This article reviews the key differences between Jabra Elite 3 Vs JBL 230NC earbuds. Both earphones are True Wireless earbuds because there is not a single wire attached between the earbuds or the source device, such as the phone. Only the charging case uses the USB Type C wiring for charging if they do not support wireless charging.
The reason we selected Jabra Elite 3 and JBL 230NC earbuds for comparison is that they are in the mid-lower range of Jabra and JBL, respectively, with a price range between $50 to $100 USD.
Even though both Jabra and JBL released the earbuds one month apart between July and August 2021 at around the same price range, the specifications are quite different. It will surprise you which one is better when you see the price at the end of the design specs comparison review.
Physical Specifications
| Tech Specs | Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS |
| Release date | August 2021 | July 2021 |
| Form Factor | True Wireless boom-less design that flushes with earlobes | Mini microphone boom that sticks out of the ear |
| Size (each earbud) | 20.1×27.2×20.8mm 0.79×0.82×1.07in | Not Available |
| Weight (each earbud) | 4.6g | 5.1g |
| Earbuds IP Rating | IP55 | IPX4 |
| Control Type | Button | Touch |
| Colour | Lilac, dark grey, light beige, Navy | Black, white, blue |
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Size does matter
The Jabra Elite 3 has better physical specifications in every physical design aspect, and we have highlighted them in blue. The Jabra Elite 3 is lighter and has the Jabra “small” signature design that hides and flushes neatly with the earlobe.
This shows that Jabra’s designers have been listening to users’ feedback and incorporated the same good design approach in all their earbuds, regardless of the tier.
JBL 230NC TWS has a mini-boom that sticks out of the ear identical but different from the Apple Airpods classic design, which makes its appearance rather obvious. We are not averse to earbuds that stick out of the ear, including the mini-boom design. However, there are many users who have expressed their distaste for a less obscure design, which is why Jabra’s Elite series earbuds have been gaining popularity in recent years.
Winner: Jabra Elite 3 earbuds
IP55 and Button Control vs IPX4 and Touch Control[tie_index]IP55 and Button Control vs IPX4 and Touch Control[/tie_index]
The IP rating of the Jabra Elite 3 exceeds most “casual earbuds” with an IP55 rating which has protection from dust and low-pressure water jets including rain, sweat and even running water. Most non-sports earbuds like the JBL 230NC TWS have an IPX4 rating, which is protected from water splash and rain.
| IPX4 | Untested against solids | Protected from water spray from any direction, including rain. |
| IP55 | Dust protected. Dust must not enter sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. | Protected from low-pressure water jets in all directions. |
Most people would expect IP55 or higher earbuds to have touch control for better seal protection, but the Jabra Elite 3 has button control. Some users like us, prefer button control for positive tactile feedback.
Winner: Jabra Elite 3 earbuds
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Audio Specifications
| Tech Specs | Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS |
| Driver | 6mm | 6mm |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No, PNC only | Yes |
| Transparency (Hear Through) | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Support custom and over 3 preset equaliser settings | 3 preset equaliser settings only JBL Pure Bass |
| Microphone per earbud | 2 | 2 |
The disadvantage of the Jabra Elite 3 is the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC). However, they make it up with PNC (passive noise cancellation) which unofficially refers to the good sound seal between the ear and earbuds. The PNC design has always been the strength of the Jabra Elite series since the successful Jabra Elite Active 65t. Back then, it was so good that we bought 3 sets of them to give away as gifts. The lack of ANC was not a major issue for us.
The disadvantage of the JBL 230NC TWS is the lack of a customizable equalizer in the phone app, and there are only 3 presets.
The above disadvantages may not affect most users, but it is helpful to see and understand the difference.
Winner: Tie
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Fit and Comfort
| Tech Specs | Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS |
| Pressure Relief/Vent | No | No |
| Mono Mode (Use either earbud) | Yes | Yes |
| Ear Gel | 3 sizes | 3 sizes |
| Ear Wings | No | No |
| Auto Play/Pause | Yes | No |
Both Jabra Elite 3 and JBL 230NC TWS support mono mode, so users can use either earbud for listening while leaving the other in the charging case. One major difference in this section is the lack of autoplay or pause in JBL 230NC TWS.
Winner: Jabra Elite 3
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Connectivity
| Tech Specs | Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Profile | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6, HFP 1.7 |
| Operating Range | 10m | 10m |
| Multi-point Connection | 2 | No |
| Sensors | Ear sensor | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Bixby, Siri |
Both Jabra Elite 3 and JBL 230NC TWS support the latest Bluetooth 5.2 low energy with up to 10meters operating range. Jabra Elite 3 also supports simultaneous connection to two devices and is easy to switch between either device. It also has an ear sensor which is not used for connection but to detect when the earbud is inside or removed from the ear.
Winner: Jabra Elite 3
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Battery Life
| Tech Specs | Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS |
| Music Time (ANC Off) | 7h | 10h |
| Music Time (ANC On) | NA | 8h |
| Total Time + Charge Case (ANC On) | 28h (no ANC) | 24h |
| Standby Time | 75 days | NA |
| Fast Charge For 1 hour usage | 10mins | 5mins |
| Charging Time 0-100% (Buds) | 3.5 hours | 2 hours |
| Sleep Mode | 3.5 hours | NA |
The JBL 230NC TWS has a significantly better life than the Jabra Elite 3 when we compare the music playtime with ANC turned off. It also has a shorter fast charge and full charge time, which are significant advantages as well.
If we compare the battery life including the charging case, Jabra Elite 3’s charging case has 4 times backup charges, while JBL 230NC TWS charging case has 2.4 times. However, JBL 230NC has the advantage because it can last longer before it requires charging.
Winner: JBL 230NC TWS
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
Final Thoughts
| Jabra Elite 3 | JBL 230NC TWS | |
| Warranty (years) | 2 | 1 |
| Price | $79.99 | $99.95 |
Overall, the Jabra Elite 3 has better design specifications and a lower price than the JBL 230NC TWS earbuds. At $79.99, it has an IP55 rating, ear sensor and 2 years warranty. We are also sure that some users will simply select the Jabra Elite 3 because of the size. The JBL 230NC TWS win by having ANC and longer battery life, but it cost 25% more and only comes with a one-year warranty.
Buy Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds | Buy JBL 230NC TWS Earbuds
