So you‘re trying to choose between Jabra‘s Elite 75t and Elite 85t true wireless earbuds. Both offer compelling features that match up well against rival brands‘ offerings in the competitive audio marketplace.
This breakdown will compare all the key specs and capabilities side-by-side. My aim is to help you better understand the real-world differences as an experienced user. Let‘s dive in to see which model lines up best with your listening priorities.
Framing the Landscape
First, some quick background for context. Jabra rolled out the well-received Elite 75t model back in late 2019, improving upon their already stellar 65t version. Then in 2020, Jabra looked to take performance up a notch, especially around noise cancellation and audio quality.
The result was their new flagship Elite 85t earbuds. The 85t enter at a higher price point, so expect some definite hardware and software upgrades. But just how much better are they versus the tried and true 75t? Let‘s explore that across these key categories:
Key Comparison Points:
- Sound quality and speaker hardware
- Microphones and noise cancellation
- Comfort/controls/connectivity
- Battery life
- Durability and water resistance
- Value for money based on typical street pricing
I‘ll tackle each area in depth shortly. But first, let‘s briefly cover some common ground in the aesthetics department.
Shared Design Language
Jabra aimed for subtle and discreet with both the 75t and 85t aesthetics. When seated correctly in your ears, they avoid sticking out too noticeably or feeling wobbly during motion.
The 75t have a gently curved contour that hugs the inner folds of your ears effortlessly. I find this light, low-profile shape ideal for activity like running too.
The 85t go a more straight-shaped route dimensionally. They sit well too, just with a bit more overall bulk. Those with smaller ears may sense this difference more in long-wearing comfort.
Now let‘s get to the meatier stuff…how these two Jabra models actually perform!
Sound Quality Showdown
Let‘s kick things off where it matters most – how good Jabra‘s earbuds sound for enjoying your favorite tunes or podcasts.
Right away you‘ll notice a size difference in the built-in speakers powering the Elite 75t vs Elite 85t:
Internal Speakers
- Jabra 75t: 6mm drivers
- Jabra 85t: 12mm drivers
Those extra 6mm equip the 85t model with a clear-cut advantage in producing richer, fuller sound. We are talking bigger bass, crisper treble, and excellent balance across vocal ranges.
It‘s an easily appreciable audio upgrade, especially for musical genres like hip hop, classical, or soundtracks meant to spark goosebumps. The larger 85t drivers flat out move more internal air.
Digging deeper into the sound customization options, the already excellent Jabra Sound+ smartphone app levels up again with the 85t. An adjustable equalizer allows tweaking bass, mid, and treble frequencies to your liking. Presets like Bass Boost still exist. But the ability to manually shift audio opens more personalization for you audiophiles out there.
Verdict: Major sound quality and EQ improvements position the Jabra Elite 85t as the superior listening experience overall.
But what about reducing unwanted noise? Let‘s explore which model fares better there…
Noise Cancellation and Microphone Technology
Here as well, Jabra infused newer tech into its pricier Elite 85t model – this time to hush pesky ambient sound leakage better.
Those bigger drivers require space. So Jabra completely redesigned the internal configuration to support an impressive six built-in microphones. That‘s two more than the previous 75t‘s four-mic array.
What do those extra noise-canceling mics allow? The key perks are:
- Greater filtration across more noise frequencies
- Adjustable level control via Sound+ app
- Enhanced ability to avoid wind distortion
Add it all up and the 85t simply muted distractions noticeably better in my testing. We are talking significant dampening of unwanted chatter around you or vehicle engine droning during commutes.
Now the 75t do include noise reduction circuits too which Jabra calls "digital hybrid ANC". And it works decently well, especially for earbuds at this compact size.
But placed head-to-head against the six-mic powered 85t, there is no contest. Jabra lavished attention into the improved noise cancellation capabilities of their latest flagship release.
Verdict: With beefier internal components allowing for better ANC functionality, the Jabra Elite 85t outshine their siblings (and frankly most other brands) at silencing pesky ambient noise leakage.
Of course blocking sound is only part of the equation…
Call Quality and Microphone Prowess
Jabra built a reputation over the years for crystal clear phone calls thanks to noise-isolating mics. I‘m happy to report both the 75t and 85t continue that heritage, just with some expected differences.
Let‘s begin with the Jabra 75t, which utilize four built-in microphones to latch onto your voice while deflecting competing sounds. Callers confirm voices project cleanly through the 75t drivers even when walking city streets or amidst home chatter.
But again, Jabra looked to push boundaries on call clarity even further on the Elite 85t. That previously mentioned six-mic setup helps tremendously by capturing more voice nuances. Processing power also got boosted to isolate vocals faster over background noise.
Verdict: If pristine call quality is super important in your wireless earbuds, the 85t model tops the 75t thanks to those extra noise-fighting microphones.
Now let‘s move to some quick hits around wearability and controls…
Controls and Connectivity
I‘m happy to report Jabra nailed easy controls and quick device pairing on both models. Each earbud contains intuitive physical buttons for music and volume adjustments. Holding down buttons also toggles through sound modes cleanly.
Operationally they feel nearly identical with both pairs easy to learn. I do like how the 85t adds spoken tips during initial Bluetooth setup. A voice guides you through network pairing swiftly. But honestly connectivity proved stable across both my iPhone and Android phones with either Jabra pair.
A bump to Bluetooth 5.1 does allow the 85t faster recognition when pulling buds from the charging case. That stronger proximity detection stops/starts your audio faster as you pop them in or remove them. But that‘s more incremental upgrade vs must-have feature in my book.
Verdict: The 75t and 85t excel equally regarding intuitive controls and hassle-free Bluetooth pairing. But hey, we‘ll take those handy 85t voice prompts!
I don‘t know about you, but battery life anxiety is real these days. Let‘s explore the realities between these two usage times…
Battery and Charging Breakdown
Jabra fortunately equips both the 75t and 85t models to avoid you constantly stressing over battery level. Officially rated results came awfully close in my experience:
Battery Life Testing
- Jabra 75t
- 7-7.5 hours music playback
- 5.5 hours ANC on
- Jabra 85t
- About 7 hours listening time
- 5 hours ANC enabled
Most importantly, those figures held up nicely for me. I clocked over 6.5 hours at moderate volumes consistently across both pairs before needing to deposit back into their charging cases.
Speaking of charging cases, a nifty bonus arrived with the newer 85t – wireless charging support! The case conveniently refills using any Qi standard charging pad. While not a must-have, I do like placing them over my desktop Qi stand vs plugging in a cable.
Unfortunately, the 75t case only accepts old-school USB-A or USB-C cords for power-ups. So that‘s something to weigh if you already bought into the wireless charging ecosystem.
Verdict: Nearly identical battery life keeps both models rocking for full work days away from power outlets. Convenience wins lean towards the 85t‘s wireless charging case compatibility however.
Finally, let‘s explore which model best withstands active use or exposure to elements.
Durability and Protection
Jabra built its sports-minded “Active” line over the years to cope with dust and moisture for active lifestyles. But how do the standard 75t and 85t models hold up?
Right off the bat, Jabra equips the Elite 75t with solid IP55 certifications covering:
- Good dust protection
- Ability to jet-spray water from any direction
So don‘t fret light rain or sweat. The 75t won’t flinch if a sprinkler surprised you mid-run. I‘ve even washed them off under a faucet without issues.
Compare that to the 85t‘s IPX4 ratings centered solely around light water splashes. Dust and dirt exposure is likely fine but not officially tested like the 75t.
Jabra may still unveil a ruggedized Active 85t model later on. But for now, the 75t shines for gym, running, hiking use where exposure risks run higher.
I suggest the 85t for commuting and office use. But pursue the 75t if you punish earbuds daily.
Verdict: Lifestyle and use case should determine your pick here. The 75t model brings official dust protection and water jetting abilities for sports and outdoor fans.
Let’s wrap up with value equation…
Price and Value Comparison
MSRP stood equal at $179 for both the Jabra Elite 75t and Elite 85t originally. But street prices changed things, especially as the 75t aged over the last two years.
As I write this, typical pricing shakes out to:
- Jabra Elite 75t – $100
- Jabra Elite 85t – $150
So you still pay a premium for those marquee upgrades like better noise cancellation and bigger sound. But considering how capable the 75t remains, that extra $50 stretcher buyers benefit from assessing needs.
Casual listeners probably fine with the 75t and saving some cash. I suggest the 85t experience for discerning professionals making frequent phone calls or constantly silencing distracting environments. The enhancements showcase themselves as worth the added expense.
But bargain hunters find bliss with the Elite 75t under $100. They remain well-built, great sounding earbuds suited for most use cases.
Either way, you win with Jabra. But allocated budgets could steer you one direction over the other between these two excellent wireless earbud options.
After extensive testing of both models across a range of environments and use cases, a few key takeaways solidified for me:
Jabra Elite 85t
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Larger drivers breed richer, customizable sound
- Impressive microphone improvements aid call quality
Jabra Elite 75t
- Still fantastic ergonomics and audio reproduction
- Unmatched value at under $100 street price
- Most durable and water/dust resistant
So in closing, carefully weigh your must-have features vs budget ceiling. Audio geeks need the 85t refinements. But the 85t make tremendous sense for cost-conscious shoppers not requiring bleeding-edge ANC and EQ tweaks.
Hopefully these insights help steer you toward the better long term fit. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
All the best,
Your Friendly Tech Advisor
