Jaybird RUN XT vs. Jabra Elite Active 65t: Which truly wireless earbuds are right for you?

Jabra Elite 65t
Jabra Elite 65t (Image credit: Daniel Bader / Android Central)

Jabra Elite Active 65t

While truly wireless earbuds still haven't hit apex quality, the Jabra Elite Active 65t make the best of it all with solid performance that's made sweeter by good battery life and a better charging case.

Jabra Elite Active 65t

Style on the go

Great fit
Voice assistant-compatible
Good sound
15 minutes of charge = 1.5 hours of play time
Button controls are difficult and uncomfortable to press
Poor call quality

Jaybird RUN XT

The Jaybird RUN XT are the successors to the truly wireless RUN, though they don't exactly improve on the formula. "Meh" audio quality and just OK battery life are, however, offset by excellent water resistance and multiple fit options.

Jaybird RUN XT

Sophmore slump

4 sizes of fins and eartips
IPX7 water-resistant
5 minutes of charge = 1 hour of play time
Reported audio lag
Poor audio quality for the price

Truly wireless earbuds, while mostly convenient, haven't quite hit their stride yet, with less-than-stellar audio quality and so-so battery life, but that's to be expected. If you're looking for true headphone freedom, they're still the best option right now, and the Jabra Elite Active 65t and Jaybird RUN XT are your two best choices. Here's how they compare.

The OKest choice

There really isn't much that differs between these two sets of earbuds, because that's where we are with premium truly wireless options. Both have decent sound, but not great, and we probably won't be seeing a pair with great sound for a few years. However, both are passable during a workout, and that's what counts.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 Jabra Elite Active 65tJaybird RUN XT
Battery life5 hours + 10 with charging case4 hours + 8 with charging case
Charge time2 hours2 hours
Fast charge15 minutes for 1.5 hours5 minutes for 1 hour
Voice assistant compatibilityAlexa, Siri, Google AssistantSiri, Google Assistant
Water resistanceIP56IPX7
Weight (per earbud)Right: 6.5g Left: 5.8g6.83g per bud (without tip/fin)

In terms of water resistance, the RUN XT has the Elite Active 65t beat. The IP rating dictates protection against dust and water (first and second digit, respectively). The Jabra 'buds lose out in this category with an IP56 rating, with almost total dust protection, and water resistance against powerful water jets. The Jaybird RUN XT has an IPX7 rating, which means its dust ingress protection hasn't been tested, but it can survive in up to 3 feet of water for about half an hour (not recommended for swimming). Either way, you're going to get better protection, during regular use, with the RUN XT.

Either set of earbuds, however, will be more than fine during a rainy jog, or a bout of vigorous exercise involving advanced sweating.

Battery-wise Jabra wins, and that's the strongest deciding factor between these earbuds.

Where the battery is concerned, the Jabra Elite Active 65t wins. You get an extra hour on a single charge, and two extra hours with the charging case, which is especially important if you plan on using these daily. It's the difference between having to charge on Thursday or making it to the weekend.

The one other major thing the Elite Active 65t has that the RUN XT doesn't is a motion sensor, which is all but useless right now but will be used as an integrated fitness tracker of sorts with the Jabra app. It will count steps and may even one day integrate with other fitness apps, but for now, it shouldn't be how you decide between these earbuds.

For the extra $10, the Jabra Elite Active 65t is the better option here. You get more play time, somewhat better sound, and the potential for fitness tracking without having to wear a tracker. The on-ear playback controls aren't ideal for either set, but they are there, and Jabra might do it just a little better.

Mick Symons
Mick is a writer and duty editor for Android Central. When he's not on the job, he can usually be found vacuuming up pet hair or trying to convince his wife that he needs more guitars.