Apple's AirPods vs. Jabra's Elite 65t Wire-Free Earbuds

[MacRumors]

After Apple released its AirPods in late 2016, other headphone manufacturers have been attempting to compete with their own wire-free earbuds, most of which can't match the AirPods' comfort level, battery life, Bluetooth range, and ease of use.

Jabra is one such company, and its Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds have been named as one of the better AirPods alternatives. In our latest YouTube video, we compared the Jabra Elite 65t Earbuds with the AirPods to see just how they measure up.

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Design wise, Jabra's earbuds are denser and heavier than the AirPods, because each one is equipped with a battery, speaker, microphone, and other tech, and Jabra hasn't been able to condense these features down in the same way that Apple is able to.

That said, they are small and tight fitting in the ear, which is a plus, but the weight makes them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Given the snug fit, you can likely use these for working out, though Jabra does offer an "Active" version specifically for that purpose.

Like the AirPods, Jabra's Elite 65t have buttons for doing things like pausing a song or changing the volume, and once you figure them out, the controls are easier than the double tap on the AirPods. One benefit - the Elite 65t look like a "normal" pair of headphones because there's no tail coming down out of your ear like there is with AirPods.

Sound quality is one area where the AirPods fall short, with the Elite 65t offering noticeably better audio. In fact, when it comes to wireless headphones we've tested, Jabra's are some of the best sounding. Jabra offers an app where you can customize the headphones with music presets and an equalizer.

Like AirPods, Jabra's earbuds offer five hours of battery life, with the case serving as a way to store and charge them. Jabra uses micro-USB to charge the case, which is not as convenient as Lightning or USB-C.

There are four microphones in the Elite earbuds, so phone calls sound great, and the microphones are also used for voice commands. The Elite 65t have Alexa support built in, and there are options to use Siri on the iPhone or Google Assistant on Android as alternatives. Apple recently partnered up with Amazon to let Alexa activate Apple Music, but that's only on Echo devices.

Jabra's earbuds are IP55 certified, which means they'll hold up to a bit of moisture, and there are some AirPod-like features, such as an option to pause music when an earbud is removed. In the app, you can also set soundscapes or do things like activate an option to amplify the sounds around you.

The Elite 65t earbuds have some useful features, but as with all AirPods competitors, there's no way Jabra's earbuds can match the functionality added with Apple's proprietary W1 chip. The W1 allows the AirPods to connect to an Apple device automatically, and it extends Bluetooth range quite a bit.

All in all, there are some areas like sound quality where the Elite 65t outperform the AirPods, but when it comes to comfort and ease of use, the AirPods win.

What do you think of Jabra's Elite 65t earbuds? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Apple's AirPods vs. Jabra's Elite 65t Wire-Free Earbuds

 

[alexandr]

if only these competitors didn't make such butt-ugly products...

 

[kimmen]

Jabra's earbuds are denser and heavier than the AirPods, because each one is equipped with a battery, speaker, microphone, and other tech

Doesn't each Airpod have battery, speaker, microphone, and other tech (W1 chip, bluetooth, etc.)?

 

[Aston441]

I've gone back to wired. Bluetooth has been terrible for decades and still is. I can't believe in 30 years no one has managed to get it to be on part with wired.

 

[Infinite Vortex]

If it doesn't fit in your ears right (the AirPods don't fit in mine… can't comment on the Jabra as I've never had them) then now matter how good they are in someone else's ears, it doesn't mean a lot.

 

[alexandr]

I've gone back to wired. Bluetooth has been terrible for decades and still is. I can't believe in 30 years no one has managed to get it to be on part with wired.

i use both and with airpods bluetooth has been nothing but great

 

[Marcus PM]

Very happy with my AirPods. But to adjust the fit and stop them from falling out, I put foam covers over them.

 

[BigMcGuire]

One of the best features I like about airpods? I can use them with my iPad, iPhone, Watch, and MacBook with no effort. Only had to pair to one device and it is available to all.

 

[jclo]

Doesn't each Airpod have battery, speaker, microphone, and other tech (W1 chip, bluetooth, etc.)?

Yeah and you forgot the other part of that paragraph: "and Jabra hasn't been able to condense these features down in the same way that Apple is able to."

 

[msama]

I think the airpods don't get enough credit. I really, really enjoy using mine. Simple, elegant, effective.

 

[MoreRumors?]

The problem with in ear buds is you can't get extensive time to try them out and each individual have different shape ear and size. I agree comfort comes first and sound quality is close behind. If Jabra comes with different size cushions that you can swap out that conforms to an individual's ear, then I think they can sell very well. I think the Airpods shell is on the slick side and it would be nice if there was a cushion to hold inside the ear better.

 

[Ceviche Lover]

I have the Jabras and they’re great. Sound quality is better due to the included tips, and the best part is they don’t make you look like you have straws in your ears.

 

[RipReed]

Are you kidding me? Not a single mention of one of the 65t's major features - Noise cancellation. The AirPods don't even come close to comparing to the Jabras and they sound ****** to boot. You're either very biased and writing a desperate hit piece on Apple's behalf (imagine that) or you're something I'm too polite to suggest.

 

[gadgetfreak98]

I’ve had the active version of the Jabras since the very first days they were available. I love all things apple but AirPods didn’t fit me. I find the Jabras to be excellent. They always maintain connection, they very easily connect to multiple devices (iPad iPhone and watch). I find them very comfortable. I have put comply tips on them and the sound isolation is quite good. I have zero fear of them falling out and I have run in the pouring rain with them with no issues. Really an excellent product and far exceeded what I expected from Jabra.

I do wish AirPods worked for me — my wife loves hers. But I am not sure I would actually switch given sound, security and durability. If AirPods don’t work for you I would definitely recommend trying these. And sales seem pretty common now.

 

[jelloshotsrule]

The problem with in ear buds is you can't get extensive time to try them out and each individual have different shape ear and size. I agree comfort comes first and sound quality is close behind. If Jabra comes with different size cushions that you can swap out that conforms to an individual's ear, then I think they can sell very well. I think the Airpods shell is on the slick side and it would be nice if there was a cushion to hold inside the ear better.

fully agree. i mainly use mine for running, and i've found that i'd rather just buy the $20-30 pairs even if they fail after a couple years because then if they don't fit well or whatever, i'm not out $100+. how does apple treat returns of airpods in the 14 day window? it's a little different than the usual product since you stick them in your ears... hah

 

[Nozuka]

The Jabras look stupid when not in the ears. Airpods don‘t.

But when in the ears, the Airpods are the stupid looking ones.

Jabras sound much better. Stay better in the ear while working out. And have a better noise insulation.

And it connects to both my iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time... so i‘m not missing the W1 Chip.

 

[loftiness]

I used both pair extensively, important omission from this review:
- Jabra has actual isolation and blocks significant noise, AirPod is open and doesn't block any. This makes jabra a lot better on e.g. transit or outdoor biking, better for your hearing since you can keep vol low.
- Jabra has buttons for playback and volume, very convenient, but not comfortable
- You can use each side of Airpods independently, jabra the left side is "slaved" to the right side and can't function without the right side.
- Battery-wise Jabra is actually 10-20% better in my usage (without the case). My AirPods battery are much worse now too.
- Airpod case is so great (how it uses magnets), jabra one is ok

 

[sofila]

Doesn't each Airpod have battery, speaker, microphone, and other tech (W1 chip, bluetooth, etc.)?

just read the following line

 

[FyerFyer]

Man I use the anger sound buds and they are brilliant. Plus you can make a call with them as they have a mic.

 

[Joniz]

Okay, the video goes on about how, with the W1 chip, you can switch between devices without going into the BT menu.

While it’s not the BT menu but the sound output menu on the iphone, this is pretty much the same thing. To get them to connect from one device (Apple TV) to another (iPhone), I have to open the Control Panel, select the tiny sound output button, select Airpods from the list.

People make it sound like they don’t do this.

Am I doing something wrong? Because, to me, these are no easier to switch to my iPhone than my $25 pair of off-brand BT headphones. And they could connect to two devices at once, which was great.

 

[cppguy]

Unfortunately ear pods fall out of my ears in seconds. As soon as I move my head ever so slightly, or 15 seconds even if I stay perfectly still. Forget about standing up, walking, chewing. On the other hand, the BeatsX stays firmly inside, so that's what I prefer. I haven't tried Airpods, but considering ear pods are such a bad fit, I can't justify buying it.

 

[MauiPa]

"with the Elite 65t offering noticeably better audio". Oh for the days of professional reviews. This absolutely means nothing. Is there some way to measure the response curve? Some people say it sounds better when the bass is way boosted, but that does not actually mean a better sounding or performing speaker. The best speaker accurately reproduces the sound as it is supposed to sound absent any colorizing.

And Apple does have EQ curve setting, under Music, Playback, EQ (if you must). I play my music flat, because that is the way the artists intended it to sound. You only need EQ if you desire a specific response, have bad ears and have to compensate, or have bad speakers and need to compensate.

 

[macduke]

I would pay $200 for AirPods with in-ear tips and a wireless charging case. Longer battery life using BT 5.0 would be icing on the cake. They are so close to perfection.

 

[Chloros]

elites for sure.

 

[McTool]

On the market for a pair. Haven’t decided yet.
Jabra. Apple. Bose. B&O. Senheisser. JBL. Sony. The list goes on.
What I want is stable connection, comfort wearing and they have to go loud.