If you’re torn between the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, this detailed comparison should help you decide which earbuds are the better choice.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts, offering a comfortable, secure fit and up to 8 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC).
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro prioritizes audio fidelity, with support for 24-bit hi-res audio and immersive head-tracking spatial sound. Their sleek, low-profile design is also built for all-day comfort.
We’ll closely examine the key features of each to determine which pair of true wireless earbuds is the better overall choice.
Price & availability
The Jabra Elite 8 Active true wireless earbuds carry a suggested retail price of $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329. However, at the time of writing, Jabra’s US website lists them discounted to $179.99, a price that may also be reflected in other regions.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro have a slightly higher MSRP of $229 / £219 / AU$349. These earbuds are currently available for purchase from online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, and are offered in three color options: Bora Purple, Graphite, and White.
Both the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro were released in September 2023, making them the latest true wireless offerings from their respective brands.
Jabra Elite 8 Active vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Specs comparison
| Feature | Jabra Elite 8 Active | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours (ANC on), 14 hours (ANC off), 32 hours (with charging case) | Up to 5 hours (ANC on), Up to 8 hours (ANC off) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20000Hz | 20Hz |
| Audio Codecs Supported | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC and SSC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Speakers | 24-bit | 24-bit Hi-Fi |
| Waterproof Level/Grade | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Jabra Elite 8 Active vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Key differences explained
Design and Comfort
Regarding design, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro take distinctly different approaches.
The Jabra earbuds have a more rugged, sporty aesthetic, with a soft silicone coating that provides a secure, grippy fit ideal for active lifestyles.
In contrast, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro features a sleek, minimalist look that prioritizes discreet, all-day comfort.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active’s matte silicone finish not only adds durability but also helps them stay firmly in place, even during intense workouts. With three sizes of silicone ear tips included, you can achieve a customized, stable fit.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro’s compact, lightweight design virtually disappears in your ears, making them nearly unnoticeable.
In terms of water resistance, the Jabra Elite 8 Active have the edge, earning an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water immersion.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro carry an IPX7 rating, which means they can withstand water exposure but not total submersion.
The Jabra charging case also has a water-resistant IP54 rating, while the Samsung case offers no such protection.
Build Quality and Durability
Continuing the theme of ruggedness, the Jabra Elite 8 Active clearly outshine the Galaxy Buds2 Pro when it comes to overall build quality and durability.
The silicone-coated earbuds are designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle, with the IP68 rating ensuring they can survive water, sweat, and dust exposure.
The Jabra charging case, while slightly larger than the Samsung’s, also boasts a more rugged construction, thanks to its IP54 rating. This means it can resist water splashes and light dust, making it more suitable for outdoor use.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and their charging case prioritize a sleek, minimalist design over hardcore durability. While the earbuds themselves can handle light water exposure, the case offers no water resistance, so you’ll need to be more cautious when bringing it along on your adventures.
Feature Set and Performance
Moving beyond the physical design, both the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer impressive feature sets to enhance your listening experience.
The Jabra earbuds integrate seamlessly with the brand’s user-friendly mobile app, allowing you to customize sound settings, control noise cancellation, and more. Their active noise cancellation (ANC) performance is particularly impressive, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient sounds.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro prioritize audio quality, with support for 24-bit hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos head-tracking spatial sound. They also pack three high SNR microphones for superior voice pickup during calls, making them a strong contender for remote work and video conferencing.
Both models offer transparency/ambient aware modes to let in external sounds when needed, ensuring you stay aware of your surroundings during workouts or commutes.
Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life, the Jabra Elite 8 Active hold a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The Jabra earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation activated, and a total of 32 hours of battery life including the charging case.
In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide up to 5 hours of ANC-on use, and 18 hours in the case. For users who need their earbuds to last through long workout sessions or all-day wear, the Jabra Elite 8 Active’s superior stamina makes them the better choice.
Both earbuds support USB-C charging, and the Jabra case also offers wireless charging capabilities, providing added convenience.
Jabra Elite 8 Active vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Which should you buy?
It’s a tough call to pick a winner between the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, as both earbuds offer excellent features and performance in their own right. The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities.
Buy Jabra Elite 8 Active if:
- You lead an active lifestyle and need earbuds that can withstand intense workouts and exposure to water/sweat
- You want the best-in-class battery life, with up to 32 hours of total playtime
- You prefer a secure, grippy fit and don’t mind a more utilitarian, sporty design
Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if:
- You prioritize premium audio quality, including support for 24-bit hi-res audio and immersive Dolby Atmos spatial sound
- You want a sleek, discreet design that offers all-day comfort
- You don’t mind slightly shorter battery life (up to 18 hours total) in exchange for advanced features
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
