Apple Airpods might have started a lot of memes because of their looks, but they also created a category single-handedly. Thanks to them, TWS, or truly wireless earphones, have become a popular segment of earphones. Today, you can get TWS earbuds for as low as Rs 1,000 and all the way up to Rs 20,000. And that’s the price segment Jabra’s Elite 85t falls into. Priced at Rs 17,999, these are the higher-end audio products aimed at those who want the best experience. So, do they manage to offer what they promise? Let’s find out in this review.
Design and comfort
The Jabra Elite 85t are the successor to the popular Elite 75t Active. They have a similar compact design, though they’re now slightly bigger. They tuck into the ears nicely without creating any discomfort even for longer listening sessions. In fact, Jabra highlights the fact that it has tested the design with thousands of ears to offer a well-balanced construction.
However, one issue with the earbuds is that they don’t have touch controls. They have button controls that don’t suit their premium pricing. Moreover, unlike the Elite 75t Active which were IP55-rated, the Elite 85t are a downgrade. These are IPx4 certified, which means they are only splashproof, and not waterproof.
Sound quality
The Jabra Elite 85t boast 12mm drivers that ensure that you get a rich audio experience. Of course, the USP of the earbuds is their ANC capabilities. The biggest upgrade against their predecessor is that the Elite 85t come with a dedicated ANC processor. What that translates into is the ability to control the ANC levels (there are 11 levels) to ensure that you get optimum experience wherever you are.
Jabra’s HearThrough feature also deserves a mention as that allows you to listen to the outside world with a single tap. Interestingly, you can control the level of the HearThrough feature too. We would also like to highlight how good the Jabra Sound+ app is. It lets you make all these adjustments that we’re telling you about along with offering an Equalizer feature.
The equalizer is important because the Jabra Elite 85t, just like their previous iteration, are tuned towards bass. You’ll definitely enjoy beats in the Rock or EDM genre, but if you want to listen to the milder notes of a guitar, then these may not be the best option. However, you can tweak the EQ settings to get a better listening experience.
One downside of the Elite 85t is the fact that they don’t support the aptX codec, but the usual AAC and SBC codes only. Though the good thing is that you can connect the earbuds with the two devices at the same time.
The Jabra Elite 85t also come with three microphones. They ensure that the other side can listen to your voice clearly. There’s also a Wind protection algorithm to ensure that you can have good chat even while walking on the street.
Battery life
In terms of the battery life, the Elite 85t can last up to 5.5 hours with ANC on. This is almost an hour longer than the Elite 75t Active. And the case can give you almost a day’s worth of battery life. The best part is that the case is wireless charging compatible.
Gizmo Verdict
The Jabra Elite 85t come with an impressive set of features. But they also have a price point that’s not for everyone. If you value sound quality and are looking for powerful ANC features, then you can’t go wrong with them. But if you’re looking for a VFM offering, then there are better options out there, including the Elite 75t Active, which are available at Rs 7k cheaper.
