The Jabra Elite 85t literally goes to 11 (levels of noise control)

If it's an all-rounder true wireless earbuds you want, Jabra's new Elite 85t might be the ticket.

by Justin Choo

How much ANC do you need? If your answer is yes, then perhaps Jabra’s new Elite 85t might be just your thing.

The new offering from Jabra is their latest attempt at creating an all-in-one, fully-featured wireless earbuds, that function both as entertainment and productivity enablers.

Thanks to Jabra’s newest dedicated ANC chip, you can choose between five intervals (approximately 3dB) of background noise control. It also supports HearThrough (passthrough), and you can adjust the amount of background noise you can hear within five levels too. What’s cool about this is that Jabra designed the intervals to be 3dB apart, so effectively, it’s like stepping through 11 levels of noise control from maximum noise suppression to a mild reduction in background noise.

Jabra Elite 85t is fully featured and great for everyday scenarios.

Built for everyday life

The Elite 85t features a six-mic (three on each earbud) array. The ANC system uses one external feedforward microphone (on each side) to detect and cancel external noises while one internal feedback microphone (on each side) takes care of noise inside the ear canal.

You control the levels through the Jabra Sound+ app, which might seem like an extra layer of bother, but Jabra can keep the surface the earbuds uncluttered this way.

Jabra Elite 85t and charging case

Jabra Elite 85t and charging case

Other developments come in the form of ergonomics for extended periods of wear. To this end, Jabra employs new oval ear gels and a semi-open design that follows the inside of the ear for a comfortable fit, and this supposedly reduces sound leakage and sound pressure on the ears. Jabra explained that they used a simulation model to determine the fit of the Elite 85t. The simulation leverages a big database of ear shapes from sister company GN Hearing, which makes hearing aids like ReSound. I have little reason to doubt that, as Jabra’s earbuds have always been comfortable for me and people who have tried them.

Battery life is rated for 5.5 hours with ANC switched on and 7 hours without ANC. The battery case helps you to achieve up to 25 hours and 31 hours, respectively. Other amenities include mild dust and water resistance (IPX4-rated), Q-certified wireless charging, along with software enhancements like voice assistant (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) and support for personalised sound settings. Available now in Titanium Black at $348. Gold Beige, Grey and Copper Black (Amazon exclusive) will be available in the first quarter of 2021.

Promotion

From 19 November 2020, customers can redeem a free $30 Capitaland voucher with the purchase of Elite 85t Titanium Black.

  • Promotion is valid only for the first 200 redemptions (while stocks last)
  • Customers must bring NRIC and proof of purchase to redeem the voucher
  • Redemption can only be made at Mojito Redemption Centre (Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #04-60/61)