Jabra Elite 95t wishlist: All the features I want to see

When it comes to wireless earbuds, it can seem that there is an overwhelming amount of choice. Users have many purchasing factors to consider, from the best noise canceling earbuds to the best buds for under $50. Thankfully, Jabra makes some of the best all-round earbuds on the market. For example, the Jabra Elite 85t continues the brand’s long-running success story. These buds boast excellent noise canceling, an extremely comfortable fit, and a small form factor for easy transport. No wonder fans are getting excited about the updated Jabra Elite 95t.

However, Jabra has already announced a list of updates to its audio products for 2024. Unfortunately, the next-gen Elite t-series buds did not feature among them. With the competition fiercer than ever, Jabra must bring its A-game when its updated buds launch. Here is a list of all the features I want included in the Jabra Elite 95t.

An affordable price tag

Jabra is home to an eclectic catalog of audio products. For example, its Jabra Elite Active series are among some of the best workout earbuds on the market. Alternatively, work-conscious fans can opt for the company’s Evolve2 computer-friendly headphones. Depending on the product, users can expect the cost to vary substantially.

Unfortunately, Jabra’s Elite t-series has consistently increased in price with each release. For example, the Jabra Elite 65t launched for $170. Its successor, the Jabra Elite 75t, came to market for $180. The company’s latest t-series buds, the Jabra Elite 85t, hit shelves for $229. This marked a roughly 27% price increase upon their predecessor. If this trend continues, we could see the Jabra Elite 95t launch for approximately $290. While I expect this is the worst-case scenario, I would like Jabra’s next-gen earbuds to cost $229 at most when they launch.

The aptX Bluetooth codec

If you enjoy listening to music wirelessly, Bluetooth codecs are worth paying attention to. While the average muso may find them inconsequential, Bluetooth codecs can influence your listening experience. In particular, they dictate the speed and quality of data transfers between your source device and earbuds. If you own an iPhone and a pair of AirPods, you connect via the AAC codec. However, AAC has traditionally been less predictable with Android smartphones. Wireless devices pair with the default SBC codec without another high-res Bluetooth codec in common. This connection type is prone to lower quality and significant data loss, providing up to 320kbps, 48kHz, and 16-bit audio sampling. However, this pales compared to the aptX Bluetooth codec, which supports reliable 352kbps, 48kHz/ 16-bit audio sampling. The Jabra Elite 95t would benefit Android smartphone owners by incorporating Qualcomm’s aptX Bluetooth codec.

Improved Bluetooth multipoint connectivity

The Jabra Elite 85t support Bluetooth 5.1, improving power efficiency over Bluetooth 4.0 devices. It also allows for handy wireless features such as Bluetooth multipoint. This permits users to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously. This can be useful for automatically answering phone calls from your smartphone while streaming music from a nearby laptop.

That said, Bluetooth multipoint works more seamlessly on some devices than others. For example, the Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 have excellent multipoint connectivity. While listening to music on a laptop, you only need to pause your music and press play on your smartphone for the headphones to switch over. The cans even know which device you are streaming over, which is a neat trick. On the other hand, Jabra’s Elite 85t suffers audio-visual lag when connected to two devices simultaneously. If Jabra wants to remain competitive, it must bring seamless Bluetooth multipoint connectivity to its next-gen earbuds.

Longer battery life

Headphones come in all different shapes and sizes. If you want to avoid the inconvenience of battery degradation altogether, you are better off purchasing a pair of wired headphones. However, those looking for wireless listening with exceptional battery life should consider over-ear headphones. These typically yield around 20 hours of ANC-enabled playtime. This compares to most true wireless earbuds, which provide an average of four to five hours of ANC-enabled playback.

The Jabra Elite 85t boast above-average battery life. With noise canceling on, the buds profit five hours and 41 minutes of listening time. However, many of Jabra’s competitors, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4, provide nearly eight hours of ANC-enabled playtime. Likewise, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC yield over 15 hours of continuous noise canceling music streaming. While the Elite 85t last long enough for most everyday activities, the Jabra Elite 95t would benefit from better battery performance.

Stronger low-frequency noise canceling

Noise canceling is a handy feature for blocking out intrusive environmental sounds. To work most effectively, it is worth ensuring that the earbuds seal your ear canal. When isolation and ANC work together, noises such as car engines, airports, and trains sound substantially quieter. Noise canceling also reduces the need to listen to music at potentially harmful levels to mask unwanted outside sounds. This minimizes the chances of suffering noise-induced hearing loss and ear fatigue over long periods.

The Jabra Elite 85t boast excellent noise canceling. In particular, the earbuds are excellent at canceling out sounds from 250Hz to 1kHz. This helps to block out most incidental noise from roadworks, crowded streets, and passing conversations. However, there is a significant drop off below 150Hz. This means super-low rumbles from airplanes and trains may circumvent the buds’ ANC. While not the biggest issue, it would be neat if the Jabra Elite 95t played host to more robust sub 100Hz noise canceling.

Will there be a Jabra Elite 95t?

Jabra is a force to be reckoned with in the audio sphere thanks to its broad range of sophisticated products. In particular, the company’s Elite and Elite Active series are among some of the most popular earbuds on the market. I see no reason for Jabra to rest on its laurels when producing more complementary wireless buds. Although there has been no official announcement, I am hopeful the Jabra Elite 95t will launch in 2024.

CES 2024 brought a string of new and exciting product announcements. On Jabra’s part, it unveiled a list of updates for the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 buds. Specifically, an over-the-air update via the Sound+ app will bring an ANC toggle, HearThrough, and Sidetone features, new voice tone prompts, customization options, call clarity optimizations, and an improved wind reduction algorithm. While these updates are welcome, there was no mention of the Jabra Elite 95t. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the company’s next iteration buds will be named the Jabra Elite 95t. For example, the Elite 10 earbuds are Jabra’s follow-up to the Elite 7 Pro and Elite 85t. We may, therefore, see a more straightforward numerical system introduced when Jabra’s next-gen buds come to fruition.

• Jabra Elite 65t — March 28, 2018
• Jabra Elite 75t — November 1, 2019
• Jabra Elite 85t — October 31, 2020

Except for the Elite 65t, Jabra favors fall releases when launching its t-series earbuds. For example, the Jabra Elite 75t came to market in the autumn of 2019. The updated Elite 85t was launched in the fall of 2020. This is compared to the release of the Elite 65t, which came to shelves in the spring of 2018.

Jabra enjoys a roughly one-year release window for updating its Elite t-series earbuds. For example, the Jabra Elite 75t were released one year and seven months after the Elite 65t. Furthermore, the Elite 85t came to market only 11 months after the Elite 75t. By that metric, we should have already seen the next-gen Jabra Elite 95t launch in the fall of 2021. It’s worrisome that over three years have elapsed since Jabra’s latest t-series buds launched. If the Elite 95t launch this year, I expect they will hit shelves in the fall.

Should you wait for the Jabra Elite 95t?

At the time of writing, the Jabra Elite 85t remain on sale from the company’s website and most major retailers. These earbuds stand proud as some of Jabra’s finest, offering excellent sound quality and best-in-class noise canceling. Given the Elite 85t are still as popular as ever, it is sensible to question whether the Jabra Elite 95t are worth it.

The Jabra Elite 85t ($167 at Amazon) are some of the most comfortable feature-rich buds on the market. In addition to a small form factor, the Elite 85t house oblong ear tips that fit snuggly within the ear canal. Additionally, commuters will enjoy the earbuds’ powerful noise canceling and compact design for easy transport. The Elite 85t also host Jabra’s HearThrough feature, which amplifies outside environmental sounds. Walking outside on a damp day is a breeze thanks to the buds’ IPX4 water-resistant rating. Jabra’s Sound+ app provides a five-band custom EQ, control remapping, and the company’s “Moments” feature to customize the noise canceling level for specific environments. The charging case supports USB-C, Qi wireless, and fast charging, with the buds profiting nearly six hours of ANC-enabled playback time.

Those looking for affordable buds with excellent noise canceling should consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ($99 at Amazon.) These attenuate low frequencies below 100Hz by roughly 20dB, making them sound one-quarter as loud as they would without ANC enabled. The Galaxy Buds 2 also enjoy a small and lightweight build, measuring just 17 x 20.9 mm and weighing 5g per bud. Wireless connectivity is supported via Bluetooth 5.2 with the SBC, AAC, and Samsung Scalable Codec. The latter provides up to 512kbps, 24-bit/ 96kHz audio sampling to compatible Samsung smartphones. The Galaxy Buds 2 reproduce a broad list of musical genres well, with a pleasing sub-bass boost between 40Hz and 100Hz. However, battery life falls short of the Jabra Elite 85t, lasting five hours on a single charge and a five-minute top-up yielding 60 minutes of playtime. The buds support Samsung’s Wireless Powershare feature, Qi Wireless charging, and are wired via USB-C.

If a small form factor and excellent noise canceling are your top priority, the Sony WF-1000XM4 ($278 at Amazon) are a great choice. Bundled into a 4 x 6.9 x 3 cm and 41.1g case are a formidable pair of earbuds with over 51dB of noise canceling and 47dB of isolation. The buds also support Bluetooth 5.2 with the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. The latter provides up to 990kbps, 24-bit/ 96kHz audio sampling with compatible smartphones. Users can also use Sony’s 360 Reality Audio feature to stream surround sound content from Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music HD. The buds’ IPX4 water-resistant rating protects against omnidirectional water splashes. This should be more than suitable for most everyday exercise regimens. The WF-1000XM4 boast above-average battery life, with nearly eight hours of ANC-enabled playtime. Unfortunately, the built-in microphone struggles to block out intrusive environmental sounds when taking calls.

Finally, the now-discontinued Bose QuietComfort Earbuds ($169 at Amazon) offer superb ANC if you can find them. Users gain up to 43dB of noise canceling to make intrusive drones from cars and trains sound 90% quieter. The buds also come equipped with StayHear Max ear tips and an IPX4 water-resistant rating to protect against sweaty workouts. Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds are home to a pleasing frequency curve, albeit with a slightly under-emphasized bass response. Thankfully, this can be amended using the custom EQ within the Bose Music App. The buds stream via Bluetooth 5.1 with the SBC and AAC codecs. Unfortunately, Bluetooth Multipoint does not make an appearance. The QuietComfort Earbuds are also bulky, with the case measuring 31.8 x 88.9 x 50.8 mm and each bud weighing 8.5g. Nevertheless, most users will enjoy the mixture of excellent noise canceling, pleasing sound quality, and over five hours of battery life.

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