Jabra Elite 85t vs Sennheiser HD 560S
The Verdict
These headphones serve entirely different purposes, making direct comparison challenging. Jabra Elite 85t are premium wireless earbuds featuring active noise cancellation, 5.5-hour battery life with ANC enabled, and 25 additional hours via charging case. The 12mm dynamic drivers deliver solid sound, while six microphones enable effective ANC and transparency modes. Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity lets you switch between two devices seamlessly, and IPX4 water resistance suits active use. Sennheiser HD 560S are wired reference headphones costing $30 less, designed for critical listening rather than portability. Their 38mm dynamic transducers with 120-ohm impedance produce detailed, open-back sound across a wide frequency range. The 240g weight and open-back design make them unsuitable for travel or isolation, but they excel at home studio work. Choose Jabra Elite 85t if you need wireless convenience, noise cancellation, and all-day battery life for commuting or gym use. Pick Sennheiser HD 560S if you're building a stationary listening setup and prioritize audio accuracy over portability. These aren't competing products; they're different tools for different listeners.
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 Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Jabra Elite 85t | Sennheiser HD 560S |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 7.0 g (per bud) | 240 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5.5 hrs buds (ANC on), 25 hrs additional with case | N/A (wired) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | N/A |
| Drivers | 12 mm dynamic driver | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance |
| 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-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | None (wired only) |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (buds) | None |
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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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