CONCLUSION

   As mentioned in the introduction page the EVOLVE2 85 is not an audiophile targeted wireless headset which pretty much means that even though it does extremely well in terms of audio quality the lack of HD wireless codecs and even the 40mm drivers (which don’t produce very rich bass) just don't deliver the desired results (clarity/soundstage) any audiophile would be after. That being said however the 10 microphones combined with the very effective ANC and the very good volume levels do a great job allowing you to make calls even in places with extreme ambient noise (unfortunately the hidden boom microphone is not flexible however). Battery life is also very good, yes typically you will probably never hit 32 hours with ANC on (not unless you set the volume to like 40-50%) but I did surpass 30 hours by just 6 minutes and that’s a very good number for such a headset (33+ hours without ANC). The charging desk stand is also a nice touch although I have to admit I would had liked it a lot more if it had a built-in bluetooth transmitter which you could use instead of the Link 380 USB dongle (you could use the latter only when away from home and/or the office).

   As I type these lines the EVOLVE2 85 UC Wireless Headphones by Jabra (desk stand version) retail for USD499 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 296.35Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is quite more than expected on the other side of the Atlantic (quite balanced over here however). At the end of the day, I have no complaints from the EVOLVE2 85, at least not with the latest firmware installed (which is what I used for my tests). Audio quality is very good, the MEMS microphones work exceptionally, range is on par with what Jabra claims and as for battery life well even 30 hours with ANC enabled are more than what you get from similar models. Yes I do think that Jabra could had released an even better mode by using larger drivers and a Bluetooth chipset with support for HD audio codecs but that aside I really think the EVOLVE2 85 is among the best models in its class and that’s why it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Audio Reproduction (Mids & Highs)
- Bluetooth v5.0
- Very Good Active Noise Cancellation
- 10 Available Microphones
- Hidden Boom Microphone
- Features (Busylight LEDs / HearThrough / Sidetone / 6 Available Effects / UC Multipoint)
- Exterior Earcup Controls
- Foldable / Rotatable Earcups
- Battery Life (Up To 37 Hours)
- Bluetooth, UC & Wired Connectivity
- Available In 2 Colors (Black / Beige)
- Charging Desk Stand (Bundled / Optional)
- Jabra Direct Software & Sound+ App

CONS

- Price (USA)
- Lack Of Support for Hi-Res Codecs
- Bass Levels
- Not Flexible Boom Microphone