Testing audio products has become a habit. Recently, I also tried the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex, which is a set of headphones aimed at corporate users who work in a hybrid way that involves a lot of phone calls and teleconference sessions.
The selling price of the Evolve2 65 Flex is a high RM1850 for a pair of headphones built with plastic and without high-resolution audio support such as LDAC. After using this font set for a month I understand why it is so expensive. In this review article I will explain why and why it is worth it for those who work hybrid.
SPECIFICATIONS
Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex
Type Wireless headphone set
Jabra Air Comfort ear cups
28mm Audio Driver
HearThrough, Hybrid ANC
PeakStop, Jabra SafeTone
EU Noise at Work, G61
Microphone 2 Analog MEMS / 4 Digital MEMS
Busylight's 360° Working Features
Recognized Teams, Zoom, Meet
Battery Endurance reaches 32 hours
Bluetooth 5.2 tethering
Google Fast Pair
AAC Codec
USB-C charging
Wireless charging
Jabra Sound+ app support (Android, iOS)
Jabra Direct (Windows/macOS)
Physical Button Controls
Waterproof ability None
Selling Price RM1850
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex has the usual specifications for a set of headphones. The audio driver used is 28mm which is relatively small compared to other sets of headphones on the market, supports their iconic HearThrough sound-through mode, hybrid noise cancellation and is also recognized with noise protection standards.
This set of headphones has also been certified for use with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya, Cisco and more. The unique features offered include a red LED light as an indicator that the user is busy and does not want to be disturbed.
The strength of the Evolve2 65 Flex is the 2x analog MEMS and 4x digital MEMS microphones to guarantee the best audio quality and clarity throughout use. The microphone is a rod type that can be lowered to use and raised to mute. Connections are also flexible with the option of Google Fast Pair on Android/ChromeOS devices, USB-A, USB-C and even Bluetooth.
DESIGN AND USE
Because the Evolve2 65 Flex is a set of headphones for the enterprise the design used is classic. There is nothing quite as unique as it is in audio accessories for the general consumer. The build is plastic, quite flexible, feels sturdy and very light. The size is also easily adjustable and overall it is suitable for everyone.
The head cups are rotatable and the headphone set itself can be folded for easy storage. It also uses Jabra Air Comfort technology that guarantees long-lasting comfort without feeling tired, weak, or sweaty. The headband is also quite soft and very comfortable when worn.
The most important thing is that the hair is not damaged even after hours of using it. This is in contrast to my experience with a set of headphones Razer Barracuda Pro, Apple AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM5 which after two hours I definitely want to remove from my head.
Next to the right ear cup there are four physical buttons to call the virtual assistant, adjust the audio volume, media pause/play button and on the surface is for wireless charging. On the left ear cup, there is a button to switch between ANC mode and sound-through mode, a USB-C port, a power button and a Bluetooth button, and on the surface there is a Microsoft Teams button that when pressed, the LED light will turn purple.
AUDIO QUALITY
The Evolve2 65 Flex is a set of headphones for work, not for fun. So when used for Netflix, YouTube, Apple Music or Spotify will provide a not very satisfactory experience. This does not mean that it is not tasty. For example on the bass it still has a good thump, strong enough for a 28mm audio driver but quite controlled. It is also useful for notifications because this set of headphones emits a loud booming sound that will definitely not be ignored while working.
For vocals, the Evolve2 65 Flex is definitely one of the best. Every voice whether male or female is very clearly heard and loud enough. I was surprised when using it with Zoom, Teams and Meet as I have never tested a set of headphones with vocal capabilities like this. For highs or high tones it really helps to make the vocals sound clearer. It focuses on exclamation to ensure that every conversation is smooth and without interruptions.
APPLICATION AND CONTROL
The main control is with built-in physical buttons which are very pleasant to press and quite responsive. In my opinion, for use when working, physical buttons are the most efficient method. Again every button is raised, can be felt with the finger and can be pressed quickly. While the touch or pinch type controls sometimes take time to get used to and can often be pressed incorrectly.
This set of headphones can also be controlled and set with two different applications, namely Jabra Direct on Windows/macOS or Jabra Sound+ on Android/iOS. Sound+ is a common application for all Jabra audio accessories as I tested it on the Jabra Elite 7 Pro. While Direct is the same as the application to control their hybrid working accessories such as the Jabra PanaCast 20.
Control and setting options are not many compared to their usual audio accessories. For example the buttons cannot be changed and the application provides a lot of guidance for using the teleconferencing service together.
BATTERY
Battery life on the Evolve2 65 Flex is pretty good. The 30 hour battery life claim was true throughout the review period. The only thing that disappoints is the charging time which takes up to two hours even when wired. But after 30 minutes of charging the battery percentage can reach up to 45% which is enough for daily use.
What makes this set of headphones unique is that it has a wireless charging feature like most TWS on the market. Each purchase also comes with a wireless charging pad for easy charging after work.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Pair of Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex.
1x Fabric bag.
1x USB-A Dongle.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Wireless charging pad.
1x Manual.
CONCLUSION
According to Jabra, this set of headphones is for enterprise users who work in a hybrid way. After using it for a month I still don't understand why it is specific for those who work hybrid? True, it is comfortable for long-term use, quality microphone, friendly to various teleconference services and easy to carry anywhere with a light and flexible construction.
This exorbitant price, in my opinion, is better spent on a set of headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 which is still on sale, can be folded and has proven quality. Shouldn't the product be flexible for work and leisure time entertainment?
I cannot recommend this set of headphones to people. But if it was given by the company I would have no problem using it I just wouldn't buy it myself.
Pro
Lightweight and sturdy construction.
Very comfortable Jabra Air Comfort ear cups.
Very good quality microphone.
Long lasting battery with wireless charging.
Recognized with many teleconferencing services.
Cons
Long charging time.
Limited to work and not for fun.
Very expensive price.