It’s not often that you review earphones. Or any kind of audio product. My fellow hi-fi fans are much better at these things than me. But every now and then a product comes out on the market that really speaks to everyone and everything, and then I have a chance to tune in. The Jabra Elite 5 wireless earphones are one of these products, which at a very reasonable price offers both automatic noise reduction (ANC), wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint that allows you to connect the earphones to two devices at the same time, and the IP55 certification so that the earphones are also splash-proof and thus protected, among other things, from rain.
In the same price range we find excellent products such as Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro, Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW And EAH-AZ40 techniques. The latter won our group test of affordable wireless earbuds last spring and I’m not necessarily saying the Jabra Elite 5 sounds better than the test winner, but Jabra offers the whole package in a way that even those who use will like it. their wireless earphones as much for work as for listening to music.
A party at work
Jabra Elite 5 has been equipped with six microphones distributed on the two plugs, that is, two internal feedback microphones and a feedforward microphone on the outside. This configuration significantly improves call quality if you use the sockets as a wireless headset when talking on a mobile phone. The external microphones are always active, while the internal ones activate automatically if there is wind, for example, so be sure to help your voice trot.
If you need peace and quiet at work, the Jabra Sound + app offers an option to listen to background sounds in the form of various so-called soundscapes, such as crashing waves, rain or the sound of a fan.
And with the help of Microsoft Swift Pair, connecting the plugs to your Windows computer is lightning fast. In other words, Jabra has given a lot of thought to anyone who works at home or has a lifestyle where work and leisure come together. And either way, wireless earbuds that work well in both worlds come in handy.
The quality of the sound
But of course it is the sound quality when listening to music that is the decisive criterion. It doesn’t help much that the Jabra Elite 5 works well as a headset if it doesn’t sound great when playing your favorite tunes.
Fortunately, the Jabra Elite 5 delivers brilliant sound. Noise reduction can be adjusted manually, but it is always discreet and unobtrusive. You never experience the trapped “cheese shack” effect that many other noise-canceling headphones and earplugs have and that the Jabra Elite 5 supports both AAC, SBC and even aptX (which for example Jabra Elite 85t not) is an additional marginal benefit.
The sound image is clear and distinct with good volume and sufficient bass. The sound, of course, is not as full as with significantly more expensive and better earplugs, such as for example Sony WF-1000XM4 – but in both the upper register and the middle register, the music sounds clear and pleasant. For example, Lindemann’s raw voice comes very close Goodbye. On the other hand, the earbuds struggle a little with Gojira’s crushing sound wall, and in general, perhaps metal fans should look for other wireless earbuds besides the Jabra Elite 5.
Perfect fit
The Jabra Elite 5 includes three different EarGels which can be adapted to each ear. This means that the earplugs close so tightly that all outside noise is excluded. And they are fixed, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out when on the go.
However, you are in no way excluded from your surroundings. Like many other noise canceling earphones and headphones, the Elite 5 has sound transmission, which allows you to hear the outside world. It works perfectly and can be used both when talking to the clerk in a shop and, of course, when cycling in traffic.
Good app
Jabra has the same app, Jabra Sound +, for all of its headsets. And as mentioned above, not only are all adjustments made in the app, it’s also used to tailor the sound to your hearing when earplugs are first used.
As mentioned above, you also have the option to choose the degree of noise reduction, furthermore you can shape the sound with a five-band equalizer and save the settings as a preset, in addition to the six defined in advance.
Conclusion
The Jabra Elite 5s are hugely successful, especially considering the price. The plugs are suitable for both work and listening to music and have a clean, crisp sound. They can be wrung out hard before throwing in the towel. Of course, we’ve heard plugs that sound even fuller, but they also cost accordingly.
The noise reduction works flawlessly without being too intrusive, and the app offers countless setting options so the Jabra Elite 5 lives up to your exact preferences.
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