Jabra Elite 85t vs Nothing Ear (open)
The Verdict
Jabra Elite 85t delivers premium active noise cancellation with six strategically placed microphones and impressive multipoint connectivity, making them ideal for frequent travelers and office workers. Nothing Ear (open) takes a fundamentally different approach, prioritizing ambient awareness through an open-ear design and Hi-Res LDAC audio codec support at a significantly lower price point. Battery performance favors Nothing with 8 hours per charge versus Jabra's 5.5 hours with ANC enabled, though Jabra's case adds substantial additional runtime. Sound quality differs by intention: Jabra offers sealed, tunable audio with adjustable ANC/transparency, while Nothing emphasizes directional audio and open listening. For professionals needing serious noise isolation and control, Jabra's $229 investment justifies the premium. Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing situational awareness and all-day battery should choose Nothing Ear (open).
Who Should Buy
Buy the Jabra Elite 85t if…
- →Excellent call quality powered by a 6-microphone system
- →Highly configurable ANC and HearThrough via the Jabra Sound+ app
- →Multipoint Bluetooth allows two simultaneous device connections
Buy the Nothing Ear (open) if…
- →Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- →LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- →8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Jabra Elite 85t
Pros
- Excellent call quality powered by a 6-microphone system
- Highly configurable ANC and HearThrough via the Jabra Sound+ app
- Multipoint Bluetooth allows two simultaneous device connections
- Impressive total battery life of up to 30.5 hours with case
- Wireless charging case included in the box
Cons
- No aptX or LDAC — limited to AAC and SBC
- Heavier per-bud weight can cause fatigue over long sessions
- ANC is effective but not best-in-class for isolating low-frequency noise
- Bulkier case compared to more compact rivals
Nothing Ear (open)
Pros
- Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music
- LDAC and multipoint at $149 is excellent value
- 8-hour battery per charge is generous for open earbuds
- Directional drivers minimize sound leak to bystanders
- IP54 dust and water resistance for outdoor use
Cons
- No noise cancellation by design — not for noisy environments
- Bass is inherently weaker than sealed in-ear designs
- 8.1 g per bud is heavier than traditional earbuds
- Open design means music is audible to nearby people
Full Specifications
| Spec | Jabra Elite 85t | Nothing Ear (open) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 7.0 g (per bud) | 8.1 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5.5 hrs buds (ANC on), 25 hrs additional with case | 8 hrs, 30 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 12 mm dynamic driver | 14.2 mm titanium-coated driver |
| Features | Advanced ANC with 6 microphones, HearThrough (transparency) with adjustable level, Jabra Sound+ app with equalizer and HearThrough control, Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices, Semi-open design with adjustable ANC and Transparency, Voice assistant access (Alexa, Google, Siri) | Open-ear design for ambient awareness, Directional audio minimizes sound leakage, LDAC hi-res wireless audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Bass Enhance and custom EQ, Nothing X app with equalizer |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | IP54 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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