I realize there are still a lot of people out there who love a set of earphones with an EarPod-like design? But unfortunately, audio accessories like this are rarely offered due to the high demand for in-ear type TWS. This may be one of the reasons why Jabra launched the Elite 10 for those who prefer this design. But is it worth spending RM1299 to own the Jabra Elite 10?
SPECIFICATIONS
Jabra Elite 10
Type True wireless earphone set
Partial type in the ear
10mm Audio Driver
Microphone 6x MEMS microphone
Sidetone, HearThrough
Noise Cancellation Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Jabara Advance ANC
Battery Up to 36 hours
Bluetooth 5.3 tethering
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair
Codec AAC, SBC
USB-C charging
Wireless charging
Sound+ app support
iOS, Android
Physical Button Controls
IP57 waterproof capability (Earphones)
IP54 (Charger Pod)
Selling Price RM1299
(Cream, Cocoa, Titanium Black and Gloss Black)
First of all, it is very disappointing when TWS worth more than RM1000 still does not support LDAC or LHDC codecs. Other competitors who sell at many times cheaper can include it. But there is support for Spatial Sound by Dolby with head tracking for immersive audio. Because of this sensor, Jabra had to remove the IP68 protection that is on the Elite 8 Active and only provide IP57 support on the earphones and IP54 on the charging pod.
As always, Jabra continues to offer their HearThrough sound-through mode along with the new Jabra Advanced ANC noise cancellation technology. This time it is not adjustable but can change intelligently according to the situation. This may not be to the liking of some users who want the freedom to set their own desired level of noise cancellation.
DESIGN AND USE
The Elite 10 also continues to use a small and compact design like the Elite 8 Active. It is very light, as I feel as if nothing is inserted into the ear when using it. This provides comfort for long-term use. On the ear bud, Jabra uses EarGel which is their soft silicone that can ensure no audio leaks when listening to music. Don't get confused.
This EarGel bud is not inserted into the ear hole but is outside the ear hole and simply works like an audio mouthpiece. This means the Elite 10 is not an in-ear TWS.
The finish of the charging pod is kind of dull, while each earbud feels rubbery for extra grip so they don't fall out during exercise. Despite the lack of ShakeGrip technology, I didn't experience any issues with the earphones falling off. Long-term use also does not cause ear itching, sweating or suffocation.
My main issue is the charging pod which has no docking button as it's all built into the earphones. This causes Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair to only detect TWS after it is removed unlike other TWS just open the cover and it will continue to connect to the device.
AUDIO QUALITY
Usually, audio accessories with EarPod design do not have good quality. Especially in the ability of noise cancellation. The Elite 10 provides the best in-ear TWS-like experience I've ever used.
Overall, the bass produced is deep enough with a satisfying thump. It provides clarity to every instrument that provides an immersive experience. But the bass vibration is not good enough and this causes a little lack in the vocals.
The vocals I heard felt very comfortable and pleasing to the ears. My favorite songs like Foolish One by Taylor Swift, Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo or PS5 by Salem Ilese are very clear and soft. The male singer's voice, however, such as on the song Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran or Destination by Crash Adams will be heard a little deep as if forcing the use of the stomach voice. Depending on the mood, to me sometimes it sounds good but some people might not like it.
The Jabra Elite 10 also takes a safe step in delivering high-pitched audio. It's not loud enough, but still nice and very comfortable. It's just that it doesn't stand out enough for acoustic music. This TWS has a wide audio staging, but too much towards artificial than natural. Regardless, the Jabra Elite 10 is a TWS that is fun to use and very comfortable. It is a true wireless earphone set that is suitable for everyone.
The quality of the Jabra Advance ANC is also so good that when used in an airplane I can sleep soundly and not notice the flight attendant telling me to eat. This is the first time I've enjoyed good ANC for a TWS design like this. The effect of vacuum-like pressure is also not felt, unlike the Sony WF-1000XM5. I was completely in my own world without any distractions.
HearThrough support is again in my opinion one of the best sound pass-through modes on the market as it allows you to hear the conversations of people around you without any static interference.
There is no doubt that AAC and SBC codecs are still good for normal use. But I really miss codecs that allow lossless audio like those offered on OnePlus Buds Pro 2, Nothing Ear (2) or Sony WF-1000XM5. This means that with the Elite 10 I can't take advantage of the Apple Music subscription, instead relying solely on Spotify and YouTube Music.
Spatial Sound by Dolby on the Elite 10 is not very interesting because it reduces the audio quality, This is different from the Elite 8 Active which gives better quality. However, head tracking support with Dolby spatial technology is among the best I've tried for a non-Apple audio product. It gives the experience of listening to podcasts or concerts as if you were in a real location.
APPLICATION AND CONTROL
The TWS can also be fully controlled with physical buttons built into each earphone in addition to using the Jabra Sound+ app which allows users to customize the function of each button. The button is soft and pleasant to press and does not cause the earphones to protrude further into the ear.
Although I don't like the physical button because it causes Fast Pair to not work well. I still appreciate it because for users with sweaty hands, physical buttons are a lifesaver.
This Sound+ application is easy to use and very simple like an equalizer that is easy to understand and control. User-friendly interface such as display cards for ANC, Dolby spatial, and also supports TWS tracking if lost. In my opinion, the Elite 10 is more aimed at ordinary users rather than professionals because they can continue to enjoy solid audio right out of the box.
BATTERY
I think since 2019 I have been using Jabra audio products and to this day the battery life rarely disappoints. Elite 10 despite its compact size, the battery life is very long. With ANC I can confirm that Jabra's claim of up to 14 hours is true.
I've never used TWS without ANC because it's the best listening mode. Fast charging support also provides endurance up to 1 hour after charging for 5 minutes. Wireless charging is also still there which is quite good and helpful for me.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Jabra Elite 10
1x 2 pairs of extra ear buds.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
For me who has been fond of in-ear type TWS for years believing that only this type is capable of providing the best audio and ANC, the Elite 10 has made me want to give semi-in-ear type TWS a second chance. For the first time ever, fans of EarPod designed earphones like this support flagship earphone features and functions.
With great audio, a long-lasting battery, comfortable in-ears, small size and head tracking – the Jabra Elite 10 offers a complete package that's eye-catching. If you ask me, RM1299 is expensive for this TWS. But it's worth it because there aren't many TWS like this on offer, and Jabra also gives a two-year warranty with an exchange for a new unit at no extra charge.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
The Spatial Sound by Dolby feature is an interesting bonus.
ANC although uncontrollable it is one of the best.
Comfortable in-ear for long-term use.
There aren't many types of in-ear semis as good as this one.
There is wireless charging and fast charging.
Long lasting battery.
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
No IP68 waterproof support like the cheaper Elite 8 Active.
Codecs are limited to AAC and SBC, no LHDC or LDAC for lossless audio.
Fast Pair support only works after the earphones are removed.
The selling price is quite expensive compared to competitors.