In-Depth Review: Jabra Elite 85t – Still Relevant? (Updated February 17, 2025)
Let me tell you a story. It all started with a disastrous Zoom meeting. My earbuds, some cheap pair I'd grabbed from a gas station, decided to quit mid-sentence, leaving me sounding like a muffled robot. The humiliation was intense! That's when I knew: I needed a serious upgrade. Enter the Jabra Elite 85t. I'd heard whispers...rumors...of their legendary sound quality and noise cancellation. But was the hype real, or just another marketing ploy? Three years after their release, are they still worth considering in today's market? Let's find out!
This isn't just another review regurgitating specs. I'm going to give you the real deal—the good, the bad, and the ugly—based on my personal experiences. Because let's be honest, who needs more generic tech jargon? I'm diving deep into how these earbuds perform in everyday life, not just a sterile lab setting. Buckle up, this is going to be fun!
person using Jabra Elite 85t earbuds in a busy city | Image: Supplied
Sound Quality: A Symphony of Sound (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk sound. The 85t's deliver a surprisingly rich and balanced audio profile. I'm not an audiophile or whatever... I just like listening to music without my ears bleeding. Bass is present but not overpowering, highs are crisp, and the mids are clear. They're great for a variety of genres. I've listened to everything from classic rock to today's pop hits and podcasts. Overall? Pretty darn good. I was impressed by the clarity, even in noisy environments. But hey, let's be real, some songs just sound better on vinyl. I still like to spin my records every now and then, for old time's sake. What's your preferred listening experience?
Jabra Elite 85t earbuds graphical representation of sound wave | Image: Supplied
Noise Cancellation: Silence is Golden
Now this is where things get interesting. The noise cancellation on the Jabra Elite 85t is impressive. I've used them on noisy commutes, in busy coffee shops and even during my neighbor's particularly aggressive lawn-mowing session. It's not perfect, but it does a fantastic job of muting low-frequency noise – a welcome relief from screaming kids and general urban chaos. The transparency mode is also great if you need to hear your surroundings. I once almost got hit by a car on my daily walk because I had my headphones on, so I always make it a point to check my surroundings before using the earbuds. I actually had a friend who spilled coffee on herself because she couldn't hear her surroundings. These earbuds would have been really helpful!
graph comparing noise cancellation performance of Jabra Elite 85t with other earbuds | Image: Supplied
Comfort and Fit: A Goldilocks Experience?
Comfort is subjective, isn't it? But honestly, I found the Jabra Elite 85t quite comfy. They come with different ear tip sizes, so you can find a snug and secure fit. I wore them for hours on end without any discomfort. They're also lightweight, which is a plus. My friend had a different experience, though. She found them a little too bulky for her ears and ended up returning them. You really should try them out for yourself before committing.
different sizes of Jabra Elite 85t ear tips | Image: Supplied
Call Quality: Crystal Clear Conversations
The microphone on the Jabra Elite 85t performs admirably. I've taken numerous calls while wearing them, and people on the other end have consistently reported clear audio. No complaints there! Although, my grandma once said I sounded a little robotic during a call. Maybe it's just her bad hearing?
person using Jabra Elite 85t earbuds for a phone call | Image: Supplied
Battery Life: Power Through Your Day (Almost)
Jabra claims around 5.5 hours of battery life on a single charge. In my experience, that's pretty accurate. It's definitely enough to get me through a long day of work and commutes. Plus, the charging case provides several extra charges. Not bad. But, if you’re a heavy user and leave the house early in the morning, you might need to charge them overnight.
Jabra Elite 85t earbuds and charging case | Image: Supplied
Verdict: Still a Solid Choice
So, are the Jabra Elite 85t still relevant in 2025? Absolutely. While newer models exist, the 85t still delivers excellent sound, impressive noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and decent battery life. They're a great value for the price. If you find a good deal, snag them. But maybe check out what's currently on the market. There might be other earbuds that fit your specific needs better. This is my personal experience, and things might be different for you.
Jabra Elite 85t earbuds on a background with other wireless earbuds | Image: Supplied
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Ears
Ultimately, the best earbuds for you depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Jabra Elite 85t offers a fantastic overall package, but take the time to research your options and read other reviews! Consider your priorities: is noise cancellation your top concern, or is it battery life? Whatever you choose, remember this: listen to your ears! Happy listening!
