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TP-Link Omada EAP787: 30-second review

Ceiling-mounted access points have been extremely popular since makers like TP-Link began designing them with PoE in mind.

Positioning the TP-Link Omada EAP787 in a range of these devices, it's either at the top or just below it, since the makers do have the EAP783, which is BE20000 rated.

Depending on the region this equipment is deployed, the EAP787 is either a BE12000 or BE15000 capable device with up to channels covering 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequencies. In the USA(BE15000), these bands offer 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz, 8648 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, totalling 15101 Mbps.

In the EU and UK (BE12000), those numbers are 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz, 5765 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, totalling 12218 Mbps. The hardware is identical; it’s just that in the USA, the FCC permits 320 MHz-wide channels on the 5 GHz band, whereas under European regulators (ETSI/Ofcom), the limit is 5 GHz to just 160 MHz wide.

The caveat to having this much bandwidth available is that the EAP787 must use a 10GbE backhaul to connect to the larger network, and potentially the Internet. And that requires a special switch that supports PoE++ 10GbE.

As with most TP-Links Omada hardware, the EAP787 is packed with Enterprise-class technologies that allow it to be remotely configured and controlled, and this AP also has a frequency monitoring technology that detects interference in real-time and enables the hardware to reconfigure automatically.

The only significant missing feature is APC on 6GHz, something that TP-Link has promised is coming soon via a firmware update.

Given its capabilities, the EAP787 seems implausibly cheap, but it's worth noting that buying these might require larger investments in network infrastructure to make the most of what they can do.

If you have a 10GbE PoE++ switch, then this is probably one of the best access points available. And when TP-Link releases the AFC firmware, it will get even better.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)TP-Link Omada EAP787: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $250/£230/€280
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available from Amazon and other online retailers.

As with most TP-Link hardware, the EAP787 is available from major online resellers, including Amazon. In the USA, it costs $249.99 and in the UK it's £ 250.

However, I wouldn’t recommend buying it on Amazon unless you only need a single unit. Many resellers who specialize in network equipment offer excellent deals on bulk purchases and bundles that include a 12V power supply or a PoE injector.

The competition comes primarily from another TP-Link design, the EAP 873, as well as the Ubiquiti Unifi U7 Pro XGS and U7 Pro Max.

The EAP873 is effectively two EAP787s glued together, offering a massive BE22000 spec, but it lacks the dedicated TF scanning, AFC or Bluetooth. It also requires dual 10GbE LAN ports to provide sufficient uplink. The cost of this item is $499.99 on Amazon, which seems appropriate for the bandwidth on offer.

The Ubiquiti U7 Pro XGS costs $299.99 from Amazon, and that’s a BE15000 specification AP (in the USA), and also uses a single 10GbE PoE++ port for power and data.

The Ubiquiti U7-Pro-Max is very similar from a Wi-Fi perspective, having the same BE15000 capability, but bizarrely, the makers have given this model only a single 2.5GbE PoE+ Uplink. It’s only a little cheaper than the Ubiquiti U7 Pro XGS, so I’d avoid that option.

Based on the specifications and cost, the EAP787 seems something of a bargain, but it’s worth considering the extra infrastructure needed to make the best use of this hardware before making an impulse purchase.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 4/5

TP-Link Omada EAP787: Specs

Feature

Specification

Model

EAP787 v1 (BE15000 US / BE12000 EU)

Wi-Fi Standard

IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (Wi-Fi 7)

Wi-Fi Bands

Tri-Band: 688 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 8648 Mbps (5GHz) + 5765 Mbps (6GHz)

Total Throughput

Up to 15,101 Mbps (US) / 12,195 Mbps (EU)

Streams

8 spatial streams (4x4 on 5GHz, 2x2 on 6GHz, 2x2 on 2.4GHz)

Modulation

4096-QAM (Wi-Fi 7), 1024-QAM, 256-QAM

Channel Width

Up to 320MHz (6GHz), 160/240MHz (5GHz)

Uplink Port

1x 10G/2.5G Ethernet (2.5G with PoE+, 10G with PoE++)

PoE Standard

802.3bt (PoE++) (51.7W max; also supports DC power)

Dedicated RF Scanning

2x2 radio; requires Omada controller v6.0+

AFC Support

Yes, via firmware update (planned April 2026)

MLO Support

Multi-Link Operation across 5GHz + 6GHz

Concurrent Clients

510+ (lab tested)

Coverage Area

Up to 2,050 ft² / 190 m²

Bluetooth

BLE 5.2

Management

Omada SDN (controller required for advanced features); standalone web UI

Mesh Support

Yes (Omada Mesh)

Seamless Roaming

Yes

TP-Link Omada EAP787: design

• Large dish design
• Ceiling and wall mounting
• 10GbE PoE++ implications

The EAP787 follows TP-Link's standard Omada ceiling-mount aesthetic of a large circular disc designed for flush ceiling or suspended tile installation. The push-and-rotate mount mechanism makes installation straightforward for IT teams.

Using it with 51.7W PoE++, that’s a significant power draw, and the unit is notably large, which may create challenges in space-constrained or aesthetics-sensitive environments.

It comes with a circular mounting plate with holes for four possible connection options. These include a basic ceiling/wall mount, a 3.5-inch US round junction box, a US gang outlet, and an EU gang outlet.

In a recess on the underside of the EAP787 is the 10GbE PoE++ port, and a 12V input if you wish to power it directly rather than use PoE. A plastic cover is provided for this area, but I’d only use it if you have Ethernet cables terminated with a 90-degree connector, since with it attached, there is no straight path to the port.

Four internal antennas handle the eight Wi-Fi streams, while a separate pair of internal antennas is used for the dedicated RF scanning radio. BLE 5.2 is also built in, enabling future IoT integration and remote out-of-band management possibilities via the Omada app.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

There is a single 10G/2.5G combo Ethernet port, with the operating speed determined solely by the PoE class provided by the upstream switch. As an alternative, there is a 12V power input, but the PSU for this isn’t included in the box. And TP-Link also makes PoE++ injectors if you want to avoid a PoE++ switch but already have 10GbE networking.

Being generous, this is an elegant design that lets buyers enter at PoE+ and upgrade later. But it’s also worth noting that to get the most from this design requires a 10GbE PoE++ switch, and something like the TP-Link TL-SX3206HPP with four ports of 10GbE PoE++ is likely to cost you £500, substantially more than the EAP787.

For a larger deployment, the 24-port TP-Link SX3832MPP is likely to cost you £1,619.95, though this does have eight 10GbE SFP+ ports to handle the network backbone.

The relatively low price of this Access Point is a lure to get on board the Omada train, as to get all the best features and easiest control requires at least an Omada controller and probably an Omada switch.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Design score: 4/5

TP-Link Omada EAP787: In use

• Omada control
• AFC is not yet ready

For those unfamiliar with the Omada ecosystem, all TP-Link’s Omada-branded equipment follows the same pattern: it can be used in standalone web-interface mode or via an Omada controller. The controller can be either a hardware controller at additional cost, or a software one configured on a system that remains operationally 24/7.

For an IT professional with lots of TP-Link gear managed by Omada controllers, it makes for an easy life, as the system can be managed globally, including over different sites through a single web-based interface.

Luckily for this review, I already have an Omada controller and a number of Omada access points, so adding this one to the gang is merely a matter of plugging it in and then going to the Omada controller app to adopt it. Once joined to the system, the controller will monitor the EAP787, and automatically deploy the pre-defined SSIDs associated with the network.

That saves me some time, but if I were deploying a dozen of these or other Omada hardware across multiple locations, it could save a substantial amount of effort. It’s also incredibly useful for making sweeping changes and collecting data that might justify buying more (or less) equipment to better meet the demands placed on the network.

Some will argue that TP-Link are attempting to lock you into their hardware, and to a degree, that’s an accurate analysis, but most networking hardware makers do much the same thing, and hardware uniformity makes for greater predictability.

Like all the TP-Link Omada equipment I’ve recently tested, the EAP787 was immediately recognised by the Omada controller and began working alongside the others within minutes.

One special feature I’ve not seen previously, but on the EAP787 is dedicated RF scanning. This is an independent monitoring of the usable spectrum for interference without disrupting client traffic. To leverage this continuous adaptation, the Omada controller v6.0 or higher is required, but it is arguably the device's most compelling enterprise capability.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

If there is a blot on this wonderfully cultured Omada landscape, it’s AFC on the EAP787.

AFC, or Automated Frequency Coordination, allows the 6GHz radio to transmit at higher power levels, substantially improving range. That’s important because 5765 Mbps of the available bandwidth is allocated to 6GHz, and if it’s only of use to those standing under the Access Point, then the BE12000 (or BE15000) rating is a little disingenuous.

At the time of writing this review, AFC doesn’t work on the EAP787, although it’s promised in a firmware update coming, allegedly, in April 2026. Until it ships, the 6GHz range will be constrained by standard power limits, as is the case with most current Wi-Fi 7 APs.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• In Use: 4/5

TP-Link Omada EAP787: performance

• AFC will improve 6GHz, eventually
• EU performance reduction on 5GHz

Performance testing on this hardware is slightly coloured at this point, partly because, depending on what region you are in, there is a different bandwidth topology, and also because AFC isn’t yet ready for public consumption.

The EAP787 uses the same Qualcomm chipset family as its EAP783 brother, though its 5GHz radio is specified at an even higher rate of 8648 Mbps vs the EAP783's 5760 Mbps, suggesting the 5GHz radio has been significantly upgraded.

However, no single client can access that much bandwidth, and in Europe, the 5GHz band is limited to 5760 Mbps anyway.

What’s true wherever the EAP787 is deployed is that the 10GbE port can sustain over 9 Gbps, assuming the wirelessly connected clients are pulling or pushing that much data. As this AP can support more than 500 users simultaneously, that should be possible.

MLO performance, like other 2024-era Wi-Fi 7 APs, will fluctuate until AFC is live. As 6GHz range limitations constrain MLO effectiveness, as noted across the Omada lineup. The EAP787 could be the hardware to fix that issue when TP-Link finally releases the firmware necessary to activate AFC.

It’s worth noting that AFC isn’t yet available on Ubiquiti's alternative devices, so if that feature works as intended when it becomes available, it’s a significant advantage for the EAP787.

While it’s difficult to put hard numbers on its effectiveness, the dedicated RF scanning radio operates independently from the three data radios, meaning real-time interference monitoring does not tax Wi-Fi throughput. This is a notable advantage in high-density or congested RF environments such as convention centres, hospitals, and lecture halls.

In my testing with a suitably Wi-Fi 7 capable laptop, connection speeds of 1.2 Gbps are standard when near the AP, and even at range, 720 Mbps was sustained. The only caveat to that level of performance is that the first ten people will wonder what happened to their amazing connection when more people turn up.

• Performance score: 4/5

(Image credit: TP-Link)TP-Link Omada EAP787: Final verdict

When the wireless network is expanded with devices like the EAP787, then it's likely that other parts will need upgrading to make use of what it delivers. As I mentioned earlier, making the best use of this gear requires infrastructure changes, but new switches and Omada controllers might just be the tip of a considerable iceberg.

Because the majority of Wi-Fi access won’t be for internal systems, but the greater internet, and having a wireless network with access points that can shift up to 15000Mbps, won’t work if you only have 1GbE broadband at the end of that 10GbE infrastructure.

If you choose to embrace the EAP787 or its EAP783 bigger brother, or any of the UniFi U7 Pro equipment, then budget for a wider broadband pipe at the same time.

This hardware is designed for large enterprises and high-density venues, such as convention centres, lecture halls, or hospitals, with 100+ simultaneous clients per AP, where dedicated RF scanning and high client capacity matter.

It fits better with 10GbE infrastructure, since connecting it by 2.5GbE effectively negates the point of this AP, leaving you paying a premium for 2.5G performance available more cheaply elsewhere.

The Omada ecosystems, with their seamless controller integration, no licensing fees, and consistent Omada management, make it a natural upgrade path from earlier EAP models.

I would avoid using the EAP787 in small offices or homes, where a simpler EAP773 or EAP783 suffices. Those environments without 10GbE switching, or where anyone who needs an AP can deploy standalone without a controller and access all features.

This is plenty of AP for a modest price, but making the most of it requires TP-Link to finish its work with AFC, and those who choose this equipment must accept that it could easily lead to significant additional investment.

Should I buy a TP-Link Omada EAP787?TP-Link EAP787 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Aggressively priced for the specification of this device

4/5

Design

A simple dish with all the clever stuff inside

4/5

In Use

Works with Omada management, and AFC is promised

4/5

Performance

EU performance is restricted, but US bandwidth is epic

4/5

Overall

Better in the US than the EU, but be mindful of the switch you need with this

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want Wi-Fi 7
While there is better Wi-Fi 7 hardware available, most of it costs much more than this. However, you may find that those clients who are using Wi-Fi 5 or 6 equipment get less of an uplift than expected.

You want central management
TP-Link has created a highly organised management system for its Omada-branded equipment, and that includes this access point. For a small IT covering a large facility, the ability to monitor and adjust hardware remotely is a huge cost-saving.

Don't buy it if...

You don’t have Wi-Fi 7 clients
Without the right hardware on the client end, there is little point in going with a Wi-Fi 7 access point. And, you might be able to get more bandwidth on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, by spending the same money on a Wi-Fi 6 or 6e access point.

You don’t use 10GbE
To make the best use of this equipment, it requires 10GbE and PoE++. Without those things, there is little point in deploying the EAP787.

For more connectivity solutions, we've reviewed the best business routers

The Aarke Coffee Maker has a fresh new look for 2026 that fits perfectly with this year's freshest kitchen design trends.

The Jabra Evolve3 85 offers all the bells and whistles of a call centre headset while retaining the styling and elegance associated with retail-focused products.

Jabra Evolve3 85: 30-second review

Professional headsets have always had an image problem. The moment you clip a boom arm to your ear, you look like someone who works in a call centre or is directing air traffic. Jabra has clearly decided that aesthetic just isn’t good enough.

With the Evolve3 85, the company has taken all the voice clarity technology it has spent years developing, stripped away the boom mic entirely, and wrapped everything in a design that would not look out of place in a Copenhagen coffee shop.

The headline technology is Jabra ClearVoice, a boomless microphone system powered by a deep neural network trained on over 60 million sentences. It uses multiple concealed microphones to separate speech from background noise without a visible arm, drawing on expertise from GN's hearing division.

Design-wise, the Evolve3 85 is up to 35 per cent slimmer than its Evolve2 predecessor, claims to be the lightest over-ear headset in its class, and folds into a travel case thin enough to mistake for empty. The over-ear fit gives better passive isolation than the on-ear Evolve3 75 sibling, making it ideal for both open offices and noisy commutes.

Looks aren’t everything, but the Evolve 3 85 can also claim battery life figures that are genuinely remarkable. Jabra quotes 25 hours of call time and 120 hours of music playback on a single charge, with a five-minute fast charge providing five hours of use. That effectively means that by the point your line manager has berated your timekeeping, the headphones are ready to get you through at least half the working day from flat.

And, wireless charging is also supported, via the flat exterior surface of the earcups, avoiding excessive wear on the USB-C port

The adaptive ANC deserves particular attention. Unlike most headsets, which pause noise cancellation the moment you start a call, the Evolve3 85 keeps it active throughout. Combined with the Bluetooth 5.4 connection, LC3 codec support, and dual-device pairing, the package's connectivity looks impressively comprehensive.

If all this sounds way too good to be realistic, the Evolve3 85 sits firmly at the premium end of the market at around $500. Compared with the outgoing Evolve2 85 and similar UC-certified alternatives, that’s price continuity.

The Evolve3 85 makes a compelling case on every front except price, but even at this cost, these deserve to be added to our best noise-cancelling headphone collection.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Jabra Evolve3 85: price and availability

• How much does it cost? From $527/£496/€569
• When is it out? Pre-order for April 2026
• Where can you get it? Direct from Jabra and online retailers

The Jabra Evolve3 85 launched on 1 March 2026 at a recommended price of $649 in the United States, £495 in the UK, €569 in Europe (including VAT), and AU$979 in Australia.

Initially only available in black, a Warm Grey colour variant is due to follow in April 2026 in select markets. The Evolve3 75, the on-ear sibling, is available from the same date at the lower price of £349 / $463.

Checking the larger online retailers, the Evolve3 85 Microsoft Teams model is available for pre-order at only $475 on Amazon.com, for a model with only wired charging, and $527 for one with wireless charging.

Oddly, the wired All Platforms model is the same price as the Microsoft Teams model, but the wireless option is a disturbing $720. I suspect that the final price is a mistake, since in other regions the prices for the two standards are the same.

In the UK, this headset is on Amazon.co.uk, but can be bought directly from the official Jabra website. The Microsoft Teams wired charging model is £429, and the wireless model is £466.80; all prices include VAT, and the same pricing applies to the Unified Communication models.

These are enterprise-grade prices, and Jabra makes no apologies for that. The Evolve2 85, which the Evolve3 replaces, was similarly positioned, and buyers of business equipment will likely have IT budgets rather than personal wallets in mind. That said, Jabra has clearly made a conscious effort to position the Evolve3 as a crossover product, and at this price, it will face meaningful competition from premium consumer headphones that carry genuinely impressive audio credentials.

For organisations deploying at scale, Jabra offers free trials for companies of 500 or more employees who are replacing existing devices, and the Plus Management platform simplifies fleet deployment considerably.

Individual buyers are perhaps less well served by the pricing, particularly when similarly styled competitors undercut it by a meaningful margin. But these are meant to catch the corporate ear, pun fully intended.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 3/5

Jabra Evolve3 85: Specs

Model

Jabra Evolve3 85

Weight

220g

Form factor

Over-ear, closed-back

Microphone

Boomless (Jabra ClearVoice, multi-mic DNN)

ANC

Jabra Advanced ANC, adaptive (active during calls)

Battery life (calls)

Up to 25 hours

Battery life (music)

Up to 120 hours (ANC/Busylight off)

Fast charging

5 hours use from 5-minute charge; 10 hours from 10 minutes

Wireless charging

Yes (flat exterior surface supports Qi pads)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.4, LC3 codec, pre-paired USB adapter, Bluetooth Native

Dual connectivity

Yes

UC certification

Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet

Software

Jabra Plus mobile app (Android / iOS); desktop app later in 2026

Replaceable parts

Battery, ear cushions

Colours

Black (March 2026); Warm Grey (April 2026, select markets)

Sustainability

Recycled/bio-circular materials; TCO Gen 10 certified

Jabra Evolve3 85: design

• No boom arm
• Robust construction
• Excellent ergonomics

The first thing most people will notice about the Evolve3 85 is what it is missing. There is no boom arm, and no retractable mic stalk. Considering that one feature probably accounts for the demise of at least half the headsets I’ve seen, eliminating it is a win.

No visual shorthand that announces to the world you are working on a helpdesk. Instead, what you get is a clean, minimal over-ear headset with a matte finish, breathable cushions, and a profile that would sit comfortably alongside any premium consumer headphone.

Jabra describes the aesthetic as contemporary Danish design, which made me immediately think of Princess Leia’s hairstyle, but these aren’t like that at all.

This is a noticeably slimmer design than the Evolve2 it replaces, measuring up to 35 per cent thinner according to Jabra's own figures. The result is a headset that folds into a compact travel case that can slip into a work bag without occupying a dedicated compartment.

My only other concern about the carry case is that it doesn’t have an obvious place for the wireless charger, and the compressed paper/fabric material it's made of isn’t as robust as the Evolve3 85.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

While some headsets use plastic throughout to keep weight and cost down, the amount of metal in these and the quality of the plastic materials used feel appropriately premium for the price point, and the overall construction suggests a product designed for long daily use rather than occasional handling.

Jabra has also included replaceable ear cushions and a replaceable battery, both of which are welcome additions from a longevity perspective and bring the product into compliance with current repair legislation.

Finding that kind of consideration in a business headset is encouraging; finding it in any headset at this price is much less common than it should be.

Another feature I appreciated is the 360-degree busylight that signals availability status from every angle, removing the need to actively communicate when you are on a call.

Small details such as this speak to a design team that has actually thought about how people use headsets at a desk, rather than simply engineering for the product brochure.

My review hardware was specifically designed for Microsoft Teams use, and has that logo on a button on the right side. In fact, most of the controls are on the right side, with the exception of the ANC control and the power button, which are on the left. In this respect, the Evolve3 85 is primarily designed for right-handed people.

Overall, these are a surprisingly elegant piece of audiowear that mixes personal and business use effortlessly.

Design score: 4.5/5

Jabra Evolve3 85: Hardware

• Bluetooth 5.4
• Microsoft Teams vs the World
• ClearVoice

Bluetooth 5.4 with the LC3 codec forms the backbone of the wireless connection, and the package includes a pre-paired USB adapter for secure, low-latency connectivity with a PC. Bluetooth Native allows direct device connections without the adapter for users who prefer a simpler setup.

Dual connectivity is supported throughout, meaning the headset can maintain simultaneous connections to both a computer and a smartphone without requiring manual switching.

One-touch voice access is integrated for AI assistant interactions, and Jabra claims accuracy of over nine out of ten words in voice prompts. That is a specific and testable claim, and one that experienced business users will scrutinise closely. UC certification covers Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, which cover the main platforms used in the UK and European enterprises.

Controls are handled through physical buttons and a straightforward interface. The Jabra Plus mobile app provides equaliser controls, wind noise reduction settings, and firmware update management from a smartphone.

A desktop version of the app is scheduled for later in 2026, which is a notable gap at launch for users who work primarily at a desk. IT teams managing fleet deployments have access to Jabra Plus Management, which handles remote configuration and firmware pushes from a central dashboard.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The ClearVoice system is the most significant departure from previous generations, since those relied on a physical boom arm to capture voice close to the mouth. The Evolve3 replaces it entirely with a multi-microphone array driven by a deep neural network.

That network was trained on over 60 million sentences and draws on GN's background in hearing aid technology, which gives Jabra a genuine advantage over competitors building similar systems from scratch.

The practical implication is that callers should not notice the absence of a boom arm. Background noise, whether from an open-plan office, a busy cafe, or a commuter train, is intended to be filtered out by the processing rather than physically excluded by proximity microphone placement. Whether that processing holds up in the worst acoustic environments is the most important unresolved question about this product.

Jabra has also added wind noise reduction as a configurable setting in the app, suggesting the microphone system is intended for outdoor use as well as traditional office environments.

That is a meaningful expansion of the use case compared to most UC-certified headsets, and shows how the Evolve3 85 has a foot firmly in both the enterprise and home audio experience.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Hardware: 4/5

Jabra Evolve3 85: Performance

• Effective ANC
• Excellent charging options

Jabra has made a clear effort to ensure the Evolve3 85 performs as a music headphone as well as a call headset, and the specifications support that ambition. The LC3 codec provides high-fidelity wireless audio, the over-ear closed-back design offers meaningful passive isolation, and the 120-hour music battery life suggests Jabra expects people to use this for listening as well as talking.

Enhanced Spatial Sound is included to make long calls feel more natural and less tiring. The objective is to present voices as though they are positioned in front of you rather than directly inside your ears, which reduces the cognitive load of extended video meetings. It is a feature that sounds modest in description but makes a genuine difference across a full working day.

The equaliser available through the Jabra Plus app allows personal tuning of the sound profile, which is a welcome addition for anyone who wants to adjust the factory calibration to suit their taste or their music library. The desktop app, when it arrives, should make that process more convenient for office-based users.

The adaptive ANC on the Evolve3 85 adjusts in real time based on both the external environment and the fit of the headset. The second of those factors is more significant than it might appear. Most ANC systems apply a fixed cancellation profile regardless of how well the ear cushions seal against your head. Jabra's approach calibrates continuously, which means the performance should remain consistent even as the headset shifts slightly during a long session.

As an example of how well this works, in my small office, I have a Bambu Lab H2D 3D printer only a metre to my left, and with this headset on, it can be printing at full speed, and it's almost silent to me. Not to say that’s a noisy printer, but it’s much less distracting with the headphones on.

The distinction between this and most competitors is that the ANC does not pause during calls. Active noise cancellation on most business headsets disengages the moment a call begins as the microphone signal takes priority. Jabra has engineered around that compromise, and the result is a headset that should maintain a consistent listening environment whether you are in a meeting or working between calls. That matters considerably in open-plan environments where ambient noise levels can be unrelenting.

The headline battery figures are among the most impressive in the over-ear headset market. Twenty-five hours of call time is sufficient for multiple full working days, and 120 hours of music playback is a figure most consumer headphones cannot approach. Both are measured with ANC and the busy light disabled, so real-world figures will be somewhat lower, but even with both features active, the Evolve3 85 should comfortably outlast a working week on a single charge.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Fast charging delivers five hours of use from a five-minute charge, which addresses the specific anxiety of reaching for the headset before an important call and finding the battery low. Wireless charging is supported via the flat exterior of the earcups, which means placing the headset face down on a standard Qi pad while at a desk.

For those looking to reduce the cost of these, Jabra wants another $50 for the model that comes with the official charger, whereas a good quality Qi pad made by Anker is only around $20, and it works just as well.

That the battery is also user-replaceable is a genuinely useful feature for long-term ownership and one that separates the Evolve3 from the majority of similarly priced competitors. Having to bin a generally serviceable headset because the battery won’t hold sufficient charge is something that should never happen.

I’m not going to give you my view of its abilities for the reproduction of music, since I’m not an audiophile, and my ears were never professionally tuned. I’ll just say that with drivers of this scale, there isn’t the level of bass you might expect from larger cans, but the range it does offer is consistent.

Overall, these are great for a working environment and acceptable for more general use.

• Performance: 4/5

Jabra Evolve3 85: Final verdict

The Jabra Evolve3 85 ticks so many boxes, it's hard to know where to begin.

It’s stylish, the ANC works exceptionally well, it will last three working days on calls on a single charge, and it can grab enough power in a few minutes to make it to lunch.

The caveat to these beautifully engineered headphones is the cost, above all else.

Yes, the desktop app for these should have been ready at launch, but the phone app is here, and the desktop app is promised soon.

I just wish they were cheaper, since many budget-controlling managers are likely to exclude them purely based on cost. And doing so might prove to be a strategic mistake.

Should I buy a Jabra Evolve3 85?Jabra Evolve3 85 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Expensive for call centre headphones

3/5

Design

A major upgrade from the Evolve2

4.5/5

Hardware

Always on ANC and ClearVoice

4/5

Performance

Effective ANC and plenty of charging options

4/5

Overall

Business headset that feels like much more

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You work in a noisy environment
The need for consistent noise cancellation during calls and between them is paramount in a call centre or similar environment. With these, it's easier to understand the caller and focus on their needs.

Your business likes efficiency
These are the perfect choice if your organisation needs UC-certified headsets that can be centrally managed and remotely updated. And if you value repairability, the replaceable battery and cushions make this a product designed to last.View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You are working with a budget
For those buying personally rather than through a business, the price tag is genuinely prohibitive. However, you can make some cost savings on the charging technology, and being able to replace the battery and cushions might make them last longer in the end.

For more business audio solutions, we've reviewed the best headsets for working from home.

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We already know a lot about the OnePlus 15T ahead of its full unveiling next week.

The day one Crimson Desert update is here and has a few much-needed tweaks.

Apple has warned iOS users to update their iPhones to stay safe against a new hacker threat.

Paid plan customers can try out the new AI feature.

The new Mighty2 retains the compact style of its predecessor while adding a useful particle sensor and some other nice touches.

Sony is battling against the rising threat of AI-generated music on streaming services, and now industry giants want clear AI tagging.

US law enforcement, with help from partners in Canada and Germany, disrupted four of the largest DDoS botnets.

Upgrade your office for under $900 with this high-performance Dell business PC.

We love the Google Pixel Watch 4 - and now it's even cheaper thanks to a record-low price at Amazon.

Epic Games has released a huge Fortnite Unreal Editor update that lets players create their own Star Wars islands.

Missed the Spring Sale? I found my top Windows 11 mini PC a whole quid cheaper - but the deal ends soon.

Harerimana Ismail of Uganda is a community health worker who checks on kids with HIV. He lost his salary after the Trump administration's aid cuts but he keeps doing his job.

(Image credit: Ben de la Cruz/NPR)

Perhaps the most unexpected delight of the AirPods Max 2, priced at $549, is how it puts the cost of the MacBook Neo into perspective.