Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The Jabra Elite 85t Review has become one of the go-to choices for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With competition from Apple AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Jabra needed to deliver a product that stands out in an increasingly crowded market. In this Jabra Elite 85t review, we break down everything you need to know before making your purchase.
2. Jabra Elite 85t Key Features
- Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- HearThrough Mode for ambient sound
- 12mm speakers for powerful sound
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- 6 microphones for crystal-clear calls
- IPX4 water resistance
- Wireless charging and USB-C
- Up to 25 hours battery life with charging case
- Customizable sound profiles via Jabra Sound+ app
3. Design and Comfort
Sleek and Ergonomic Design
The Jabra Elite 85t earbuds feature a semi-open design that strikes a balance between in-ear stability and long-term comfort. Compared to their predecessor, the Jabra Elite 75t, the 85t is slightly larger due to the addition of more powerful ANC technology.
All-Day Comfort
Jabra has refined the fit and feel of these earbuds. The oval-shaped silicone ear tips come in multiple sizes, ensuring a snug yet comfortable seal. They are lightweight, and the pressure relief vents minimize ear fatigue, even during extended listening sessions.
4. Sound Quality
Powerful Audio Performance
The Jabra Elite 85t delivers rich, balanced sound, thanks to its 12mm drivers. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or classical music, the soundstage is wide and immersive.
Customizable Sound
With the Jabra Sound+ app, you can tweak the EQ settings to your liking. There are presets like “Bass Boost” and “Treble Boost,” but you can also create your custom profile. Audiophiles will appreciate this level of customization.
5. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Adjustable ANC Levels
The ANC on the Jabra Elite 85t is impressive, especially for earbuds of this size. It offers five levels of noise cancellation, adjustable through the Sound+ app or directly from the earbuds.
HearThrough Mode
When you need to be aware of your surroundings, the HearThrough mode uses the microphones to let in ambient noise. This is perfect for outdoor runs or quick conversations without removing your earbuds.
6. Battery Life
Battery Performance
On a single charge, you can expect up to 5.5 hours of playback with ANC on. Without ANC, the earbuds can last up to 7 hours. The charging case provides an additional 19.5 hours, totaling up to 25 hours of battery life.
Fast and Wireless Charging
The case supports Qi wireless charging and charges via USB-C. A 15-minute quick charge gives you about an hour of playtime, which is handy when you’re on the go.
7. Connectivity and App Support
Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity
The Bluetooth 5.1 ensures a stable connection and multi-point pairing, meaning you can connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a huge bonus for switching between your phone and laptop without having to re-pair.
Jabra Sound+ App
The Sound+ app (available on iOS and Android) is where you can adjust ANC levels, EQ settings, and firmware updates. You can also find your earbuds if they go missing using the Find My Jabra feature.
8. Call Quality
Excellent Microphone Performance
Jabra uses 6 microphones, three in each earbud, to enhance call clarity. Even in windy conditions or crowded places, your voice comes through clearly. The wind protection feature helps minimize noise interference during outdoor calls.
9. Durability and Water Resistance
IPX4 Rating
The Jabra Elite 85t has an IPX4 water resistance rating, which protects against sweat and splashes. While they aren’t fully waterproof, they can handle workouts and light rain without issue.
10. Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Advanced Active Noise Cancellation
✅ HearThrough ambient mode
✅ Customizable EQ through Sound+ app
✅ Multi-point Bluetooth pairing
✅ Excellent call quality
✅ Wireless and USB-C charging
✅ Comfortable fit for long periods
Cons:
❌ Slightly bulkier than Jabra Elite 75t
❌ No aptX support (uses SBC and AAC codecs)
❌ IPX4 isn’t suitable for heavy rain or swimming
❌ Premium price point (although worth it for the features)
11. Verdict: Is Jabra Elite 85t Worth It in 2025?
The Jabra Elite 85t remains one of the best true wireless earbuds for those who want balanced sound, strong ANC, and comfort in a compact package. While competitors like Sony WF-1000XM4 or Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer stiff competition, Jabra holds its own by focusing on multi-point pairing, excellent call quality, and a customizable listening experience.
If you value flexibility, sound customization, and all-around reliability, the Jabra Elite 85t is still a fantastic investment in 2025.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Jabra Elite 85t still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the Jabra Elite 85t holds its value with strong features like adjustable ANC, multi-point connectivity, and excellent call quality, making it relevant even in 2025.
2. How is the noise cancellation on the Jabra Elite 85t?
The Active Noise Cancellation is among the best in its class, with adjustable levels and effective ambient sound blocking for daily commutes or travel.
3. Can I use Jabra Elite 85t for workouts?
With an IPX4 rating, they are sweat-resistant and suitable for light workouts. However, for intense sports activities, you may want more water resistance.
4. How does Jabra Elite 85t compare to Jabra Elite 75t?
The Elite 85t improves on ANC, has larger drivers, and offers wireless charging. The Elite 75t is more compact but lacks some of these premium features.
5. Do they support wireless charging?
Yes, the Jabra Elite 85t case supports Qi wireless charging, making it convenient to charge on wireless pads.
Final Thoughts
The Jabra Elite 85t is a premium set of wireless earbuds that delivers on all fronts—whether it’s for commuting, working from home, or hitting the gym. Its ANC performance, customizable sound, and comfortable fit make it a strong contender in 2025.
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