Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Jabra Elite 8 Active
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 and Jabra Elite 8 Active represent fundamentally different approaches at the same $199 price point. Beats Solo 3 prioritizes all-day wireless convenience with its exceptional 40-hour battery life and seamless Apple W1 integration, making it ideal for Apple ecosystem users seeking simplicity. Jabra Elite 8 Active targets active users and Android flexibility, delivering true ANC, IP68 water resistance, spatial audio with Dolby Head Tracking, and superior Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with multipoint pairing. Solo 3's on-ear design sacrifices ANC and isolation, while Elite 8 Active's 8-hour ANC battery requires frequent charging despite the 32-hour case capacity. For Apple loyalists prioritizing convenience and battery longevity, choose Beats Solo 3. For athletes, Android users, or those demanding modern features like ANC and water resistance, Jabra Elite 8 Active is the superior choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
Buy the Jabra Elite 8 Active if…
- →IP68 rating — the most durable wireless earbuds available
- →ShakeGrip coating keeps buds locked in during intense exercise
- →8-hour battery with ANC is excellent
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Pros
- IP68 rating — the most durable wireless earbuds available
- ShakeGrip coating keeps buds locked in during intense exercise
- 8-hour battery with ANC is excellent
- Multipoint Bluetooth and aptX codec support
- Outstanding call quality with 6-mic system and wind protection
Cons
- Sound signature is tuned for clarity over bass — may disappoint bass lovers
- No LDAC codec for true hi-res wireless
- Jabra app requires account creation for full features
- $199 puts it against AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 8 hrs (ANC on), 32 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 6 mm custom driver |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | Jabra ShakeGrip coating for secure active fit, Adaptive ANC and HearThrough mode, Dolby Atmos spatial audio via Dolby Head Tracking, 6-mic call technology for wind and noise isolation, Spotify Tap for instant music playback, IP68 — fully submersible and dustproof |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IP68 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Jabra products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Jabra Elite 8 Active.