The Jabra Evolve3 85: A Work-Life Headset?
Jabra's latest offering, the Evolve3 85, is a premium headset designed to be your all-in-one solution for work and personal use. With a price tag of around $1000, it aims to provide clear voice calls, noise cancellation, and decent audio quality for music and media. But does it deliver on its promise of being a 'do-everything' headset? Let's dive in and explore.
Personally, I think the Evolve3 85 is a fascinating attempt at creating a versatile headset. The idea of having one device for work and leisure is appealing, especially for those who want to streamline their tech setup. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this product might be more suited for specific use cases rather than being a true 'do-everything' solution.
Unboxing and Portability
The Evolve3 85 comes with a slim travel case, which is a nice touch for those who are always on the move. However, I found the case to be a bit flimsy, with the cables inside not having a designated compartment. This could lead to frustration if the cables get tangled or fall out during transit.
Design and Comfort
The headset's design is clean and understated, which is a plus for those who prefer a low-key look. The absence of a boom mic is a welcome feature for public use, as it allows for a more discreet and comfortable experience. The earcups are flat and slim, making the headset compact and easy to carry around.
Comfort is a mixed bag. The fabric earcups feel soft, but they can get warm in humid weather. Some users might prefer the leather option, but I found the fabric to be more breathable and comfortable for extended wear.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Evolve3 85 is its impressive battery life. With up to 25 hours of talk time and 120 hours of music playback, it easily outshines many competitors. The flexibility of charging options, including USB-C and wireless charging, is a welcome addition.
Call Quality and Work Features
Jabra's focus on call quality is evident in the Evolve3 85. The advanced voice technology and noise reduction make for clear and stable calls, even in noisy office environments. The 'busylight' feature is a clever addition, allowing you to signal to others not to interrupt during calls.
The work-focused features are well-thought-out and practical. Sidetone, hearing protection, and auto-pause when taking the headset off are all useful additions. The app controls for wear detection and sleep mode further enhance the user experience.
Connectivity and Controls
The connectivity options are straightforward, with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity allowing for seamless switching between devices. The USB Bluetooth dongle is a nice extra, offering a stable connection and longer range.
The controls are simple and intuitive, with playback, call, and voice assistant functions easily accessible on both earcups. However, I found the noise-cancelling toggle a bit tricky to locate, as it's not prominently displayed.
Sound and Noise Cancelling
The sound quality of the Evolve3 85 is fine, but it's not exceptional. The headset is tuned more for speech clarity than rich music, which might be a disappointment for audiophiles. The noise cancellation works well indoors, but it struggles in louder environments, such as on public transport.
Final Thoughts
The Jabra Evolve3 85 is a solid headset for work, with excellent call quality and useful features. However, it falls short in terms of noise cancellation and audio quality for everyday listening. If your primary focus is on calls and meetings, it's a great choice. But if you're looking for a true all-in-one headset, you might want to consider other options.
In my opinion, the Evolve3 85 is a step in the right direction for Jabra, but it's not quite there yet. The idea of a 'do-everything' headset is appealing, but it's a challenging concept to execute perfectly. For now, it's a solid choice for those who want a high-quality headset for work, but it might not be the best fit for those who prioritize music and noise cancellation.
