Jabra Evolve 65 vs Evolve2 65 (2021): What’s New?

Jabra’s Evolve line of headsets is one of the top choices when it comes to communications and office setting headsets. The Jabra Evolve 65 has been a consistent top-seller in this category as it offers excellent functionality and comfort. With the release of the Jabra Evolve2 65, is the Evolve 65 still worth buying? Or should you go for the newer Evolve2 65? Today, we’ll look at the differences between the two to help you make an informed decision before buying.

Jabra Evolve 65 vs Evolve2 65 Comparison Chart

Design

The Jabra Evolve2 65 is heavier than the Jabra Evolve 65, however, it also comes with thicker cushions for better comfort.

When you look at these two headsets, you’ll notice that the Jabra Evolve2 65 is bulkier due to the thicker padding on the headband and the earcups. Behind the earcups of the Jabra Evolve2 65 are 40mm drivers with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. In contrast, the Evolve 65 has 28mm drivers, which is one of the reasons why it is so compact and lightweight.

On that note, the Jabra Evolve2 65 is a lot heavier than the Evolve 65. Weighing 176.4 grams, it is more than double the weight of the Evolve 65, which weighs in at only 79.4g. Even though it is heavier, the Evolve2 65 is still comfortable to wear for several hours at a time. However, if you’ve owned or used the Evolve 65, then you’ll feel the weight of the Evolve2 65.

There are several versions for both the Jabra Evolve 65 and Evolve2 65. You can get the Jabra Evolve 65 in either single (mono) or dual (stereo) ear styles and you can also choose if your headset is MS Teams optimized or UC optimized. The only difference between the MS Teams and UC optimized headsets is that the MS Teams optimized has a dedicated MS Teams button.

As for the Jabra Evolve2 65, it is also available in either dual or single ear styles. Also, you can get either the MS Teams or UC optimized depending on your preference. An added option with the Evolve2 65 is the choice between a USB-A or USB-C cable and port. The only differences between the two are the included cable, port and Bluetooth dongle.

Controls and Connectivity

The Jabra Evolve2 comes with more buttons for functions such as music playback and voice assistant.

Both the Jabra Evolve 65 and Evolve2 65 are wireless headsets that connect via Bluetooth. Included when you purchase them are Bluetooth USB dongles for your PC or Mac. While both of them will connect to any device with Bluetooth capabilities, including your laptop or desktop PC, the included Bluetooth USB dongle ensures that all the functions of either headset will work. Both headsets can remember up to eight devices and both of them can have two devices paired simultaneously.

On the right earcup of the Jabra Evolve 65 are the answer/end call button, volume up and down, the busy light indicator and the on/off as well as the Bluetooth connect switch. The busy light indicator will have a red light if you are in a call, so that people around you know that you shouldn’t be disturbed.

As for the Jabra Evolve2 65, the controls are pretty much the same. However, they added a couple more dedicated buttons for music playback/pause and voice assistant/mute microphone. It also comes with a busy light indicator, same with the Evolve 65, however, the LED on this is brighter, so it is more noticeable.

Both come with boom mics that swing up and down. When their mics are fully swiveled upwards, the headset will automatically mute the mic and when they are down, the mics are unmuted and answers incoming calls.

Performance

The Jabra Evolve2 65 offers better audio and mic performance.

Both headsets come with certifications for MS Teams and various other UC platforms including Avaya, Skype for Business, Cisco and more. When it comes to compatibility, you won’t have any issues with either headset.

When it comes to communications, the three-mic array of the Jabra Evolve2 65 performed slightly better than the microphone on the Jabra Evolve 65. It was able to produce clearer sound for people on the other end. That said, both headsets performed well here, with the slight advantage to the Evolve2 65. Both headsets did not have any Bluetooth distortion and they were both able to minimize ambient sound so that the person you’re talking to won’t hear any of your surrounding noise.

As far as call audio goes, the 40mm driver on the Jabra Elite2 65 was able to output clearer sound even at a lower volume. Both headsets claim to have some passive noise cancelling and we found that to be true. Of course, these won’t compete with over-ear headphones in that regard, but for on-ear headsets, the amount of passive noise cancelling is very good.

For music listening, these headsets are good. However, you shouldn’t expect them to perform as well as headphones that are designed specifically for music. For background music while on the job or for listening to music in-between calls, these headsets perform well enough.

Battery Life

With a battery life of up to 37 hours, the Jabra Evolve2 65 blows the Evolve 65 out of the water.

The 37-hour battery life of the Jabra Evolve2 65 is miles better than the 14-hour battery life of the Evolve 65. With the 14-hour talk time of the Jabra Evolve 65, you’ll need to charge it almost daily if you don’t want it to run out of battery while in use. Of course, you can always use it while plugged into a USB port, but that is not ideal.

As for the Evolve2 65, 37 hours of talk time is great. This means that you don’t need to charge it as often as the Evolve 65. You will still have plenty of battery life even if you forget to charge it after a day’s work.

To fully charge the battery of the Jabra Evolve 65, you’ll need to charge it for three hours. In contrast, the Jabra Evolve2 65 only needs 1.5 hours to a full charge. As you can see, one of the biggest improvements of the Evolve2 65 over the Evolve 65 is its battery.

Verdict

The Jabra Evolve2 65 is better than the Evolve 65 in almost everything.

With the Evolve2 65, Jabra made some nice improvements that make it a worthy upgrade to the original Jabra Evolve 65. It comes with an improved battery life, better controls and upgraded sound. If you are looking to get a headset for work or a home office setting, the Jabra Evolve2 65 is definitely the headset to get.

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