Hey everyone! Today, we're diving headfirst into a battle of the earbuds: Jabra Elite 85t vs. Elite 7 Active. These two sets of wireless earbuds are both big names in the audio game, but they bring some different things to the table. So, if you're trying to decide which ones are right for you, you've come to the right place. We'll be breaking down everything from sound quality and comfort to battery life and features. By the end of this, you'll have a clear idea of which Jabra Elite earbuds best suit your needs. Ready to rumble? Let's get started!

Sound Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When it comes to earbuds, sound quality is king, right? Both the Jabra Elite 85t and the Elite 7 Active deliver impressive audio experiences, but they have their own unique flavors. The Jabra Elite 85t, with its semi-open design, offers a more natural and spacious soundstage. This means that the music doesn't feel like it's crammed inside your head; instead, it has a sense of airiness that some listeners really appreciate. The 85t also boasts powerful drivers that deliver a rich and detailed sound, with a particularly noticeable emphasis on the bass. This makes them great for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, where a strong low-end is essential.

On the other hand, the Elite 7 Active takes a slightly different approach. These earbuds focus on a more balanced sound signature. While they still provide plenty of bass, it's not quite as overpowering as the 85t. Instead, the Elite 7 Active prioritizes clarity and precision across the entire frequency range. This makes them a versatile choice for listening to a wide variety of music, from podcasts and audiobooks to classical and rock.

Both earbuds come equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but they perform slightly differently. The 85t's ANC is quite effective at blocking out a lot of background noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments like busy streets or crowded offices. The Elite 7 Active's ANC is also good, but it might not be quite as powerful as the 85t's. However, the Elite 7 Active makes up for it with a more secure fit, which helps to further reduce noise leakage. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you crave a more bass-heavy sound and prioritize strong ANC, the 85t might be your jam. If you prefer a balanced sound with a focus on clarity and a secure fit, the Elite 7 Active could be a better fit.

Sound Profiles and Customization

Another awesome aspect of both earbuds is their customization options. Both the Jabra Elite 85t and Elite 7 Active pair with the Jabra Sound+ app, which is a powerhouse of audio tweaking. With the app, you can adjust the equalizer to create your own custom sound profiles. So, if you love a booming bass, you can crank it up. If you're more into crisp highs, you can boost those too. The app also has some pre-set sound profiles for different music genres, so you can easily find a setting that matches your taste. Besides the EQ, the app allows for customizing the level of ANC and HearThrough (which lets you hear the outside world). This level of control is great because it lets you tailor the sound to your exact preferences, no matter what you're listening to or where you're listening. Seriously, this is a big plus for both earbuds.

Design and Comfort: Finding the Perfect Fit

Okay, let's talk about how these earbuds feel in your ears. This is super important because even if the sound is amazing, if the earbuds aren't comfortable, you're not going to want to wear them. The Jabra Elite 85t features a more traditional design with a slightly larger form factor. They have an oval-shaped earbud with a silicone ear tip that goes into your ear canal. Many people find the 85t to be comfortable, thanks to their design and the included ear tip options (Jabra usually provides several sizes so you can find the perfect fit). The semi-open design of the 85t also helps with comfort because it doesn't create as much pressure inside your ear canal as some fully sealed earbuds. The 85t's case is also a nice size and easy to carry around.

The Elite 7 Active takes a different approach. As the name suggests, these earbuds are designed for active lifestyles. They have a smaller, more streamlined design, and they feature Jabra's ShakeGrip technology, which helps to keep them securely in your ears, even during intense workouts. The ShakeGrip is a special coating that helps the earbuds stay put, no matter how much you move. The Elite 7 Active also has a more flush-to-the-ear design, which means they don't stick out as much as the 85t.

Comfort Showdown

As for comfort, it really comes down to personal preference. Some people find the 85t more comfortable due to their semi-open design, while others prefer the secure fit of the Elite 7 Active. If you plan on using your earbuds during workouts or other physical activities, the Elite 7 Active is probably the better choice. Their secure fit and sweat resistance make them perfect for active lifestyles. If you primarily use your earbuds for listening to music at home or in the office, the 85t could be the more comfortable option, especially if you prefer a more relaxed fit. Both earbuds include multiple ear tip sizes, so you can hopefully find the perfect fit. But because comfort is so subjective, it's always a good idea to try both pairs on (if possible) to see which ones feel best in your ears. Trust me, finding the right fit is crucial for enjoying your music for hours on end!

Battery Life: Keeping the Music Going

Alright, let's talk about battery life, because nobody wants earbuds that die in the middle of a song. The Jabra Elite 85t offers a respectable battery life. With ANC turned on, you can expect around 5.5 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 19.5 hours of battery life, giving you a total of about 25 hours. With ANC turned off, the earbuds can last up to 7 hours, and the case can provide an additional 24 hours. The 85t also supports wireless charging, which is a nice convenience. Just plop the case on a wireless charging pad, and you're good to go.

The Elite 7 Active offers similar battery performance. With ANC turned on, you can expect around 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 15 hours of battery life, giving you a total of about 20 hours. With ANC turned off, the earbuds can last up to 7 hours, and the case can provide an additional 22 hours. The Elite 7 Active's charging case also supports wireless charging.

Comparing the numbers

So, when it comes to battery life, both earbuds are pretty similar. The 85t has a slight edge in total battery life (especially with ANC off), but the difference isn't huge. Both earbuds should be able to get you through a full day of listening, and the charging cases provide ample extra juice. The wireless charging is a nice bonus, making it easy to top up the case whenever you need to. Ultimately, if battery life is a major concern, both of these earbuds will likely meet your needs. Just remember that enabling ANC will reduce the battery life, so keep that in mind if you plan on using the feature frequently. If you're a heavy user who needs the earbuds to last for super long periods without a recharge, you might want to consider the 85t for that little extra power.

Features and Extras: Beyond the Basics

Besides sound quality, comfort, and battery life, there are other features that can influence your decision. Both the Jabra Elite 85t and the Elite 7 Active are packed with useful features. Both models offer Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable and reliable connection to your devices. They also both feature a multi-device pairing, meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time. This is super handy if you frequently switch between your phone and your laptop. You can easily take calls on your phone while listening to music on your laptop, and vice versa.

Both earbuds also have built-in microphones for calls and voice assistants. The call quality is generally good on both models, making them suitable for taking calls on the go. The Jabra Sound+ app provides access to a wealth of customization options, as we already discussed. The app allows you to customize the sound profile, adjust the ANC and HearThrough settings, and update the firmware. Both earbuds are also sweat and water-resistant. The 85t has an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle splashes of water, while the Elite 7 Active has an IP57 rating, meaning it's more water and dust-resistant. This makes the Elite 7 Active a better choice for workouts and outdoor activities.

Other important features

Other notable features include:

• Voice Assistant Integration: Both earbuds work with Siri and Google Assistant.
• Multipoint Connection: Ability to connect to two devices simultaneously.
• Customizable Controls: You can customize the button controls in the Jabra Sound+ app.
• Wireless Charging: Both earbuds support wireless charging.

Which Earbuds Should You Choose?

So, which Jabra Elite earbuds should you choose? Well, it really depends on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for the best overall experience, the Jabra Elite 85t is a fantastic choice. They offer excellent sound quality with a rich, bass-forward sound signature, effective ANC, and a comfortable fit (for most). They also have a stylish design and a long battery life, and they support wireless charging. The 85t is a great option for anyone who wants a premium wireless earbud experience.

If you're an active person, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is the better option. They're designed for workouts and other physical activities, with a secure fit and sweat resistance. They offer a more balanced sound signature and still provide excellent ANC. If you prioritize a secure fit, and robust build, or you're always on the move, the Elite 7 Active is the way to go.

Recap and Key Takeaways

• Sound Quality: The 85t delivers a richer, bass-heavy sound, while the 7 Active offers a more balanced sound. Both have great ANC.
• Comfort: The 85t has a more traditional design with a semi-open design, while the 7 Active features a more secure fit with ShakeGrip technology.
• Battery Life: Both offer similar battery life, with the 85t having a slight edge.
• Features: Both are packed with features, including Bluetooth 5.1, multi-device pairing, and voice assistant integration.

Ultimately, both the Jabra Elite 85t and Elite 7 Active are excellent wireless earbuds. The best choice for you depends on your individual priorities. Consider how you'll primarily use the earbuds, what sound signature you prefer, and your comfort needs. No matter which model you choose, you're sure to get a great audio experience. Happy listening, everyone!