Jabra Evolve 40 UC Review
Looking for a reliable headset to boost your work-from-home setup? Discover the Jabra Evolve 40 UC with clear sound, comfortable fit, and handy controls. Perfect for professionals!
check best priceSummary / TL;DR
The Jabra Evolve 40 UC headphones are designed for professionals who spend a lot of time on calls, offering an on-ear design, built-in microphone, and handy controls. The sleek black finish and red accents give it a professional look, while the materials strike a good balance between durability and comfort. The adjustable headband and soft leatherette ear cups provide a snug fit, although extended use might cause some discomfort due to warmth. The busy light feature minimizes interruptions, but the plastic parts can feel flimsy.
Comfort-wise, the headphones are light and the ear cushions are gentle, though the on-ear design may not be ideal for long periods. The discreet boom arm for the mic adds convenience. Sound quality is solid, with balanced audio suitable for calls and casual listening, though it lacks deep bass and full noise cancellation. The microphone performs well, offering clear voice transmission and effective noise-canceling technology, although it’s not perfect in noisy environments.
Connectivity options include a USB connection and a 3.5mm jack, making it easy to switch between devices. However, the lack of Bluetooth might be a downside for those who prefer wireless freedom. The inline control unit is functional but somewhat bulky. Battery life is not a concern as it’s a corded headset, eliminating the need for charging.
The package includes the headset, a 3.5mm jack, a USB controller, a carry pouch, and a quick start guide. The absence of a USB-C adapter might be inconvenient for some users. Overall, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC offers reliable performance, comfort, and sound quality, making it a solid choice for professional use, though it lacks some advanced features and wireless flexibility.
If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 or Jabra Evolve 20SE UC Stereo or Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex MS.
Introduction
Hey there! If you're in the market for a new pair of headphones that will elevate your work-from-home game, then you might be interested in the Jabra Evolve 40 UC. These headphones are designed specifically for professionals who spend a lot of time on calls and need something that offers clear sound and reliable connectivity. But do they really deliver on those promises? Let's find out!
First off, you can expect some top-notch features here. We're talking about an on-ear design, a built-in microphone, and even some handy controls right on the headphones themselves. But like any gadget, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There are a few quirks and potential downsides to be aware of.
So, buckle up as we dive into the nitty-gritty details of these headphones. Whether you’re a remote worker, a gamer, or just someone who loves to chat online, this review will help you figure out if the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is the right pick for you.
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Design and Build Quality
The Jabra Evolve 40 UC's design and build quality are definitely worth talking about. Right off the bat, the headset gives off a professional vibe with its sleek black finish and red accents. The materials feel high-quality, striking a good balance between durability and comfort.
The headband is adjustable, featuring a cushioned pad that sits comfortably on your head without digging in. The ear cups are made of soft leatherette, providing a snug fit that helps with noise isolation. The ear cups can also swivel, which adds to the overall comfort as they can adjust to the shape of your head. However, if you wear them for hours on end, you might find your ears getting a bit warm. One thing that's pretty nifty is the busy light on the side. This light lets people know when you're on a call, which is super helpful in a busy office environment. It’s a small feature, but it can make a big difference in minimizing interruptions.
The build quality is generally solid, though the plastic parts, like the headband, may feel a bit flimsy if you're rough with your gear. Still, they can withstand everyday use without any major issues. The collapsible design also makes it easy to tuck the headset into your bag for travel, although it doesn't fold completely flat. In summary, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC impresses with its professional look and feel, though a bit more sturdiness in the headband wouldn't hurt. It’s designed to be comfortable for long hours, but a little extra ventilation in the ear cups could go a long way.

Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort and fit, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC strikes a pretty good balance. The ear cushions are made from a soft, leather-like material that feels gentle against the ears. This is great for those long Zoom meetings or gaming sessions, where discomfort can sneak up on you. The headband is adjustable, and it has just enough padding to sit comfortably on your head without digging in. I do have to mention, though, that these headphones are on-ear rather than over-ear. This means they sit directly on your ears instead of encircling them. While that’s fine for short bursts of use, you might find them a bit pressuring if you wear them for hours on end.
For folks with larger ears, this can be a deal-breaker. The overall weight of the headphones is pleasantly light, which is a plus. You won't feel like you’re carrying around a brick on your head. This makes them great for travel or moving around the office. However, due to their lightweight design, they can feel a bit flimsy.
Another cool thing is the discreet boom arm for the mic. It can be tucked away when not in use, which is a nifty feature if you're switching between calls and listening to music. It doesn’t get in your way, adding to the overall convenience. In summary, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC offers a solid mix of comfort and practicality. Just keep in mind the on-ear design, especially if you need something for extended wear.

Sound Quality
When talking about sound quality, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is pretty impressive. The audio clarity is solid, especially for a headset designed primarily for calls. If you're using it for conversations, you'll definitely appreciate the crisp and clear voice transmission. Now, let’s get into the details.
The headset delivers balanced sound with a good mix of treble, midrange, and bass. While it might not blow you away like some high-end audiophile headphones, it holds its own with a well-rounded audio profile. Listening to music is enjoyable though it lacks that deep bass thump some might crave for genres like EDM or hip-hop.
The noise-cancelling feature is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s great for cutting out low-level office hum and background chatter, but don’t expect it to eliminate all distractions. It’s more of a passive noise reduction rather than full-on active noise cancellation.
For those who often switch between music and calls, the “busy light” feature is a blessing. It lights up when you're on a call, giving a visual cue to others that you don’t want to be disturbed. This is a small but smart addition that enhances the overall experience. However, if you're a gaming enthusiast or an audiophile, you might find the sound profile somewhat lacking in richness and depth. But for work calls, online meetings, and casual listening, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is a solid performer.
Microphone Performance
The microphone performance on the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is pretty solid. It's perfect for taking calls, whether you're in the office or working from home.
The mic features noise-canceling technology that does a great job of filtering out background noise. So, you can chat without worrying about your coworker's loud typing or the dog barking in the background. What makes this mic stand out is its clarity. Voices come through crisp and clear, almost as if you're talking face-to-face. This is especially useful for virtual meetings where clear communication is key. However, it's worth mentioning that the noise-canceling feature isn't perfect. If you're in a particularly noisy environment, some background noise might still sneak through. So, it’s not magic, but it’s close.
Also, the boom arm is flexible but not detachable. This could be a downside for those who like to switch their headset from work mode to casual listening mode quickly. You’ll have to live with the mic sticking out even when you’re just listening to music or a podcast. Overall, the microphone on the Jabra Evolve 40 UC delivers reliable performance for most professional settings, making it a dependable choice for clear and effective communication.

Connectivity and Compatibility
Connectivity and Compatibility The Jabra Evolve 40 UC has some solid options when it comes to staying connected. You can plug it directly into your computer using the USB connection, which is super handy for those long Zoom calls or work sessions. If you're more of a phone person, there's a 3.5mm jack that lets you hook it up to your smartphone or tablet. One thing I love is how easy it is to switch between devices. You can go from a Skype meeting on your laptop to a quick call on your phone without any hassle. It's almost like magic! Another cool feature is the inline control unit that lets you answer calls, adjust volume, and mute the mic. You don’t need to fiddle with your device every time.
However, it's worth noting that Bluetooth is missing. This might be a dealbreaker for those who prefer wireless freedom. It can feel like being tethered, especially if you’re used to moving around during calls. Compatibility-wise, it's designed to work with pretty much any platform. From Windows to Mac, and Android to iOS, this headset won't leave you hanging. It’s also certified for Skype for Business, which is great if that’s your go-to communication tool.
In a nutshell, while the Jabra Evolve 40 UC provides reliable wired connectivity and broad compatibility, the lack of Bluetooth might be a bummer for those who crave a bit more flexibility.
User Interface and Controls
The controls on the Jabra Evolve 40 UC are pretty straightforward and easy to get the hang of. You've got an in-line control unit that sits on the cord, which is super handy. This little unit lets you manage your calls and music without having to fumble around with your phone or computer.
Volume adjustment is a breeze with dedicated buttons for increasing and decreasing the sound level. There's also a button to mute/unmute the microphone, which is great for those unexpected interruptions when you're on a call. The buttons are tactile, giving a satisfying click, so you know when you've pressed them.
One of the features I appreciated was the answer/end call button. This makes it easy to pick up or hang up calls with a single press. However, it can sometimes be a bit finicky, requiring a more deliberate press to register. It's not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry.
The control unit also includes a useful busy light that indicates your status. This light turns red when you're on a call, signaling to others that you're occupied. It’s a small touch but can make a big difference in a busy office environment.
While the buttons are generally intuitive, the control unit is a bit bulky. If you're someone who likes a clean, minimalistic setup, it might feel a tad cumbersome. But considering the functionality it adds, it's a trade-off that many will find worth it.
Overall, the user interface and controls of the Jabra Evolve 40 UC offer a good balance between functionality and ease of use. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing reliable, straightforward controls for their headphones.

Battery Life and Charging
Battery life isn't something you typically worry about with the Jabra Evolve 40 UC because it's primarily a corded headset. Yup, no battery anxiety here! Simply plug it into your device via USB or the 3.5mm jack, and you're good to go for as long as you need. Charging isn’t much of a topic for this headset since it doesn't rely on an internal battery. It makes things pretty straightforward. Just plug and play! This can be a huge relief if you’re tired of constantly charging wireless devices. However, if you're someone who prefers a wireless lifestyle, this could be a bit of a downside.
There are no battery levels to fret over, but it also means you don’t have the freedom to move around untethered. Overall, the lack of battery and charging requirements might be a pro or con, depending on what you value most in your headphones. If you’re looking for a set-and-forget kind of deal, this headset fits the bill perfectly.
What's in the Box
So, what do you get when you crack open the box of the Jabra Evolve 40 UC? Let's take a look at the goodies inside.
- Headset: The main player here, of course, is the headset itself. It has a sleek design with a professional look that feels sturdy and well-built.
- 3.5mm Jack: This comes in handy if you want to go old-school and plug directly into your device without using USB or Bluetooth.
- USB Controller: This is more than just a USB connector. It includes inline controls like volume adjustment and call management buttons.
- Carry Pouch: A soft, fabric pouch to keep your headset and accessories safe and sound when you're on the move.
- Quick Start Guide: It's not a novel, but it will get you up and running quickly with basic setup instructions.
One little downside is that the package doesn’t include a USB-C adapter. If you're using a newer laptop or smartphone, you might need to grab one separately. Overall, the contents are pretty straightforward but practical, ensuring you have everything you need to start using the headset right away.
Conclusion
Conclusion Wrapping it all up, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is a solid choice for those needing a reliable headset for both work and casual use. Its standout features like the noise-cancelling microphone and comfortable fit make it a great companion for long hours of use. The sound quality is pretty impressive too, especially considering it's designed for professional settings more than for pure audio enjoyment. However, it's not without a few hiccups.
The wired connection might feel a bit old-school for those used to wireless freedom, and the lack of advanced features like active noise cancellation might be a downer for some. But, let's be real: if you're after a dependable headset that nails the basics and offers great mic performance, the Jabra Evolve 40 UC is definitely worth considering. It combines solid design, excellent comfort, and commendable sound quality in a package that's well-suited for everyday professional use.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Clear audio clarity
- Comfortable fit
- Noise-canceling mic
- Busy light indicator
- Inline control unit
Cons
- No Bluetooth
- On-ear design pressure
- Plastic parts feel flimsy
- Bulky control unit
Technical specifications
Brand | Jabra |
---|---|
Model | Evolve 40 UC |
Product Type | Wired Headset |
Connectivity | 3.5mm Jack, USB-A |
Compatibility | Unified Communications (UC) platforms |
Microphone | Noise-cancelling unidirectional ECM microphone |
Speaker Frequency Range | 70 Hz - 20 kHz |
Microphone Frequency Range | 100 Hz - 10 kHz |
Speaker Sensitivity | 93.6 dB SPL @ 1 kHz |
Microphone Sensitivity | -44 dB V/Pa |
Impedance | 32 Ohms |
Weight | 171 grams |
Dimensions | 186 x 157 x 60 mm |
Ear Cushion Material | Leatherette |
Certifications | Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Cisco, Avaya |
Inline Control Unit | Answer/end calls, volume control, mute |
Busylight | Integrated busylight on earcup |
Warranty | 2 years |
Color | Black |
Package Contents | Headset, USB controller, carry pouch, quick start guide |