We went searching for problems with the Jabra Elite 5 and simply couldn’t find any. For $150, they’re as close to a no-brainer purchase as you’re likely to get.
It’s no secret that we are big fans of Jabra’s wireless earbuds. Each new flagship model that has been released over the years has spent considerable time on our list of the best wireless earbuds and, more recently, the best noise-canceling wireless earbuds. But it has also been diligently filling out its product line to offer wireless earbuds at a variety of prices.
Its latest addition is the $150 Elite 5, a set of active noise canceling earbuds that sit in the middle — below the $230 Elite 85t, the $200 Elite 7 Pro, and the $180 Elite 7 Active, but above the $140 Elite 4 Active, and $80 Elite 3.
That’s a lot of earbuds, and a lot of prices. The question is, has Jabra differentiated the Elite 5 enough for them to make sense at $150, or should you spend a bit less (or a bit more)? Let’s check them out.
The Elite 5 follow Jabra’s history of clean and simple packaging that is almost entirely plastic-free and highly recyclable. Inside the compact box, you’ll find the earbuds in their charging case, three extra sizes of silicone eartips (the earbuds come with the mediums installed), and a short, color-matched USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
What you won’t find is any kind of a quick-start guide or detailed instructions. Jabra wants you to download its mobile app for Android or iOS, which then guides you through all of the Elite 5’s various features, controls, and settings. There’s also a link to a full manual in the app.
The Elite 5 look virtually identical to all of Jabra’s newest models — the single-digit named earbuds — with a simple, small, and elegant teardrop-shaped outer surface that doubles as the physical buttons, and a very sculpted, ergonomic shape for the inner portion. The body of the buds uses a smooth plastic that has a faintly grippy quality to it. It hasn’t been designed for sport use per se, but it’s clear that Jabra has tried to make them fit securely.
Our review model sports the gold/beige color combo, but you can also get them in a more traditional titanium/black. Jabra has given the Elite 5 an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, which is more than enough protection for workouts, but not quite enough that you can afford to be cavalier about getting them wet, and definitely don’t submerge them the way you can with the Elite 7 Active, 7 Pro, and 4 Active.
The charging case, which supports wireless charging too, uses the same tried-and-true wide, flip-top lid design that Jabra has been using for years. The earbuds pop in and out of their charging sockets with a very satisfying and secure set of magnets.
I’ve always found Jabra earbuds incredibly comfortable, and the Elite 5 are no exception. Stick ’em in your ears and they seem to naturally find their way into the best position. Once they’re in, they rarely need adjustment save for the occasional yawn or chewing of food.
Want to take them to the gym or for an extended run? They should handle that kind of activity with no problems at all.
I much prefer physical buttons to touch controls on wireless earbuds, and Jabra’s buttons are the best.
