Investigate if Jabra Elite 5 earbuds are the ultimate choice for noise cancellation.

Description

Design & Build Quality

The compact and lightweight design of the Jabra Elite 5 earbuds immediately caught my attention. They feel solid in hand, thanks to the sturdy plastic material that isn’t overly glossy or slippery. The black finish gives them a sleek, modern look without screaming for attention. The charging case is equally well-built, though I found it slightly awkward when trying to open it with one hand. A friend of mine, who has larger hands, echoed the sentiment—so, if you’re all thumbs like him, you might need a bit of practice.

Features

The Jabra Elite 5 earbuds come loaded with features. Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the HearThrough mode are game-changers for different environments. Whether I’m commuting amidst the chaos or sitting in a quiet coffee shop, toggling between these modes is seamless. The 6-mic system, with external mics always active during calls, ensures clear communication even on windy days. And let’s not forget the Spotify Tap Playback—it’s saved me the trouble of fumbling through my phone more times than I can count.

Sound Quality & Performance

The sound delivered by the 6mm speakers feels rich and balanced. I tested them with multiple genres—jazz, EDM, and even podcasts. The bass is present without overpowering the mids and highs, which is essential for someone like me who hates overly boomy earbuds. Using the Jabra Sound+ App, I could fine-tune the equalizer to match my preferences. My cousin, who borrows them occasionally for workouts, loves the clarity during high-intensity playlists. However, if you’re an audiophile, you might notice the sound lacks the ultra-crispness found in premium-tier earbuds.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is subjective, but these earbuds fit my ears snugly without causing fatigue, even during long listening sessions. The inclusion of three sizes of EarGels ensures most users can find the perfect fit. I wore them for a three-hour work call marathon, and they stayed put without making my ears feel sore. My younger sibling, who has smaller ears, also commented on how they felt secure compared to other models.

Durability & Water Resistance

The IP55 rating is reassuring. While I haven’t dunked them in water (and don’t plan to), they’ve survived sweat-filled gym sessions and a surprise drizzle during a jog. I accidentally dropped the case onto a tiled floor once, and while the lid did pop open (sending the earbuds flying), there was no damage except a minor scuff.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life has been consistent. Each bud offers up to 7 hours of playtime, and the case extends it to 28 hours. On particularly long days, I’ve relied on the quick charge feature, which gives about an hour of use from just a 10-minute charge. I also appreciate the Qi-certified wireless charging, which works well with my desk charger. What’s even better is the ability to use one earbud in Mono Mode while the other charges.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode

The Hybrid ANC does a decent job of muting background noise. While taking a walk by a busy street, I noticed the low hum of cars was significantly reduced. However, it doesn’t completely eliminate louder or sudden noises. The HearThrough mode, on the other hand, is fantastic for staying alert without having to remove the earbuds. I’ve used this feature while cycling through city streets, and it provided just enough environmental awareness to feel safe.

Warranty

It’s always comforting to see a solid warranty, and Jabra does not disappoint. I haven’t had to use it yet, but knowing I can reach out for support gives peace of mind. One of my colleagues experienced some white noise in one earbud after several months and was able to get a replacement quickly through the warranty process.

Pluses

• Clear and balanced sound quality across genres.
• Effective Hybrid ANC and HearThrough modes for versatile use.
• Comfortable fit with three sizes of EarGels.
• Impressive 28-hour battery life with the case.
• Qi-certified wireless charging and quick charge functionality.

Areas for Improvement

• The charging case can be tricky to open with one hand.
• Noise cancellation struggles with sudden, sharp sounds.
• Some users report white noise issues after extended use.

Peer Products

Comparing the Jabra Elite 5 earbuds to others like the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Apple AirPods Pro reveals some interesting contrasts. The Sony earbuds offer superior noise-cancellation and sound quality but come at a steeper price and bulkier design. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro shine with their seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem but lack customization options for Android users. The Jabra Elite 5 strikes a balance, delivering solid performance and features at a more accessible price point, though it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of the other two in every metric.

Quality for Price

These earbuds provide excellent value for what they offer. The combination of sound quality, comfort, and features like ANC and wireless charging makes them a strong contender in their price range. While not perfect, they cater to a wide range of needs without breaking the bank. For someone seeking reliable, versatile earbuds without venturing into ultra-premium territory, they’re worth considering.

Additional information