Review: Jabra Evolve 75 Headset

I do a lot of calls from my desk. I have plenty of audio options to choose from for both speaking and hearing. I have a microphone built in to my Surface Laptop, a microphone built in to my Logitech Brio webcam, and a Blue Yeti microphone on a boom stand. I have speakers built in to the laptop, and Logitech Z506 surround sound speakers. As far as I’m concerned, though, the best way to hear and be heard on a video or audio call is with a good headset.

Jabra recently sent me the Evolve 75 headset to test out, so let me share my thoughts on this device.

Form

The Jabra Evolve 75 headset is crafted from premium quality materials and has a good, solid feel. The headset is constructed of lightweight materials. A thin aluminum strip forms the foundation of the headband. It is covered in plastic and silicone. The result is a headset that is comfortable and classy.

The sides can be extended by simply sliding the earpieces down from the top of the headband—like most headphones and headsets—to accommodate different head sizes. The earpieces themselves go over the ears and have a cushion covered in faux leather with a mesh center for the sound to flow out. The earpieces aren’t labeled, but the microphone arm only goes in one direction, so you quickly figure out that the microphone goes on the right ear.

The boom microphone is mounted on a flexible arm that can rotate up out of the way when not in use, and snaps securely to the headset with the use of magnets. The left earpiece has buttons for ANC (active noise cancellation) and listen in mode, while the right earpiece has the power switch, volume adjustment, Bluetooth button, microphone mute, battery indicator, and micro USB port for charging.

The Evolve 75 headset also comes with a charging dock and a carrying case. The dock has a micro USB connector so you can just set the micro USB port of the right earpiece onto the micro USB connector and your headset will be fully charged, waiting to be used. If you want to take the headset on the go, the hard-sided case will ensure your headset stays protected from harm.

Function

You can connect the Jabra Evolve 75 headset to two devices via Bluetooth. The headset also comes with the Jabra Link 370 USB adapter. The Link 370 works with compatible Jabra devices to enhance sound quality and wireless range, and make it easier to manage and update your Jabra equipment.

Two features that stand out for the Jabra Evolve 75 headset are the noise cancelling / listen-in functionality and the battery life. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is excellent. What is as cool—if not cooler, though—is that you can instantly activate listen-in mode that silences your call or music and allows you to listen to your actual surroundings.

I generally use my headset at my desk, so it’s almost always on the charging base. However, if I did want to take my show on the road, the Evolve 75 headset has battery life of about 15 hours. That should be more than enough to get through all of your conference calls if you’re hanging out working at a Starbucks, or doing calls from a hotel while traveling.

My Experience

The noise cancellation is awesome. With the ANC active, it’s like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. People chatting in the next cubicle? Dog barking in the living room? You will barely even be aware of things like that with this headset on.

The sound quality is crystal clear—both what you hear, and how others hear you. It’s the closest thing I have ever experienced to feeling like I am actually sitting in the same room with the other parties on a video conference call.

With a push of a button on the left earpiece, though, I can activate listen-in mode. Instantly the call, or music, or whatever I was listening to in the headphones is silent, and the noise of the outside world is allowed to pass through freely. If someone walks up to your desk to ask a question, you can shut out the call and listen to the person without having to remove the headset. Hit the button on the left earpiece again and, voila! You’re back in your call.

The wireless range is very good. It’s only a third of the 300-foot range of the Logitech H820e headset I’ve been using, but a range of 100 feet is more than enough for me to get up, walk around the house, go get some coffee, or whatever else I need to do without any problems. The superior noise cancelation and longer battery life more than make up for the difference in wireless range.

The Verdict

I am in love with this headset. The noise cancellation and sound quality are phenomenal. The Evolve 75 headset is exceptionally comfortable—even for long calls—and the battery life is amazing. I wouldn’t say these are the best headphones if your goal is superior audio fidelity for listening to music, but for audio and video calls, this is the best headset I have ever used.

With a list price of $280, the Jabra Evolve 75 headset isn’t cheap. Then again, you often get what you pay for. You can actually find the headset in the sub-$230 range from Amazon, with free 2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members.

Jabra also recently unveiled Evolve 75e, which are UC-enabled around-the-neck style earbuds. I’m looking forward to testing those out and sharing those thoughts with you as well.