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

[SeaFox]

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.

Or, maybe Jabra is simply using different components that cannot be made in the same size as the Apple's counterparts.

To quote yourself:

Sound quality is one area where the AirPods fall short, with the Elite 65t offering noticeably better audio.

You know what helps with sound quality? Larger diaphragms with more room to move. See: Phone call audio quality of candy-bar phones vs. flip-phones in the early 2000's. You know what you can't do with larger diaphragms? Fit them into such a small package. So maybe, just maybe, Apple's earphones being smaller isn't some marvel of fabulous engineering, and is instead just a design choice of form over function.

What? Apple choose light/thin over usability? That would NEVER happen!

 

[Mackinjosh]

I haven’t taken my AirPods into a pool but I have into the steam room many many times and they function perfectly. Treat my non waterproof original Apple Watch the same way except I actually took that into the pool. 0 issues

The difference being Apple won't fix your Airpods if they get damaged due to moisture. Jabra will. And there are many reports of sweat destroying the AirPods. What's the point of mobile ear buds that you can't use while walking/jogging?

 

[CarlJ]

What's the backstory on not referring to Amazon's "Alexa" by name, but instead calling it the "Voice Assistant"? Why would we worry if you called it Alexa? Isn't that what it is?

Alexa is its (informal?) name. It's also the trigger phrase. Several podcasts I listen to go out of their way to not say, literally, the phrases, "Hey Siri", or "Okay Google", or "Alexa", because, when played back in thousands of houses across the country, invariably a few dozen voice assistants will hear it, wake up, and start trying to make sense of what is now being said. I'm gonna guess that might be what's going on here.

 

[amaze1499]

So, 160 - 250$ for devices with a battery run time up to / around 5hours. While I am not arguing function / features of the current wireless headphones generation, what will happen in a worst case scenario when battery needs to be exchanged out of warranty multiple times? We know, that tiny thing will wear off sooner or later. As for Airpods (each item) is 49$ i.w. or 69$ o.o.w. to have the battery exchanged. Thats 159$ (purchase) plus 217$ (o.o.w. exchange likely less, depends on scenario)

I am wondering, is that worth the experience if you plan to use the product for a few years? And in case of loosing one, is there a feature find my airpod?

 

[hagar]

I'd like to see Apple do two things with the AirPods:

- One, offer them in different colors (yes, I know aftermarket companies will paint them for substantial fees, not interesting) - I know white is Apple branding, but I'd prefer a space gray, or some similar less-bright/loud color.

- And, two, offer a version adapted to custom-fit ear molds. I had a pair of custom-fit Etymotics that I used for many years that were awesome for being simultaneously comfortable, secure, and noise-blocking. I'd love to have something like that for AirPods. Presumably have some fitment on the AirPods themselves for attaching the ear molds, and then a case with enlarged cutouts to fit the AirPods with the ear molds attached.

And Three, design them so you’re not walking around with Qtips in your ears. Granted, some people can pull it off, but most can’t.

 

[ckhris1613]

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

Elegant..... really
[doublepost=1548489322][/doublepost]

I'll take sound quality over comfort, hands down. These are audio devices, after all. If I wanted comfort, I'd wear the fluffy ear muffs my mom knit me. #itaintrocketscience

Makes perfect sence to me.
Hands down if its not comfortable you wont wear it

 

[bobob]

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.

Is it time to cull the ear mutants from the herd?

 

[Tesix2]

Jabra and RHA slightly ahead of Apple

 

[jR0ny]

The Jabras support multiple connections so the W1 chip doesn't sound that "cool" anymore ...

Airpods more than solid!
My pick are still the Jabra 65T

To consider = which OS u run on your Phone ...

 

[Aston441]

Bluetooth is early 2000s technology. Really it's not improved since around 2005, before the first iPhone came out, and it's got all the problems the wired connection never had. Nobody used it until they had to.

I'm not opposed to wireless audio, but cmon, we need something new. First thing to be ditched should be the idiotic pairing system. Shouldn't be any harder than plugging in a cable.

Bluetooth is 1980s technology youngling.

 

[Abazigal]

Jabra and RHA slightly ahead of Apple

You mean a new product is “slightly” better than a 2-year old offering from Apple?

 

[FyerFyer]

It appears that Anker has 8 different models under the "SoundBuds" moniker. Care to specify which one you have?

I'm a huge fan of Anker's batteries and cables. Haven't really looked into their other products yet.

I went for the soundbuds slim + and picked them up for around €17. They come with everything you need including and awesome little storage case. I’m sure the other models are just as good and I believe the more expensive are awesome (based on reviews)

 

[schataut]

Any recommendations for earbuds that have low latency technology? Truly wireless buds - most of them have issues syncing sounds with lip movement (YouTube videos). I have Bose QuietComfort and they work well however looking for in ear ones.

 

[jR0ny]

Any recommendations for earbuds that have low latency technology? Truly wireless buds - most of them have issues syncing sounds with lip movement (YouTube videos). I have Bose QuietComfort and they work well however looking for in ear ones.

Jabra 65T & Airpods are the only ones thst worked for me

 

[JDRNYC]

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.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

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

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.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

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

I own the Jabra Elite and they are extremely comfortable. Ear fatigue? Seriously? Jabra’s blow away ear buds and look much cooler. The sound is 10 times better and overall the best option I found. I don’t often review things but had to in this case!

 

[sofila]

So, 160 - 250$ for devices with a battery run time up to / around 5hours. While I am not arguing function / features of the current wireless headphones generation, what will happen in a worst case scenario when battery needs to be exchanged out of warranty multiple times? We know, that tiny thing will wear off sooner or later. As for Airpods (each item) is 49$ i.w. or 69$ o.o.w. to have the battery exchanged. Thats 159$ (purchase) plus 217$ (o.o.w. exchange likely less, depends on scenario)

I am wondering, is that worth the experience if you plan to use the product for a few years? And in case of loosing one, is there a feature find my airpod?

You seem so old-school and have an old fashioned approach for tools, forgetting that a lot of users want to be on the latest just for the sake of it.

Well, I'm exactly like you.

 

[ninethirty]

I mean.. the Airpods are pretty butt ugly, so..

I own the Jabra's, and I primarily bought them because Apple has never made earphones with good sound quality. I was downgrading from a wired pair of Shure 535's, but I'm still pretty impressed. I don't know what the review is talking about, re: pairing automatically. Every single time I put my Jabra's in, there's audio feedback to tell me they've turned on, and immediately tells me how many devices they're connected to (anything I ever paired them with the first time). They then work instantly. I've also never found them uncomfortable, and I've worn them on business trips, and long flights.. not an issue I ever experienced.

Airpods were never an option for me, because (to me) they look stupid, and the sound is no good.

Jabra's option is solid.

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

 

[Wrathard]

I have both the Jabra Elite Active 65T and the Airpods and the Jabra blows the Airpods out of the water. There is absolutely no competition.

1. Noise Cancellation Software
2. Better Quality Sound
3. Tighter Fit (allows to be used during excersise)
4. Better Looking (no tail that falls down on your ear)
5. Better Microphone (used on calls)
6. Alexa Support Built-In
7. Water Resistant
8. Auto connection to iphone as soon as the device is turned on (this article says it does not happen, have they ever used the earphones???)

I mean, I used the airpods for years but once I got the Jabras I havn’t looked back.

Biased article and misleading to the customers.

 

[EdT]

I purchased the Jabra Elites when I first got my new iPhone last fall and had to get something to listen to music. They wouldn’t stay in my ears, even if I was just sitting. Took them back the next day. I can’t honestly talk about sound comparison between the AirPods I have now and the Jabra because I couldn’t use them long enough.

I also tried the Bose and Sony versions of earbuds and had the same problem with them. They may sound great but I cannot get them to stay in my ears.

I tried the other earbuds first because my wife had AirPods and an iPhone X for a year before I got a new phone- screen quit working on my iPhone 6- so I had tried hers to see what I thought of them. I wasn’t impressed at the sound-that’s an understatement- and the fit and stability wasn’t great either. But in the end I can walk around with AirPods even if I can’t jog or work out. So that’s what I’m using now.

Historically I’ve never been able to use Apples earbuds comfortably, even back in the included wired earbud days. They didn’t stay in well back then either. It’s the elongated oval shape, it doesn’t work well for me. I mostly used some Bose QC headphones, various models, but those are now not a real option until I buy a blue tooth version.

 

[gadgetfreak98]

Can't help you with ease of use, I know my Powerbeats with the W1 are available on my Mac, Apple TV, and iOS menus all I have to do to connect them is hit the pairing button while music is playing. Another advantage is the long range as W1 uses the higher bluetooth standard, this is great if you leave your phone in the kitchen when walking around the house. Jabra uses the lower standards I believe
[doublepost=1548456971][/doublepost]

no. bluetooth menu is buried in settings, sound output is on the audio app you are using.
[doublepost=1548457120][/doublepost]

maybe because the 65t don't have noise cancellation? At least it is not in the spec sheet

They do NOT have active noise cancellation. I have put Comply foam tips on mine which does enhance noise isolation. So the reality is that on the subway in NYC, for instance, they end up blocking out a lot and I’m usually not feeling I wish I had active. On a plane though, I’m going to my Sonys was 1000-XM3... there the noise cancellation makes a bigger difference.
[doublepost=1548515236][/doublepost]

I have both the Jabra Elite Active 65T and the Airpods and the Jabra blows the Airpods out of the water. There is absolutely no competition.

1. Noise Cancellation Software
2. Better Quality Sound
3. Tighter Fit (allows to be used during excersise)
4. Better Looking (no tail that falls down on your ear)
5. Better Microphone (used on calls)
6. Alexa Support Built-In
7. Water Resistant
8. Auto connection to iphone as soon as the device is turned on (this article says it does not happen, have they ever used the earphones???)

I mean, I used the airpods for years but once I got the Jabras I havn’t looked back.

Biased article and misleading to the customers.

To my other post, there is not active noise cancellation in the Jabras. But they do a nice job of isolation. They are of a fundamentally different design than open air units like the AirPods. No one design is right or wrong. I strongly prefer the Jabras as I want to cut out the sound of my surroundings.

There is a jabra app that allows you to turn on and off ambient sounds through the microphone as well as other sound equalization. But that is not cancellation.
[doublepost=1548515391][/doublepost]

I mean.. the Airpods are pretty butt ugly, so..

I own the Jabra's, and I primarily bought them because Apple has never made earphones with good sound quality. I was downgrading from a wired pair of Shure 535's, but I'm still pretty impressed. I don't know what the review is talking about, re: pairing automatically. Every single time I put my Jabra's in, there's audio feedback to tell me they've turned on, and immediately tells me how many devices they're connected to (anything I ever paired them with the first time). They then work instantly. I've also never found them uncomfortable, and I've worn them on business trips, and long flights.. not an issue I ever experienced.

Airpods were never an option for me, because (to me) they look stupid, and the sound is no good.

Jabra's option is solid.

I did the same shift from Shure 535s and also have been surprised that the difference isn’t too bad in going to the Jabras. Yes when I go back to the Shures with the lightning cable, I remember why they cost so much. But day to day the Jabras are solid and super convenient. Volume though is one thing where any wireless doesn’t seem to quite compare. But that’s rarely too big an issue

 

[Joniz]

I had airpods and currently own Jabras 65t actives and you aren't doing something wrong.

The only real benefit to airpods w1 (aside from range and battery life though BT 5.0 levels the playing field here) is that you only have to pair to a single idevice and then the pairing is shared with other idevices. With BT you need to pair with each device, but once its paired its basically the same as the airpods after that (assuming you don't reset your device).

The Jabras can be paired with up to 8 devices at once and can be actively connected to 2 devices at once, which is actually better than airpods. Early on I believe airpods did kind of auto switch between active devices without the need to use the audio menu but the feature was removed before it shipped. Early reviews mentioned it. It still does with the watch just not between ipad and iphone or atv...

There is the advantage with AirPods & the Apple TV, being able to quick connect using the Play button.

Apple could make these a WHOLE LOT BETTER if someone had the foresight to leave the Connect button on the irritating battery pop up on the phone/iPad.

And I HATE HOW THE AIRPODS AUTOSWITCH TO THE APPLE WATCH! When I’m listening to music on the iPhone and an alarm on the Watch goes off, the damned thing switch over to the watch and stop the music. When I close the alarm, it does not start the music again. I have to pull out the phone and futz with the thing.

This last point in Apple Usability in the time of Tim Cook.

 

[Marcus PM]

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.

Exact same experience with ear pods falling out almost immediately. AirPods stay much better but will still fall out over time. So I put a foam cushion over them and then they stay as they should.

 

[Romeo_Nightfall]

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

Everyone gives them credit, don’t get your comment. Or is it a kind of reverse whining?

 

[heretiq]

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’ve gone exclusively wireless with AirPods. I love my wired AudioTechnicas and AKGs but the rock solid reliability, sound quality and convenience of AirPods give them an edge for me.

 

[0924487]

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.

The top of the line ones like Sony MDR 1000x series are on pair.

It’s just your wallet.