Both are rugged gym champs; Gen 2 adds smarter ANC, head tracking, and a transmitter.
Picture this: you’re mid-workout or mid-flight and you just want earbuds that stay put, drown out noise, and sound great. That’s where the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 comparison matters. I’ve used both for runs, lifts, and travel. Both are excellent, but one goes further with smarter noise canceling, Dolby head tracking, and a “Smart Case” that works as a transmitter. I’ll share what stood out so you can choose with confidence.
Is Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Good?
Yes—for active users who want better ANC, improved spatial sound, and a case that solves real travel pain points, the Gen 2 is a strong pick. It keeps the tough build and sticky “ShakeGrip” fit I trust, then adds Dolby head tracking and a Smart Case that connects to seat-back screens and treadmills. Runners, frequent flyers, and gym regulars will feel the upgrade.
Two moments sold me. On a long flight, I plugged the Smart Case into the seat screen and watched movies wirelessly—no adapters, no fuss. At a windy pier workout, the new ANC handled gusts better than Gen 1, keeping my playlist intact. The jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 gap felt real in both scenes.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Smart Case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter for USB‑C and 3.5 mm sources
- Enhanced Adaptive ANC with better wind handling and low‑frequency reduction
- Dolby Audio Spatial Sound with head tracking for a stable soundstage
- LE Audio with LC3 and Auracast support (device/firmware dependent)
- Rugged build: IP68 earbuds, IP54 case, MIL‑STD‑810H tested
What I Like
- The Smart Case fixes travel and gym TV audio—no extra dongles needed
- More natural HearThrough; voices sound clear outdoors
- ANC is stronger than Gen 1 in subways and windy paths
- Fit stays locked during sprints thanks to ShakeGrip coating
- Dolby head tracking makes movies feel anchored and immersive
- Multipoint is stable across laptop and phone
What Could Be Better
- No aptX; it sticks to SBC/AAC (plus LC3 with LE Audio)
- Price sits higher than Gen 1
- Case is a bit larger to house the transmitter tech
My Recommendation
If you travel or watch gym TVs, get Gen 2. The ANC and Smart Case justify the premium and make daily use easier.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Frequent flyers | Smart Case connects to seat-back screens with no adapters |
| Outdoor runners | Better wind handling and secure ShakeGrip fit |
| Movie lovers | Dolby head tracking adds stable, theater-like immersion |
Is Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 1) Good?
Yes—if you want a tough, secure-fit earbud with strong ANC and a lower price, the Gen 1 holds up. It still feels premium, with IP68 buds, a grippy finish, and Dolby Spatial Sound. It nails the basics for workouts and commutes and often costs less now, which tilts the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 value equation.
I used Gen 1 for months of 10K training. The buds never slipped, even on humid days. On daily subway rides, the ANC cut rumble enough to keep podcasts clear. It lacks the Smart Case and head tracking, but for music, calls, and sweat-heavy sessions, it did the job without fuss.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Adaptive Hybrid ANC and HearThrough transparency
- Dolby Spatial Sound (no head tracking)
- IP68 earbuds, IP54 case, MIL‑STD‑810H rugged rating
- Secure ShakeGrip coating for sweaty workouts
- Up to 8 hours ANC on, 32 hours with case; wireless charging
What I Like
- Rock-solid fit for runs and HIIT
- Clean, punchy sound with good bass control
- Reliable multipoint between phone and laptop
- Case is compact and pocket-friendly
- Often discounted, making it strong value
What Could Be Better
- No Smart Case transmitter for flights or treadmills
- ANC is a step behind Gen 2 in wind and low rumble
- No Dolby head tracking
My Recommendation
If price matters most and you don’t need the Smart Case, Gen 1 is a great buy with few compromises.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget-minded athletes | Often cheaper with similar durability |
| Daily commuters | Good ANC and comfort for long rides |
| Minimalists | Smaller case and simple setup |
jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1: Side-by-Side Test
I tested both across runs, flights, café work, and calls. Here’s how the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 played out in direct, real-life use.
Noise Canceling and Transparency: Which Blocks More Noise?
Gen 2 claims stronger low-frequency reduction and better wind control. My ears heard the difference outdoors and on trains.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Low-frequency rumble | Noticeably quieter on subways | Good, but a bit more rumble leaks |
| Wind handling | Improved; less flutter | More wind noise in gusts |
| Transparency (voices) | More natural tone | Slightly brighter, less natural |
| Adjustability | Fine-tuned in app | Fine-tuned in app |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 1 – 8/10
> Gen 2 has the edge. It’s calmer in wind and tamps down train noise better.
Sound and Spatial Audio: Who Sounds Better?
Both share a lively Jabra tuning. Gen 2 adds Dolby head tracking for movies.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass/impact | Tight, punchy | Punchy, slightly looser |
| Mids/vocals | Clear, balanced | Clear |
| Treble | Clean, not harsh | Clean |
| Spatial features | Dolby with head tracking | Dolby Spatial (no tracking) |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 1 – 8.5/10
> Gen 2 wins for movies and shows thanks to head tracking; music is close on both.
Calls: Which One Handles Noisy Places Better?
I took calls in coffee shops and on sidewalks with traffic.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Voice clarity | Crisper in loud spaces | Good, some background leaks |
| Wind suppression | Better at cutting gusts | More wind artifacts |
| Mic pickup | Stable 6‑mic array | Stable 6‑mic array |
| Consistency | Fewer drops/cuts | Occasional dips outside |
Rating: Gen 2 – 8.8/10 | Gen 1 – 8/10
> Gen 2 takes it with cleaner noise handling on the go.
Durability and Fit: Who Stays Put?
Both are tanks: IP68 buds, IP54 case, MIL‑STD‑810H, and the same grippy finish.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Ingress rating | IP68 buds / IP54 case | IP68 buds / IP54 case |
| Rugged standard | MIL‑STD‑810H | MIL‑STD‑810H |
| Fit security | Excellent with ShakeGrip | Excellent with ShakeGrip |
| Comfort, long wear | Very comfortable | Very comfortable |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 1 – 9/10
> It’s a tie. The jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 are equally rugged and secure.
Battery and Charging: Lasting Power
Daily use felt the same for me across charge cycles.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Single charge (ANC on) | Up to ~8 hours | Up to ~8 hours |
| Total with case | Up to ~32 hours | Up to ~32 hours |
| Wireless charging | Yes (Qi) | Yes (Qi) |
| Quick charge | Yes | Yes |
Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 1 – 8.5/10
> Another tie. Endurance is essentially the same in real use.
Connectivity and Extras: What’s More Convenient?
This is where the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 divide is widest.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Case transmitter | Yes (USB‑C / 3.5 mm sources) | No |
| LE Audio / Auracast | Yes, with supported devices | LE Audio limited; Auracast not standard |
| Multipoint | Yes (reliable) | Yes (reliable) |
| App features | Rich presets, ANC modes, head tracking | Rich presets, ANC modes |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9.5/10 | Gen 1 – 8/10
> Gen 2 wins big due to the Smart Case and broader broadcast support.
Controls and Ease of Use
Both use physical buttons—great for sweaty workouts and gloves.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Button controls | Reliable, customizable | Reliable, customizable |
| Fit assistance | App seal test | App seal test |
| Setup/pairing | Smooth; Fast Pair | Smooth; Fast Pair |
| Learning curve | Very low | Very low |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 1 – 9/10
> It’s a draw. Both are simple and gym-friendly.
Value for Money
Pricing changes, but Gen 1 is often cheaper; Gen 2 packs more tech.
| Aspect | Gen 2 | Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Higher | Lower (frequent deals) |
| Features per dollar | Strong with Smart Case & head tracking | Great core value |
| Longevity | More future‑proof (LE Audio, Auracast) | Proven, fewer extras |
| Who benefits | Travelers, movie fans, tech-forward users | Budget-focused athletes |
Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 1 – 9/10
> Call it even: pay more for Gen 2’s extras or save big with Gen 1.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you value the Smart Case transmitter, better ANC in wind, and Dolby head tracking, choose the Gen 2. It solves real pain points for flights and gyms. It’s the more complete pick in the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 debate.
If you want rugged buds with excellent fit and sound at a lower price, Gen 1 is still a winner. For pure workouts and commutes, it delivers 90% of the experience for less.
FAQs Of jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1
What is the biggest difference between Gen 2 and Gen 1?
Gen 2 adds a Smart Case that works as a Bluetooth transmitter, stronger ANC, and Dolby head tracking. That’s the key gap in the jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1 matchup.
Do both have the same battery life?
Yes. In my use, both hit about 8 hours with ANC on and around 32 hours with the case.
Is the fit the same on jabra elite 8 active gen 2 vs gen 1?
Yes. Both use the ShakeGrip coating and have a secure, slip-free fit for runs and HIIT.
Does Gen 1 get LE Audio and Auracast?
Gen 1 supports LE Audio features to a point, but Auracast isn’t standard. Gen 2 has broader LE Audio/Auracast support with compatible devices.
Which is better for travel?
Gen 2. The Smart Case connects to plane screens and gym TVs, and the ANC is a touch better in noisy spaces.
