide users with comprehensive control over the transparency and ANC modes through faders.

The Jabra Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active received a significant firmware update 2.1.8, which introduced several quality of life improvements.

The update brought in new features such as auto volume adjustment during calls, new voice prompts, and an automatic activation of hearthrough when one earbud is removed.

A new mode for wind noise reduction was introduced for Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), hearthrough, and calls, which targets a specific frequency to minimize the noise caused by wind.

The new update brings a dramatic change in the voice prompts, which some users find appealing.

The earbuds offer a decent six-hour battery life with active noise cancellation and an additional 27 hours from the case, although this falls short of the XM5’s eight hours from the buds and 24 hours from the case. However, these figures surpass those of the Bose Ultra, which offers six hours from the buds and eighteen hours from the case.

The earbuds have a battery life of up to 8 hours.  

The earbuds offer a decent battery life of around 6 hours and 28 minutes.

A 5-minute quick charge can provide around an hour of playback time.

The noise cancelling capabilities of the earbuds are commendable, effectively reducing ambient noise. The Pure ANC feature is efficient at diminishing office noise, although some sounds such as voices and sneezes can still be heard. The HearThrough mode is impressive in allowing important sounds, like announcements and conversations, to be heard clearly.

The earbuds deliver a solid and structured sound, providing a good amount of force to the listener. However, the quality of instrumental timbres could be improved, and the compact sound may feel restricting over time. Certain sounds, such as drum vibrations, can seem slightly cut short.

The dynamic range of the earbuds might not meet expectations, with the bass and vocals lacking in depth and prominence respectively. The sound is well controlled but may lack the necessary excitement and enthusiasm.

Despite some drawbacks, the earbuds leave a generally positive impression with their sound delivery. They provide substantial muscle and weight to tracks, even though they might lack the extra drive to be truly exhilarating. They would be a satisfactory companion for a commute, even if they might not be exceptionally exciting.

These earbuds are effective at noise cancellation, blocking out between 75 and 83% of outside noise.

The earbuds performed well in lab tests, isolating almost up to 90% above 1 kHz and about 83 to 88% of outside noise, thanks to their excellent fit.

Samples taken in controlled conditions showed an improvement in ANC on the Elite 10 post-update, contradicting expectations of performance reduction.

Tests conducted under noisy conditions with wind noise showed no significant changes in voice clarity or noise reduction capabilities after the update.

The firmware update didn’t noticeably impact the sound quality or frequency of either the Elite 10 or 8 Active, as per frequency sweeps.

Any changes in performance are minor, with the ANC on the 8 Active showing a slight decrease in strength.

The new firmware has made voices appear slightly quieter, but the difference is so subtle it’s only noticeable when compared side by side.

On the Elite 10, a minor increase in loudness was observed in the bass and mids, as evidenced by the recordings.

Jabra’s Elite 10 earbuds are positioned as a more affordable alternative to rivals like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, making them a potential favorite for budget-conscious consumers.

When compared to Sony’s flagship earbuds the XM5, the Elite 10 falls short in terms of vibrancy and dynamics, struggling to deliver the same level of rhythmic drive and nuance.

The Elite 10 incorporates the same features as the Elite 8 Active but adds head tracking for Dolby spatial audio and employs a different noise canceling technology known as Jabra Advanced ANC.

The Jabra Elite 10 are considered a favorite for delivering great sound from lows to highs. They feature a 360 spatial mode, noise cancelling, and ambient mode. They are known for their excellent performance and functionality compared to the Google Pixel Buds Pro and other $40+ earbuds.

Some are concerned about the Jabra Elite 10’s lack of LDAC codec support, and this could potentially influence the decision to return them and opt for the Nothing Ear 2, which reportedly supports LDAC.  

The Nothing Ear 2’s LDHC codec is not compatible with Samsung phones. The Jabra Elite 10’s tuning, peak/boost in treble and built-in EQ are not as impressive as expected, especially at high volumes.  

Some are concerned whether the comfort level of the Jabra Elite 10 when lying down on a cushion for a prolonged period is acceptable. The Linkbuds S have been reported to be comfortable in this scenario.

In a comparison between the Elite 10, Sony X4, and Airpod Pro 2, the Airpod Pro 2 and Elite 10 are considered most comfortable. ANC is equivalent between the Elite 10 and X4, while the X4 excels in battery life. All three are equal in sound quality, but the Elite 10 struggles with connectivity issues with certain devices, including Samsung TVs.

The Elite 10 from Jabra surpasses the Elite 7 Pro in many aspects, including call quality and microphone performance. The microphone quality is so good it gives the impression of wearing a headset, even in a noisy environment like a coffee shop. Additionally, they have a pleasing aesthetic.

The 85T model, despite having superior ambient noise and active noise cancelling performance, suffers from short battery life and only allows solo use of the right earbud. The comfort provided by the oval cushions is exceptional, however, better than the 7 Pro and the 7 Active. The Elite 10 is considered as the 85T’s successor in all of these aspects.

The 85T model from Jabra is large in size but surprisingly lightweight and comfortable when worn. The ear tips needed to be replaced for maximum comfort, but the overall impression of the earbuds is positive. These findings were considered and implemented in the new Elite 10, in the hopes that the earbuds would gain the same level of popularity.

Upgrading from the 75t to the Elite 10 brought some challenges. The voice notifications on the Elite 10 are much quieter, especially in noisy environments or while listening to other content. The fit isn’t as secure or sealing as the 75t, even after trying different sizes.

The bass in the Elite 10 is remarkable, but the soundstage and other aspects of the sound quality do not measure up to the likes of the Elite 75T and other brands.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on both AZ80 and Elite 10 is quite impressive, with the AZ80 slightly edging out in performance especially in transparency.

Surprisingly, the call quality on the AZ80 wasn’t as good as expected. However, the Elite 10 from Jabra shows improvement in call quality compared to its predecessor, the Elite 7 Pro.

The HearThrough feature on the AZ80 is commendable, allowing control over the level of ambient noise. The voice transmission is relatively natural, and its performance is significantly better than the Elite 10. The AZ80, however, does not automatically switch to transparency mode like the Elite 10 when a single bud is removed.

The Elite 10 is notably less expensive than the AZ80 by 75USD.

The lack of aptX in the Elite 10’s price range is disappointing and can be seen as a cost-cutting measure. This feature is present in cheaper models like the Elite 3s.

The Elite 10 retains the same long-press volume control feature as the Elite 5, and these controls can be customized in the app.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature is significantly improved in the Elite 10 compared to the Elite 5. However, it can only be toggled between ANC and hear-through, with no option to turn it off from the device itself.

When compared to the Elite 10, the Sony XM5 provides superior sound isolation, but only when worn correctly. Achieving a good fit with the XM5 can be challenging, and many reviewers might not have achieved a proper fit when comparing its ANC with the Elite 10.

Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 2, the comfort of the Elite 10 is exceptional and they fit perfectly in the ears, which is a pleasant surprise. It’s recommended to try all the ear gel sizes for the best fit.

Compared to the Elite 65T and 85T, the ANC and sound quality of the Elite 10s seem to have deteriorated for some. The Dolby feature does not perform well and the equalizer is also disappointing. The inability to use one bud at a time with the 85s was a downside.

For others, the sound quality and fit of the 10s feel premium and unlike any other Jabra earbuds.

At a retail price of £230 / $249 / AU$379, the Jabra Elite 10 offers competitive pricing.

The Jabra Elite 10 are expensively priced at $249.

It can be purchased for $217.47 at Amazon.

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earphones are available on Amazon for $217.47.

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earphones are available on Best Buy for $219.99.

The Jabra Elite 10 Pro earphones are available on Walmart for $219.99.

The Elite 10 may need to be discounted to compete effectively with products like the AirPods Pro 2, particularly for Apple users.

There are concerns about the call microphone’s sound cancellation capability, as the company’s demo sounds for call quality are unrealistically quiet.

For most users, Jabra’s golden era was with the 75T and 85T models, which offered the best in size, fit and ANC respectively. However, the company seems to have shifted its focus to the mass market, leaving its premium status behind.

The sound quality of the Elite 10 is detailed, robust, and well-organized, but a lack of rhythmic interest prevents them from reaching top-tier performance.

The Elite 10 earbuds’ noise canceling is not as effective compared to competitors.

The Elite 10 provide comfort but lack stability, making them unsuitable for exercise activities.

While Jabra consistently produces comfortable earbuds, they often fall short in sound quality, active noise cancellation, and microphone performance. Hopes are high for improvements in the upcoming Elite 10.

The Elite 8 Active from Jabra offers a perfect seal with large eargels, an improvement over the Elite 7 Pro. The thickness and comfort of the eargels is notable. However, there is room for improvement in the Hearthrough mode, which is anticipated on the Elite 10, among other improvements.

Jabra’s commitment to providing firmware improvements, such as adding ANC to the 75T’s, is highly appreciated by users.

Despite recommendations from multiple sources, the Elite 10 ear seal was not satisfactory for some users, leading to returns. However, Jabra’s software was praised. There were concerns about updates potentially causing performance issues.

If users find the ANC to be considerably weaker post-update, it’s recommended to check if the wind noise reduction mode has been activated, as it can impact ANC and hear-through according to Jabra.

The recent update seems to have negatively affected the Bluetooth audio volume when connected to a TV, with users reporting significantly lower maximum volume.

Semi-open earbuds like the Elite 10 do allow some sound leakage, which can affect noise canceling performance. While they perform better than the older Elite 85T at reducing ambient sound, they don’t quite match the noise canceling capabilities of the AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000X Mark V, or the Bose QuietComfort 2 earbuds. They manage to reduce ambient sound better than expected, but can only achieve about a 50% reduction level.