Home Wireless Earbuds Jabra Elite 85T Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85T Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Review

Last updated on Mar 30, 2024   8 minute read
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Jabra Elite 85t

Jabra Elite 85t

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Reasons why you might like the Jabra Elite 85t

Overall Score 7.8 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 5.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only

Jabra Elite 85T Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Review In Summary

Category Features Jabra Elite 85t Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX4
weight 14g 8.56g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 12mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 10Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
POWER battery life 5.5hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 20hours 30hours
charge time 1hours 0.3hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 2Years 1Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Jabra Elite 85T Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Review In Detail

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Jabra Elite 85t IPX4
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) IPX4

Ingress protection ratings refer to the rank of protection offered by a casing, against dust and water. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (water).

Having a value of IPX4, the Jabra Elite 85t's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the Jabra Elite 85t, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Jabra Elite 85t 14g
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 8.56g

The Jabra Elite 85t have a weight of 14g . We take in account a lower weight better for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g are lighter than the Jabra Elite 85t by -5.44g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

For a device to be true wireless it should have no wires linking any part of the device together, Jabra Elite 85t are true wireless for this matter since they don't have wires. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the 2 earbuds .

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless because it doesn't have cables linking the 2 earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t are resistant to sweat

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices fit for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc

Has Stereo Speakers

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Jabra Elite 85t have stereo speakers

Jabra Elite 85t
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

ANC utilises advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it listens to the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and then inverts the soundwaves to counter it. In simple terms, it's like having +1 (noise) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero thus "diluting" the noise.

The Jabra Elite 85t have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have ANC making either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. The Jabra Elite 85t and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) work with different noise cancellation settings, pick the setting that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t sit tightly in place, this creates a sound seal that reduces background sounds well as preventing the device voice audio from leaking out .

Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), and Jabra Elite 85t have passive noise reduction this implies that they tone down ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Jabra Elite 85t 12mm
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 11mm

The Jabra Elite 85t driver unit is 12mm in diameter, the bigger the unit the more powerful, therefor producing better bass. The driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the earbuds, the unit size dictates the sound produced by the device.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Jabra Elite 85t by 1mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they deliver better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Jabra Elite 85t 20Hz
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10Hz

Jabra Elite 85t's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well an audio device produces low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Jabra Elite 85t

Highest Frequency

Jabra Elite 85t 20,000Hz
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 20,000Hz

The Jabra Elite 85t's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response measures if and how well an audio device produces high audible frequencies and if it adjustments to the signal while at it.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices generate equal treble

Power

Battery Life

Jabra Elite 85t 5.5hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6hours

The Jabra Elite 85t's battery life is 5.5 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is more than that of Jabra Elite 85t by 0.5 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Jabra Elite 85t 20hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 30hours

The battery life of the charging case is given by the vendor, and Jabra Elite 85t's case has a full charge of 20 hours. A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 30 hours, more than that of Jabra Elite 85t by 10 hours

Charge Time

Jabra Elite 85t 1hours
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 0.3hours

It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Jabra Elite 85t's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for long periods.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Jabra Elite 85t by 0.7 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply put down on a compatible charging pad.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of the earbuds.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you to tell the charging state of your earbuds, if charged fully, or having a low battery.

Jabra Elite 85t
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Jabra Elite 85t v5
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) v5

Jabra Elite 85t have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5, equal to that of the Jabra Elite 85t . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Jabra Elite 85t 10meters
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 10meters

Jabra Elite 85t have a 10meters distance connecting via Bluetooth.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Jabra Elite 85t

Has Aac

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Jabra Elite 85t will work well with your iPhone. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Jabra Elite 85t 6only
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 6only

The Jabra Elite 85t have 6 microphones.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6, equal to that of the Jabra Elite 85t . More microphones record better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to filter out background sounds from the desired sound.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Jabra Elite 85t
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing them

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears .

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Jabra Elite 85t have a find earbuds feature.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the device app on your phone to play an alarm from your earbuds to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

The Jabra Elite 85t support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Also the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, only that the battery fills up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes.

Multipoint Count

Jabra Elite 85t 2only
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 2only

The Jabra Elite 85t support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the Jabra Elite 85t . Bluetooth multipoint comes in handy when you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another connected device.

Has A Mute Function

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

With the Jabra Elite 85t, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them.

Warranty Period

Jabra Elite 85t 2Years
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) 1Years

Jabra Elite 85t have a warranty period of 2 Years, the period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use following instruction manuals.

If covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a warranty period of 1Years, less than that of Jabra Elite 85t by 1 Years .

Has Voice Prompts

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, like if there is an issue with the connection.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support voice prompts .i.e the device notifies you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Jabra Elite 85t
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Jabra Elite 85t come with a special pouch. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them inside your pockets without a casing can easily damage them.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.