Thanks to Jabra for loaning the Jabra Evolve2 75. With its 8 microphone configuration and sleek look, it is definitely a go-to headset for every online meeting.
And I really meant it. I have been using the Jabra Evolve2 75 for many months and each day, it grows fonder on me. I have attended over 100 meetings with it. In most of the meetings, I will need to present or do the talking. And it never fails me before.
Just when the COVID-19 pandemic started, I used a 3.5mm handphone earpiece to conduct online meetings. With the airport and airbase nearby, I had to bear with the noise from aircrafts flying over the buildings. And the people on the call will have to wait for these aircrafts to fly past before continuing.
I have tried multiple headsets and I know what makes a good one. Ideally, if you would ask me to recommend a good headset, it will definitely be one that has wireless connection with good ANC. The Jabra Evolve2 75 definitely fits that bill. Check out the video review below.
Introduction
The Jabra Evolve2 75 is a “cover ear” headset. If you have not worn one before, you might need some time to get used to it. It is very comfortable with its dual-foam tech, and with its discrete retractable boom arm, you can wear it to listen to music without looking like a phone operator in public places.
It has an USB-C port for charging and the usage time is up to 36 hours.
- Music time: 36hrs (without ANC)/33hrs (with ANC)
- Talk time: 24hrs (without ANC)/18hrs (with ANC)
I did not test the battery life because for the review unit, it comes with the cradle and I could easily put it on the cradle to charge.
Usage
Using the Jabra Evolve2 75 is very simple. It comes with a dongle (Jabra Link 380) that you need to insert into the USB-A port (or the USB-C port if your set is using USB-C – you can select it during purchase).
Download the application, Jabra Direct, and you are good to go. Follow the instruction and update the firmware for the Evolve2 75 and/or the Jabra Link 380.
Once done, you can use it. There are a couple of buttons and switches on each side of the earpiece.
On the left hand side, you have the button on/off switch and the bluetooth switch (together). And you have the ANC button and the USB-C charging port. Note that the 2 gold contact points are for the headset to be charged on a charging cradle.
On the right hand side, you have the volume up/down button and the centre button is the Play/Pause button (for music).
On the boom arm, there is a button to mute/unmute during a call. You can also swing the boom arm up or down to mute and unmute.
And there is also a button to answer incoming call.
Truthfully speaking, I only uses one or two buttons during my review. I find that the buttons are all over the places and only if you are using it daily, you will remember each button’s usage.
The battery life is good. So far, I did not encounter battery low issue during my meeting and I charges it every few days.
Based on specs, it has up to 30m of wireless range. However, as you may or may not know, the distance that you can use without distortion is subjective. It depends on whether it is LOS (Line of Sight) or blocked by walls. In my review, from my study room to the front door (about 10m to 15m), I have no issue. However, when I am at my balcony which is a shorter distance than the front door, the sound becomes distorted. The only explanation is that it has to pass through thicker wall and hence, the signal becomes weaker.
The ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is very good. Usually, with the dual foam tech on the headset, I do not need to turn on the ANC as it is able to reduce the ambient noise. If you are in a outside environment like the coffee shop in my review, you will need to turn it on to block the surrouding sound.
With its 8 microphones for ANC, and with the boom arm, it is able to reduce the pick-up of other sound when you are talking. When the other party hears you, it is very clear and with no surrouding sound (according to my peers who is listening on the other side).
What surprises me is the sound quality. Usually, such calling headset or call centre headset has bad sound quality. The Evolve2 75 is able to produce sound with good bass and treble. If you have the Jabra Direct application, you can even adjust the audio settings.
There is also a list of other settings that you can adjust or set. Most of the time, you will not need to use them.
Summary
Overall, I love the quality of the Jabra Evolve2 75. And with it nice design, I feel that you can use it outside without getting weird look from others. However, I do think that they should consider how to place the buttons. There are quite a number of them for a headset and you need to remember which one is for what purpose. What I think will stop people from buying the Jabra Evolve2 75 is the pricing.
- Evolve2 75 (Comes in UC and MS variant with option for USB A or USB C, 2 colours Black and Beige), SGD549
- Evolve2 75 with Charging Stand (Comes in UC and MS variant with option for USB A or USB C, only available in Black), SGD628
With this pricing, not everyone can afford it or want to buy it just for online meeting. If Jabra is able to produce one that is cheaper but comes with most of the technology and comfort level of the Jabra Evolve2 75, I am sure more will purchase it.
In the meanwhile, I will need to get ready to say goodbye to my review unit. Thanks Jabra for the loan and so sorry that I am holding on to it for such a long time. It is really enjoyable to use it for online meeting. Highly recommended if the pricing is not an issue.