When it comes to wireless earbuds, Jabra is a name that resonates trust and quality. The Danish company has been at the forefront of innovative audio technology, and their Elite series is a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional sound and performance. Among their esteemed line-up, the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active have garnered significant attention, leaving many wondering what sets them apart. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two popular models, helping you make an informed decision on which earbuds are right for you.
Design and Build: A Tale of Two Earbuds
At first glance, the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active appear to be identical twins. Both earbuds feature a sleek, compact design with a ergonomic fit that snuggles comfortably in your ear. However, upon closer inspection, subtle differences emerge.
The Jabra Elite 3 boasts a more minimalist approach, with a smooth, matte finish that exudes a sense of sophistication. The earbuds weigh in at a mere 6.5 grams, making them ideal for daily wear. The Elite 3’s design is geared towards those who crave a discreet, low-profile listening experience.
In contrast, the Jabra Elite 3 Active takes a more rugged approach, featuring a slightly chunkier build with a textured, honeycomb-patterned surface. This added bulk doesn’t result in a significant weight increase, with the earbuds tipping the scales at 7.3 grams. The Elite 3 Active’s design is purpose-built for the active lifestyle, with a more robust construction to withstand the rigors of exercise and outdoor activities.
Water and Sweat Resistance: A Key Differentiator
One of the most significant differences between the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active lies in their water and sweat resistance. The Elite 3 features an IP55 rating, which provides protection against dust and water jets. While this is sufficient for everyday use, it may not be enough for those who engage in intense physical activities or frequent exposure to wet conditions.
The Jabra Elite 3 Active, on the other hand, boasts an impressive IP57 rating, offering superior protection against dust and immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This enhanced waterproofing makes the Elite 3 Active an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts, swimmers, and outdoor enthusiasts who require earbuds that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Sound Quality: A Focus on Clarity and Detail
Both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active deliver exceptional sound quality, thanks to Jabra’s proprietary audio technology. The earbuds utilize 6mm drivers, which provide a balanced sound signature with clear highs, detailed midrange, and punchy bass.
However, the Elite 3 takes a more Neutral approach, aiming to reproduce audio with accuracy and precision. This results in a soundstage that is both wide and detailed, making it ideal for listeners who crave a true-to-life audio experience.
The Jabra Elite 3 Active, while sharing the same sound signature, emphasizes bass response ever so slightly. This minor adjustment caters to the needs of active users, who often prefer a more energetic and engaging sound to keep them motivated during exercise.
HearThrough Technology: A Game-Changer for Active Users
The Jabra Elite 3 Active features an innovative HearThrough technology, which allows you to toggle between full sound immersion and external sound awareness. This feature is particularly useful during exercise, as it enables you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. HearThrough is accessed via the Jabra Sound+ app, which offers customizable settings to fine-tune your audio experience.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
Both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active are equipped with four microphones, strategically placed to capture your voice and reduce ambient noise. This results in crystal-clear call quality, with voices coming through loud and clear.
However, the Elite 3 Active takes it a step further with its advanced wind noise reduction technology. This feature, combined with the earbuds’ sleek design, enables users to take hands-free calls in windy or noisy environments with confidence.
ANC and Sound Cancellation
Both earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which works to reduce ambient noise and immerse you in your music. The ANC on the Elite 3 is tuned for everyday use, providing a subtle yet effective noise-reducing experience.
The Jabra Elite 3 Active takes ANC to the next level, with a more aggressive noise cancellation algorithm. This results in a more pronounced noise-reducing effect, making it ideal for commuters, travelers, or those who need to focus in noisy environments.
Battery Life and Charging
The Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active both boast impressive battery life, with up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 28 hours of battery life, making it easy to top up your earbuds on-the-go.
The Elite 3 Active takes battery life a step further, with a slightly larger charging case that provides an extra 2 hours of playback. This may not seem like a significant difference, but for active users who need their earbuds to keep up with their busy lifestyle, every extra hour counts.
Wireless Connectivity and Range
Both earbuds feature seamless wireless connectivity, with Bluetooth 5.2 providing a stable and reliable connection. The range is impressive, with up to 9 meters (30 feet) of distance between the earbuds and your device.
Additional Features and Accessories
The Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active share many features, including:
* Siri and Google Assistant Integration
* Audio Sharing with compatible devices
* Jabra Sound+ app support for customizable settings and firmware updates
* Compact Charging Case with USB-C connectivity
However, the Elite 3 Active comes with a few exclusive accessories, including:
* Silicone EarGels in three sizes for a secure fit
* Exercise-Friendly Charging Case with a protective carrying pouch
Conclusion: Which Earbuds Are Right for You?
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active are both exceptional wireless earbuds that cater to different user needs. The Elite 3 is perfect for those who prioritize a sleek design, neutral sound signature, and everyday use. The Elite 3 Active, on the other hand, is geared towards active users who require enhanced water and sweat resistance, improved wind noise reduction, and advanced features like HearThrough technology.
When deciding between these two earbuds, consider your lifestyle and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium listening experience with a focus on sound quality, the Elite 3 might be the better choice. However, if you’re an active individual who needs earbuds that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle, the Elite 3 Active is an excellent option.
Ultimately, both earbuds offer exceptional value and performance, making them worthy additions to Jabra’s esteemed Elite series.
What are the main differences between Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds?
The Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds differ primarily in their design, features, and intended use cases. The Elite 3 is a more general-purpose earbud, designed for everyday listening, while the Elite 3 Active is a sports-oriented variant, built for active lifestyles and intense workouts.
The Elite 3 Active has a more rugged design, with IP57 waterproofing and sweat resistance, making it an excellent choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. In contrast, the Elite 3 has a more stylish and minimalist design, with IP55 water resistance, suitable for casual listeners. Additionally, the Elite 3 Active comes with a few extra features like built-in accelerometer for tracking workouts and a specialized exercise mode.
Which earbuds have better sound quality, Jabra Elite 3 or Elite 3 Active?
Both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality, with clear and balanced audio. However, the Elite 3 is known for its slightly more nuanced and detailed sound reproduction, thanks to its 6mm drivers.
That being said, the Elite 3 Active is not far behind, and its sound quality is still impressive. The Active model’s sound signature is slightly more bass-heavy, which might appeal to some users. Ultimately, the sound quality difference between the two models is relatively subtle, and both earbuds will provide an enjoyable listening experience.
Do Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active have similar battery life?
Yes, both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds have similar battery life, with up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge. This is impressive, considering their compact size and feature-set. Additionally, the charging case provides up to 28 hours of total battery life.
It’s worth noting that the Elite 3 Active’s battery life might vary slightly depending on the intensity of your workouts and the features you use. For example, the built-in accelerometer and exercise mode might consume a bit more power. Nevertheless, both models should provide a full day’s worth of listening on a single charge.
Can I use Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active for phone calls and video conferencing?
Absolutely! Both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds are designed for seamless phone calls and video conferencing. They feature advanced 4-microphone technology, which helps to reduce background noise and ensure crisp, clear audio.
In addition, both models support Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom, making them ideal for remote work, online meetings, and video conferencing. You can also use them for hands-free phone calls, with easy pairing to your smartphone or tablet.
Are Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active compatible with all devices?
Both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds are compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android and iOS smartphones, tablets, and computers. They support Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
In addition, both models are compatible with popular audio platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music. You can also use them with voice assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa.
Do Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active come with a warranty?
Yes, both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds come with a 2-year limited warranty from Jabra. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and material failures, giving you peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Additionally, Jabra offers a 1-year warranty extension if you register your earbuds on their website. This provides even more assurance and support for your purchase.
Can I customize the fit of Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds?
Yes, both the Jabra Elite 3 and Elite 3 Active earbuds come with multiple ear gel sizes and a fit guarantee from Jabra. This ensures a comfortable and secure fit for your ears, regardless of their shape or size.
In addition, the Elite 3 Active features a specialized ear wing design, which helps to keep the earbuds in place during intense workouts and exercise. This design element provides added security and stability, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals without worrying about the earbuds falling out.