Dec 31, 2020
A comparison of the Jabra Elite 85t against the Jabra Elite (Active) 75t
There is no doubt that the Jabra Elite wireless earbuds are industry leaders. There is also no doubt that the 75t was better than the previous generation 65t. But that is where the absolutes end.
With the 85t, it is no longer as clear if it is indeed better than the 75t. There are two main issues:
(1) there are no plans for an Active version
(2) Jabra has bloated the design of the 85t (for reasons I go into below)
— so the answer becomes “it depends”.
Note: the only difference between the Elite 75t and the Elite Active 75t is the level of waterproofing, so this article will treat them as the same otherwise.
TL;DR
If you are like me and rarely exercise with music, need earbuds for endless conference calls, and treasure audio quality, go for the 85t.
Otherwise, the (slightly) lower price but largely similar Elite 75t should do the job. It also comes with better waterproofing and a more secure fit for those who workout with earbuds on.
DESIGN
Size & Weight
Elite 85t -
- Case: 43.7g, 64.8 x 41.1 x 28.5mm
- Earbud: 6.9g, 23.1 x 19.0 x 16.2mm
Elite 75t -
- Case: 35g, 62.4 x 36.6 x 27.0 mm
- Earbud: 5.5g, 21.9 x 19.4 x 16.2 mm
The earbuds of the 85t are roughly 25% heavier and larger than the 75t, which accommodates the extra microphone, specialised ANC chip, and a 12mm driver (up from 6mm).
The case is also 25% heavier but only 3% larger, and presumably to accommodate the larger earbuds and battery.
That said, the 85t did not feel significantly bulkier, and still fit perfectly well into my ears/pocket, which brings us to the next point.
Fit & Noise Cancellation
Elite 85t -
- Open ear design, oval ear tips
- Better active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Three microphones in each earbud (two on the outside, one on the inside of your ear canal)
Elite 75t -
- Snug fit, circular ear tips
- Better passive noise cancellation
- Two microphones in each earbud (both on the outside)
This was a major difference. The 75t has a tighter seal and goes deeper into your ear canal, while the 85t sits in but does not go as deep. The 85t never fell out despite some head shaking and jumping on the spot, but the 75t definitely feels more secure.
The oval ear tips provide more comfort for extended periods of use, and the open ear design means there would not be the build up of pressure over time. However, the trade-off was the reduced efficacy of passive noise cancellation.
Both earbuds have ANC, but the 85t’s was worlds better. Even with the reduced passive noise cancellation, the 85t managed to produce a more silent environment.
Waterproofing
Elite 85t -
- IPX4, protects against water splashing
Elite Active 75t -
- IP57, protects against dust and being submerged underwater, up to 1m for 30min
Elite 75t -
- IP55, protects against dust and low pressure water jets
This is no contest, but it is good to know that the 85t is not completely vulnerable to water. The “X” in IPX4 means that it is not certified against dust, but the 85t comes with a 2-year warranty against dust and water.
AUDIO QUALITY
Elite 85t -
- 12mm drivers
- More balanced sound, tighter bass
- Wider soundstage
- Better noise cancellation overall (see ‘Fit & Noise Cancellation’ above)
Elite 75t -
- 6mm drivers
- Punchier bass
Audio quality can be quite subjective, and varies according to the preferences of the individual. A bigger driver also does not necessarily mean better audio quality. However, in this case, the 85t edged out the 75t for me.
By the default EQ settings, the 75t provides a punchier bass, though I felt that it muddies the mids. The 85t had a more balanced sound overall, and the bass was tighter. The wider soundstage, whether caused by the bigger drivers or the open ear design, was obvious and made listening to music a more immersive experience.
CALL QUALITY
Elite 85t -
- 6-microphone call technology
- Smaller microphone grill, presumably for wind protection
Elite 75t -
- 4-microphone call technology
Jabra is known for their excellent microphone quality, and while both were great in quiet environments, the 85t was noticeably better in a noisy environment.
BATTERY LIFE
Elite 85t -
- Case: 19.5hrs (ANC on), 24hrs (ANC off)
- Earbuds: 5.5hrs (ANC on), 7hrs (ANC off)
- Charge time: up to 210min
Elite 75t -
- Case: 18.5hrs (ANC on), 20.5hrs (ANC off)
- Earbuds: 5.5hrs (ANC on), 7.5hrs (ANC off)
- Charge time: up to 140min
Roughly similar, with the overall difference being 1–3hrs extra for the 85t depending on the ANC setting.
OTHER FACTORS
Elite 85t -
- Newer model, which might mean longer support life in terms of firmware updates
- Slightly pricier
- Wireless charging comes by default
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Only ‘Titanium Black’ is available in Dec 2020, and the other colours are slated to arrive in Jan 2021
Elite 75t -
- More affordable
- Wireless charging for case is available, but at a price
- Bluetooth 5.0
- All colours are available as of Dec 2020
CONCLUSION
On the whole, both earbuds are great and have much to offer. The earbuds you eventually purchase will have to depend on your usage.
If you already own a 75t, the incremental difference does not seem to justify an upgrade. If you are going to use these for exercise, the Elite Active 75t has to be your choice. If you prioritise music and call quality, then it has to be the Elite 85t.
Let me know if I missed out anything in the comments!
LINKS
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