Home Wireless Earbuds Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Jabra Elite 5

A Review By Comparison of the Jbl Wave Buds Vs. Jabra Elite 5

Last updated on Apr 11, 2023   8 min read
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JBL Wave Buds

JBL Wave Buds

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Reasons why you might like the JBL Wave Buds

Overall Score 7.0 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 8 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 2 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Jabra Elite 5

Jabra Elite 5

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Reasons why you might like the Jabra Elite 5

Overall Score 5.7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP55
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 9 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features JBL Wave Buds Jabra Elite 5
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IP54 IP55
weight 9g 10g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 8mm 6mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 20000Hz 20000Hz
sound pressure level 100dB/mW
POWER battery life 8hours 9hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 27hours
charge time 2hours 2hours
battery power 47mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.2 v5.2
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
MICROPHONE number of microphones 2only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
mic sensitivity -38dBV/Pa
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 2Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

JBL Wave Buds IP54
Jabra Elite 5 IP55

Ingress protection ratings is the rating of protection offered by a casing, against solids and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value represents protection against solids such as dust, followed by the one that refers to protection against liquids (water).

Having a value of IP54, the JBL Wave Buds's rating for solids indicates that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety, and the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the JBL Wave Buds, Jabra Elite 5 have a rating of IP55 meaning that they both have the same rating against dust and that of liquids is that, Jabra Elite 5 has a higher liquid rating than JBL Wave Buds

Weight

JBL Wave Buds 9g
Jabra Elite 5 10g

The JBL Wave Buds have a weight of 9g . We consider a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are easier to transport.

Jabra Elite 5, at 10g are heavier than the JBL Wave Buds by of 1g

Has No Wires Or Cables

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, JBL Wave Buds are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a key distinction as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the 2 earbuds together.

Jabra Elite 5 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the 2 earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds are resistant to sweat

Jabra Elite 5's resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers, what this means is that JBL Wave Buds's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Jabra Elite 5 and JBL Wave Buds have stereo speakers

JBL Wave Buds
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

ANC makes use of more advanced technology to actively cancel noise. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) then producing -1 (inverted noise) giving zero resulting in a reduced level of noise.

The JBL Wave Buds have ANC allowing you to listen at lower levels of volume, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background sounds.

Jabra Elite 5 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes both devices ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the mode that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds sit tightly in place, this creates an acoustic seal that reduces your environment sounds and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same.

Both Jabra Elite 5, and JBL Wave Buds have passive noise reduction this means that they limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

JBL Wave Buds 8mm
Jabra Elite 5 6mm

JBL Wave Buds have a unit size of 8mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size corellates with the sound produced by the earbuds.

Jabra Elite 5 driver unit is 6mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of JBL Wave Buds by 2mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

JBL Wave Buds 20Hz
Jabra Elite 5 20Hz

The JBL Wave Buds's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through.

Jabra Elite 5's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that both devices make sound with equal bass

Highest Frequency

JBL Wave Buds 20000Hz
Jabra Elite 5 20000Hz

The JBL Wave Buds's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response tells how well a particular audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Jabra Elite 5's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this means that both devices can produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

JBL Wave Buds 100dB/mW
Jabra Elite 5

SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, JBL Wave Buds's measurement is 100dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Power

Battery Life

JBL Wave Buds 8hours
Jabra Elite 5 9hours

The JBL Wave Buds's battery life is 8 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often.

Jabra Elite 5's battery life is more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 1 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

JBL Wave Buds 24hours
Jabra Elite 5 27hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and the JBL Wave Buds's case is said to have a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

Jabra Elite 5's charging case has a battery life of 27 hours, more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 3 hours

Charge Time

JBL Wave Buds 2hours
Jabra Elite 5 2hours

It requires 2 hours to fully charge the JBL Wave Buds's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds for the first time.

Jabra Elite 5 takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds

Battery Power

JBL Wave Buds 47mAh
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds's battery capacity is 47mAh, battery power, shows the amount of electrical energy that a battery can keep.

Has Wireless Charging

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

Jabra Elite 5, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a compatible charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the earbuds has a low battery. The battery indicator lights display the charging state of your earbuds and charging case.

Jabra Elite 5 too have a battery level indicator, these allow you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

JBL Wave Buds
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Jabra Elite 5 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

JBL Wave Buds v5.2
Jabra Elite 5 v5.2

JBL Wave Buds have Bluetooth version of 5.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Jabra Elite 5 has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

JBL Wave Buds 10meters
Jabra Elite 5 10meters

The JBL Wave Buds have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Jabra Elite 5 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the JBL Wave Buds

Has Aac

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the JBL Wave Buds will work fine with your MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Jabra Elite 5 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Aptx Adaptive

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

JBL Wave Buds 2only
Jabra Elite 5 6only

The JBL Wave Buds have 2 microphones.

The Jabra Elite 5 microphones are 6, more than that of JBL Wave Buds by 4 . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds use a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are made to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound.

Mic Sensitivity

JBL Wave Buds -38dBV/Pa
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds microphone sensitivity is measured at -38dBV/Pa. The amount of the analog or digital output signal from the microphone with its input stimulus is a calculation of its sensitivity. It's the 'loudness' of the voice that the earbud microphone can pick up.

JBL Wave Buds
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing them

The Jabra Elite 5 support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, say you’re having a run but still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .

Has Find Earbuds Feature

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, JBL Wave Buds support the find earbuds feature.

Supports Fast Charging

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds support fast charging. Usually, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

The Jabra Elite 5 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

JBL Wave Buds 2only
Jabra Elite 5

JBL Wave Buds support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Jabra Elite 5 also support the mute function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device.

The Jabra Elite 5 too have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5 2Years

The Jabra Elite 5 have a warranty period of 2 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals.

Has Voice Prompts

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The Jabra Elite 5 also support voice prompts meaning the device will notify you if the battery is running low, and you need to recharge the earbuds.

Travel Bag Is Included

JBL Wave Buds
Jabra Elite 5

The JBL Wave Buds come with a special pouch. Carrying earphones without a case, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing can easily damage them.

Jabra Elite 5 too have a travel bag included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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