Design and Build
The Jabra Elite 85h features a modern, minimalist design that combines style with practicality. It has a durable build, reinforced with nano-coating for water and dust resistance (IP52 rating), making it suitable for everyday use in varied conditions. The headband and ear cups are covered in a soft, fabric-like material, while the memory foam padding on the ear cups provides comfort for extended listening sessions.
The headphones are designed to fold flat and come with a hard-shell carrying case, enhancing portability. Physical buttons on the ear cups allow easy control of playback, volume, and ANC, alongside touch-free voice assistant activation.
Wireless Performance
The Jabra Elite 85h uses Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable, reliable connection with devices. It supports multi-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between two devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop. While it doesn’t include high-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD, it supports standard SBC and AAC codecs, which deliver solid audio performance.
Smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Elite 85h features Smart ANC, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on your environment. Using the eight built-in microphones, it continuously analyzes ambient noise and adjusts the ANC to block out distractions effectively. It also offers a HearThrough mode that allows external sounds in, ensuring situational awareness when needed.
Sound Quality
Jabra has equipped the Elite 85h with custom 40mm drivers, tuned to deliver a balanced and rich audio profile. The bass is punchy yet controlled, mids are clear and warm, and the treble is smooth, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience across genres. The Jabra Sound+ app offers a customizable EQ, enabling users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.
The headphones are particularly well-suited for casual listening, podcasts, and audiobooks due to their crisp vocal clarity.
Battery Life
The Jabra Elite 85h offers up to 36 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, which is among the best in its class. Without ANC, the battery life extends further to 41 hours, making it ideal for long flights or busy workdays. Fast charging provides 5 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging, and a full charge takes approximately 2.5 hours via USB-C.
Voice and Call Quality
The Elite 85h excels in call performance, with six of its eight microphones dedicated to voice calls. These microphones effectively isolate your voice from background noise, making it an excellent choice for virtual meetings, phone calls, or voice assistant interactions. The headphones are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free functionality.
Specifications
Audio
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sound Profile: Balanced, customizable via Jabra Sound+ app
- Microphones: 8 total (6 for calls, 4 for ANC)
Wireless
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Codec Support: SBC, AAC
- Multi-Device Pairing: Yes
- Wireless Range: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
Noise Cancellation
- Type: Smart Active Noise Cancellation (adaptive ANC)
- Modes: ANC On, Off, HearThrough (ambient mode)
Battery
- Battery Life with ANC: Up to 36 hours
- Battery Life without ANC: Up to 41 hours
- Charging Port: USB-C
- Quick Charge: 5 hours of use with 15 minutes of charging
- Full Charge Time: 2.5 hours
Build and Dimensions
- Weight: 296 grams
- Material: Fabric covering, memory foam ear cups
- Resistance: IP52 (dust and water resistance)
Compatibility
- Platforms: Works with Android, iOS, and PCs
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Key Features
- Smart ANC: Automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment.
- Exceptional Battery Life: Up to 36 hours with ANC, ensuring uninterrupted use.
- Customizable Sound: Jabra Sound+ app allows EQ adjustments to personalize the audio experience.
- Premium Call Quality: Advanced microphone array for crystal-clear calls and voice assistant interactions.
- Durable and Stylish Design: IP52-rated fabric exterior with a fold-flat design for portability.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Seamless connection to two devices simultaneously.
Performance
Noise Cancellation
The Smart ANC feature works exceptionally well, automatically adapting to your surroundings to block out unwanted sounds. It effectively handles low-frequency noises like engine hums and mid-frequency distractions like office chatter. The HearThrough mode is intuitive, allowing users to stay aware of their environment with a simple toggle.
Sound Quality
The Elite 85h delivers a well-balanced sound signature. Bass lovers may find it a little restrained compared to bass-heavy headphones, but the customizable EQ in the Jabra Sound+ app allows users to tailor the sound. Vocals and instruments are detailed, and there is minimal distortion at high volumes.
Battery Life
The battery life is a standout feature. With ANC on, 36 hours is more than enough for long commutes or workdays, and the quick-charge feature ensures minimal downtime. The USB-C charging is a welcome addition for fast and convenient recharging.
Comfort
The memory foam ear cups and lightweight design make the Elite 85h comfortable for extended use. While slightly heavier than some competitors, the weight distribution and ergonomic design minimize fatigue.
Call Performance
The Elite 85h shines in call quality, with its microphones effectively canceling out background noise. Whether in a busy street or a noisy office, your voice remains clear and intelligible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Adaptive Smart ANC for noise cancellation
- High-quality, balanced sound with customizable EQ
- Durable, water-resistant design
- Superior call quality and multi-device pairing
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
Cons
- No support for advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC
- Slightly heavier than competitors
- ANC, while effective, may not match top-tier models like Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose 700
- Fold-flat design but not fully collapsible
Use Cases
- Commuters and Travelers: Long battery life and effective ANC make it ideal for flights, trains, and noisy environments.
- Professionals: Excellent microphone quality ensures clear calls and voice commands, perfect for remote work or virtual meetings.
- Music Enthusiasts: Balanced sound and customizable EQ suit a wide range of music genres.
- Everyday Use: Durable design and IP52 rating allow use in varied conditions, including light rain or dusty environments.
Conclusion
The Jabra Elite 85h is a feature-packed wireless headphone that combines smart noise cancellation, excellent call quality, and long-lasting battery life. While it may lack advanced codecs for high-resolution audio, its balanced sound, customizable EQ, and comfort make it a versatile choice for everyday use. With its robust build, smart features, and excellent value for the price, the Elite 85h is a strong contender in the premium wireless headphone market. Whether you’re a traveler, professional, or casual listener, this headphone delivers a consistently high-quality experience.