Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 stands as the supreme and concluding model in its series.
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The latest Elite 10 earbuds stand among the top Bluetooth earbuds with their superb audio quality, effective noise reduction, useful extras, and comfortable carry. Unfortunately, their manufacturer, Jabra, is bailing out due to escalating costs, meaning these bad boys won't have successors.
For nearly seven years, Jabra held its ground at the pinnacle of the Bluetooth earbud market. However, long-term investments didn't seem viable in this ruthlessly competitive industry. In a last hurrah, Jabra rolls out the second iteration of Elite 10 earbuds alongside the announcement of their withdrawal. These earbuds could usurp the Elite 8 Active from the top spot at Stiftung Warentest.
These IP57 dust and water-resistant earbuds sport the same space-saving design as their predecessors, making them virtually unnoticeable and barely invasive in the ear canal. They're a total dream to wear. Whether they fit securely and deliver mind-blowing sound quality and efficient active noise cancellation (ANC) depends on a proper fit with the silicone eartips. Jabra thoughtfully includes four different sizes, which usually does the trick.
Stellar Sound Performance
You'll get an amazing, balanced audio tuning right off the bat. The bass is robust yet doesn't overwhelm the mids, which perform admirably. Clear highs offer plenty of nuances without ever becoming grating.
The new Jabra Elite 10 kick it up a notch with 3D Sound activation in the accompanying app. This feature expands the sound landscape even with standard materials, though it still can't match Dolby Atmos tracks. Additionally, the earbuds offer Head-Tracking, keeping the music centered as you turn your head. It works well, but whether you're a fan is another story.
High-resolution Bluetooth codecs aren't supported by the earbuds, but the charging case does handle the new Bluetooth standard LE Audio. This allows for high-quality transmissions. In other words, the case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter when connected to an entertainment system on an airplane or a TV via the supplied USB-C cable with a 3.5mm adapter. This worked like a charm in testing, with no noticeable delay. The Bluetooth connection is exceptionally stable, even over long distances.
Impressive Active Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation is another strong suit. It effortlessly adapts to the environment, but sadly, you can't tweak any settings in the app. However, the adaptive ANC works like a charm in low-noise environments, especially with lower frequencies. For instance, it shines in traffic noise, where it's good to hear what's going on around you anyway.
Call noise reduction and sound suppression during calls are optional features that are surprisingly effective. It's not perceived as if you're walking on invisible shoes.
If you want crystal-clear awareness of what's happening around you, earbuds offer a natural-sounding transparency mode. It's adjustable in four steps, and the maximum intensity is just a whisper.
Solid Controls, Excellent Battery Life
Switching between ANC and transparency mode, playback, and other functions is a breeze thanks to the left earbud's simple controls. The control scheme that uses physical buttons remains, and it's simple and reliable. With presets, you can manage all functions during playback and phone calls with a single or double press. The volume is adjusted by long-pressing the left or right side. Plus, there's dependable wear detection, so the playback automatically pauses when one or both earbuds are removed.
The accompanying app holds its own despite some murky areas. It offers, among other things, an equalizer with presets and custom adjustments, as well as the ability to play soothing sounds when you want to relax without music. The app dishes up a variety of sounds, from fans to birdsong to urban babble.
The battery life of the earbuds lasts long enough for an extended power nap. With activated ANC, according to the manufacturer, they last up to six hours, without ANC up to eight hours. The charging case holds reserves for up to 21 or 28 hours. The actual testing confirms these numbers, with the earbuds lasting a bit longer at moderate volume levels.
Final Verdict
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds certainly deserve a spot among the top current Bluetooth earbuds as a complete package, and they might even be number one. The quality comes with a hefty price tag of around 280 Euro. If you're willing to shell out this dough, you don't have to worry about updates for the earbuds due to the company's exit from the market. The parent company GN guarantees support for several years.
