Jabra is a 150-year-old company whose core business was initially high-grade hearing aids. They are now a leading brand for headphones for both professional and consumer use and known for their superior quality. Jabra recently announced the latest addition to its range of Elite and Move audio accessories, comprising the Elite 85h, Elite Active 45e and Move Style Edition. Specially made for active users, I tested the Elite Active 45e, which is an ideal option for everything from high-intensity fitness sessions and running to yoga and light aerobics.
One of the main features is the open eargel, designed to allow ambient sound in. I was able to still hear the surrounding sounds and be aware of what was going on around me while running or exercising. The built-on earwings and earhooks fit snugly into my ears and ensured a firm hold as I was moving although I did notice that the universal fit was a bit too big for the smaller ear size, and can get uncomfortable when worn for long hours. With the IP67-rated waterproof durability against sweat and dust, the Elite Active 45e is one of the better earphones in its market segment.
Photo: Jabra
These earphones have up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge and 12 days of standby time. This allowed me to power through the week alternating between short workouts and work. The calls answered were crystal-clear and it switched smoothly between playing music and calls. The Elite Active 45e also allowed me to navigate through my daily tasks with the voice assistant allowing me to set appointments, find nearby events or have messages read.
In terms of sound quality, there is no sound isolation due to the semi-open design so purists may find audio quality slightly lacking. Although Jabra boasts of stable wireless connectivity, the connection did drop once when I moved two rooms away from my phone.
All in all, outdoor athletes will gain the most from this model. If your priority is safety, the Elite Active 45e is a great choice for playing music while still being able to hear the passing cars and being aware of the surrounds. The secure fit can withstand physical activities, it’s practical and easy to carry around.
