AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: Who Wins?
© iStock.com / Irina Meshteryakova
Headphone design has evolved over the years. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of Apple’s first generation of wireless headphones in 2016. This was followed by the launch of AirPods Max, premium in-ear headphones in 2020. The closest competitor to AirPods Max is the Jabra Evolve2 85 , which shares the same qualities as active noise cancellation and long battery life. However, different things set them apart.
Unlike the AirPods Max, which can cancel out loud sounds, the Jabra Evolve2 85’s noise cancellation is best for low-frequency sounds like office chatter or engine noise. Choosing between AirPods Max and Jabra Evolve2 85 headphones is not easy. Therefore, we have prepared a detailed comparison to help you choose.
AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: Side by Side Comparison
| Apple AirPods Max | Jabra Evolve 2 85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | December 15, 2020 | October 15, 2021 |
| Brand | An apple | Jabra |
| Model | AirPods Max | Evolve2 85 |
| connector type | Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codecs | Bluetooth 5.0 with SPP, PBAP and A2DP codecs |
| Colors | Space gray, sky blue, silver, pink, green | Black, golden beige |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours of listening time with ANC on | Up to 32 hours of listening time with ANC on |
| Loading time | Around 2 hours | About 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| Compatibility | All Bluetooth devices PCTabletSmartphone | All Bluetooth devices PCTabletSmartphone |
| Bluetooth connection range | Up to 20m or 67ft | Up to 30m or 100ft |
| Leicester | 384.8 grams | 286 grams |
| Size | (168.6 x 83.4 x 187.3) mm | (198.6 x 160.0 x 77.3) mm |
| Type of fit | Above the ears | Above the ears |
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Earbuds
- Apple designed dynamic driver for high quality sound.
- Active noise cancellation blocks outside noise and lets you enjoy your music.
- Hear and interact with the world around you through transparency mode
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for a surround sound experience.
- The individual acoustic design is combined with the Apple H1 chip and software for better listening.
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AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: What’s the difference?
Design and build quality
Apple AirPods Max has an oval-shaped mesh earcup with acoustic memory foam, creating an effective seal on your ears. The design of the ear cups is also key to the headphones’ impressive sound quality. The headband visor is made of a breathable knitted mesh material that distributes the weight of the helmet on your head, making it more comfortable.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 features soft memory foam padding on top and around the earcups for maximum comfort. The right earpiece of the Jabra Evolve2 has a large button that acts as an end or answer button. The left ear cup has a USB-C charging port, a power switch, and an LED indicator (also present on the right ear cup) that lights up when you’re on a call. The AirPods Max come in five colors: Space Grey, Sky Blue, Silver and Pink, while the Jabra Evolve2 85 only comes in Black or Gold Beige.
Noise reduction
AirPods Max sound great with noise cancellation. Each earpiece has three outward-facing microphones that detect ambient noise and an internal one for monitoring sound reaching the ear. These headphones also feature Computer Sound, which improves active noise cancellation and removes external noise in real-time based on motion.
AirPods Max have a button on the right earcup that lets you switch between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes. When you enable transparency mode, you can listen to music but still hear background noise. The device’s external microphones can detect and cancel external noises before they reach your ears. It also has an internal microphone that checks for internal noise and counters it with noise cancellation.
Jabra Evolve2 85 offers exceptional noise cancellation thanks to the 10 built-in microphones. These headphones also have a discrete microphone. When you retract it, it activates 6 microphones for better clarity in noisy environments. So when you have conversations with the headset in a noisy environment, the people on the other end of your line can hear you clearly. You can turn the noise canceling function on or off using the sound mode option on your left earpiece or the Jabra Sound+ app.
Battery life
When you turn on the Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency modes, you can enjoy over 20 hours of continuous use with AirPods Max. Best of all, it takes about two hours to fully charge your headphones. When you’re not using Apple AirPods Max, they automatically go into low power mode, then go into ultra low power mode after 18 hours when they turn off Bluetooth.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 has a battery life of 37 hours and takes just 2.5 hours to fully charge. When not in use, the Jabra Evolve2 85 goes into sleep mode, a feature that helps extend battery life. You can adjust the time after which your headphones go into sleep mode using the Jabra Sound+ app.
Connectivity
AirPods Max seamlessly integrates with various Apple ecosystems, meaning you can easily connect and switch between iPad, Mac and iPhone. You’ll just need to connect to your chosen device when prompted (without worrying about navigating Bluetooth menus).
AirPods Max uses Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and SBC codecs based on your device. It can connect to many Bluetooth devices, including Android devices. The only difference is that you won’t have access to special features like spatial audio. Before connecting to other Bluetooth devices, you will need to turn off the Apple devices connected to your headphones.
Like the AirPods Max, the Jabra Evolve2 85 uses Bluetooth 5.0 with SPP, PBAP and A2DP codecs. The headset can be connected to two devices at the same time. Simply switch the power button to the “Bluetooth” option on the headphones to pair them with other devices. You will receive an audible confirmation that your devices are connected. However, you can only hear sound from one device at a time.
Sound quality
Apple AirPods Max provide exceptional sound quality, enhanced by the Spatial Audio feature. This surround sound technology from Apple gives you the illusion of space and the effect is immersive when watching TV shows or movies. AirPods Max provide this experience by matching the accelerometers on your headphones with those on your iPhone or iMac. The sensors in your headphones will adapt to your head movement and adjust the sound accordingly.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 also delivers impressive sound quality thanks to leak-proof speakers that produce rich, high-resolution sound when listening to music or making calls. Bass is flat and midrange response is neutral. You can fine-tune the sound using the Jabra Sound app, which offers more than a five-band graphic equalizer.
AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: 7 facts you need to know
- Both headphones have excellent noise canceling features.
- Jabra Evolve2 85 is UC and Microsoft Teams certified. This means you can enjoy seamless collaboration on Google Meet.
- AirPods Max have an obstacle sensor that can detect if you’re wearing headphones and a position sensor where the earpiece and headband meet. These sensors will pause the music when you pick up the headphones and play automatically when you put them back on.
- The Jabra Evolve2 85 is light, weighing 286g, while the Apple AirPods weigh 384.8g.
- AirPods Max lets you share audio between two AirPods or an Apple device like an iPad or Apple TV.
- Jabra Evolve2 85 has unique features such as direct access to other voice assistants such as Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa.
- Jabra Evolve2 85 is more affordable than Apple AirPods Max.
Optimal comfort
Jabra Evolve2 85 MS Wireless Headphones
- Improved ANC that removes 54% of the noise around you.
- Powerful, leak-proof speakers for calls and music
- Up to 37 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Collapsible telescopic pole for business conversations on the go
- Optimized for Microsoft Teams
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AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: Which is better?
Choosing between Apple AirPods Max and Jabra Evolve 2 85 can be difficult. Both headphones have outstanding features that appeal to many users. Overall, the AirPods Max has some notable features that set it apart from the Jabra Evolve, such as the H1 chip in the earbuds that connects to any Apple device. It also features surround sound, providing a dynamic cinema-like experience for those who enjoy watching videos and movies.
The Jabra Evolve 2 85 is worth considering if you’re on a budget but want a headset that will provide excellent sound clarity when making calls in noisy environments. It’s a great choice of headset for anyone who regularly holds online meetings, as it works with a variety of unified communications platforms such as Mitel, Cisco and Microsoft Teams.
AirPods Max vs Jabra Evolve2 85: Who Wins? FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does the Jabra Evolve2 85 have good sound quality?
You’ll enjoy excellent sound quality with the Jabra Evolve2 85. Each earcup of the headset has microphones that detect external noise and active noise cancellation to block out background noise. This ensures that your voice is crystal clear when you have conversations with the Jabra Evolve2 85 headset.
How is the sound quality of AirPods Max?
You’ll appreciate the good quality of the AirPods Max, as they sound clear and well-balanced, whether you’re listening to music at high or low volume.
How do AirPods Max and Pro sound compare?
AirPods Max and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) have different strengths when it comes to sound quality. You can choose one over the other depending on what you plan to use it for. Overall, the AirPods Max sound great, they have flat mids so vocals are accurate.
What does the noise canceling (ANC) function in AirPods Max look like?
AirPods Max ANC is outstanding. These headphones come with an adaptive equalizer, which means they can adjust the sound of the headphones depending on how you place them on your head.
What is the Bluetooth range of the Jabra Evolve2 85?
When you’re on a call or listening to music from your device, you’ll enjoy excellent communication and listening when you’re within 30 meters of your device.
