In the ever-expanding realm of Truly Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, Jabra recently launched its latest flagship model, the Elite 10, which the brand says will usher in a new era of design and audio performance. Design for those who do not like full in-ear earbuds, the Elite 10 offer a unique blend of comfort and outstanding sound quality.
Jabra's recent earbud line-up was bewildering with a myriad of similar-sounding models. The Elite 3, 4, 5, and 7 Pro, along with their 'Active' variants, created a saturation that hindered clarity in choice. However, with the release of the Elite 8 Active and the flagship Elite 10, Jabra seems to have streamlined its portfolio.
Design and comfort
The Elite 10 earbuds represent a departure from the norm. Designed for those who prefer not to have ear tips jammed into their ears, the Elite 10 offers a semi-open design with uniquely shaped oval ear tips. Despite their unconventional approach, these earbuds are remarkably comfortable, nestling securely in the ears with a finish that is soft to the touch yet provides a reliable grip.
While lacking the ‘ShakeGrip’ finish of the Elite 8 Active, the Elite 10's finish feels similar and maintains a discreet profile, avoiding excessive protrusion from the ears. The physical control button on each bud adds a tactile element, allowing users to manage music playback, calls, and toggle between noise-cancelling and ‘HearThru’ transparency mode.
Features and functionality
The Elite 10 earbuds boast a robust feature set, including Jabra's ‘Advanced’ adaptive noise cancelling, an adjustable transparency mode, and ear-detection sensors that pause music when a bud is removed. Notably, these earbuds don't use Qualcomm chips, opting for AAC audio codec compatibility and future support for the LE Audio standard.
Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, a sought-after feature, is available from the start, and Android users benefit from hands-free Google Assistant. A standout addition is Dolby's spatial sound, elevating the listening experience with head tracking on the Elite 10, providing an immersive audio encounter comparable to, if not superior to, Apple's spatial audio on the AirPods Pro.
Sound quality
Equipped with larger 10mm drivers, the Elite 10 delivers a rich, accurate, and open sound that competes with some of the best wireless earbuds in quieter environments. The customisable equaliser (EQ) options in the app, coupled with Dolby spatial sound, allow users to tailor their audio experience. While the sound quality rivals higher-priced competitors, a bit of EQ adjustment might be necessary to suit individual preferences.
Noise-cancelling
The semi-open design of the Elite 10 introduces challenges in noise-cancelling performance. While not bad, it falls short of the complete isolation achieved by the likes of AirPods Pro and others. The noise-cancelling is effective in reducing ambient sound but retains a filtering effect, allowing some external sounds to come through.
Voice calling performance
The Elite 10's voice-calling performance is commendable in less noisy environments, providing clear communication. However, in harsh conditions, it struggles to effectively reduce background noise.
Battery life
The Elite 10's six-hour rating at moderate volume levels with ANC on is among the best in the market. The inclusion of wireless charging in the new case adds to the overall convenience.
Verdict
In a market saturated with exceptional TWS earbuds, the Jabra Elite 10 manages to carve a niche for itself by prioritising comfort without compromising performance. While the noise-cancelling may not match the best in the industry, the Elite 10's unique design, immersive sound, and commendable features make it a noteworthy contender.
Priced at ₹20,999, the Elite 10s are positioned at the upper end of the market. For those seeking a comfortable and high-quality audio experience, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds are a compelling choice.
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Jabra sent CNBC-TV18 a pair of the Elite 10 earbuds for review, but the company had no editorial oversight or copy approval.
