JABRA

Elite 4 in the test: cheap in-ears with ANC

Jabra’s entry-level in-ears Elite 4 already offer ANC and a multipoint connection for 99 euros. In the test, we clarify whether the in-ears are a price-performance tip.

Pro:

-compact charging case and lightweight in-ears

-good wearing comfort

-splashproof

-einfaches Pairing

-very good app with equalizer

-good, rich sound

-long battery life

-cheap

Contra:

-Telefonieakustik should be better

-Push buttons to control took some getting used to

Conclusion...Jabra delivers the usual good quality with the Elite 4. In their price range, the in-ears are a clear recommendation. Of course, you shouldn’t expect too much from the ANC, and audiophile music listeners won’t get their money’s worth either. However, if you are looking for inexpensive, solid headphones for listening to podcasts or music, making calls and working, you will be happy with the Elite 4.

With the Elite 4, the Danish audio specialist Jabra has expanded its portfolio of wireless in-ear headphones in the lower price range. The Elite 4 only cost 99 euros, but still come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a multipoint connection. In the test, we reveal whether the new in-ears are a recommendation and how the audio quality performs.

Elite 4 in the test: Very compact charging case and splash water protection

When it comes to design, Jabra remains true to its line: both the charging case and the in-ears themselves are based on the more expensive counterparts. Thanks to its compact dimensions (64 x 28 x 35 millimeters), the narrow charging cradle easily disappears into your trouser pocket and, at 33 grams, does not really weigh there in the truest sense of the word. By the way, you have to do without wireless charging in this price range, which is not a big deal. The processing is okay so far, although everything is made of plastic. Only the flap of the charging cradle has some play on the side and therefore scratches a bit. Incidentally, Jabra offers the Elite 4 in three other colors (beige, black and purple) in addition to blue.

Like the case, the plugs themselves are compact and catch the eye with their triangular design. Splash water protection according to IP55 is not a matter of course for the price of 100 euros. The Elite 4 can easily withstand a short rain shower and sweaty sports sessions.

In addition to blue, Jabra also offers the Elite 4 in black, purple and beige. © Jabra (Montage connect)

High wearing comfort and versatile gesture control...Thanks to Android Fast Pair, the Elite 4 can be set up very quickly: as soon as the shell is open, a message indicates that the in-ears can now be connected. Due to their shape, the Elite 4 can be easily screwed into the ear canal and close it off very well. The wearing comfort is pleasant, even when listening to music for a long time, nothing starts to press. Jabra conveniently includes additional rubber tips in the packaging in two sizes, S and L, to ensure a correct fit for most ear sizes.

The Elite 4 are controlled via two push buttons on the outside, with a variety of options. How to pause music, jump from song to song and turn up or down the volume. An advantage of the buttons is the immediate feedback that the action has been carried out, a disadvantage is that you push the in-ears further into the ear canal when operating them. This would not happen with touch-sensitive sensor fields. You have to hold a finger from the other side of the in-ear each time so that you don’t press the button uncomfortably.

The Elite 4 are quickly connected thanks to Google Fast Pair (left). The intensity of the ANC can be adjusted using a controller (middle). Jabra’s Sound+ app is clear and offers features such as an equalizer. © Montage Connect

Jabra Elite 4: Top app and very good battery life with ANC...In contrast to the more expensive colleagues in the Elite series, such as the Elite 85T, you cannot customize the controls via an app. Jabra’s Sound+ app is still excellent and impresses with a no-frills design and clear presentation. The battery status of the plugs is displayed (unfortunately not the charging cradle), you can switch between ANC and transparency mode and there is an equalizer and six sound presets. In addition, the strength of the ANC can be personalised.

The noise cancellation via ANC is fine. It reduces consistent noise a bit, but of course it is not comparable to the ANC of more expensive headphones. Despite ANC, there are no major losses in battery life. The Elite 4 achieve around six hours of playtime with ANC, which is very good.

Source: © Montage Connect