Does Jabra Elite 5 deliver premium sound and active noise cancellation? Review inside!

Description

Features

I have been using the Jabra Elite 5 True Wireless earbuds daily for a few weeks now, and the list of features is pretty impressive. The Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is perhaps the most notable, allowing me to block out the chaos of my surroundings when I need to focus. On the flip side, the HearThrough technology lets me stay aware of my environment, which comes in handy when walking through busy streets or waiting for my coffee order. The 6mm drivers deliver a solid sound experience, and I found that tweaking the audio settings with the Jabra Sound+ app gives it a personal touch. Spotify Tap Playback is another cool addition, granting quick music access without fumbling for my phone.

The inclusion of six microphones—yes, six—is a lifesaver during calls. I tested them during a particularly windy afternoon walk, and the internal mics kicked in to counteract the wind noise. Pairing the earbuds with my devices was a breeze thanks to Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. Dual connectivity through Bluetooth Multipoint has been a blessing for juggling between my laptop and phone.

Design & Build Quality

The design of these earbuds struck me as sleek and minimalistic. Coming in a Titanium Black finish, they exude a sense of sophistication without being overly flashy. The Jabra Elite 5 earbuds are lightweight, and I hardly notice them in my ears even after hours of use. The charging case is compact and easy to pocket, though the lid feels a tad flimsy at times.

While the earbuds themselves are made of plastic, they feel durable enough to handle everyday use. The IP55 rating against dust and water resistance gives me confidence, especially since I’ve been caught in light rain more than once while using them. It’s not rugged, but it’s reassuring for casual outdoor activities.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort was a big deal for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by how snug the earbuds felt. Jabra provides three sizes of EarGels in the box, and after some trial and error, I found the medium size perfect for my ears. They stayed put during a jog, and that’s saying something since most earbuds tend to slip out on me.

That said, my coworker who has slightly smaller ears wasn’t as impressed. She found them a bit awkward to fit, despite trying the smallest gel size. So, while they worked great for me, they might not suit everyone equally well.

Sound Quality & Performance

The sound quality was a thrill, especially after some EQ tweaking in the app. Tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen were a joy to listen to, with rich mids and crisp highs. The bass isn’t earth-shattering, but it’s well-balanced and doesn’t drown out other frequencies.

I streamed a podcast during my morning commute, and the spoken words were clear and natural. The aptX codec compatibility also made a noticeable difference when streaming high-quality audio. Sure, audiophiles might find room for improvement, but for everyday use, these earbuds deliver a satisfying performance.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life has been solid. I’ve managed to get about 7 hours on a single charge with ANC on, which is close to the promised specs. The charging case extends this to 28 hours, which means I only have to charge it once every few days. The quick charge feature saved me on more than one occasion—10 minutes in the case gave me an hour of juice, which is great for those “oh no, I forgot to charge them” moments.

Wireless charging is another convenience I’ve grown to appreciate. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s one of those features that make life a little easier.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The ANC is not the most powerful I’ve experienced, but it’s reliable enough to muffle the hum of a busy coffee shop or the drone of an airplane. On the other hand, the HearThrough mode is fantastic. It feels natural, like I’m not even wearing earbuds, and it’s incredibly useful when I need to have quick conversations without taking them out.

While the ANC could use some fine-tuning for higher frequencies, it’s a reasonable trade-off considering the price range.

Durability & Water Resistance

I’ve accidentally dropped the earbuds a couple of times, and they survived without a scratch, so durability gets a thumbs-up. The IP55 rating means they can handle a bit of dust and water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. I wouldn’t take them swimming, but for my daily routines, they’ve been reliable.

Warranty

Jabra offers a two-year warranty, which adds a layer of reassurance. Registering the product was simple, and it’s comforting to know that I’m covered if anything goes awry.

Advantages

• Solid sound quality with customizable EQ
• Comfortable and secure fit for most users
• Reliable battery life with quick charge support
• Effective HearThrough mode for ambient awareness

Areas for Improvement

• ANC could be more robust for higher frequency noises
• Fit may not work for everyone, particularly those with smaller ears
• The charging case lid feels slightly flimsy

Product Competitors

When comparing the Jabra Elite 5 with alternatives like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro, some differences stand out. The Sony WF-1000XM4 offers superior ANC but at a higher cost. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro have seamless iOS integration, though they lack the same level of customization through an app like Sound+.

On the more budget-friendly side, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro provides decent ANC and sound quality but falls short on build quality and durability. Jabra Elite 5 finds a sweet spot between premium features and affordability, making it a compelling choice for those who value reliability and balanced performance.

Smart Spending

Considering the feature set, the Jabra Elite 5 offers good value for its price. It doesn’t break the bank but still provides premium touches like ANC, multipoint connectivity, and app customization. For anyone looking for a versatile, mid-range earbud, it’s worth considering. Though not perfect, it strikes a balance that many will appreciate.

Additional information