Jabra Evolve2 30

The slim design weighs just 127 grams and has a low contact pressure, which encourages a rather loose, extremely comfortable fit. Another advantage is that the oval-shaped cups can be tilted and swivelled and are not straight but slightly slanted, so that the memory foam-filled cushions fit snugly on the ears. The headset offers excellent adaptability to the shape of the head. However, it is noticeable that a certain amount of heat can develop on the ears during prolonged use. The insolation properties are also not particularly strong, meaning that environmental sounds are definitely discernible. However, the headset itself emits very little noise to the outside.

Since the headband, including the size adjustment, has been reinforced with stainless steel, the headphones appear quite robust and of high quality despite their lightweight construction. However, the fixed USB cable could have done with being a little longer because although it offers sufficient freedom of movement on a laptop at 150 centimetres, it might restrict tall people whose work involves using a computer with a tower housing. In addition, the cable noise that occurs when it comes into contact with the body or clothing might be considered annoying.

Model variants and operation

Jabra offers the Evolve2 30 in different models: Differences exist in terms of connectivity via USB-A or USB-C connector. In addition, mono and stereo versions are available so that a model can be configured according to requirements. This also applies to the respective certification – either UC (Unified Communications) or Microsoft Teams Open Office. According to the manufacturer, in the MS Teams variant, the button for answering and ending calls on the right-hand ear shell surface supports additional functions such as joining an active meeting or displaying missed calls and voice messages.

Other than that, the headphones have a 3-button remote for media control, with the middle button starting or stopping playback, while the volume can be adjusted using the top and bottom buttons. Track selection is also possible by pressing and holding the plus button to skip forward and the minus button to skip back. Pressing the plus and minus buttons at the same time switches the so-called “busy light” on and off; this is intended to signal to other people that you currently do not want to be disturbed. During calls, the LED is automatically active in the standard configuration, and the microphones can also be activated or deactivated at any time via a separate fourth button.

Voice quality

The headset is equipped with two microphones, which can be positioned stably near the mouth via the continuously adjustable, rigid bracket but can also be easily aligned vertically and thus out of your field of vision. This is an important detail, as the Evolve2 30 can thus also be used as a classic on-ear headset and easily transported in the included felt bag, especially as the headband can be folded up when you are typing. The headset also scores points for speech intelligibility, as the user’s own voice is reproduced clearly, realistically and without any harshness or peaks. Background noises are also skillfully attenuated. The party on the other end of the line is also intelligible, and the clean reproduction has a warm rounding, which has an extremely positive effect on shrill, straining voices, which are softly softened without becoming wishy-washy. If you make a lot of phone calls, you will benefit from the down-to-earth basic warmth and the good-natured character of this headset’s basic sound, which is by no means demanding on the hearing.

Jabra Direct Software

This headset can be updated with firmware via the free software for Windows and Mac computers. In addition, individual adjustments are possible, for example, by configuring voice announcements, hearing protection via volume limitation and the “Busylight” within the device settings or by assigning a name to the headphones. Whether and to what intensity one’s own voice should be played back during conversations via the headphones can also be adjusted, as can the sound. While the tab for the device settings only provides a rough alignment of “Normal”, “Bass” and “Treble” for selection, which proved to be of marginal value, the 5-band equaliser in the audio settings enables effective and far-reaching sound adjustment, so that these on-ears can be tuned to suit your personal preferences for listening to music.

Currently missing from the set up is an app for this headset. According to the manufacturer’s information, the Evolve2 30 can also be used with mobile devices, and in any case, this works via Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter with the USB-A version on an iPhone or iPad. Headset settings and sound adjustments are not yet available, however, and this would be a desirable additional feature.

Sound

The core competence of these headphones clearly lies in a pleasing, easily understandable reproduction of voices, which benefits audiobooks, podcasts or films as well as making phone calls. A rather rich bass reproduction is noticeable with beat-oriented music, which also reaches down deep, but feels a little disproportionate and can seem muffled. In contrast to the lush low frequencies, however, the high frequencies are flatter, resulting in a rather dense sound that is more dark than bright. More balance, spaciousness and richness of detail can be achieved relatively easily with the EQ by lowering the bass range and boosting the treble, which takes away the dullness and opens up the reproduction noticeably. In this respect, given the price, with a little sound tuning, this headset can elicit quite audible all-rounder qualities.