Slim instead of bulky: the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex reviewed
16.10.2026
Translation: machine translated
Jabra has opted to remove the microphone boom from the Evolve2 65 Flex, aiming to turn it into a foldable companion for the office and everyday life. The concept is not entirely convincing.
Folded up, the Evolve2 65 Flex fits into a jacket pocket – and that is exactly Jabra's goal. The headset is intended to look like a normal pair of headphones while still being suitable for calls. As with the Evolve2 85, which I tested, the microphone boom is missing. The question is: Is this enough for professional conversations, or does the voice quality suffer from the slim design?
Light, foldable, unobtrusive
At 143 grams, the Evolve2 65 Flex weighs significantly less than the 220-gram Evolve2 85 and can be folded up. It disappears safely into a backpack in the included hard case.
The replaceable ear cushions sit on the ears rather than enclosing them. Despite the on-ear design, the headset barely presses and remains comfortable even after wearing it for a long time. However, it is unsuitable for headbanging due to the low contact pressure. Those who like on-ear will appreciate the padding and the low weight. Over-ear fans or anyone who wears glasses should opt for the Evolve2 85 or other alternatives instead.
Microphone without a boom: Software instead of proximity
Instead of a microphone boom, Jabra relies on six digital microphones with so-called ClearVoice technology. This filters voices out of background noise using deep learning and reduces wind noise. According to Jabra, the headset captures over 95 percent of spoken words precisely. Here is the audio sample:
Compared to a headset with a microphone boom, the Flex performs surprisingly well, but does not reach the same level of precision. A boom sits closer to the mouth and separates the voice better from ambient noise. The performance is sufficient for meetings, but I wouldn't want to subject listeners to an entire podcast with this device. My voice simply lacks presence with the integrated microphone.
The noise filtering works surprisingly well: even with my walking pad in the background or the sounds of a coffee shop, I remain understandable – even if I sound tinny in those situations.
One disadvantage that only becomes apparent in everyday use: without a microphone boom, there is no mute-by-flipping-up function. Those who rarely make calls will hardly notice this. However, those who frequently switch between mute and unmute will have to rely on the headset button or the meeting software.
Adaptive noise cancellation even during calls
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is also on board. It adapts to the environment, wind, and the fit of the headset and remains active during calls. For an on-ear headset, the performance is okay, but nothing more. For example, I can hear my walking pad much better with the Jabra headset than with my Momentum True Wireless 5 – and that is an in-ear headphone.
Additionally, there are Hearthrough and Sidetone functions. Hearthrough channels ambient noise into the headset so I can briefly speak with others without taking it off. Sidetone plays your own voice into the earpiece – practical when ANC is active so you don't unconsciously speak louder. During calls, a busylight signals to others that I do not want to be disturbed.
Bluetooth, dongle, and range
The headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio. Two devices can be connected simultaneously, and up to eight can be saved. The so-called Link 390 adapter ensures a more secure connection via USB. The range is up to 30 meters – in my home, it even covers two floors. Pairing also works via Microsoft Swift Pair or Google Fast Pair, and thanks to Bluetooth LE, the headset supports Auracast. The connection was always stable during my tests.
The hybrid claim is not quite met
The Evolve2 65 Flex is primarily a business headset. But Jabra equips it with features that are actually reserved for leisure headphones: LC3 codec, super-wideband audio, and 3D sound. A motion sensor pauses playback when I take the headset off.
In terms of sound, it still lags behind pure music headphones in the same price segment. The sound is okay, but not outstanding. If you are an audiophile, the Evolve2 65 Flex will not replace your leisure headphones. However, it is sufficient for some musical accompaniment while working.
Without ANC and busylight, the headset lasts up to 16.5 hours of talk time according to the manufacturer, and around 14.5 hours with both active. For pure music playback, it lasts up to 80 hours without and 35 hours with ANC. That is roughly accurate in my test, so I can still use the headset after work. Ten minutes of charging time is enough for four hours of music, and the battery is full after about three hours. Cool: The battery is easy to replace.
In a nutshell
Good, but it doesn't replace the microphone arm for me yet
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex makes your voice sound reasonably good even without a microphone boom and impresses in the office and in everyday life thanks to features like a busylight and wear detection. In addition, there are replaceable parts such as the battery and ear cushions. Less impressive is the sound, which is only okay when listening to music. It is still a poor substitute for a classic business headset with a microphone boom. For frequent callers, a model with a microphone boom remains the better choice – and those who enjoy listening to music would be better off with hi-fi headphones. For those who work in a hybrid environment, travel frequently, and are looking for a lightweight, unobtrusive headset for calls and music, it is a well-thought-out overall package.
Pro
- lightweight and foldable
- integrated microphone filters out background noise well
- adaptive ANC even during calls
- long battery life with fast charging function
- replaceable cushions and battery
Contra
- Voice quality behind headsets with a boom microphone
- cumbersome muting
- On-ear comfort is a matter of taste
- not a sonic replacement for music headphones
Header image: David Lee
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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