The pandemic of 2020 created a groundswell of need and interest in office headsets that connect to computers and mobile devices. Individuals and teams alike are finding themselves using applications more today than ever before.
Some of the applications include Zoom for face to face video calls, RingCentral for Softphone, Microsoft Teams for group collaboration. And, the list goes on. The point being, the need for good quality hands free audio devices have blossomed.
This blog is narrowly focused on giving an overview of the Jabra Evolve 75 UC wireless headset. We’ll cover the key features of this office wireless headset, and we’ll provide you with some sound tests so you can hear how this headset sounds. That way, if you ultimately end up purchasing it, you’ll have a good idea what to expect in terms of the audio quality.
Let’s get started on this Jabra Evolve 75 UC product overview.
Bluetooth
The version of Bluetooth used in the Evolve 75 is version 4.0. This version of Bluetooth claims to provide 100 feet of wireless talk range. Though more stout than previous generations of Bluetooth that offered only 33 feet, you shouldn’t expect to get a full 100 feet of wireless talk range.
In laboratory conditions, 100 feet may be fair and reasonable. But, when you enter the hazards of real world work environments, such as cement walls, brick, steel, and elevators that can all degrade the signal and reduce your wireless talk range. In our view, a reasonable expectation in terms of wireless talk range, would be about 50 feet real world.
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC isn’t the only model that uses this version of Bluetooth. Several other models do as well, and those models would have the same approximate wireless talk range as the Evolve 75. So this is not a knock on the Evolve 75 at all.
It’s only to provide you with a more realistic expectation of the talk range should you plan on. Yes, some environments may allow more than 50 feet, while others less. Every work environment is constructed differently, so the talk range too will vary accordingly.
Battery
The battery in the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is rechargeable, and provides up to 18 hours of talk time. As with any battery in any office wireless headset, the battery has a useful life.
When the battery is in need of replacement, it’s because the battery talk time has been diminished and makes it hard for you to get through a workday without having to recharge once, or multiple times during the day. Once this happens, it’s time for a battery replacement.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news.
The bad news as it relates to the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is the battery is not replaceable. You might be wondering what do you do when the battery no longer holds a charge? And that would be a very astute question. The short answer is you’re required to replace your headset.
In my view, that has the look of...
a) a poor design
or
b) the look of a company that wants to sell more headsets.
I personally appreciate an office wireless headset that’s designed in such a way that a customer can replace the battery when needed. It seems like such a waste to dispose of a perfectly good and functioning headset just because the battery needs replacing.
So beware of this if you’re looking to make the Jabra Evolve 75 UC your next great headset purchase because the cost of replacing the headset is far greater than the cost of a replacement battery.
Busy Light
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC has a number of great features. One such feature is the busy light. This is a circular LED located on the side of the headset that lights up red when you’re on a call.
Anyone who’s used a headset without a busy light knows how easy it is for coworkers to not know you’re on a call. As you’re sitting, listening to your caller, someone walks up and starts talking to you not knowing you’re on a call. Sound familiar? To a lot of people, I’m sure it does.
Having a busy light lets those around you know that you’re on a call. The Evolve 75 UC does that because once you go live on a call, the light turns on and displays a universal red color to signify that you’re busy, and unavailable.
If you’re using a double ear model, the busy light is on both ear speakers. I feel that this is a nice feature that’s not only useful, but one that you don’t find on every other office wireless headset out there.
Comfort
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is a comfortable headset. It has soft ear cushions and a padded headband. The headband adjusts so you can find the sizing that’s right for you.
The weight of this office wireless headset is 6 ounces, which puts it about par with other models in this class. So you shouldn’t expect this to be a heavy headset when worn. Instead, you should expect a comfortable wearing experience even if you’re using it for hours at a time.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation, or ANC is a premium feature not found on most office wireless headsets. It’s really something found on higher end models. What is Active Noise Cancellation? It’s a feature built into the ear speakers that electronically helps to block unwanted room noise.
According to research, one of the leading causes for lowered worker productivity is distractions from the work environment. This can come in the form of coworker conversations taking place in the background, or it could be office equipment noise, fans, landscapers etc...
Whatever the noise is, if you’re distracted by it, they claim it can take as much as 20 minutes to regain your previous level of focus and concentration. So the best advice here is to work in a quiet area, or find a way to lower the distractions.
Active Noise Cancellation is a very useful feature to help you stay in the concentration zone and not be distracted by sounds going on around you. In order to activate this feature, you press a button on the headset.
You’d deactivate this feature using the same button. This is a nice feature to have, and it’s helpful whether you’re working among a group in an office, or at home dealing with doorbells, babies and pet sounds.
Noise Cancelling Microphone.
The microphone on the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is noise cancelling. This electronically helps to filter out unwanted noise. While the ANC feature is designed to give you a better sound experience, this noise cancelling microphone is designed to give your callers a better audio experience. A little something for everyone with the Evolve 75 UC.
Is this a unique or rarely seen feature? Absolutely not. A wireless office headset that doesn’t have this feature is somewhat rare. Noise cancelling microphones on office wireless headsets are the norm.
While on the subject of the microphone, there’s another nice feature on this headset that’s worth noting. When you raise up the microphone boom to get the microphone out of the way, it automatically mutes the microphone. You’ll be able to hear your caller, but they will not be able to hear you.
When you return the microphone to the normal speaking position, it’s turned back on automatically. This eliminates the need for you to manually press a button to turn on or off the microphone. A nice convenience.
If you’re curious to know how this office wireless headset sounds, you can listen to some sound tests we did and then you can be the judge if the Evolve 75 UC has the sound quality you’re looking for.
Warranty.
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC comes with a 1-year warranty. That’s a pretty standard length of time for most office wireless headsets, though you can find models that go well beyond 1-year.
How much does it cost?
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC has a suggested selling price of $346.00 with the charging stand, and $293.00 without the stand. As with any product, lowers prices may be available.
Conclusion
Overall,I feel that the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is an office wireless headset that’s well worth considering. Though the battery isn’t replaceable, you’re still getting a wireless headset that sounds good, reduces background noise for you and your callers, has a busy light built in, and a solid 18 hour talk time battery.
People tend to keep their headsets for several years. The battery issue with this model can be dealt with by making sure you have a full charge at the beginning of the day.
Then, when you take a break, and go to lunch, place the headset into the charging cradle. Doing this should give you enough talk time to last a full day, and extend the useful life of the headset before the battery won’t hold a charge at all. By then, you might be ready for a new model anyway.