Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless  Headphones Review

Reviewed May 11, 2023 at 09:02am
Retest Sep 16, 2024 at 03:20pm
Tested using Methodology v1.5 
Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless

Track

0.0
Neutral Sound 
0.0
Commute/Travel 
0.0
Sports/Fitness 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Wireless Gaming 
0.0
Wired Gaming 
0.0
Phone Calls 

Track

 3
  1. Recommended in:
  2. Jabra

The Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless are lower-mid range in-ears and are the less sporty sibling of the Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless. Like their counterpart, they have a noise cancelling (ANC) system, but on top of it, they support multi-device pairing, making them a solid choice for use at the office. Like most of Jabra's lineup, they also have a fairly flat and neutral sound, and are customizable thanks to the Jabra Sound+ app. However, these buds don't support Apple's default AAC codec, which offers slightly higher audio quality compared to the standard SBC codec.

Our Verdict

0.0
Neutral Sound 

The Jabra Elite 4 are good for neutral sound, although they aren't without issues. They have a very neutral sound profile out of the box, but our unit has a high noise floor. There's also distortion in the bass range, which affects the overall clarity of the mix, and impacts the enjoyability of their sound. Since they're closed-back headphones, their passive soundstage isn't very immersive. On the upside, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you adjust their sound to your liking.

Pros
  • Graphic EQ and presets available.
  • Very consistent audio delivery.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
0.0
Commute/Travel 

The Jabra Elite 4 are very good for commute and travel. They have a decently comfortable fit that's easy to take with you on the go. Their battery will easily last through commutes to and from work, but if you need to top them up, their carrying case supplies an additional three charges. That said, even though they have noise cancelling, they struggle to block out rumbly bus engines.

Pros
  • ANC reduces mid and treble range noise.
  • Well-built and decently comfortable.
Cons
  • Struggles to block out bass-range noise.
0.0
Sports/Fitness 

The Jabra Elite 4 are great for sports and fitness. Although they aren't as sporty as the Elite 4 Active model, they're still rated IP55 for resistance against dust and direct water contact. They have a stable in-ear fit for runs in the park too. However, the buds can wiggle out of your ear over time if you're talking or chewing, which can be annoying if you need to adjust your fit during a tough rep.

Pros
  • Well-built and decently comfortable.
Cons
  • Bad passive soundstage.
0.0
Office 

The Jabra Elite 4 are decent for office use. These buds have a decently comfortable fit and their ANC system can help cut down ambient chatter so that you can focus on your work. However, their battery won't last through your entire shift, unless you pause to recharge them again. Luckily, their carrying case holds an extra three charges. The buds also support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously.

Pros
  • ANC reduces mid and treble range noise.
  • Well-built and decently comfortable.
Cons
  • Disappointing noise handling.
  • Bad passive soundstage.
0.0
Wireless Gaming 

The Jabra Elite 4 are Bluetooth headphones and their latency on PCs is likely too high to be suitable for gaming. Their iOS and Android latency is lower though, so if you want to use them for mobile gaming, you won't experience any lip sync issues.

0.0
Wired Gaming 

The Jabra Elite 4 are Bluetooth-only earbuds and can't be used wired.

0.0
Phone Calls 

The Jabra Elite 4 are alright for phone calls. They have an integrated mic, which does a decent job of capturing your voice clearly. However, the mic has a hard time separating your voice from background noise, so if you're calling from a busy office, speech can be drowned out. On the upside, the buds have an ANC system that can block out a decent amount of ambient noise, particularly in the mid to treble range.

Pros
  • Decent recording quality.
Cons
  • Disappointing noise handling.
  • 0.0
    Neutral Sound
  • 0.0
    Commute/Travel
  • 0.0
    Sports/Fitness
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Wireless Gaming
  • 0.0
    Wired Gaming
  • 0.0
    Phone Calls
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Sep 16, 2024: We've fixed the weight listed, which was entered incorrectly converted, in the
    2.  Updated May 11, 2023: Review published.
    3.  Updated Apr 28, 2023: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Apr 24, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Jabra Elite 4 come in four color variants: 'Dark Grey', 'Navy', 'Lilac', and 'Light Beige'. We tested the Dark Grey model and you can see our model's label here. If you come across another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums below and we'll update our review. 

    Popular Headphones Comparisons

    The Jabra Elite 4 are on the lower side of the price scale but offer many of the same features as higher-end buds such as the Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. They have companion app support, multi-device pairing, aptX codec for streaming higher-resolution audio, and noise cancelling. That said, like most Jabra headphones, their ANC system doesn't improve much upon their passive noise isolation capabilities and isn't worth writing home about. Their sporty counterpart, the Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless, also has a higher IP rating for water resistance, which is important if you're looking for buds for the gym. 

    If you're still looking for more buds, check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the best noise cancelling earbuds, and the best earbuds with a mic.

    Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless

    Track

    The Jabra Elite 4 Active True Wireless are the sporty sibling of the Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless. While both buds are comfortable and well-built, the Active have a higher IP rating of IP57 for dust and water resistance, and they have a better battery performance. However, the original Elite 4 support multi-device pairing and their ANC does a better job of blocking out background noise across the range.

    Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless

    Track

    The Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless are the next in line of the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless. While both buds are well-built and have neutral sound profiles, the Elite 4 support multi-device pairing and have an ANC system. Even though it doesn't offer a significant improvement over the buds' passive noise isolation capabilities. However, we noticed distortion issues with our Elite 4 model, which affects the overall clarity of their sound. 

    Samsung Galaxy Buds2

    Track

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 and the Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless have different strengths, and depending on your usage, you may prefer either one. While both buds are well-built, the Samsung are more comfortable, have a virtual soundstage feature to help immerse you in your audio, and their ANC can do a significantly better job of blocking out background noise. However, the Jabra support multi-device pairing, aptX codec for higher-resolution audio, and have a better overall battery life.

    Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless

    Track

    The Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless are top-of-the-line earbuds compared to the Jabra Elite 4 True Wireless. The Elite 7 Pro are more comfortable, have a higher IP rating for dust and water resistance, and their battery performance is significantly better. Their ANC system has different adjustable levels, and their carrying case supports Qi Wireless charging. However, the Elite 4 have a better noise isolation performance and support aptX codec, which is nice if you want to stream higher-quality audio.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    TypeLockedIn-ear
    EnclosureLockedClosed-Back
    WirelessLockedTruly Wireless
    TransducerLockedDynamic

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    0.0
    Comfort
    WeightLockedLock lbs
    Clamping Force
    LockedLock lbs

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    0.0
    Controls
    OS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of UseLockedLocked
    FeedbackLockedLocked
    Call/Music ControlLockedLocked
    Volume ControlLockedLocked
    Microphone ControlLockedLocked
    Channel Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Noise Cancelling ControlLockedLocked
    Talk-Through
    LockedLocked
    Additional ControlsLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Portability
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Transmitter RequiredLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Case
    TypeLockedLocked
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Stability

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    Headshots 1
    Headshots 2
    Top
    In The Box

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    Sound
    Sound Profile
    Bass Amount
    LockedLock dB
    Treble Amount
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Frequency Response Consistency
    Avg. Std. Deviation
    LockedLock dB

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    Raw Frequency Response
    0.0
    Bass Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Low-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Bass
    LockedLock dB
    High-Bass
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Mid Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    High-Mid
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Treble Accuracy
    Std. Err.
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Treble
    LockedLock dB
    High-Treble
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Peaks/Dips
    Peaks
    LockedLock dB
    Dips
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Imaging
    Weighted Group Delay
    LockedLock
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    LockedLock
    Weighted Frequency Mismatch
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Passive Soundstage
    PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Distance
    LockedN/A
    Openness
    Locked
    0.0
    Acoustic Space Excitation
    Locked
    0.0

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    0.0
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Speaker Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Room Ambience
    LockedLocked
    Head Tracking
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Weighted Harmonic Distortion
    WHD @ 90
    LockedLock
    WHD @ 100
    LockedLock

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    Test Settings
    Firmware
    LockedLocked
    Power
    LockedLocked
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Codec
    LockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    ANC
    LockedLocked
    Tip/Pad
    LockedLocked
    Microphone
    LockedLocked

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    Isolation
    0.0
    Noise Isolation
    Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Overall Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Noise CancellingLockedYes
    Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Treble
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Leakage
    Leakage Audio
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    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    LockedLock dB

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    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    LockedLocked
    In-Line
    LockedLocked
    Boom
    LockedLocked
    Detachable Boom
    LockedLocked
    MicLockedYes
    0.0
    Recording Quality
    Recorded Speech
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    LFE
    LockedLock Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    LockedLock dB
    HFE
    LockedLock Hz
    Weighted THD
    LockedLock
    Gain
    LockedLock dB

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    0.0
    Noise Handling
    SpNR
    LockedLock dB
    Noise Gate
    LockedLocked
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
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    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
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    Active Features
    0.0
    Battery
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Continuous Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Additional Charges
    LockedLock
    Total Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Charge Time
    LockedLock hrs
    Power-Saving Feature
    LockedLocked
    Audio While Charging
    LockedLocked
    Passive Playback
    LockedLocked
    Charging PortLockedLocked

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    0.0
    App Support
    App NameLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    WindowsLockedLocked
    Equalizer
    LockedLocked
    ANC Control
    LockedLocked
    Mic ControlLockedLocked
    Room Effects
    LockedLocked
    Playback Control
    LockedLocked
    Button MappingLockedLocked
    Surround Support
    LockedLocked

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    Connectivity
    0.0
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth Version
    LockedLocked
    Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    NFC Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Line Of Sight Range
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    PC Latency (SBC)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX)
    LockedLock ms
    PC Latency (aptX HD)
    LockedN/A
    PC Latency (aptX-LL)
    LockedN/A
    iOS Latency
    LockedLock ms
    Android Latency
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Non-Bluetooth Wireless
    Non-BT Line Of Sight Range
    LockedN/A
    Non-BT Latency
    LockedN/A
    0.0
    Wired
    Analog Audio
    LockedLocked
    USB Audio
    LockedLocked
    DetachableLockedLocked
    LengthLockedN/A
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Analog/USB Audio Latency
    LockedN/A

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    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

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    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Base/Dock
    Type
    LockedLocked
    USB Input
    LockedLocked
    Line In
    LockedLocked
    Line Out
    LockedLocked
    Optical Input
    LockedLocked
    RCA Input
    LockedLocked
    Dock Charging
    LockedLocked
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked

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