Last updated on March 9, 2021
With the ANC update, Jabra is moving the two Bluetooth earplugs Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t into a new device category.
The ANC update for the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t Bluetooth earplugs announced by Jabra in September 2020 is now available and we have tested it with the Elite 75t model. As with other firmware updates, this is easily imported via the Jabra Sound + app. This means there is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Elite 75t.
Active Noise Cancellation means that the ambient noise is mostly analyzed using external microphones in order to be able to play a suitable counter-sound in the headphones. This basic principle is the same for all ANC headphones. So far, Jabra is the first manufacturer to provide an ANC function by means of a software update for a product that was marketed without ANC technology.
The Elite 75t uses two external microphones to measure external noise. Unlike other ANC products, there are no microphones inside. Despite this technical limitation, we are thrilled with the ANC performance of the Jabra plugs. We compared the Elite 75t with the Airpods Pro from Apple and the Freebuds Pro from Huawei. The latter currently provide the most powerful ANC technology in the field of Bluetooth earplugs.
Elite 75T with ANC makes flight noises quieter
Typical flight noises are considerably reduced by the active noise suppression of the Elite 75t. The same also applies to monotonous noises such as a vacuum cleaner or an extractor hood. Office noises or traffic noise are suppressed much less intensively. Since the Elite 75t already have a pretty good passive noise reduction, the ANC technology also helps that we can fully concentrate on this while enjoying music.
The Elite 75t are slightly weaker than the Airpods Pro in terms of ANC performance; The Jabra plugs are less effective, especially for noises other than aircraft noises. Fortunately, the ANC technology of the Elite 75t does not cause any unpleasant noise, so that audio books or podcasts can also be listened to very well with it. As with the Airpods Pro, the ANC performance is not powerful enough to generate silence.
Elite 75t not sensitive to wind even with ANC
The Elite 75t are pleasantly not susceptible to wind. When we use the plugs outside and it's windy, there are no loud whistling noises, as is the case with many other ANC plugs , which are basically not suitable for outdoor use. But many ANC headphones also struggle with wind noise without the manufacturers bothering about it. Sony and Jabra are currently the few manufacturers that are addressing and solving the problem.
Jabras Elite 75t (Image: Martin Wolf / Golem.de)
The ANC activation does not change the sound. In our test of the Elite 75t, we liked the sound quality. There is an intense bass and balanced mids and highs. The sound is voluminous and lively. However, the earplugs remain prone to step reverberation. If the attachments actually seal optimally, this creates pressure in the ear, which then leads to step reverberation: We hear every single step as we run as a dull appearance – this is uncomfortable and reduces the enjoyment of music.
We found it a bit annoying that the Jabra plugs don't remember whether ANC was activated. If we want to switch on the plugs and use ANC, we always have to switch this on manually first. Again, this is very simply solved. With a tap on the left earplug we can turn ANC on or off. The music control and the answering of calls is done by tapping on the right plug.
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Elite 65t better when it comes to controls.
There are some problems when using it under a hat: As soon as we move our head, there are annoying rustling noises that cloud the enjoyment of music. On the other hand, it is positive that the earplugs under a cap do not squeeze or hurt. This also has to do with the fact that the plugs are significantly smaller than many competing products. This is still not a matter of course with completely wireless earplugs, many other models hurt so much under a hat that they cannot be used at all.
Great app for Elite 75t
The Elite 75t can be configured particularly extensively via the Jabra app. The app is well structured and happily requires neither registration nor GPS activation, as is the case with more and more apps for headphones or ear plugs. We have an equalizer as well as a location function and can switch off the ear detection if necessary. With the transparency mode we can determine whether the music playback is automatically paused when activated.
Left a plug from the Elite 65t, right a plug from the Elite 75t (Image: Martin Wolf / Golem.de)
In addition, a sidetone can be activated when telephoning and the tone color can be adjusted for telephone calls. It is also possible to define after what period of non-use the earplugs switch off, if this is desired. The function can also be deactivated completely.
A very practical specialty can be the playback of natural sounds, for example to drown out disturbing background noises. It can be less distracting than music, for example when there are waves on the beach, running water, the chirping of birds or the like. This soundscape function can only be found somewhat hidden in the focus mode; the option does not appear in the other two modes.
Elite 75t with good battery life with activated ANC
Jabra states that all Elite 75t models provide 5.5 hours of battery life with the ANC on. We were able to almost confirm this value with the Elite 75t, we were only a few minutes below the promised runtime. With the ANC switched off, a battery life of 7.5 hours is promised. But even with the current firmware, like in the first test, we only managed just under 6.5 hours.
If the plug battery is empty, it can be used again for 40 minutes after five minutes of charging with the ANC switched on. Without ANC, a usage time of 50 minutes is achieved. The charging case should be able to fully charge the plug almost four times, so that with the ANC switched on, a total battery life of around 24 hours should be achieved.
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