Jabra Step Wireless Headphones Review
The Jabra Step wireless headphones are designed to be used both during workouts and everyday life. It offers the same lightweight and comfortable wear as similar headsets on the market, which allows it to be quite versatile. And thanks to its soft and flexible GelHooks and three different sizes of EarGels, buyers have also discovered that its wear is very customizable.
The Jabra Step relies entirely on Bluetooth version 4.0 in order to be fully functional, and it’s surprisingly easy to connect it to most mobile devices. Its power button and combination remote/microphone, both located on the right side, further enhance its straightforward usage.
However, there have still been several reports of this set’s poor connectivity and inability to stay in the buyer’s ears. Not surprisingly, both of these factors have had negative impacts on its reviews.
-Noise-isolation
-Comfortable fit
-Decent price tag
-Good battery life
-Great for an active lifestyle
-Poor connectivity
-Lacks overall durability
-Does not stay in place
Activities
Reviewers have greatly enjoyed taking this set with them during runs, to the gym, and even on public transportation. It's listing also states that it’s resistant to dust and water, so it can easily withstand outdoor workouts in all types of weather. With that said, its actual water rating cannot be found online, so buyers would be wise to not use this set at the pool or beach.
Some have pointed out that it would be more convenient if this set came with its own travel pouch, which is included with many other wireless headsets. This way it could be stored away safely when not in use, preventing damage to the buds and connecting wire and therefore allowing it to last longer.
Basic Features
A wire runs between the earbuds to prevent this set from becoming lost or possibly broken. A start button is included on the right earbud, and remote control is fixed to the right side of the wire. It also includes a built-in omnidirectional microphone with noise-isolation, ensuring a better calling experience.
Advanced Features
This set supports Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP, which is the default setting for streaming audio via Bluetooth connectivity. It also utilizes AVRCP, or Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile, which enables all remote control functions to work with Bluetooth. Both of these profiles are what truly enable the buyer’s music, podcast, and video experiences while wearing these headphones.
Other advanced features include this set’s 144-hour standby time, meaning that it can stay powered-on for up to six days, and its ability to resist dust, sweat, and water. Although since its actual rating isn’t listed online, it looks as if this particular quality is limited.
Sound Quality
In addition, several reviewers have gone into further detail about when they like when it comes to this set’s sound. Not only does it block out a lot of ambient noise, but it also produces a terrific pitch and solid mids.
There were some buyers who wished that it had a stronger bass, while others thought the sound was just too low even with the volume turned up. Although these reviews could be based entirely on personal preferences, they should still be considered when making a purchase.
Connectivity
Unfortunately, many buyers have complained that this feature is extremely inconsistent. Phone calls will drop and music will stall at random moments, and it continues to happen even after everything has been reset. Apparently, this has been known to happen just weeks after the set has been purchased, and it only gets worse the longer it’s used.
Comfort
This, in turn, is why it's unfortunate that so many buyers have complained that this set doesn't always stay in place. Despite the fact that it has ear hooks, and comes with three different sizes of ear tips, a lot of reviewers aren't able to find their ideal fit and are left with a set that always comes loose.
Style
Still, its overall design doesn’t appeal to everyone. It does lack the cutting-edge style that’s featured with other wireless headsets, and the large GelHooks could be part of the reason for why it’s so unstable and often slips out.
In addition, unlike some of Jabra’s other headsets, this one is only available in all black. Reviewers don’t seem to mind the lack of color options, however, as this one is able to appeal to many different buyers and can easily fit into almost any setting.
Durability
However, a large number of reviewers have experienced issues only a few months, or even a few weeks, after purchase. They’ve noticed an interruption in their connectivity, as well as the sound quality faded out over time.
And although it’s marketed as being dust and water-resistant, its IPX rating can’t be found anywhere online. While they could definitely hold up against a sweaty workout, and might fair well in sudden rain or snow, they aren’t recommended for use in or around a pool or open water.
Ease of Use
The power button, located on the right ear bad, is easily accessible and doesn’t require a very hard press. Those who are still getting used to wireless headsets also appreciate the remote/microphone that’s fixed to the right side, as it makes volume controls, phone calls, and voice commands a lot let complicated during their workouts.
Where things seem to get difficult is this set’s overall level of connectivity, as reviewers have noticed that frequently goes out and that it only gets worse over time. Buyers have also complained about this set’s tendency to fall out of their ears while they run, which makes it a hassle during high-intensity training sessions.
Power Source
While its battery life isn't quite as impressive as what buyers will find with other wireless headsets, it's still decent enough to satisfy most. Its listings state that it offers up to four hours of music playback and talk time, along with up to 144 hours of standby time. This means that they can go for up to six days without it being in use before this set finally runs out of power.
Price
When this set works and fits properly, it's considered to be an amazing bargain. Not only is it lightweight and extremely comfortable, but multiple buyers have had nothing but praise for its overall sound quality. They also appreciate its high-quality build and decent battery life.
However, between its constant connectivity issues and overall lack of durability, a large number of reviewers say that they've regretted purchasing this set. Some buyers were also very annoyed by the fact that it doesn't always stay put when they wear it, and others wished that its water-resistant features were stronger.
Key Features
-A2DP for music playing
-AVRCP music controls
-Bluetooth version 4.0
-Four hours of talk time
-144 hours of standby time
-Micro-USB charging cable
-Soft and flexible GelHooks
-Three different sizes of EarGels
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, there are just a few major factors that greatly affect how buyers view it. Many have complained about its connectivity issues, stating that its sound starts to drop just weeks after they've purchased this set. They also claim that the earbuds don't stay put and continuously fall out as they run.
Even though this headset costs a lot less than several other wireless headphones on the market, some feel that this is only a reflection of its disappointing quality. Luckily for them, Jabra offers plenty of other models that could meet their expectations.