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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If budget is your primary concern, Apple Earpods are more cost-effective and offer an open design which may be more comfortable for some users, but they lack the features like wireless connectivity, noise isolation, and sweat and dust proofing that Jabra Elite 4 provides. Jabra's earbuds have very good call quality, are optimized for exercise with their sweatproof certification, and feature active noise cancelling for noisy environments, which the Earpods do not. However, for those who prefer wired earbuds with a microphone integrated into the cable and a seamless experience with Apple devices, Earpods could be a suitable choice. Jabra's app customization will give you more control over your audio experience, which is something not offered by the Apple Earpods. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Earpods
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Jabra Elite 4
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.6
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Jabra Elite 4 is only fair.
Gaming
8.3
5.4
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Jabra Elite 4 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.0
8.8
The Jabra Elite 4 and Apple Earpods are both very good for phone calls, though the Jabra Elite 4 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.6
The Jabra Elite 4 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
6.0
The Apple Earpods is good for TV and video, while the Jabra Elite 4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
7.0
The Jabra Elite 4 is good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.5 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Jabra Elite 4 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Jabra Elite 4 costs $100.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Jabra Elite 4 has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Jabra Elite 4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Jabra Elite 4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Jabra | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 21 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4.6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Jabra Elite 4
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Dig into reviews and images
SoundGuys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Jabra Elite 4 is a good midrange option with solid isolation and aptX codec for Android. It sounds consumer friendly from the box and the app has some EQ to adjust to taste. Some included luxuries include multipoint, sidetone, and Spotify Tap"
Get a great deal on the Apple Earpods or the Jabra Elite 4
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Jabra
Jabra is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord, a 150-year-old Danish company that specializes in the manufacturing of hearing aids, headsets and earphones. Jabra has a focus on fit and comfort and quality control over everything else. According to Peter Karstromer, Jabras CEO, they “design and engineer technology that frees people to work, live and communicate how and where they want to, equipping them with the tools to live their life to a new rhythm”.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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