Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Review: Two Years Running as the Best Running Headphones

Introduction

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 takes a familiar approach: keep the hardware that already worked and refine the software. That is good news, because the first generation won recognition as the best running headphones in its year, and the formula here is largely unchanged. Updates focus on improved active noise cancellation algorithms, a better HearYourself transparency mode optimized to reduce wind noise, and enhanced AI call algorithms across the same six-mic array.

There is one important caveat before anything else: Jabra is winding down its consumer headphones business. The earbuds remain excellent and support is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, but long-term app support may not last forever. That is worth weighing against the very attractive pricing now appearing.

Who This Product Is For

These buds suit runners who struggle with in-ear headphones that squirm loose. The lightweight, wing-free design uses a ShakeGrip liquid silicone coating that gets gripper when wet, so they sit snugly without ear hooks or wing tips. At just 5g per bud, there is no tug or gradual loosening over longer efforts. Fit held reliably across a mixture of runs and paces, with only the occasional fiddle needed at the start.

They also suit anyone who wants one pair of buds for everything. The compact, belt-friendly case, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint for switching between phone and laptop, and solid call quality make these genuinely good daily headphones, not just running kit.

Main Strengths

Fit and comfort are the headline. For people who normally need wings or hooks to keep in-ear buds in place, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stays put with neither. The physical button controls are another standout: presses are responsive, they include volume control, customization is extensive in the app, and unlike most truly wireless buds you can power them off without returning them to the case.

Battery life is exceptional for buds this small. Around 90 minutes of running with ANC on burned roughly 30% of a charge, and about half that with ANC off, even at high volume. On paper you get 8 hours with ANC on, up to 56 total hours from case plus buds with ANC off, and a 5-minute fast charge buys an hour of playback. Marathon and single-day ultra use is easily covered.

Sound is bright, energetic and full, with plenty of bass on tap, no distortion at top volume, and customizable EQ presets you can tailor for gym versus outdoor use. Call quality came through loud and clear with limited wind interference. Durability is serious too: IP68-rated buds that survive submersion, rinsing and heavy sweat, a military-tested build, and an IP54 case. Dolby spatial sound, Spotify Tap playback and Find My Buds round out a generous feature set.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The Gen 2 is not a dramatic upgrade. The design, fit, sound components and battery performance are essentially identical to the first generation, and the promised ANC and sound improvements did not stand out in testing. If you travel a lot or have a finely tuned ear, the tweaks may register; otherwise the original Elite 8 Active delivers nearly the same running experience, often at a noticeably lower price.

ANC is good but not the best available, with rivals such as the AirPods Pro 2 still ahead in that department. The HearYourself transparency mode, however, is among the best for running, filtering wind while genuinely letting you hear your surroundings. Fit is dependable on roads and treadmills but is less guaranteed on steep descents or rough trails. And the pricing picture matters: the RRP was £229.99, with the Gen 2 now commonly around £160 and the first generation available for around £99.

Buying Advice

If you are choosing between generations, the decision mostly comes down to the new smart case. It connects via USB-C or a 3.5mm jack to stream spatial sound directly to the buds without Bluetooth, which is handy for gym treadmills and in-flight entertainment. If that sounds like your kind of session, the Gen 2 makes sense. If not, the cheaper original remains an excellent running headphone.

Compared with the AirPods Pro 2, Beats Fit Pro and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, the Jabra’s reliable fit is the differentiator. The AirPods Pro 2 sound fantastic and cancel noise more impressively, but the fit suits fewer people. The Beats Fit Pro sound great but can get uncomfortable over longer runs, and the Bose open-ear design presents fit and control challenges while running. For a crossover of sound, battery, controls and secure fit, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 remains very hard to beat, and it is likely to appear regularly in sales as the range winds down.

Conclusion

The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers the complete running package: a fit that stays put, responsive physical controls, big battery life, strong sound, useful ANC and transparency modes, and genuine durability. The updates over the first generation are modest, so shop on price. Found at the right figure, these are among the best true wireless earbuds for running you can buy, and they double as excellent everyday headphones.