Jabra Introduces Elite 10 Earbuds with Dolby Atmos Technology
Jabra was among the pioneers in successfully developing true wireless earbuds. Since the release of its initial model, the Elite 65t, in 2018, the company has consistently provided a remarkable combination of sound quality and features at various price points. Furthermore, Jabra’s earbuds have proven to be exceptionally reliable, maintaining a strong connection even during the early stages of true wireless technology. Today, the company introduces two new additions to its product range: the Elite 10, a high-end model with comprehensive features, and the Elite 8 Active, a durable workout companion that has undergone rigorous military-grade testing.
Jabra didn’t change much in terms of design between its latest headphones and these two new models. In the Elite 10, the company says it’s combined the fit of the Elite 7 Pro with the “all-day” comfort of the Elite 85t. Jabra also developed something called ComfortFit for the Elite 10. It is a semi-open design with less occlusion and ear pressure. The headphones are wrapped in soft silicone to further improve the fit, and minor tweaks to the shape should fit more ears than previous Jabra models.
The most important addition to the Elite 10 is Dolby Atmos sound. This is the first Jabra model to feature Dolby immersive sound, and the headset also supports the company’s head tracking technology. The Elite 10 have 10mm drivers and “advanced” active noise cancellation (ANC), which Jabra says automatically adapts to your environment by using infrasound waves to measure the ear canal. The system then utilizes an algorithm to detect potential leaks or changes in wind conditions. The company also explains that this advanced ANC blocks twice as much noise as its “regular” noise cancellation.
Jabra also increases the productivity of the Elite 10. It promises “crystal clear calls” thanks to six built-in microphones and voice clarity algorithms. Bluetooth Multipoint connection, HearThrough (transparency) mode wind noise suppression, auto pause, hands-free voice assistants, quick pairing, wireless charging and Bluetooth LE support complete the amenities. The IP57-rated earphones are resistant to dust and complete submersion, so they also do well during training. As for battery life, Jabra says you can expect up to six hours with ANC on, and the case offers another 21 hours of use.
The Elite 10 will be available in September for $250. They come in cream, cocoa, titanium black, gloss black and matte black.
If you need wireless headphones that can handle a more adventurous lifestyle, the Elite 8 Active should fit the bill. While the company has built workout-friendly Active models in the past, this new option takes things up a notch. In fact, Jabra calls the Elite 8 Active headphones “the loudest headphones in the world.” They have passed all US Army Standard for Ruggedized Electronics (810H) tests that include humidity, high temperature, rain and altitude. The company says the Elite 8 Active is fully waterproof, backed by an IP68 dust and water resistance rating (the case is IP54).
Jabra didn’t stop testing it. It also underwent High Accelerated Corrosion Testing (HACT). The test includes 11 full two-hour cycles at temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit with 93 percent humidity, a 15-minute salt water splash test, and a 15-minute 104-degree Fahrenheit drying test. Jabra says the Elite 8 Active also stayed in place the entire time – we’d like a mannequin – thanks to the ShakeGrip coating that covered previous Active models.
In terms of sound, the Elite 8 Active includes 6 mm drivers and support for Dolby Audio. It’s not Atmos, but it’s probably better than regular sound. There’s also adaptive ANC, which automatically adapts to your environment, although it’s not as effective as the Elite 10’s “advanced” noise cancellation. Less powerful ANC, however, improves battery life. Jabra says you can expect up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on and a total of 32 hours when the case is factored in. HearThrough (transparency) mode is here again, as is the six-microphone setup for calls with wind-blocking mesh. . There’s also smartwatch connectivity (HFP, A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles), Google Assistant, quick pairing, Spotify Tap, Bluetooth LE and more.
The Elite 8 Active is available today for $200 in caramel, cocoa, navy, black, and dark gray.