Jabra Elite 85t vs Jabra Elite 75t: Worth The Upgrade?
By Linus T.
Updated July 2022
For those familiar with Jabra's vast collection of true wireless earbuds, you've probably came across the Jabra Elite 85t and wondered how it compares to the Jabra Elite 75t.
After all the Elite 75t is the predecessor of the Elite 85t and we would naturally associate newer models to with better performance. However, when it comes to the battle between the Jabra Elite 85t vs Jabra Elite 75t, this just isn't the case.
What's the difference?
#1 Active Noise Cancellation
#2 Water Resistance
#3 Battery Life
Jabra Elite 85t
True wireless earbuds with fully adjustable ANC
Upgraded features with a customisable ANC.
Jabra Elite 75t
True wireless earbuds for superior calls and music
Great value for money with amazing features and design.
#1 Active Noise Cancellation
Jabra Elite 85t
This is one area where the Jabra Elite 85t has an advantage over the Jabra Elite 75t. The Jabra Elite 85t features Jabra's most advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to date with its dedicated processing chip while the older Jabra Elite 75t has ANC functionality through a firmware update which uses built-in microphones to mask ambient noises.
Jabra Elite 75t
The Jabra Elite 85t has a 6 microphone setup which involves internal and external microphones that work together to drown out the ambient noise. Dual chipsets offer reduced audio latency and improved sound quality and the sound+ application allows users to customise internal and external noise levels. The application also allows users to turn on HearThrough Transparency mode to tune in to ambient noises when required.
On the other hand, the Jabra Elite 75t has no internal microphones as they weren't initially designed with ANC functionality. This means that noise cancellation only works one way, which is sufficient to drown out low-frequency sounds but isn't very effective when it comes to pitch variances.
#2 Water Resistance
Jabra Elite 85t
The Jabra Elite 85t features a lower dust and water resistance rating than the Jabra Elite 75t. The Jabra Elite 85t has an IPX4-rated water resistance rating, the 'X' means that its never been tested for dust resistance, so while it can withstand the occasional splash of water, you might want to show your earbuds a little more tender loving care to prevent any dust buildup.
Meanwhile, the Jabra Elite 75t features an IP55 water-resistance rating which provides decent resistance against dust and the occasional splash of water. This means that you can take these earbuds to the gym or even the beach, although it's advisable not to submerge them in water.
#3 Battery Life
Jabra Elite 75t vs Jabra Elite 85t
The Jabra Elite 85t presents with a marginally shorter battery life compared to the Jabra Elite 75t.
You'll be able to get about 7 hours of non-ANC playback and 5.5 hours of ANC playback on the Jabra Elite 85t. Meanwhile you'll be able to get 7.5 hours of non-ANC playback and 5.5 hours of ANC playback on the Jabra Elite 75t.
If we're being honest, the difference in battery life is marginal enough to be negligible when you take into account the upgraded ANC on the Jabra Elite 85t. If ANC is an important feature to you, the Elite 85t could be worth the upgrade.
Compare Jabra Elite 85t vs Jabra Elite 75t
Final Thoughts
Jabra Elite 75t vs Jabra Elite 85t
In summary, the main difference between the Jabra Elite 75t and the Jabra Elite 85t is the latest Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that the Jabra Elite 85t brings to the table. We have to admit that the hybrid ANC on the Elite 85t is indeed more effective than the ANC on the Elite 75t, but does this alone make the Elite 85t worth the upgrade? We don't think so.
The Jabra Elite 75t continues to hold strong against the Jabra Elite 85t with its' software update enabled ANC features that do a good job at filtering out ambient sound. For most casual music listeners, it's likely that you won't be able to tell a noticeable difference between the ANC features of the Elite 85t and the Elite 75t.
For around a $100 less than the Jabra Elite 85t, the Jabra Elite 75t is more than enough to satisfy all your music needs. So if you're looking to get more value for your money as well as more use out of your earbuds, maybe consider sticking to the tried and true Jabra Elite 75t instead.
If you like to read more on Jabra earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Jabra Elite 75t vs Jabra Elite Active 75t
Jabra Elite 7 Pro vs Jabra Elite 75t
Jabra Elite 7 Pro vs Jabra Elite 7 Active
Jabra Elite 5 vs Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Explore the full collection for Jabra on Amazon.com or visit the Official Jabra Singapore Store.
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