Jabra Elite 5 review: A jack-of-all-trades option for the modern user

Jabra’s Elite 5 earbuds may not appeal to hardcore audiophiles seeking great sound quality, but are undeniably an excellent recommendation for those who value versatility and functionality – meeting the needs of the casual listener who desire a well-rounded product.

Retailing in India for Rs 10,999, the earbuds offer a minimalist design and a package that screams jack of all trades- master of none. Here’s our review of the Jabra Elite 5 – find out if they’re something you’ll want to invest your money in.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Build quality and aesthetics

The Jabra Elite 5 have an excellent overall build quality – using high-quality plastic that eliminates any noticeable creaks or hollow sounds in the case – something that’s been an issue with some of the company’s earlier-generation earbuds Was. The lid opening and closing mechanism feels satisfyingly smooth.

Furthermore, these earphones are IP55-rated, offering dust and water resistance – making them ideal for workout sessions or use in adverse weather conditions.

The design of the earphones is minimal and discreet, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a professional yet stylish look. However, I must note that the material used in the earphone housing of the case is soft-touch plastic, which gives it a premium feel, but also acts as a con. Unfortunately, with prolonged use, it tends to accumulate dust and grime relatively quickly. This shouldn’t be a problem for users who regularly clean their devices, as it is relatively easy to clean.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Sound quality

While the Jabra Elite 5 offers a decent sound experience, there are other earphones in the market that offer better sound quality at a similar price point, such as the Oppo Enco X2. One notable shortcoming is the lack of punchy lows – something users expect from this segment. However, on the positive side, the earphones handle loud instruments and vocals decently – providing a pleasant experience for activities like listening to podcasts.

It is noteworthy that the earphones feature the Qualcomm aptX codec, which works well with Android devices. However, if you own an iOS device, you’ll experience slightly inferior sound quality as per my testing. There’s something lacking about the experience when used with an iOS device.

Overall, the Elite 5’s sound performance can be considered average, making it less ideal for discerning audiophiles seeking exceptional audio performance.

Jabra Elite 5 review: Active noise cancellation and connectivity

The Jabra Elite 5’s active noise cancellation (ANC) mode is generally well executed. However, in extremely loud environments, I noticed some sound leakage in the earphones. If you plan on using them in noisy gyms or offices, I’d advise against it. While some may overlook minor sound leakage, if you prefer a full seal to block out outside noise, these earphones may not be the best option for you.

As far as connectivity goes, I had a good experience thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 – without any random disconnections and exceptional range. Once I was downstairs, my phone was upstairs in my room—about 20 meters away—yet the Jabra Elite 5 connected seamlessly to my iPhone. In addition, I also found the Jabra Sound+ app to be quite functional. Not only is it available on both iOS and Android, but it also lets you tweak the equalizer and change the ANC levels to your liking.

Jabra Elite 5 review: are they worth the money?

In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 5 TWS earbuds excel in various aspects including their build quality, aesthetics and versatile functionality, and not to forget the great app experience with the Jabra Sound+ app. They’re a compelling option for general audiences who prefer a finished product. However, if you are an avid audiophile looking for high-quality sound or require complete noise isolation, you may want to explore other options available in the market.