The Jabra Elite 65T and Apple AirPods are regularly mentioned among the most popular true wireless earbuds on the market. While they do share some similarities (strong Bluetooth connection, similar price tags, comfortable fit), they also differ in several ways.
In this post, we break down those differences so you can make a more informed purchase decision. Let’s first start with the advantages the Jabra Elite 65T provide.
This is a somewhat subjective category but we’re confident saying that the Jabra Elite 65T earbuds provide better audio quality than the Apple AirPods.
Surprisingly good audio quality (Elite 65T Active shown)
The AirPods are not really known for their superb audio quality. Don’t get me wrong, the audio quality isn’t terrible with the Apple AirPods but it’s just basically the same as the Apple EarPods (you know the wired ones that come free with your iPhone).
The sound with the Jabra 65T earbuds, on the other hand, is very crisp and clear. The bass is above average and the mids and highs are pretty solid.
Jeff likes the Elite 65T Active for working out
Overall, Jeff (who is the audio snob on the RIZKNOWS team) was pretty impressed with the sound profile from the Jabra Elite 65T earbuds.
Wait, we’re not done…
Not only do the Jabra Elite 65T have better audio quality than the AirPods but you also have more control.
Within the Jabra Sound+ App you can actually change the EQ settings of the earbuds to your exact preferences. For example, if you’re big bass person, no problem, just open the app, pump up the bass and rock out to Lil’ John.
Jabra Soundscapes and EQ setting controls
Additionally through the app, you can also access what Jabra calls its SoundScapes. Basically, these are sounds that help you focus (i.e crashing waves, rain falling, birds chirping). This is nice because it saves you time (and potentially money) from searching for a similar YouTube playlist or downloading some sort of white noise app.
The Jabra Elite 65t also provide much better sound isolation than the Apple AirPods. In fact, when Jeff had them in, he couldn’t even hear Matt who was talking to him from about five feet away. It was pretty impressive.
Great fit, great sound isolation (Elite 65T Active shown)
If you don’t want to be completely shut off from the world though, the Elite 65T do have a feature called HearThrough, which basically allows you to control how much noise from the outside world the earbuds let in. You can control this through the Sound+ app.
Additionally, you can also choose between various preset settings depending on what you’re doing. You can choose whether you’re focusing, commuting or working out. These profiles all have different sound settings as well as noise cancellation levels.
SEE ALSO: Jabra Elite 65T vs Bose SoundSport Free
With the Jabra Elite 65T earbuds, you have much more flexibility in which voice assistant to use. You can choose between Siri, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Within the Jabra Sound+ app, just choose which voice assistant you’d like as your default and you’re off and running.
Obviously, with the AirPods, you’re just stuck with one choice, Siri.
Although both pairs of earbuds are super comfortable, the Elite 65T provide a more secure fit. Jeff was pretty impressed with how well the 65T earbuds stayed in his ear. Obviously, if you’re working out, a more secure fit is preferable.
Owen is the office deadlift king—he has no issues with the fit of the 65T during workouts
However, the AirPods are surprisingly secure as well even though they don’t have any ear fins. Matt who uses the AirPods everyday has never had an issue with their fit.
The Jabra Elite 65T are IP55 rated meaning they are water and dust resistant. The Apple AirPods, on the other hand, do not have a rating. As such, if you’ll be using your new earbuds to work-out in a lot, the Jabra Elite are the better choice.
Elite 65T Active are IP56 rated
However, Matt on the RIZKNOWS team, uses the Apple AirPods in the gym everyday and he’s never had an issue so really it might not be that big of a deal.
One thing to note here—the Elite 65T also come in an Active version. This model is IP56 rated meaning they’re slightly better for working out. Keep in mind the Active version about $20 more expensive. You can read more details about both models in the comparison below.
RELATED: Jabra Elite 65T vs Active Model
The Elite 65T earbuds are also much more convenient in terms of volume controls and track management.
Here’s what the Elite 65T can do
The Elite 65T have two buttons on each earbuds where you can skip tracks, take calls, control volume levels and more.
The Apple AirPods, on the other hand, do not have any buttons. Instead, the AirPods use a serious of tapping gestures, which can get kind of annoying.
Not much to say here…it’s pretty simple. The Jabra Elite 65T earbuds come with a two year warranty while the AirPods come with a one year warranty.
If you’ve read this far, you can probably tell we think pretty highly of the Jabra Elite 65T earbuds. In fact, Jeff likes them the most out of any true wireless earbuds (as of the date of this post).
However, the AirPods are nothing to sneeze at. They offer several advantages that shouldn’t be ignored.
If price is major concern and every dollar matters, then the Apple AirPods win.
They’re actually more affordable (slightly)
The AirPods have a MSRP of $159, while the Elite 65T go for $170 and the Active 65T go for $190.
Plus, the AirPods have been out longer so there’s a better chance you can find them on discount [check current price At Best Buy].
Well, actually both the Elite 65T and AirPods have similar playback times when it comes to the actual earbuds. Both offer around five hours of battery life.
Extra 24 hours of battery life from the charge case
However, the AirPods win when it comes to the charging box and quick charge feature. The portable charging case for the Apple AirPods provide an additional 24 hours of juice, while the case for the Elite 65T provides only 10 hours. So all in all, you’re looking at around 30 hours total with the AirPods and 15 hours with Jabra Elite earbuds.
Additionally, if the AirPods are running low on juice, just pop them back in the case for 15 minutes and you’ll get three hours worth of playback.
If you pop the Elite 65T back in the case for 15 minutes, you’ll get an hour and half worth of playback.
If you’re an iOS user, the Apple AirPods are just super convenient, plain and simple.
First, the setup process is super easy. All you have to do is enable Bluetooth on your phone, pop open the charging case and boom, you’ll be promoted to pair them.
You can’t beat the AirPods for convenience
From that point on, every time you take the earbuds out of the case, they’ll automatically connect to your phone and you’ll be ready to rock n’ roll.
Honestly, we really like both of these true wireless earbuds. If you’re having trouble deciding, ask yourself a few questions.
First, are you an audio snob (be honest with yourself)? If yes, go Jabra. They offer better sound quality and more flexibility within the corresponding mobile app.
Next, will you be using these to work-out in? If yes, go Jabra again. They have a more secure fit and they’re technically water resistant.
What’s your budget? If every dollar matters, go with the AirPods. They’re cheaper and more likely to be discounted.
Lastly, how important is battery life? If you travel a lot and this is a major concern, then the AirPods win again. The AirPods charging case provides more juice and offers a better quick-charge feature.
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