• TWEAK
• Hardware
• Headset

Jabra Evolve 3 85

Translate from : Jabra Evolve 3 85

Key Features

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Jabra Advanced ANC™ with adaptive technology
• ANC on calls: Yes
• Call noise reduction: Yes, Jabra ClearVoice with deep learning technology
• Wind noise reduction: Yes
• Speaker size: 32 mm
• Microphone type: Digital MEMS microphones
• Number of microphones: 6
• Supported audio codecs: AAC, LC3, SBC
• Hearing Protection: Intellitone, PeakStop™, EU Noise at Work, G616
• Spatial sound: Yes
• Talk time: Up to 25 hours (with ANC/busylight off)/up to 21 hours (with ANC/busylight on)
• Music time. Up to 120 hours (with ANC off)/up to 55 hours (with ANC on)
• Wired charging: USB-C™
• Wireless charging: Yes
• Charging time: Up to 180 minutes
• Fast charging: Up to 10 hours of music playback with 10 minutes of quick charging
• Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm jack, USB-C
• Wireless technology: Bluetooth 5.3

A walk around the Jabra Evolve 3 85

If you've seen the Jabra Evolve 2 85, you'll immediately see some of the same design threads in the Evolve 3 85. However, it's now a significantly slimmer version. Jabra has reduced the size by 35% and the weight by 23%.

It's still an over-ear headset, but this time Jabra has removed the microphone boom, so it's now a more streamlined design that you can take anywhere without sticking out.

The slimmer profile and lower weight also mean that you now get a headset that sits close to your head and doesn't take up much space.

The set can also be folded up for easy portability, and Jabra also includes a carrying case, so it's clear they're aiming for the hybrid worker in the professional segment. It needs to be a headset that's good both in the office and on the go.

Build quality and materials are top-notch all around, with a combination of plastic, aluminum, and fabric. For the ear cushions and headband, Jabra has moved away from the faux leather used on the Evolve 2. This means the set feels more airy. Fabric isn't quite as easy to clean as faux leather, of course, but the fabric parts are replaceable, so if necessary, they can be replaced.

Control is via physical buttons, which are distributed on both earcups. It is possible to control music, adjust volume, mute the microphone and switch between ANC, HearThrough and no effects on the sound.

If you have the Microsoft Teams certified version of the set, there is also a dedicated MS Teams button on the side of the right earcup.

On the left earcup there is a field for wireless Qi charging and in some versions of the set a Qi charger is included in the box with the set, which is nice to see.

If you want to charge via cable, you can do so via USB-C and Jabra states that a full charge takes 180 minutes. However, you can use quick charging to get enough power for 10 hours of listening time with just ten minutes of charging.

The sound is powered by 30 mm drivers, which are tuned for both conversations and meetings, but also music and media with an LC3 audio codec.

Although there is no microphone boom on the Evolve 3 85, Jabra has focused heavily on the microphones and the set comes with no less than six digital MEMS microphones, which together with Jabra ClearVoice and adaptive noise reduction ensure that your voice comes through clearly and distinctly, regardless of the environment you are in.

Connection can be made via an included USB Dongle, which Jabra recommends for professional use, as well as Bluetooth 5.3. It is possible to connect to multiple devices at the same time, so you can easily be connected to both a PC and a phone at the same time. If you prefer a cable, there is also the option of connecting via 3.5 mm jack cable or USB-C.

Software

If you want to customize sound and settings on the Jabra Evolve 3 85 or update the Firmware, this can be done via Jabra Direct on PC or Jabra Plus on your phone.

Here you can control EQ settings if there is anything you want to adjust there. The settings also give you quite a wide range of options for customizing how the set should sound and function, via things like SideTone levels, sound notifications, button functions, and settings for ANC and HearThrough.

Overall, there are great options for setting up the set to work the way you prefer. It's one of the most cumbersome pieces of headset software I've tried.

Test

I had the opportunity to test the Jabra Evolve3 85 for a few weeks before it hits stores on March 1st.

I have used the headset for a good mix of lots of music as well as meetings and calls via both PC and phone.

If we start with comfort and fit, Jabra has hit both of those points really well. The new, more compact and lightweight design means the set is comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time. Although the ear cups are significantly smaller than before, I didn't experience any pinching in my ears. As a glasses wearer, I didn't experience any discomfort either.

The ear cups can be rotated, making it easy to hang the set around your neck when not in use or when you need a break. There is the option to activate Wear Detection, so your music will automatically pause when you take the set off your ears.

Despite not having as large drivers as many other headsets I test, the Jabra Evolve3 85 delivers fantastic sound. It's clear that Jabra has also had this as a focus point despite the fact that it's a headset aimed at the professional market.

You get a nice heavy and immersive bass that provides a solid foundation for the music. However, this is not at the expense of either the highs or mids, which are also clear and distinct. Overall, there is a sharp and detailed sound image that even in complex pieces of music allows even the small notes to stand out clearly.

Despite moving away from a microphone boom, the sound on the microphone is still really good. Even in noisy environments, I was able to get through just fine during my test and the people on the other end didn't hear anything but my voice.

Listen to a test of the sound on the Jabra Evolve3 85 here.

Jabra states an expected battery life of up to 120 hours of music and a talk time of 25 hours. I was able to complete my entire test in just under two weeks without needing a charger, so Jabra's claims are very accurate.

Price

The Jabra Evolve3 85 will hit stores on March 1st and I can find it online with prices starting at $649 for the version without the wireless charger.

Conclusion  

Jabra has created a beautiful and complete headset with the Evolve3 85. It is packed with some of the best features on the market and the result is a headset that can meet the high demands of a modern hybrid workplace.

We get beautiful design, great sound, long battery life along with strong ANC and noise reduction. The price is high, but considering the quality and features, it lands really strong compared to similar headsets.

We end up with a final score of 9 for a super strong headset that is aimed at the professional segment, but fortunately is also really good for private use.

Advantages:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Foldable and easy to carry
• Delicious sound
• Good microphone
• Long battery life

Disadvantages

• Nothing noteworthy