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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Jabra Elite 8 Active: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Jabra Elite 8 Active
HearWiki score
88
75
Sound
8.6
7.8
Noise cancelling
9.3
7.2
Battery
7.3
8.2
Calls
7.4
7.3
Value
8.3
6.2
Price (USD)
$180
$150

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Jabra Elite 8 Active (2023). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against Feed-forward.

  • AirPods Pro 320252 yr newer
  • Elite 8 Active2023
What differsAirPods Pro 3Elite 8 Active

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
Feed-forward

Everyday features

Wear detection
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IP68

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging, USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Elite 8 Active
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$150
HearWiki score
88
75
Released
2025
2023
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
118 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
14 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
-
56 h
Quick charge
-
5 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
feedforward
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
10 g
Case weight
44 g
46.4 g
Water resistance
IP57
IP68
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
6
Microphone type
beamforming
-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that deliver top-tier active noise cancellation, clear call quality, and a well-balanced sound profile. They offer a robust feature set including adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and IP57 water resistance, though their higher price and somewhat finicky fit may give some buyers pause. Overall, they stand out as a polished, high-performance option for iOS users willing to invest in a premium experience.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality in noisy environments
  • Pro:Strong battery life with the charging case
  • Con:Fit can be finicky and may lose seal easily
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Only supports AAC codec

Jabra Elite 8 Active

The Jabra Elite 8 Active are rugged wireless earbuds with strong water and dust protection, plus effective feedforward noise cancellation. They offer a long-lasting battery, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and a customizable sound via the app, making them a solid choice for active users. With touch controls, wireless charging, and a compact build, they balance durability with everyday convenience.

  • Pro:Excellent IP68 durability for workouts and weather
  • Pro:Long battery life with case, supports wireless charging
  • Pro:Reliable multipoint and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
  • Con:Only SBC and AAC codecs, no high-res options
  • Con:Feedforward ANC may not block all low-frequency noise
  • Con:Touch controls can be finicky during intense activity

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Jabra Elite 8 Active