Jabra Elite 3

After using the 65t for four years, I’ve noticed some issues, so I decided to look for a replacement and purchased this model. I was thrilled to find it for half the price on Amazon, while it was around 10,000 yen on the official Jabra site! I’m not an audio expert, so I initially thought that cheaper earphones from Daiso or Seria for 1,000 yen would suffice. However, even though this is the most affordable model, I’m genuinely happy to stick with a brand I’ve grown attached to over time.

Update: I tried them out outside, and I couldn’t hear any passing cars at all. I did take them off to talk to people, so I’m still not sure about that aspect.

I had high hopes for the latest Jabra earphones, but unfortunately, they fell short. The most significant problem is the persistent hissing sound (white noise) that you can hear almost all the time. Even at high volumes, the hiss lingers in the background, which is incredibly frustrating. I thought it might just be a defect in my first pair, so I got them replaced, but the new pair had the same issue. It seems this is a flaw present in nearly all units. It’s a shame because, aside from that, these earphones have a lot going for them. The sound quality is excellent, with rich bass that isn’t muddy, and the mids and highs are warm and clear. However, the build quality is lacking, especially with the case, which feels cheap and has a wiggly lid. While the fit is secure, it gives the sensation of being in a vacuum chamber. Overall, these earphones are solid but are ultimately let down by this significant flaw.

I was looking for a pair of TWS earbuds and after a thorough search, I found the Jabra Elite 3 among the top options (alongside SONY and JBL) in the under 5k price range.

These earbuds are not particularly loud, so if you’re after intense sound, they might not be for you. My decision was based on a specific need for lightweight earbuds that would stay securely in my ears during workouts, including strength training and running. After a week of use, I’m pleased to report that they have never slipped out of my ears.

On the first day, I tried the default medium-sized silicone bud but switched to the large size by evening, and I’m glad I did. The sound quality, while not overly loud, is sufficient for my preference, as I usually keep my phone volume around 30%.

It’s important to mention that the earbuds create a seal in the ear, making it nearly impossible to have a conversation without taking them out. Overall, they deliver clear, distortion-free sound and are sweat-resistant. At this price point, they seem like a great purchase.

Pros:

1. Well-packaged product.
2. Solid build quality; feels durable without being overly premium.
3. Effortless pairing process; switching to mono mode is as easy as placing one earbud back in the case.
4. Good sound quality with no distortion at high or low frequencies.
5. Excellent hear-through feature; you can hear your own voice during calls, preventing you from speaking too loudly.
6. The Jabra Sound app is fantastic, offering all the essential controls that operate seamlessly.
7. Features a USB-C charging port.

Cons:

1. Lacks the ability to pair each earbud independently; it’s inconvenient when using both a mobile and laptop simultaneously, requiring frequent switching.
2. Persistent white noise can be distracting, although it’s less noticeable while listening to music.
3. Limited color options available.

Verdict:
The product arrived within a day. The box includes the earbuds in their case, three sets of silicone tips, a small USB-C charging cable, and documentation. Note that the earbuds are not charged upon delivery, so you’ll need to wait to use them. Pairing was straightforward, and I highly recommend downloading the Jabra Sound app to customize the sound using the six-band equalizer. Warranty registration can also be completed through the app. Although Jabra doesn’t market these as music-centric or audiophile-grade, they offer solid build quality, efficient connectivity, and above-average sound at an excellent price. For my needs—taking calls on the go and casually listening to YouTube music—they perform admirably. While I can’t compare them to high-end audiophile earbuds, at the price I paid (3999), they definitely outperform the competition.

Pros: 1) The ergonomic in-ear design of the earbuds ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing for extended use without any discomfort. 2) The tactile buttons provide a satisfying click response. 3) The audio quality and clarity are outstanding.
Cons: 1) Lacks noise cancellation.
If you’re looking for active noise cancellation, these earbuds might not be the best choice. However, their snug fit does a great job of minimizing external noise.