Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Jabra’s latest over-the-ear headset, the top-end Evolve2 85, is a solidly-built product suited to music and phone meetings alike. It features Digital Hybrid active noise cancellation and a whopping 10 microphones offering 50% more noise reduction than its predecessors.

The 40mm drivers have been specifically designed to take full advantage of the latest audio chipset technology ensuring that the Evolve2 85 is one step ahead of the competition (in terms of battery life and connectivity).

The headset can pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices (two simultaneously) and built-in sensors even detect when the headset is being worn in order to allow different actions.

The included carrying case includes a 380 Bluetooth adapter that fits into a laptop USB slot (you can also connect to your device sans Bluetooth via the included 3.5mm jack audio cable).

Note that when connected to a device using the audio jack cable, both headset microphone and Bluetooth are disabled (and if the headset is plugged into a smartphone, the smartphone’s microphone will be used for calls).

All cables and adapters conveniently tuck away into the zippered case for storage and travel.

We are fans of Jabra’s ultra-cozy, soft foam-covered leatherette ear cushions. The headset design makes it really easy to pick up a call: Simply press the button on the outside right headphone, then press again to end the call. Double-pressing the same button will reject the call. Additionally, there’s Microsoft Teams integration via that same button.

[What’s in the box]

The box ships with the Evolve2 85 headset, Jabra Link 380 BT adapter, USB-C to USB-A cable (1.2m/3.9ft), 3.5mm jack audio cable (1.2m/3.9ft), flight adapter, carry case, warranty and safety leaflets (a full user manual PDF can be accessed via both the Jabra Sound+ smart phone app and Jabra online).

Another cool feature is when listening to music, taking off the headset will automatically pause the music. Put the headset on again to automatically resume the music. Similarly, when you’re on a call, taking off the headset will automatically mute the call, putting it back on again will automatically unmute the call.

Microsoft Teams Integration

When you’re signed into Microsoft Teams, pressing on that same side button allows you to join meetings as well as to view missed calls and voicemails.

A dedicated Microsoft Teams status LED will only indicate Microsoft notifications when the headset is not being worn. Head detection and individual actions can be configured using the Jabra Sound+ app on your smartphone or Jabra Direct on your computer.

The red light is automatically activated when you’re either on a call or in a meeting, or you can activate it yourself at the touch of a button, so when you’re right in the middle of a meeting, the busylight will be visible from all angles — and interruptions.

Busylight settings can be configured using the Jabra Sound+ app on your smartphone or Jabra Direct on your computer.

[Charging the Jabra Evolve2 85]

You can cycle between sound modes (ANC, Off, HearThrough) via the left ear cup. The swing-out boom arm mic is nicely tucked into the bottom of the right headphone and snaps solidly into place when not being used. You can also mute/unmute the microphone by moving the boom up to mute, or down to unmute.

HearThrough utilizes built-in microphones that let you pay attention to your surroundings and engage in conversation without the need to remove the headset (settings can also be configured via the Jabra Sound+ app on your smartphone or Jabra Direct on your computer).

If you’re not keen on using the boom arm mic, you can use the ear cup microphones instead by raising the boom arm and then pressing the voice button. The Evolve2 85 also allows you to speak to Siri and Google Assistant on your smartphone via the voice button.

Key Features

– 10-microphone technology
– Digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
– Busylight visible from all angles
– Bluetooth range: Up to 30 meters/100 feet
– Up to 37 hours of battery life
– Weighs in at 286 g/10.8 oz
– Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

Music time: Up to 37 hrs (with ANC off)/Up to 32 hrs (with ANC on)

Talk time: Up to 26 hrs (with ANC/busylight off)/Up to 21 hrs (with ANC on/busylight on)
Charging time: Up to 140 min

Operating range: Up to 30 m/10 0ft


We like the headset’s simple design and ease of use. Listening to music is also a pleasure and the Sound+ app allows you to customize the headset’s bass, mid-range, treble levels. There’s also several soundscapes to enjoy while you work, work out or travel, including ocean waves, perfect storm, babbling brook, pink or white noise, waterfall, or even a crowd.

There’s an optional charging stand available in both colours and in both USB-A and USB-C varieties (USD $70) as well as replacement ear cushions.

The Evolve2 85 ships with a two-year warranty, comes in Gold Beige or Black and retails for CAD $606 ($477 at Best Buy Canada)/USD $449. Visit Jabra online for more info.