If overall noise canceling is your main focus, the Jabra Elite 4 does a better job than the Jabra Elite 5, especially with low rumbling noise. iPhone owners may prefer the Elite 5 for its AAC codec, but unless noise attenuation is truly not important to you, settling for SBC on the Elite 4 might be better for the noise attenuation. Otherwise, you also get aptX and SBC as on the Elite 4.

In addition, the Elite 5 favors a flatter studio style frequency response through the bass and sub bass frequencies, and a strong treble bump. You can always turn the bass up and the treble down in the Sound+ app. Most listeners will prefer the Elite 4 sound by default.

With ANC on you gain an additional 91 minutes out of the Jabra Elite 5, which isn’t nothing, but the ANC itself is not super impressive. Otherwise, you’re dealing with the same IP55 rating on both. For most folks, the Jabra Elite 4 wins out and typically sells for fewer dollars.

For the person who wants some of the most durable earbuds, the Jabra Elite 4 Active ups the IP rating to IP57, as opposed to IP55 on the Elite 4. Both sets of earbuds retain the unusual Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX and SBC codecs formula. Missing from the exercise oriented Elite 4 Active is Bluetooth multipoint found on the Elite 4.

You gain more than 2 extra hours of playback with the Elite 4 Active with ANC on. Although, it’s noteworthy that the Elite 4 filters much more noise at 100Hz and below, as well as in the high pitched noises (such as at 7kHz.)

The tuning of the Elite 4 Active has a little less bass, although still an acceptable amount, and a little more treble than the Elite 4. Broadly, they follow the same curve, and you can adjust the EQ in the app to approximate either. Otherwise, the Sound+ app works largely the same with the Elite 4 Active as with the Elite 4.

If overall noise canceling does not matter much to you (though, it should), and you prioritize battery life and durability, the Elite 4 Active is the better choice. However, the better overall noise canceling and Bluetooth multipoint convenience on the Jabra Elite 4 might make it your best pick. Jabra really forces us to split hairs here.

If you don’t want to go into debt to get some decent true wireless earbuds, the Elite 4 is a solid middle ground pick. People looking for a functional set of earbuds that reliably work will enjoy the predictable nature of the Jabra Elite 4. Those who want noise attenuation, regardless of whether it comes from isolation or ANC, will like how well this performs.