Compared - AirPods 3 VS Jabra Elite 4 Active! True Wireless Showdown!
# A Detailed Comparison: Jabra Elite 4 Active vs. Apple AirPods 3
by Andrew OSU
You’ve heard about them in passing, but now it’s time to dive deep into the world of true wireless earbuds. Today, we’re comparing two standout options in the market: the **Jabra Elite 4 Active** and the **Apple AirPods 3**. Both are relatively new additions to their respective lineups, offering unique features and capabilities that cater to different needs.
In this article, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison of these two earbuds, covering everything from design and battery life to noise cancellation and platform integration. Whether you’re an Apple fan or an Android enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get started!
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## Introduction
Here are my $120 **Jabra Elite 4 Active** earbuds and these are my $180 **Apple AirPods 3**. Today, I’ll be comparing these two sets of true wireless earbuds to help you decide which one is the better fit for your needs.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Andrew from **@andrew_osu**, and you can find all my videos on [Apple Insider](https://appleinsider.com). Be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell so you never miss a new video. As always, let’s use the chapter markers below if you want to jump straight to a specific section.
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## Physical Design: Cases and Build Quality
Let’s start by looking at the physical cases of both earbuds. Both the Jabra Elite 4 Active and AirPods 3 come with sleek, narrow, and thin cases that open from the top. Personally, I prefer these over the typical clamshell designs because they feel more comfortable to hold.
One thing I love about the **Jabra case** is that it can stand up on its own, which is a nice touch. However, the **AirPods 3 case** has an edge here because it’s smaller and easier to slip into your pocket. Plus, it supports **wireless charging**, which works seamlessly with MagSafe chargers if you have one lying around.
While the Jabra case does have a USB-C port for charging, it lacks wireless charging capabilities. This is something I would’ve loved to see included, especially since wireless charging has become a standard feature in many modern devices.
In terms of size and dimensions, the Jabra case is slightly larger in width and depth compared to the AirPods 3 case, which is just a bit taller. Despite the added functionality of standing upright, I’d have to give the edge to the **AirPods 3** for its compact design and wireless charging compatibility.
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## Battery Life: Single Charge vs. Total Listening Time
Next up is battery life—a crucial factor when choosing between any pair of earbuds.
According to Jabra, their Elite 4 Active earbuds offer **7 hours of listening time on a single charge** with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) turned on. You can extend this further by cycling between the left and right earbuds. Combined with the case’s battery, you get up to **28 hours of total listening time**, which is impressive for daily use.
On the other hand, Apple claims that each AirPod delivers **6 hours of listening time** on a single charge. With the charging case, you can achieve up to **30 hours of total listening time**, making it the longest battery life ever seen in an AirPod model. However, I’d still give the edge to Jabra here because their single-charge listening time (7 hours vs. 6 hours) is more beneficial for extended use over a weekend or during busy days.
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## Microphone Quality: Call Handling and Voice Recognition
Both earbuds come equipped with top-tier microphone systems, making them excellent for calls and voice recognition.
Starting with the **AirPods**, Apple has included **dual exterior beamforming microphones** that do an outstanding job of picking up clear audio during phone calls or when using Siri. There’s also an internal-facing microphone that listens inside your ear, allowing Apple to tweak the sound profile dynamically for better accuracy and clarity.
The **Jabra Elite 4 Active**, on the other hand, features **four MEMS microphones** with grills protecting them from external wind interference. This setup ensures minimal noise during calls and voice commands, even in noisy environments.
While both microphones perform exceptionally well, I’d have to call this one a draw. The inward-facing microphones on the AirPods are a standout feature, but the overall audio quality of the Jabra earbuds is slightly better due to their superior noise cancellation capabilities and wind protection.
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## Earbud Design: Fit and Comfort
When it comes to earbud design, there’s a clear difference between the two models.
The **AirPods 3**延续了经典的外观设计,采用了一体式造型,无需硅胶耳塞。它们的设计注重通用性,适合大多数人的耳朵形状,虽然没有额外的泡沫翼尖,但凭借其紧凑的结构,佩戴起来依然非常稳固。
The **Jabra Elite 4 Active**, however, takes a different approach. They come with **silicone ear tips** that provide a more secure fit, making them ideal for active use cases like workouts or running. You can choose from multiple sizes to find the perfect fit for your ears.
In terms of comfort and fit, I’d say it’s a tie. The AirPods are great for everyday wear due to their looser fit, while the Jabra earbuds excel at keeping themselves in place during physical activity thanks to their secure design and **IP67 water/dust resistance rating** (they can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes).
For active use cases, though, the **Jabra Elite 4 Active** is clearly the better option. The AirPods lack silicone tips and would likely fall out more easily during intense movements like weightlifting or yoga.
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## Noise Cancellation: A Game-Changer
One of the most significant differentiators between these two earbuds is noise cancellation (ANC).
The **AirPods 3** do not have any ANC features, which means they’re not ideal for blocking out external noise in environments like offices, planes, or buses. If you want ANC with AirPods, you’ll need to step up to the **AirPods Pro**, which is a separate product altogether.
The **Jabra Elite 4 Active**, on the other hand, boasts **Active Noise Cancellation** powered by its four MEMS microphones. This feature allows it to cancel out external noise effectively, making it an excellent choice for commuting or working in noisy environments. Additionally, the earbuds have **passive ANC** thanks to their silicone tips, which block out more sound compared to the AirPods 3’s open design.
Beyond ANC, the Jabra earbuds also feature a **“HearThrough” mode**, similar to Apple’s Transparency Mode on the AirPods Pro. This lets you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music or podcasts.
For noise cancellation alone, there’s no contest: the **Jabra Elite 4 Active** is far superior.
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## Audio Quality: Crisp vs.airy Sound
When it comes to audio quality, both earbuds deliver solid performance, but they have distinct sonic characteristics.
The **AirPods 3** are known for their **clean and balanced sound profile**, which works well for a wide range of music genres. However, because there’s no physical seal on your ears (no silicone tips), some external noise inevitably creeps in, giving the audio a slightly airy feel. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it does take away from the overall listening experience.
The **Jabra Elite 4 Active**, with its better seal thanks to the silicone tips, offers a more immersive and detailed soundstage. The audio feels crisper and tighter, which is especially noticeable when listening to genres like rock or classical music. That said, the AirPods still hold their own in terms of clarity and bass response.
In conclusion, while both earbuds have great audio quality, the Jabra’s better seal and noise cancellation capabilities give it a slight edge in delivering a more refined sound.
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## Platform Integration: Android vs. Apple Ecosystem
Another key consideration is how these earbuds integrate with your device ecosystem.
The **AirPods 3** are deeply tied to the Apple ecosystem, offering features like **automatic quick connect**, **spatial audio with head tracking**, and seamless switching between Apple devices. These features make them a no-brainer for iPhone and Mac users who want a fully integrated experience.
On the other hand, the **Jabra Elite 4 Active** is platform-agnostic, meaning it works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices. It also boasts several Android-specific features like **Google Fast Pair**, **Spotify Tap Playback**, and **Alexa integration**, which add extra functionality for those in the Google ecosystem.
If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods 3 are hard to beat. However, if you’re open to switching or want a more versatile option, the Jabra earbuds offer a lot of value with their customizable EQ settings and broader platform support.
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## Additional Features: Customization and Durability
Finally, let’s touch on some additional features that set these earbuds apart.
The **Jabra Elite 4 Active** includes an **automatic EQ adjustment**, allowing you to fine-tune the sound profile based on your preferences. This is a feature Apple has been slow to adopt, and it’s one of the reasons I prefer the Jabra earbuds for customizable audio settings.
In terms of durability, the Jabra earbuds are built to last with an **IP67 water/dust resistance rating**, making them perfect for outdoor activities or sweaty workouts. The AirPods 3, while sweat-proof to some extent, don’t hold up as well in wet or dusty conditions.
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## Conclusion
So, which earbuds come out on top?
- If you’re an **Apple user** looking for seamless integration with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and you don’t need ANC, the **AirPods 3** are a fantastic choice. They offer great sound quality, long battery life, and excellent microphone performance.
- However, if you’re open to exploring other brands and want a more versatile option that offers noise cancellation, customizable EQ settings, and superior durability for active use cases, the **Jabra Elite 4 Active** is the better value for its price.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal needs and device ecosystem. If you prioritize seamless integration with Apple devices, go with the AirPods. But if you’re looking for a more well-rounded package that offers ANC and better resistance ratings, the Jabra earbuds are worth considering.
Let me know in the comments which one you prefer, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tech comparisons and reviews. As always, thanks for watching!