Jabra Elite 5 vs. 4 vs. 3 – A good example of value for money

Of all the wireless in-ear headphones we have tested so far, the Jabra Elite are in our Top 5. The quality-price ratio they have is really good, and, in fact, they seem cheap to us for how good they are. You can hear everything they play. Even so, as usual, Jabra’s Elite range has several models between which it is interesting to analyze the differences. That is what we are going to do next with the Jabra Elite 5, 4 and 3. 

If you have used Jabra headphones before, you will know that the brand has a particular way of measuring the noise cancellation that it incorporates in its models. In fact, the Jabra Elite 5 has hybrid ANC, which, according to Jabra, is an evolved version of the standard ANC, which is what we find in the Elite 4. On the other hand, the Elite 3 does not have noise cancellation, but it does have with HearThrough mode, which is what the brand calls ambient or transparency mode.

Another important difference between the three Jabra wireless headphones is the autonomy, which grows as the series progresses. In addition, the charging case allows for increased autonomy in all cases, with the Jabra Elite being the ones who take the cake in this regard. They are also the ones with the greatest number of microphones, which results in the improvement we were talking about in noise cancellation.

However, the best way to check which of the three wireless headphones is best for you is to analyze them in detail. That’s what we’re going to do now. Stay with us!

Jabra Elite 5 vs 4 vs 3 – Comparison Table

If you want to know the differences and similarities between the three wireless headphones in Jabra’s Elite range, you are interested in this table! In it, we show you the most important characteristics of each one so that it is easier for you to compare:

(Swipe the table to see all the content)

Design: only colors change

It is undeniable that we are looking at three wireless headphones from the same range, because they have practically the same design. What’s more, they have the same dimensions and almost the same weight. The same happens with the case, which is very similar in all three cases. And, as for the buttons, they are identical in all three models. It is also interesting to note that the three headphones have 3 sizes of ear pads to choose from.

In addition, they have the IP55 resistance level, which guarantees medium resistance to both splashes of water and specks of dust. In fact, the only difference we see on an aesthetic level is the color in which you buy it. All of them are available in various colors, but they are not the same in all cases. However, pay close attention, because there are times when the price varies depending on the color.

What is active noise cancellation like?

As we have mentioned before, Jabra has a particular way of measuring active noise cancellation in its headphones. In particular, it seems to us that it gives it a great identity, but at first it can be more complex to understand. First of all, you should know that the Jabra Elite 3 does not have active noise cancellation, although they do not isolate sound at all. The result is not the same as in the other two models, but it is not bad.

In the case of the Jabra Elite 4, they have standard ANC, compared to the hybrid ANC that we see in the Jabra Elite 5. What is the difference between them? Mainly, the quality of noise cancellation. The Jabra Elite 5 has 6 microphones, while the Jabra Elite 4 has two less. This makes the Elite 5 have a greater capacity to capture different sounds and isolate them, and is the main improvement that we see between these two models.

HearThrough, Jabra’s ambient mode, common to all

One of the similarities we see between Jabra’s three wireless headphones is HearThrough, which is the brand’s name for what we know as ambient or transparency mode. That is, all headphones allow you to adjust the amount of outside noise you want to hear to have it in the background.

However, it should be noted that the Jabra Elite 3 are the only ones that do not have pressure relief technology in the ear, and this makes us feel more comfortable with the Elite 4 and 5.

What maximum autonomy does each model have?

As you know, another of the most important decision aspects is the time for which we can use them on a single charge. Assuming that all three incorporate a charging case, the autonomy is quite high in all cases. The Jabra Elite 3 lasts up to 28 hours with the case, while the Jabra Elite 4 has a maximum autonomy of 22 hours with ANC and 28 hours without ANC. In the case of the Jabra Elite 5, the autonomy is 28 hours with ANC and 36 hours without ANC. Therefore, we see an upward evolution as the series adds headphones.

Connectivity: same range and pairing

We talk, now, about connectivity. All three wireless headphones support Bluetooth version 5.2. In addition, they have the same range, since Bluetooth works within a radius of approximately 10 meters. On the other hand, all three allow you to pair up to 6 devices simultaneously, which gives them enormous versatility. In addition, they can connect with the Jabra mobile app.

Mono mode and multipoint connection: are there differences?

We highlight two interesting features in this section. On the one hand, the multipoint connection, which allows you to switch between several devices as the main sound source via Bluetooth. The Jabra Elite 5 and 4 do have this function, but not the Jabra Elite 3.

What the three models do share is, in our opinion, one of the brand’s great competitive advantages: the mono mode. This mode allows you to use only one of the two headphones independently of the other. This is useful if, for example, you want to talk to someone on time.

What are the best Jabra wireless headphones?

After having compared the three models of the Jabra Elite range, it is time to decide which one we would choose. To do this, the first thing we must do is check the price differences. As expected, the Jabra Elite 3 are the cheapest, followed by the Elite 4 and Elite 5.

However, the difference between the Elite 3 and 4 is very small, which leads us to think that, if you do not want to opt for the most technologically advanced, our recommendation would be to go for the Jabra Elite 4. For a little more money, they include cancellation active noise, improve autonomy and have multipoint connection.

On the other hand, if you prefer to choose the most advanced wireless headphones with better sound quality, the Jabra Elite 5 are your best alternative. Therefore, think about what your preferences are and, based on them, it will be easier for you to choose. When it comes to Jabra, quality is guaranteed.