Jabra is a well-known company in the segments of wireless earbuds, headphones, and headsets. They have different types of earbuds with different features in the Jabra Elite series. Today, we are going to take two earbuds, Jabra Elite 85t and Jabra Elite 75t, from the Elite series and will compare them. As we compare these two earbuds today, we will check out some important factors like design, comfort, connectivity, battery life, sound quality, and ANC. This comparison will help us understand which earbuds have better features and should be upgraded from the Elite 75t to the Elite 85t. Well, we get to know that very soon at the end of this post.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Jabra Elite 85t | Jabra Elite 75t |
| PROS | PROS |
| Excellent sound (more open-sounding, more bass) Effective noise cancellation on par with AirPods Pro Good voice-calling with sidetone feature | Sound better than AirPods Pro, clarity, tighter bass Sleek design of case and earbuds Better fit and smaller size |
| CONS | CONS |
| Comfort issues with oval-shaped ear tips ANC struggles to block out bass-range noise | Playback control buttons cause suction in ear AAC and SBC only, no aptX |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Jabra Elite 85t
Jabra Elite 85t earbuds were Released in late 2020, and they offer a notable upgrade over their predecessors, the Jabra Elite 75t. The Elite 85t comes with active noise cancellation (ANC), which offers an amazing listening experience as it will reduce external noise. The design of the 85t is larger compared to the 75t, accommodating a dedicated chip for ANC processing. Despite the increase in size, the Jabra Elite 85t maintains a comfortable fit with oval-shaped drivers that sit more ergonomically in the ears, alleviating ear fatigue during extended listening sessions.
The battery life on the Elite 85t is respectable, offering up to 5.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled and a total of 25 hours when combined with the charging case. The sound quality is awesome, with a prominent bass response along with a warm and sound signature. The 85t’s ANC performs adequately, effectively blocking out constant low-frequency sounds. The ambient mode of Jabra Elite 85t earbuds provides a good enhancement and awareness of the surroundings.
We can easily control the media playback and volume adjustment using the physical button. The Elite 85t is easy to use and can connect with multiple devices. They offer support of SBC and AAC codecs, which exhibit minimal latency when watching videos. The microphone quality is decent for phone calls in quiet environments.
Jabra Elite 75t
Originally released without active noise cancellation, the Jabra Elite 75t earbuds received a firmware update that unexpectedly introduced ANC, positioning them as a competitor to their newer counterpart, the Jabra Elite 85t.
The design of the Elite 75t is very simple and compact, with circular-shaped drivers. These earbuds are small and very light in weight, giving them an amazing look. The IP55 dust and water resistance make them perfect for users who like to use them in various environments.
Battery life on the Elite 75t is commendable, providing up to 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge and 24 hours with the charging case. They offer bass-heavy response sound, which can be perfect for listeners who enjoy punchy lows. While the 75t’s ANC is not as advanced as the 85t’s, its unexpected addition provides a reasonable level of noise reduction. The microphone quality for calls is decent, performing well in quieter environments.
The physical button controls on the Elite 75t offer convenient media playback and volume adjustment, and the earbuds maintain simultaneous multi-device connectivity. Jabra put their effort into making these earbuds better by including the ANC via a firmware update, which enhances the overall value of Jabra Elite 75t.
Jabra Elite 85t vs Elite 75t Major differences
- Size: The Elite 85t is slightly larger than the Elite 75t, both in terms of the case and the earbuds.
- Case Compatibility: The Elite 85t case supports wireless charging (Qi wireless compatible), while the Elite 75t case does not.
- Fit for High-Impact Activities: The Elite 75t offers a tighter fit and better seal for high-impact activities, making them suitable for activities like sports, jumping, and burpees.
- Comfort for Daily Use: The Jabra Elite 85t provides a very comfortable fit, which can be best for people who love walking, light jogging, and casual activities.
- Battery Life: Both earbuds have similar battery life. Elite 75t offers around 5.5 hours on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the case. Elite 85t offers about 5.5 hours and up to 25 hours with the case.
- Sound Signature: Elite 85t has a more neutral sound signature, which can be adjusted using the Jabra app. While Elite 75t offers a strong bass presence, leading to a more bass-heavy experience.
- Button Controls: Both earbuds use button controls. Elite 75t buttons are smoother, while Elite 85t buttons are slightly stiffer. Elite 75t buttons might be preferred for ease of use with gloves, while Elite 85t buttons could provide better control in sweaty conditions.
- ANC Technology: Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC). Elite 85t’s ANC can be adjusted for different levels within the earbuds, while Elite 75t’s ANC was added later through a firmware update and offers a fixed on/off option.
- ANC Effectiveness: The tight fit of Elite 75t contributes to better passive noise isolation, and some users find it to have a slight edge in ANC effectiveness compared to Elite 85t.
- Ambient Mode (Hear Through): Both earbuds have an ambient mode. Elite 85t’s “Hear Through” feature allows you to adjust the level of external sound you want to hear.
| Specifications | Jabra Elite 85t | Jabra Elite 75t |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancelling (Active) | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Mode | Stereo | Stereo |
| Connection Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| True Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Wireless Range | 33 feet | 33 feet |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Fit | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Battery Life | 5.5 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Battery Charge Time | 3 hours | 2.2 hours |
| Works With | Google Assistant, Siri | Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
Jabra Elite 85t vs Elite 75t Detailed Comparison
Physical Design and Fit
The first noticeable difference between the Jabra Elite 85t and the Elite 75t lies in their physical dimensions. The size of the case and earbuds is notably larger in the Elite 85t. We can not say that size will attract new users, but one notable thing we get in the Elite 85t is Qi wireless charging support. As for the fit of the earbuds, both earbuds target the different preferences.
When we talk about the Elite 75t, It provides a perfect fit that goes deeper into the ear canal, which also helps to get excellent noise isolation and stability. Because of the better fit, these earbuds can be the best for users who love to workout and do high-impact activities.
On the other hand, the Elite 85t boasts an oval-shaped driver design, offering a comfortable fit that doesn’t go as deep into the ear canal. So, 85t earbuds can be useful for users who want to use them for calling purposes or office use. The 85t’s fit is likened to that of the AirPods Pro, offering a middle ground between a secure fit and extended comfort.
Battery Life and Connectivity
When it comes to battery life, both models are closely matched. The Elite 75t provides approximately 5.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours. The Elite 85t offers a similar 5.5 hours of playback but edges out slightly with a total of 25 hours, including the charging case. Both models feature quick and easy pairing, and the moment you open the case, the earbuds announce their connection status.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality is a very important factor for any wireless earbud, So when it comes to sound quality, both the Elite 75t and the Elite 85t deliver impressive audio experiences. However, there are nuances in their sound signatures that might influence your preference.
The Elite 75t emphasizes bass and provides a dynamic sound, making it a suitable choice for bass enthusiasts. The deep and impactful bass on the 75t gives you genres like hip-hop and electronic music. However, this emphasis on bass might slightly overpower the mids and highs, affecting the overall balance.
In contrast, the Elite 85t adopts a more neutral sound signature that aims to reproduce music as intended by artists. You will get a balanced sound with a mix of lows, mids, and highs. If you value clarity, detail, and a more accurate representation of your music, the 85t can be a better choice. You can easily set your sound tune according to your requirements using the Jabra Sound+ app.
Controls and Convenience
Both the Elite 75t and the Elite 85t feature button controls, providing tactile feedback and ease of use. The 75t’s buttons are reported to have smoother clicks, while the 85t’s buttons might feel slightly stiffer. This might be a consideration for those who prioritize precise button responses, especially in scenarios like changing tracks while wearing gloves. The controls themselves, however, remain consistent across both models.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Ambient Mode
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is a sought-after feature in modern earbuds, and both the Elite 75t and the Elite 85t deliver in this aspect. The 85t, being the newer model, offers adjustable ANC levels, allowing users to fine-tune the noise cancellation according to their environment. The 75t, on the other hand, received an ANC update through firmware, offering a simple on/off toggle for noise cancellation. Interestingly, the 75t’s passive noise isolation was already commendable, even before the ANC update.
While the 85t benefits from its dedicated ANC chip, the tighter fit of the 75t contributes to its effective noise isolation. This results in slightly better noise reduction for the 75t, making it more suitable for noisy environments. However, the differences in noise cancellation might not be dramatic, and both models perform well in attenuating external sounds.
Call Quality and Ambient Mode
Call quality is essential for users who frequently take calls on their earbuds. Both the Elite 75t and the Elite 85t offer commendable call quality, with a similar microphone setup that captures clear audio during calls. Additionally, both models feature an “Ambient Mode” – “HearThrough” for Jabra – which allows external sounds to be amplified into the earbuds. This feature can be very useful for users who need to hear the sound of surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Conclusion
Both the Jabra Elite 75t and the Elite 85t are exceptional true wireless earbuds that offer various features. If you already own the Elite 75t and are thinking to upgrade to the Elite 85t. We can say you really don’t need to upgrade, especially when we compare their features, fit, and sound quality. But if you are a person who is looking to buy a new pair of earbuds, then you can go with the Elite 85t. Still, the choice comes down to your preferences. Whichever you choose, both the Jabra Elite 75t and the Elite 85t stand as some of the best true wireless earbuds available on the market today.
Jabra Elite 85t and Elite 75t Alternatives
Well, if you are still not satisfied with these earbuds from Jabra and want to check out some other earbuds with similar features and price range, then you can check out the below alternatives of Jabra Elite 85t and Elite 75t.
Apple AirPods Pro
- Key Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, H1 Chip for
- Fast Connectivity, Spatial Audio, IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance.
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours (ANC on), Up to 24 hours with charging case.
- Sound Quality: Balanced sound signature, good clarity across frequencies.
- Controls: Touch controls with force sensors for playback and calls.
- Additional Notes: Seamless integration with Apple devices, comfortable fit, easy setup, and strong ANC performance.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
- Key Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Voice Detect, Ambient Sound, 360 Audio, IPX7
- Water and Sweat Resistance.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours (ANC on), Up to 18 hours with charging case.
- Sound Quality: Rich sound profile with emphasized bass and clear vocals.
- Controls: Touch and tap controls for playback and calls.
- Additional Notes: Integration with Samsung devices, adjustable ANC levels, good call quality.
Sony WF-1000XM4
- Key Features: Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation, LDAC Hi-Res Audio, Speak-to-
- Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, IPX4 Water Resistance.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (ANC on), Up to 24 hours with charging case.
- Sound Quality: Exceptional sound with deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs.
- Controls: Touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistant.
- Additional Notes: Top-tier ANC performance, customizable sound settings, comfortable fit.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Key Features: World-class Active Noise Cancellation, Volume-optimized EQ, Touch
- Controls, IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance.
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours (ANC on), Up to 18 hours with charging case.
- Sound Quality: Balanced sound with a focus on clarity and detail.
- Controls: Touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistant.
- Additional Notes: Impressive ANC capabilities, comfortable fit, well-tuned sound profile.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
- Key Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparent Hearing, Customizable Touch
- Controls, IPX4 Water and Sweat Resistance.
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours (ANC on), Up to 28 hours with charging case.
- Sound Quality: Clear and balanced sound, detailed audio reproduction.
- Controls: Touch controls for playback, calls, and voice assistant.
- Additional Notes: Premium sound quality, comfortable fit, strong ANC performance.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.