Jabra Engage 55 Single Speaker Wireless DECT Headset

The term one trick pony is many times used to describe something that’s limited to only doing one thing. That’s one term that can’t be applied to the Jabra Engage 55, because there’s more to this headset than just one thing.

The Engage 55 connects to computers via a flexible USB adapter and it gives you many advantages you just can’t get with other wireless USB headsets.  

Keep reading to find out the many benefits you get when you buy a new Jabra Engage 55 wireless headset!

You can also watch our video review below that provides you with the details along with a microphone sound quality, and noise reduction test.

Or, you can continue reading. Each section is titled which makes it easy to scroll to the topics you’re most interested in, and skipping those you’re not.

Wireless Range That Goes The Distance (and then some)

Bluetooth headsets used with computers are generally designed to provide up to 100 feet of wireless range. When you factor in obstructions, you’ll probably get closer to 50-60 feet of usable range.

The Jabra Engage 55 is rated up to an amazing 490 feet. Even if you cut that range in half, that’s still nearly the length of a football field. Either way, you have far more walk and talk range compared to any Bluetooth headset. 

More range means more freedom of movement. So if you want to grab that cup of coffee, walk across the office to speak with a colleague, or go outside at home, you can do it all with the Engage 55.

Engage 55 Series Wearing Options

 

Whether you want to block out background noise, hear your surroundings, or have the choice of an on-ear, headband, or neckband wearing style, the Jabra Engage 55 lets you choose your style. 

Higher Level Call Security

We all want our calls to be secure, and we don’t want the content of our calls to get compromised. 

The good news is the Jabra Engage 55 is a DECT headset that gives you security above and beyond what you get from a typical Bluetooth headset. Utilizing the Link 400 USB adapter, the Engage 55 delivers FIPS military grade 256 bit encryption algorithms to prevent eavesdropping and keep your conversations secure. This level of security elevates it to exceed normal DECT Step C security. 

Flexible USB Adapter

Unlike standard USB adapters, the Jabra Link 400 USB adapter is flexible. This means you won’t worry about breaking it, especially when transporting your laptop because adapters are normally left plugged in while in transit. Here’s a quick animation of how the Link 400 looks, and flexes.

Sound Quality

Sounding professional while on your voice and video calls is highly important. You want your callers to hear you loud and clear, and you don’t want them to hear the sounds going on around you. 

The Engage 55 has you covered on both. 

You get a professional grade dual microphone ECM Uni-Directional and Analog MEMS system that guarantees you’ll sound great on your calls.  And because this microphone is noise canceling, you won’t have to worry about the noise around you. The distracting  sounds of coworkers, kids, dogs and more are all silenced giving you a better quality call.

 

Have a look at this very short, amusing video that helps to illustrate the noise cancelling feature on the Jabra Engage 55.

You won’t struggle to hear your callers either because the Engage 55 comes with professional sounding speakers, so you’ll hear everything with excellent clarity.

Busy Light

Interruptions can be disruptive. When you’re interrupted when on a call, you can easily lose your focus and concentration. Fortunately, there are busylights housed within the Evolve2 55 to help let others around you know when you’re on a call.

Here’s a 2 second video showing the busylight

Using the busylight you’ll have less interruptions which means less frustration and greater productivity.

All Day Comfort

We all want a great sounding headset, but we want one that’s comfortable. Comfort, with the Engage 55 starts with how light it is. Here’s how much each of the three models in the Engage 55 series weighs:

By headset standards, these weights are crazy light. That means whichever model you select you’re going to have one of the lightest headsets available today. And if you wear a headset for long periods of time, an Engage 55 headset is an excellent choice because you won’t end your day with discomfort, and looking for that bottle of pain reliever.

Less squeezing means less pressure

The Engage 55 headbands are designed to deliver a lower clamping force which means less pressure, and as a result, more comfort. Adding to the lightweight, and less pressure design, soft ear cushions, and adjustable headband, you have the makings of a very comfortable headset. And if you’re on calls all day, comfort really matters!

All Day Battery

The Jabra Engage 55 is a wireless headset, and because of that, it uses a rechargeable internal battery. Below you’ll find the battery details on all three Engage 55 models.

When you stop to compare these numbers to what many Bluetooth headsets offer, you’ll quickly see these are on the low end of battery life. But you need to keep in mind that it takes more power to provide the longer wireless range. Also, at 9-13 hours of talk time, that’s enough to power anyone through even the busiest of days. 

Most people will get 2-3 days of use before a recharge is needed because they don’t spend a full 8 hours on calls. So though the Engage 55 battery is less than many Bluetooth headset batteries, you’ll find it to be sufficient for getting the job done.

Optional charging stand

For added convenience, the Jabra Engage 55 has an optional charge stand available. This gives you a place to dock your headset when not in use, and it charges the headset at the same time. Without the charging stand you’d recharge the battery using the included charge cable.

Wired or wireless – your choice

When the headset is plugged in for a recharge, you can continue using it as a wired headset. This means you have zero downtime. When other headsets keep you waiting, the Engage 55 keeps you talking.

Replaceable battery?

What happens when the battery will no longer hold a charge? Can you replace the battery yourself, or do you need to buy a replacement headset? Here’s what you need to know on that.

Customer replaceable battery?

In time, every battery will need replacing 

Eventually, every headset battery will experience diminished performance. What starts out with 20 hours of battery life, over time, will reduce to a number far lower until it will only hold a charge for a few minutes. 

For headsets with replaceable batteries, you can replace it yourself, like with the Engage 55 mono and duo.

In the case of the convertible model, you’ll be required to order a replacement headset top. But, you should expect to receive 2 or more years before a battery, or earpiece replacement would be required. Something to keep in mind as you’re deciding on which of these headsets is best for you.

Sidetone Adjustment

Sidetone is one of those headset features that seldom gets talked about, but it plays an important role.

Being able to hear your voice in the headset speakers allows you to regulate your voice volume. The Jabra Engage 55 has built in sidetone, and you can adjust that sidetone through the free Jabra software. So whether the amount of sidetone out of the box is perfect for you or not, you have the ability to fine tune it so it’s right for you.

Compatibility 

What you can use it with

You can use a Jabra Engage 55 with desktop, and laptop computers. It’s not designed to be used with desk phones, or mobile phones. If you need a headset for those devices, Jabra makes a number of great options you can consider.

How it connects

The Engage 55 headsets connects to computers via the included Jabra Link 400 USB adapter, and it’s available in USB-A, or USB-C connectors.

If you need a headset for voice and video calls using one of the many popular UC software apps, the Engage 55 is a great headset to consider.

The different ordering options

Connectivity to UC Apps

The Engage 55 is certified for use with Google Meet, Works With Chromebook, Zoom and more, while the Teams model is certified for use with Microsoft Teams. And while on the subject of certifications and software, the Engage 55 features and performance is enhanced through the use of free, downloadable Jabra software.

Software 

There are a couple of free Jabra software downloads that you’ll want to consider if a new Jabra Engage 55 is on your shopping list. You’ll be amazed at all the features and functionality that’s available at your fingertips for getting the most out of your Jabra headset.

Jabra Xpress,

And Jabra Direct 

These software downloads help to keep your Engage 55 operating at its best. Through the software, you’ll have instant access to firmware updates, feature controls, and even visibility, control and user data across your entire Jabra products population. All done from the convenience of your desktop.

Accessories

Whether you purchase an Engage 55 wireless headset that’s worn over the head, on the ear, or behind the neck, there are replacement accesories available to purchase. Below is a summary of those accessories.

Tech Specs

Misc Info
What’s in the box – Mono & Duo	Headset, USB adapter, USB cable, travel pouch, safety information and warranty
What’s in the box – Convertible	Headset with ear hook, USB adapter, USB cable, travel pouch, safety information and warranty, headband, neckband, and eargels
Form factor – Duo & Mono	on-ear headband
Form factor – Convertible	Convertible – earhook, headband or neckband
Variants	Microsoft Teams or UC
Headset Weight – Duo	83g | 2.93oz
Headset Weight – Mono	57g | 2.01oz
Headset Weight – Convertible	21g | 0.63oz
Integrated busylights	Yes. Busylight acts as a do-not-disturb sign to prevent interruptions
Warranty	1 year USA – 2 years outside the U.S.
Call management	Yes. Answer/reject calls; increase/decrease speaker volume; mute
Audio
Speaker bandwidth (music mode)	40Hz – 16000Hz
Speaker bandwidth (speak mode)	150Hz – 6800Hz
Stereo sound	Yes, duo model only
Microphone type – Mono & Duo models	Dual Microphone – ECM Uni-Directional and Analog MEMS system
Microphone type – Convertible model	ECM Uni-Directional Microphone
Microphone bandwidth	100Hz – 7300Hz
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	No
HearThrough feature	No
Sidetone	Yes
User hearing protection	PeakStop™, Jabra SafeTone™ 2.0, EU noise at work, G616, OSHA
Certifications	Amazon Chime, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams (SKU specific), Works With Chromebook* and Zoom
Connectivity
Connection to computer	USB-A or USB-C
Wireless technology used	DECT – for higher security and longer range.
Connectivity to smartphone or tablet	No
Device pairing	Pair a single headset to your computer. Conference in up to an additional 3 headsets on calls
Operating range	Up to 150m | 490ft line of sight
Security	Secure DECT level  C. Uses FIPS 140-2 algorithms to exceed DECT Security Step C standards
Battery
Battery type	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Talk time (with busylight off) Duo & Mono	Up to 13 hours
Talk time (with busylight off) Convertible	Up to 9 hours
Sleep mode	Yes
Customer replaceable battery	Mono & Duo, yes. Convertible, no
Spare battery available	Yes, for mono and duo models
Software
Compatible software and/or apps	Jabra Direct, Jabra Xpress Jabra Direct is available for Windows and Mac. Jabra Xpress is available for Windows only.
Certifications	Microsoft Teams certified. Meets the Premium Microphone for Open Office standard (stereo and mono variants)

  

FAQ’s

Q: Can I connect my Jabra Engage 55 to a tablet or a smartphone?

A: No. The Engage 55 is solely designed for use with computers. In order to get connected to those devices, you will need to select a different Jabra model such as the Evolve2 75 or 85 for example.

Q: What are the different wearing styles available for the Engage 55?

A: You can select from an over the head, double or single ear model, or one that switches between an earpiece, headband style covering one ear, and neckband.

Q: How long does the battery last on the Jabra Engage 55?

A: The mono and duo models have a battery that’s rated up to 13 hours. The convertible model has a battery rated up to 9 hours.

Q: How far can I walk away from my computer while on a call?

A: The Jabra Engage 55 is rated up to 490 feet , or 150 meters of wireless range. Compared to Bluetooth headsets that offer up to 100 feet, it’s easy to see the advantage of the Engage 55.

Q: Does the Jabra Engage 55 remove background noise?

A: Yes, it comes withh a professiional sounding microphone to keep you sounding professional, but it also removes unwanted background noise.

Q: Is the Jabra Engage 55 a comfortable headset to wear?

A:  Absolutely. Starting with the weight of this headset, you’ll find it to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable. All three wearing styles weigh less than comparable models which helps this headset to be worn all day comfortably. Pain relievers optional.

Q: What are the benefits of a DECT headset, like the Engage 55, compared to Bluetooth?

A: One of the big differences is the gains in wireless range. The Engage 55 is rated up to 490 feet which is amazing. Bluetooth headsets typically provide “up to” 100 feet, normally less. The other thing is call security. The Engage 55 exceeds DECT level C security requirements by going full-on military grade 256 bit digial encryption. 

Q: Can I answer incoming calls when I’m away from my desk with the Engage 55?

A:  Yes, when you’re using call software that the Engage 55 is optimized for use with such as with Microsoft Teams. To find out if your specific UC software will  give you remote call control when using the Engage 55, reach out to us here at Headset Advisor and one of our experts Advisors will let you know.

Q: Can I use my other Jabra USB adapters with the Engage 55 if I lose the one that comes with the headset?

A: No. The Jabra Link 400 is pre-paired to the headset for plug-and-play convenience.

Q: How is the sound quallity on the Jabra Engage 55?

A:  Excellent. The ear speakers are tuned for speech clarity which helps to make hearing everything on your calls clear. And, the microphone wideband audio gives your callers a very professional sound.

Q: What makes the Link 400 different from other Jabra USB adapters?

A:  First, it’s pre-paired to the Engage 55, but purely from a physical point of view, the Link 400 is made up of a USB plug, a flexible, rubber extension that connects to a small round  disc. It looks different from ordinary USB adapters because it’s the brains that controls the Engage 55.

Q: If I’m using a Mac can I use the Engage 55?

A: Yes. The Engage 55 is compatible with Windows and Mac devices.

Q: What’s the warranty for the Engage 55?

A: In the U.S.A. the warranty is 1-year. Other countries it’s 2-years.

Q: Is the battery replaceable in the Engage 55?

A: Yes, and no. Yes if you select the mono or stereo model, and no if you choose the convertible.

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Double ear headset isn’t what you’re looking for? How about one of these?

Prefer a double ear speaker? Check out the Engage 55 Stereo headset here

Prefer a convertible wearing style? Check out the Engage 55 convertible here 

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Resources

 

Downloads

Check your Jabra warranty here

Jabra Engage 55 datasheet

How to change the battery (includes images)

Tech sheet on the Engage 55

Jabra Engage 55 user manual

Videos

Jabra Engage 55 product overview video

How to connect your Jabra Engage 55, and get the best performance video

Jabra Engage 55 wireless range demo video

Jabra Engage 55 noise cancellation demo video