The Jabra Elite 85t Truly Wireless are semi-open headphones with a comfortable, stable in-ear fit. Their default sound profile is slightly bass-heavy, with a touch of extra thump and warmth, though you can use the Jabra Sound+ app to customize their sound to your liking. They’re also equipped with active noise cancelling (ANC) and can block out higher-frequency noises typically found in an office. However, they struggle to isolate against bass-heavy sounds like bus and plane engines. While their 6.5-hour continuous battery life may not last through your workday, their portable charging case offers about 3.5 extra charges if you need it. Jabra Elite 85t Earbuds Review
The Jabra Elite 85t represent the latest in true wireless earbuds from a company that has been at the forefront of the wireless earbud revolution.
These earbuds are an enhancement over the popular Elite Active 75t, which has been renamed the Elite 85t. The Elite 85t (though it no longer uses the term ‘Active’ to suggest they are not designed for sports activities). The primary focus is on competing with top noise-cancelling earbuds by incorporating advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to eliminate distracting external noises, similar to the Apple AirPods Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM4.
Moreover, the audio quality has been significantly improved with the introduction of a new set of 12mm in-built speakers, which are twice the size of those in the 75t buds, providing a broader and more balanced soundstage. This, along with deeper bass, enhances the listening experience of your favorite music.
Although the ANC technology may reduce battery life, the 85t earbuds still offer over five hours of use on a single charge, with the charging case extending this to a remarkable 25 hours.
In summary, these earbuds are a high-performing option for those seeking stylish, noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds that are not overly large, like some of Jabra’s competitors offer.
[Update: Jabra has introduced three new true wireless earbud models: the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, the Jabra Elite 7 Active, and the Jabra Elite 3. The Jabra Elite 7 Pro will replace the Elite 85t, featuring active noise cancellation, a 35-hour combined battery life, and quick charging technology that allows for 1.2 hours of playback from a five-minute charge.]
Jabra is renowned for its innovative approach to audio technology. More often than not, the Danish audio brand is the first to market with advanced in-ear headphone designs, introducing more compact sizes while maintaining the high-quality sound that Jabra is known for.
Fortunately, this trend continues with the brand new Elite 85t earphones. As the name suggests, they are a continuation of Jabra’s previous release, the Elite Active 75t, with a design that is very similar.
However, the main difference here is that they are not designed for sports activities (though they are still durable enough for light-impact fitness due to IPX4 water-resistance).
Instead, these earbuds are dedicated to enhancing the audio experience, boasting ANC technology that blocks out any loud and distracting sounds from the external environment, such as the noise of an underground train or the hum of a plane engine. More on the ANC technology experience later.