voyager 2 poly

Poly Voyager Focus 2 review: pro headset has clear voice, surprise oomph

This voice-focused anc headset brings an unexpected depth to music audio..

Our Verdict

If it wasn't for the call-centre mic wand hanging off one earcup, the Poly Voyager Focus 2 would be a great set of headphones to take out and about, rather than being confined to an office setting. Voice sound quality is predictably excellent, and the noise-cancellation is first-rate too, but the real surprise is the deep, wide music sound range. It might skew a little too bassy for purists, but the light build alleviates any discomfort fears by the on-ear cups, giving you hours of immersive audio with good communication integration too.

• Surprisingly deep sound
• First-rate ANC
• Good voice audio performance
• Mic wand consigns it to the office
• Not the sturdiest build

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

• Design & build
• Features & performance
• Should I buy it?

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset surprised me. Arriving in a nondescript cardboard box (a commendable move by Poly/HP to make packaging more eco-friendly), I didn't expect much beyond your regular call-centre headset, with its thin build, on-ear cups (rather than over-ear ones), and that customer-service-like mic wand attached to the left cup (or right? There's no labelling to indicate which way to orient the set). 

But while they may not top our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones , I came away mightily impressed and surprised after my few weeks with them, by not just the focus-enhancing noise-cancellation on offer, but the depth of the sound quality across music genres too. If it wasn't for that mic wand making me self-conscious, I'd happily wear it out and about for general use...

Poly Voyager Focus 2 review: Key specifications

Poly voyager focus 2 review: design and build.

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is not a traditional pair of headphones. Instead, this is a teleconference-focused headset, with a mic boom/wand attached to one earcup and traditional-looking on-ear cushions (as opposed to the headphone-like Voyager 8200 UC we reviewed just before the new year, which have larger over-ear cushions). 

The headband is much narrower too, with a flexing thin metallic band rising above the cushioned faux leather that conforms to your head shape. It's overall a much more lightweight construction, and it weighs a lot less than the 8200, at only 175 grams in total, through a combination of plastics, light metal and faux leather. The headband metal is matte grey while the rest of the set is black.

Similarly to the 8200, though, there is a lot of clever innovation built into the headset. One cup includes volume control and a play/pause buttons, depending on where you press it, while the other one can answer and hang up on phone calls via a simple press. 

There's an on/off/Bluetooth switch, which if you press it slightly further up, puts the set into pairing mode, and there's one other switch, which toggles between ANC being off and in one of two intensity modes. 

The padding on the earcups is soft and very comfortable to wear, but as is the case with most on-ear headphones in my experience, you do feel your ears getting slightly hot after a couple of hours of wear. Also, as I wear glasses most of the time, the cushions press ever-so-slightly on the temples. What counters potential discomfort is the lightweight build and the ample flex in the headband, which keeps the touch light.  

Unlike the Voyager 8200 UC, there is a mic wand on the Focus 2, which can be rotated up and down, and is made from lightweight plastic, with the microphone built into both sides of the boom, so you can rotate the headset to have the mic on either your right or left ear without affecting the voice pickup by the mics.

A slight downside to the lightweight build is that I always felt a little scared I'd break something, as there's quite a lot of wobble and flex, although that may just have been me paranoid about breaking an expensive loan unit...

Poly Voyager Focus 2 review: Features and audio performance

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 comes with a host of smart features that you'll also find on board the 8200 UC, including two-step digital hybrid active noise cancellation, voice-clarity tech for videoconferencing and phone calls and multiple MEMS mics to deliver your voice clearly to your recipients.

There are also nifty features like auto-muting the mic wand by simply pointing it upwards, and if your connected phone rings while you're not wearing the headset, simply putting it on answers the call. The same applies to music playback; taking the headset off will pause your music (or film), whether it's Spotify, your phone's media player, a video-streaming app or BBC Sounds on your internet browser, and reapplying it will resume playback. 

While the active noise-cancellation in the 8200 UC disappointed me slightly, I found the ANC performance here more satisfying. Yes, I could still hear my fingers clacking away on my very clacky keyboard, but it filters out most environmental sounds without feeling like I've got blocked ears. With no over-ear cushioning, the effect is reduced slightly, but even so, it was on par with many purpose-built ANC headphones. 

As expected from a triple-figure teleconferencing headset, the voice quality during phone calls and video calls on my PC was predictably excellent, with clear voices coming my way, even with multiple participants, and no complaints over my voice going the other way. 

What did surprise me was the quality of non-voice audio, i.e. music and cinema. I found the Focus 2 headset to have a fantastic depth to the sound, with more bass than expected while retaining very decent mids and highs. It's not quite at the level of studio-quality headphones (the frequency response isn't quite as wide), but it gets impressively close. 

The Bluetooth connectivity is fairly straightforward, and the headset links up almost immediately once it's been paired to a device once. You can connect to two devices simultaneously, so I had it hooked up to my phone and my laptop at the same time. When a phone call came in, it would pause music playback on the laptop automagically, although I did have to press play manually once I'd hung up on the colleague/family member/scam caller in question.

Battery life is very competitive too, with 40 hours of playback quoted with ANC off, and up to 24 hours with it on. The presence of the charging stand also means the battery stays topped up, so I never got any 'range anxiety' from the battery. 

Speaking of range anxiety, the Bluetooth connection is quoted to reach up to 50 metres, much more than the usual 10 you see on most headphones and earbuds. That makes this headset ideal for large offices. I didn't test the outer limits of this claim, but travelling around my home and garden didn't present the headset with any challenges, even when confronted with a few walls and about 15 metres in between my laptop and my head. 

Poly Voyager Focus 2 review: Price

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is a premium headset, so it comes with a premium asking price, or $247.99 in the US and £229.99 in the UK. Thankfully, there are frequent discounts available, both on HP/Poly's own sales portal and with third-party sellers like Amazon, so do shop around for this one and you should be able to score a pair for a figure starting with 1, at least.

Should I buy the Poly Voyager Focus 2?

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is not a 'casual' headset, and the maker acknowledges that themselves, describing it as ideal for 'professionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments looking for a premium solution'. If you fall within that crowd, or you're making a purchase decision for employees who fit that description, they will be worth the substantial outlay. Providing clear voice audio, they also give you a music/cinema sound quality you won't find in many other mic-boom teleconferencing headsets. Of course, the price tag reflects that, and if you like your headset on the sturdier side, you may need to look elsewhere, but if you have a nimble touch (and enough money), the Poly Voyager Focus 2 will do quite nicely, thank you.

Erlingur is the Tech Reviews Editor on Creative Bloq. Having worked on magazines devoted to Photoshop, films, history, and science for over 15 years, as well as working on Digital Camera World and Top Ten Reviews in more recent times, Erlingur has developed a passion for finding tech that helps people do their job, whatever it may be. He loves putting things to the test and seeing if they're all hyped up to be, to make sure people are getting what they're promised. Still can't get his wifi-only printer to connect to his computer. 

Voyager Focus 2 UC USB C with charge stand

We couldn't build a wall around you to block out background noise, so we did the next best thing: we created a "focus zone" with the new Voyager Focus 2 headset. All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you with our pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology. It's all the Poly next-level engineering you expect with the wear-it-all-day comfort you need. Connect to a computer with the included BT700 USB adapter and to a mobile via Bluetooth v5.1.

Monthly financing options available in shopping cart with qualifying order. Terms and conditions may apply Learn more

3 Levels of hybrid active noise cancellation

Experience our best ever acoustic excellence. Loud and distracting background is just gone with 3-levels of advanced digital hybrid ANC. With this headset, you’re ready to have the most critical conversations with confidence.

They'll hear what they're meant to hear

It’s you – loud and clear. That’s all callers hear. The discreet microphone boom on the Voyager Focus 2 is not only ultra-noise canceling but, with its multiple microphone Acoustic Fence technology, it literally creates a virtual noise-free bubble in front of your mouth. It’s so good it even meets the Microsoft Teams Open Office premium microphone requirements. The focus stays on you, right where it belongs.

Comfort that's easy on the ears and easy on your head

Stay engaged during a full day of calls wearing an ultra-comfortable headband with super cushioned sling and plush ear cushions. The Voyager Focus 2 is designed with you in mind-stay focused and productive all day.

• Voyager Focus 2 UC: Headset, BT700 Bluetooth USB adapter, travel case, charge stand included with certain models
• Voyager Focus 2 Office: Headset; Office base for connection to desk phone, computer and mobile; travel case

2 Year manufacturer limited hardware warranty

• Talk time: up to 19 hours
• Listening time: up to 40 hours
• Charge time: about 2 hours to full charge
• Standby time: up to 30 days
• Voyager Focus 2 UC: up to 50 m / 164 ft
• Voyager Focus 2 Office: up to 91 m / 300 ft
• Voyager Focus 2 UC: PC and mobile
• Voyager Focus 2 Office: desk phone, PC and mobile

Advanced digital hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) with three options, Stereo sound

Answer/hang-up, mute

Noise-canceling microphone with Poly Acoustic Fence technology, Certified under Microsoft Teams premium microphone category for open office headsets

• Support Home
• Printer Support
• Computer Support
• Poly Collaboration Devices
• Ink & Toner Cartridges
• Software and Drivers
• Printer Diagonostic Tools
• Computer Diagnostic Tools
• Windows Support
• Print and Scan Doctor
• HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
• Create a new case
• Find an existing case
• Manage contracts and warranties
• Register an account
• MyHPSupport Help
• Security Bulletins
• Support Dashboard
• HP Account benefits

Voyager FOCUS2 series

• Back of product
• Under the battery
• For laptops, press  Fn + Esc
• For desktops, press Ctrl + Alt + s
• For Chromebooks, on the sign in screen, press Alt + v
• On the barcode

Manuals and guides in PDF format

Related documents and videos, product specifications, support options, search our knowledge library.

• Audio / Visual
• Networking & Smart Home
• Gaming Consoles
• Reviews Archives
• Pulse Awards – Editor’s Choice
• New Product Pressers
• Industry News
• News Archives

Select Page

Poly Voyager Focus 2: If it ain’t broke, improve it anyway!

Posted by Chris Buckley | Nov 24, 2021 | Audio / Visual | 0

Poly Voyager Focus 2

With hybrid work now the new normal (that is, working from just about anywhere), there is a huge need for technology to be able to shut out the world around us for a time and allow us to work in a little bubble; to create a space where we can work distraction-free.

We see it with virtual backgrounds in our web meetings and advanced headsets like  the Poly Voyager Focus 2  that both actively cancel out noisy environments for us and fellow participants when on a call.

Poly says Voyager Focus 2 comes with a host of revisions that improve the formula that made its predecessor so good. So let’s dive in and check it out.

Design & Comfort.

I’m generally a fan of the Voyager Focus 2 when it comes to design. It’s very light, compact and feels quite sturdy. The headband is a flexible metal and there is a nice mix of matt and textured plastics. Thankfully, the glossy plastic is only on the dock as it does have the tendency to show fingerprints.

My last two weeks have been spent flying on business with nothing more than a tightly packed messenger bag that included a five hundred page novel, Laptop, Travel Headphones and the Voyager 2’s bundled in a nifty neoprene carry bag. Safe to say, they’ve lived to tell the tale.

However, the Voyager Focus 2 loses a point for the micro USB charging socket; I think micro USB has run its course, and it would be nice to see USB-C adopted.

Poly’s formula for comfort was a standout in its previous model, and that hasn’t changed. If it ain’t broke, right? The headphone pads are soft, cool to the touch and breathable. I was able to comfortably wear them for hours at a time without feeling the need to take them off.

Technology & Usability

The Voyager Focus 2 hasn’t been left wanting for technology either. There is a raft of new features which improve connectivity, battery life and user experience.

As we’ve come to expect with Poly, it’s so simple to set up. Plug the included BT700 dongle in, turn on the Voyager Focus 2, and your PC will take care of the rest with setting up complete in under 10 seconds. With native support for all the major collaboration platforms out there such as Teams and Webex, you’ll be up and running before you know it. If you do get stuck, there is a quick reference guide card complete with a Q code link.

Bluetooth 5.1 has been introduced, offering improved transmission speeds and sound quality. It also lowers energy consumption and increases range.

Poly has also beefed up the battery life, meaning you’ll get up to 19 hours of use off one two hour charge and about 40 hours of listening time if you’re using it for media like music.

In addition to this, Poly’s propeller heads have introduced a suite of acoustic aids and sensors which they combine to call the “focus zone”. It entails three levels of active noise cancelling, acoustic fence technology (suppresses background noise for your listeners), and dynamic mute alert that lets you know if you’re speaking while muted. Other human-centred engineering features include the ability to answer a call by just placing the headset on your head. You can place them on mute by simply putting them back down on the table or swivelling the microphone boom back to the vertical. Beautiful.

The only minor bugbear was the ability to pause what you’re listening to when putting the headset down. There is a delay of a few seconds, so you may find yourself having to rewind five or so seconds to get that detail back.

Another feature that Poly has considered is a “do not disturb” light that flashes when you’re on a call to let others know not to interrupt you. It sounds like an excellent idea in principle, but how do people around you know what the flashing light means? You may need to put up a sign at your cubical that says, “if the light is a flashin’, don’t come to a’knockin'” or something to that effect.

Sound Quality: Calls

Once you’ve used a headset like the Voyager Focus 2, you’ll wonder how you worked without it. It really does make life easier, switching on full active noise cancelling in a noisy office environment almost teleports you into a closed meeting room, it’s that effective.

The voice clarity is clear and lifelike. The quality of the microphone too, did well to suppress the noisy office environment with my colleague’s feedback

Sound Quality: Media

The Voyager Focus 2 surprised me on this test, particularly with music.

Given that audiophile-grade sound probably wasn’t a primary goal when the engineers set out to design this headset, they’ve done an outstanding job tuning them for a wide range of music. For this test, I listened to Sons Of The East’s “You Might Think” and several tracks from the No Time Die soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.

The soundstage is impressive, and there is no distortion across the range. Hans Zimmer uses rumbling bass effects in many of his tracks, and the Voyager Focus 2 didn’t break a sweat. Harmonica and Acoustic Guitar feature heavily in “You Might Think” from Sons Of The East, and Voyager Focus 2 lets those instruments in the higher frequency range shine. There is a good separation between the instruments and vocals to create an excellent listening experience- a good portion of detail and no muddiness. This was not what I expected for a headset that’s primary purpose is web meetings—props to the engineers at Poly for not neglecting this. I wouldn’t feel like I was losing out by using these just out of convenience as a music lover. Couple this sound quality with the active noise cancelling, and you can happily disappear for hours into your work in a bubble of serenity. Just be forewarned; if you’re working from home with your spouse in the house, let them know you’re not ignoring them; it’s just that the active noise cancelling on the Voyager Focus 2 is pretty darn good. If it’s this good with music, it goes without saying that it’s good with other forms of media too.

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 strikes an excellent balance between work and play, which is fitting given the seismic shift in how many of us will work moving into the future. The battery life is strong, and as mentioned, the sound quality and active noise cancelling en pointe.

Is this a headset I would recommend? Yes. Is it one I would buy? Yes- it’s on the shopping list, actually. Don’t forget to chat to your tax accountant about claiming it back for work use!

Many thanks to Poly for the loan of the Poly Voyager Focus 2 for this review!

Like what you read? Feel free to share!

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Other posts that may be of interest

No related posts.

About The Author

Chris Buckley

Chris is a mixed bag. Actor, TV and radio presenter, drummer, specialist in the IT sector, lover of tech and audio, reviewer of whisky, and proud father. Find out more about Chris.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from Digital Reviews Network

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Request Quote
• FREE Buyers Guide
• Headset Compatibility Guides
• Headsets 101 Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions

1-800-914-7996

$100 Minimum Order - No Returns

• Multi Connectivity
• Office Phones
• Computers & Phones w/ USB ports
• Microsoft Teams Certified
• Cell Phone Bluetooth Headsets
• Office Phones using QD
• Cables & Amplifiers
• Poly Headsets (Plantronics)
• Jabra Headsets
• Yealink Headsets
• Logitech Headsets
• EPOS Headsets
• Poly (Polycom) IP Phones
• Yealink IP Phones
• Teams Desk Phones
• Zoom Desk Phones
• Office & Contact Center
• 911 Center | Dispatch
• Conferencing
• Speakerphones for Conference Calls
• Cameras | Webcams
• EHS Cables/Lifters
• Wired Headset Cables & Amplifiers
• Wireless Headset Accessories
• Wired Headset Accessories
• Computer Headset Accessories
• Cell Phone Headset Accessories
• A/V Accessories

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset (w/Stand)

$ 219.98

• Same Day Shipping

Voyager Focus 2 UC Wireless Headset (w/Stand):

• Connect to PC/Mac and mobile phones
• All day use with 19 Hours Talk-Time
• Up to 164 feet of range and  weighing 175 grams
• Noise Canceling in microphone and speakers
• Desk phone compatible w/ Voyager Office Base (see below)
• Support Sold Separately – See Below

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset (w/Stand) may also need...

• Description
• Additional information
• Reviews (3)
• What Makes Headsets Direct Different?

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Bluetooth Headset (w/Stand)

We couldn’t build a wall around you to block out background noise, so we did the next best thing: created a “focus zone” with the new Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC w/stand headset. All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you with our pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology.

And while you’re thinking about your call, it’s thinking for you, alerting you so you never again have to say, “Oops, I forgot I’m on mute.” Heck, just put on the headset and it automatically answers the call for you. It’s all the Poly next -level engineering you expect with the wear-it -all-day comfort you need.

Your Focus Zone

3 LEVELS OF HYBRID ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION:  Experience acoustic excellence others can’t touch. Loud and distracting background is just gone with 3-levels of advanced digital hybrid ANC. With this headset, you’re ready to have the most critical conversations with confidence.

Noise Is All Around Us

According to a recent survey in 2020*, 94% of workers experience some form of ambient noise during calls. This is an increase from 71% of workers in 2017.  Noise not only impacts a user’s ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand, but without a good quality noise-canceling microphone it also impacts other participants on conference calls.

Poly’s headsets are used in the most demanding environments where clear audio is critical, such as emergency dispatch and command and control applications.

When considering noise canceling headsets it’s important to note that different technology is used to reduce noise for the headset wearer and hence acts on the receive side (typically this is active noise canceling) compared to noise canceling for the far end, which acts on the microphone (transmitting) side.

*Persona Research October 2020 Factworks

Understanding Background Noise and Noise Canceling Technologies:

Receive Noise Reduction

Passive noise reduction.

The simplest form of receive noise reduction comes from the fact any stereo headset provides a physical barrier to the ear canals and hence reduces the level of audio that can be heard.

The amount of noise reduction will depend on may factors for example a headset, such as the Voyager 8200 UC , or Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset (w/stand) that covers the ear completely provides better noise reduction compared to one that sits on the ear. Leatherette ear cushions provide a greater acoustic seal to the ear and will provide better noise reduction compared to foam ear cushions.

Headsets with earbuds that sit inside the ear, such as the Voyager 6200 UC , provide a greater isolation from external sounds.  An advantage of the Voyager 6200 UC headset is that it can still be used with one ear bud removed allowing users to still hear what’s going on around them.

Active Noise Reduction

For greater noise reduction passive noise isolation can be combined with active noise cancellation. Poly offers one of the largest range of Active Noise Canceling headsets in the market.

There are three types of ANC:

• Feedback ANC:  With Feedback ANC microphones are placed inside the ear cup and monitor what the user hears.
• Feed-forward ANC:  Feed-forward ANC is rarely used on its own in headsets as the ANC microphones are placed outside the ear cup and monitor the background noise making it sensitive to wind noise, etc.
• Hybrid ANC:  ANC microphones are placed both inside and outside the ear cup (requires 2x more microphones compared to feedback ANC) and monitors both what the user hears and the background noise.

Transmission Noise Reduction

Noise canceling microphone.

To ensure that background noise is not picked up by the headset microphone, which could interrupt the call, many Poly headsets include noise canceling microphone booms. These booms include a special directional microphone that picks up sound in a specific pattern that is focused towards the user’s mouth.

Sounds that come from all directions, such as background noise, are picked up with less amplitude and therefore are heard by the far end at a reduced level.

To provide the best noise reduction the optimum position for a noise canceling microphone boom is directly in front of the user’s mouth.  Since this can be distracting to the user, as its in their eye-line, a compromise is made so that the microphone boom is typically located at the corner of the mouth.

The microphone booms can be bent so that the microphone is in the correct position. For the Poly EncorePro 700 Series an extendable microphone boom is used to provide the best placement.

Close Conversation Limiting

Using proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Poly can further reduce any transmit noise. The Poly Savi 8200 Series use a noise canceling microphone boom plus a feature called close conversation limiting, which is designed to reduce the level of nearby conversations. The actual level of noise reduction can be configured via Poly software.

Discrete Microphone Boom

The Voyager 5200 UC , designed as an on-the-go product, includes a discrete microphone boom that is great for indoor or outdoor use. Windsmart® technology and a unique DSP is used to reduce disruptive wind noise for outdoor use.

Boomless Design Noise Canceling

For products without a microphone boom such as the Voyager 6200 UC and Voyager 8200 UC , four microphones are used along with beam-forming technology to focus on the user’s voice while minimizing background noise.

Poly Acoustic Fence Technology

Transmit noise reduction can be enhanced when additional, physically separated microphones are added, such as those on Poly headsets with Acoustic Fence technology.

Single additional microphone

Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology, as found in the Blackwire 8225 , uses a long noise canceling microphone boom with an additional microphone located on the ear cup.  This additional microphone picks up the background noise and using DSP this noise is minimized from the user’s voice.

Multiple additional microphones

The Voyager Focus 2 provides even greater transmit noise reduction despite its shorter microphone boom.

In this implementation Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology uses four microphones in total, two microphones on the boom and one on each ear cup, to create a virtual pick up bubble focused at the front of the user’s mouth. Anything outside of this bubble (typically noise) is ignored.

Crystal Clear Conversations

THEY’LL HEAR WHAT THEY’RE MEANT TO HEAR:  It’s you – loud and clear. That’s all callers hear. The discreet microphone boom on the Voyager Focus 2 is not only ultra-noise canceling but, with its multiple microphone Acoustic Fence technology, literally creates a virtual noise-free bubble in front of your mouth.

It’s so good it even meets the Microsoft Teams Open Office premium microphone requirements. The focus stays on you, right where it belongs.

Wear It Like It’s Not Even There

COMFORT THAT’S EASY ON THE EARS AND EASY ON YOUR HEAD:  Stay engaged during a full day of calls wearing an ultra-comfortable headband with super cushioned sling and plush ear cushions. The Voyager Focus 2 is designed with you in mind – stay focused and productive all day.

Work The Way You Want

STAY CONNECTED AND POWERED UP ALL DAY:  With up to 19 hours of talk time it lasts all day. If you need more just plug it in and use as a corded headset.

Voyager Focus2 UC: Connect to a computer with the included new BT700 USB adapter for improved wireless range. Or connect to your mobile via Bluetooth v5.1.

Built For Compatibility

All Poly USB headsets and personal speakerphones are compatible with the most popular voice platforms – we just work. Poly solutions provide excellent audio quality for both you and those on the other end of the call – no matter your platform of choice.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset w/Stand Specifications:

Connects to.

• Voyager Focus 2 UC: PC via included BT700 Bluetooth adapter or via USB cable; smartphone via Bluetooth

Recommended For

• Professionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments
• Bluetooth v5.1
• Multipoint connectivity, headset connects to two devices at the same time, remembers up to 8 devices
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
• Range for Voyager Focus 2 UC: up to 50 m/164 ft
• Connect to PC via included micro USB cable with audio over USB mode
• Battery Capacity: 560mAh
• Battery Type: lithium ion
• Talk time: up to 19 hours (ANC off) – up to 16 hours (ANC On)
• Listening Time: up to 40 hours (ANC Off) – up to 24 hours (ANC On)
• Charge time: 2 hours for a full charge • Standby time: up to 30 days

Receive Frequency Response

• Dynamic EQ optimized for PC wideband voice telephony up to 7 kHz or for multimedia 20 Hz to 20 kHz

ANC Technology

• Digital Hybrid ANC using two digital MEMS microphones and 2 analog ECM microphones with three user settings (Off/low/high)

Smart Sensors

• Answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music

Hearing Protection

• SoundGuard DIGITAL: G616 support limits the level to 102 dBSPL; Time-weighted average prevents average daily noise exposure from exceeding 85dBA*

Microphone and Technology

• Discrete noise canceling boom with Acoustic Fence technology to Microsoft Teams Open Office Premium microphone
• Smart discrete microphone boom: wear on either side and maintain location of R/L stereo. Rotate boom up to mute and down to unmute

Headset Controls and Lights

• Call answer/end, mute, volume +/-, power ON/OFF/PAIRING, ANC: Off, low, high
• Online Indicator – Two LED indicators on speaker housing shows in a call status

Headset Base Controls

• Voyager Focus UC with Charge Stand: Desk charger only

Headset Weight

• 175 g/.38 lbs

Accessories (Included)

• Voyager Focus 2 UC with Charge Stand: Carry Case, BT700 USB adapter, charging cable and charging base

Manageability

• Cloud: Poly Lens service
• Local (Windows/Mac): Poly Lens Desktop App, (some solutions sold separately)

Certification

• Microsoft Teams (Teams version only)
• 2-year limited warranty included

*Requires Poly Lens Desktop App to enable SoundGuard DIGITAL features.

HP Variations

• SKU: 9T9J5AA#AC3
• Formerly: 77Y89AA (197029610010) & 77Y86AA (197029609984)

Former Poly Variations

• SKU: 213727-01
• UPC: 0017229166738
• SKU: 214433-01
• UPC: 0017229171879

Microsoft Teams Version

• SKU: 9T9J4AA#AC3
• Formerly: 77Y90AA (197029610027) & 77Y87AA (197029609991)
• SKU: 213727-02
• UPC: 0017229171794
• SKU: 214433-02
• UPC: 0017229171886

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset w/Stand Features

• Adjust noise canceling level for your personal preference with three options of Advanced Digital Hybrid active noise canceling (ANC)—high, low and off.
• Callers  hear  you, not your surroundings, with advanced  multiple-microphone noise  canceling  in a discreet microphone boom and  Acoustic Fence technology
• Stay  focused while on calls or  listening to music /media with  stereo sound.
• Never worry about talking while muted  – Dynamic Mute Alert tells you if you speak while  muted.
• Stay  comfortable during a  full day of calls  wearing an ultra-comfort able headband  with sling  and  plush ear cushions.
• Enjoy  the  simplicity  of an easy  -to-use headset with  smart sensors  for answering  calls ,  paus ing music  and instantly muting calls.
• Give  those around you a  visual cue that you’re busy —an  online ear cup  indicator flashes  when  you’re  on a call.
• It just works —the  smart microphone boom  automatically  maintains left and right audio no  matter which side the headset is worn.
• Multiple  device  connections —PC/Mac and mobile phone connection . Voyager Office Base (sold separately) allows deskphone connections.
• One headset, choose your device—PC/Mac  and  mobile phone connection options with UC  versions .
• Extend the battery life of your headset by using it corded, with audio over USB mode. (IT Spec & End User Spec)
• Take it with you—convenient carrying case included to easily use wherever you work.
• Keep your headset fully charged at all times using a desktop charging stand (UC version) or office base (Office version).
• Microsoft Teams version to support easy collaboration and communication with a dedicated Teams button for instant access to the Teams App.
• Experience seamless collaboration with Zoom – Poly Voyager Focus 2 w/stand is compatible out of the box.
• Gets better over time with future updates via Poly software and remote management* for your IT team. (IT Spec)

Keep nearby conversations private with a noise-canceling microphone enhanced with Poly Acoustic Fence technology that meets Microsoft Teams Open Office premium microphone specification. (IT Spec)

Poly Voyager Focus 2 – How-to Video

Additional information for the Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset (w/Stand)

3 reviews for poly voyager focus 2 uc headset (w/stand).

Niles E (verified owner) – May 24, 2024

The team at Headsets Direct was helpful, recommended this headset for our company’s needs, and delivered the order quickly. The headsets work great and we’re happy with the overall experience.

Karan (verified owner) – July 1, 2021

Brilliant headphones and I got them fairly quickly.

Margaret (verified owner) – June 24, 2021

I’ve been using this headset for 3 weeks now. The range is liberating- not only can I be anywhere in my house, I can also go out in the yard and stay connected to my MS Teams session. The noise cancelling is helpful. The killer feature for those of us working at home with families is the microphone is very closely tuned to you. I apologized for my barking dogs 6 feet away on a call and was amazed when my colleagues said THEY DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING!! That alone made the purchase worth it for me. It is pretty comfortable and works seamlessly on both my Teams/PC and mobile.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your review  *

Name  *

Email  *

We Make Your Life Easy!

• Headset / IT Specialists Since 1996
• Shipping From Multiple Manufacturer Fulfillment Centers for Greater Inventory
• Authorized Dealers (Unlike 3rd party sellers on Amazon, eBay, etc.)
• Real People To Simplify Solutions, Verify Compatibility and Meet Delivery Deadlines
• Guaranteed Genuine Product with Full Warranty and Support
• Discounted Pricing with Additional Quantity Discounts Available
• Same Day Shipping On Most Orders (12:00pm PST)
• Free Technical Support For Our Customers
• Out-of-Box Failures Are Replaced Quickly At Our Expense
• Expedited Warranty Replacements
• Visit: BBB Business Review A+ Rating
• Poly Voyager Focus 2 Product Sheet
• Poly Voyager Focus 2 Users Guide

Accessories for the Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC Headset (w/Stand)

• Wireless Headsets
• EARN COMMISSIONS
• (800)683-5715

Login to my account

Enter your e-mail and password:

New customer? Create your account

Lost password? Recover password

Recover password

Enter your email:

Remembered your password? Back to login

Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC VS. Poly Voyager 4320 - Live Mic Test VIDEO

Anyone who’s in the market for a new Bluetooth headset for work and entertainment should check out a couple of new wireless models from Poly. 

Poly has been coming out with several new products recently that not only includes their staple products in the business headset space, but audio and video conferencing products as well. 

In this blog, I’m going to focus on two new entrants into the Poly lineup. Specifically, I’m going to compare the new Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC against the latest new model, the Poly Voyager 4320. Both are double ear Bluetooth headsets designed to work with your computer and mobile devices.

Though they both have similar features, there are a few differences including the price. I’ll go over the similarities, and the differences. 

Before I jump into this Bluetooth headset comparison, I did want to mention that I recorded a Youtube video here on this very subject. Watching the video will allow you to not only see the models, but you’ll be able to hear how they sound, and how well they do to eliminate unwanted background noise. So make sure to check out my video below. 

Still with me? Great! Then let’s get to comparing these two new Poly Bluetooth headsets so we can see what they’re all about. 

If you’re like a lot of people these days, you’ve found yourself on more conference calls and video calls than ever before. Words like Zoom, Teams, Meet etc. have found their way into our regular conversations. That wasn’t the case just a short time ago, but here we are. 

Along with the increased use of Softphones and video conferencing is the need for a good quality headset. Yes, there are alternatives to using a headset, but in my experience, a good quality headset will deliver far better sound quality when compared to the alternatives.

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC and the Voyager 4320 are two excellent models well worth your time to consider that will work flawlessly on your next conference call.

Perhaps the best way to compare these two Bluetooth headsets is to break down the features that are common to both, and make note of any features that are unique to only one of these two models. So let’s start with how they’re similar. 

Commonalities 

Below are some points that illustrate how these two wireless headsets are similar. 

Wearing style

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC and the Voyager 4320 are both dual ear headsets. Both are worn over the head, and cover both ears. 

Connectivity

Both models are designed to work with a computer (think Softphones, Zoom, Teams, Meet, RingCentral apps), as well as with your mobile devices. 

The Voyager Focus 2 UC and the Voyager 4320 both use the same computer dongle in the BT700. The BT700 dongle, which is the upgraded version from the former BT600, is designed to provide longer wireless range. In our tests, it does deliver on the longer range promise, albeit not a lot, but longer than the former. 

Microphone technology

Both the Focus 2 UC and the Voyager 4320 utilize a specialized noise cancellation technology referred to as Acoustic Fence. This is a microphone technology that’s aimed at eliminating unwanted background noise so your callers get a cleaner, clearer sound.

We’ve tested this several times, and without a doubt, it’s an improvement over standard noise cancelling headset microphones. If you work in an environment where noise is a factor, such as working from home (dogs, children, landscapers, doorbells etc), or in an office with co-workers, then this is a feature you should put on your must have list. 

Wireless range

The Voyager Focus 2 UC, and the Voyager 4320 are both designed to deliver up to 164 feet of wireless talk range. At Headset Advisor, we use a general rule of thumb of taking the manufacturer's stated range, and cutting it in half.

In this case, these two wireless headsets should provide about 80 feet of wireless range. True to form, that’s about the distance we were able to get before the signal began breaking up.

Even though you might read a spec sheet that makes a claim of 164 feet, you’d be smart to scale back your range expectations to half. If that figure satisfies your needs, then you won’t be disappointed once you begin using your new headset. 

Busy lights

Both models have a built-in busy light that alerts those around you when on a live call. This feature is designed to help avoid interruptions.

Both models can be used as a wired headset when the battery needs to be recharged. Simply plug in the included USB cable, and you can continue to use the headset while the battery is being charged. Surprisingly, not many Bluetooth headsets can do this, and it’s a nice feature to have. It serves as a form of insurance should your battery unexpectedly need recharging or die on you while on a call. 

Another area where the Voyager Focus 2 UC and the Voyager 4320 are the same is in the warranty. Both models come with a full 2-year warranty which is solid. And, because both models are from Poly, you can rest assured that there’s a reputable company that’s behind that warranty. 

The Voyager Focus 2 UC operates using Bluetooth version 5.1, where the Voyager 4320 uses Bluetooth version 5.2. Being that I’m not an expert in the differences between Bluetooth versions, I can only do a simple Google search to try and understand the benefits of v 5.2. Here’s what a Google query returned. 

“With Bluetooth 5.2, larger amounts of information can finally be transmitted over lower bandwidth and at lower power. ... This takes the Dual Audio feature farther, allowing for multiple connections of bluetooth devices to single sources.”  

Hopefully that makes sense and is helpful in some way. All in all, I doubt the typical user will notice any difference between these two devices.  

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC weighs 6.17 ounces 

The Poly Voyager 4320 weighs 5.17 ounces 

I’d be splitting hairs if I were to say that there’s a meaningful difference in weight between them. In a practical sense, they both weigh about the same.

Will you notice a weight difference when you put them on? Probably not because both models are very lightweight and comfortable.

Even though the Voyager Focus 2 UC weighs slightly more, I’d have to say that it has the edge on the 4320 for comfort. Much of that can be attributed to the suspended headband cushion and the memory foam ear cushions.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re both comfortable, even if worn all day. If I had to pick one, it’d be the Focus 2 UC.  

How are they different?

The Voyager Focus 2 UC provides up to 19 hours of talk time, and up to 24 hours of listening time.  

The Voyager 4320 by comparison is designed to deliver up to 24 hours of talk time, and up to 47 hours of listening time.  

Even though the talk time favors the 4320, it’s not a huge difference. However, when you look at the difference in listening time, that advantage widens notably.

It goes from the Voyager Focus 2 UC of 24 hours, to the 4320 at 47 hours. That’s a dramatic difference, one that can make a big difference if you spend a lot of time listening to music or videos.  

In terms of battery recharge time, the 4320 takes a mere 1.6 hours for a full charge, and after 15 minutes on the charger, you’ll get 10 hours of listening time. Not bad at all. The Voyager Focus 2 UC recharge time is 2 hours.  

USB A / USB C

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC uses a micro USB port on the headset and a USB A connector for recharging, or using while recharging.  

The Voyager 4320 uses a USB C cable, which is deemed to be an upgrade from what the Focus 2 UC utilizes.  

We’ve had many comments about the Micro USB / USB A cable used on the Focus 2 UC. The comments consistently were critical about Poly’s choice of using that cable design.

Most would agree that the movement is away from USB A and onto using USB C which   provides faster data transfer speeds, and can conveniently plug in either direction, unlike the USB A version.  

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC comes with ANC. This is a great feature that helps to eliminate unwanted room noise for the headset wearer. The Acoustic Fence feature, while also eliminates unwanted noise, it’s designed to give your   callers a cleaner, clearer call. ANC allows the person wearing the headset to not be distracted by the noise around them, which in turn, allows them to better concentrate on their work, or music or whatever.  

If you have a choice of using a headset that has ANC, or one that doesn’t, clearly the model that has it is an advantage. In this case, the Voyager 4320 doesn’t have it, but it’s important to remember that the 4320 isn’t intended to be a full-blown premium headset.

It’s designed to have a nice compliment of features, but not all-inclusive. That said, the  advantage here clearly rests with the Voyager Focus 2 UC because it comes with this useful feature.  

Price difference

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC has a suggested selling price of $329.95 without the charging base, and $349.95 with it.  

The Voyager 4320 price comes in at $249.95 with a charging base, and $229.95 without it.  

Though there are many similarities, and a few differences between these two models, the price gap between them runs about $100.00.  

Order through the Headset Advisor website and use coupon code BLOG for your an additional discount

Final thoughts

Without a doubt, you cannot go wrong with either of these two fantastic Bluetooth headsets. The Voyager Focus 2 UC is an amazing headset that might even border on a product where art meets technology. It has great sound, a high-end microphone, Active Noise Cancellation so you can concentrate better.

It has a suspended headband pad, and memory foam ear cushions that help to take comfort to a whole new level. Not to mention smart sensor technology, auto microphone mute and a long list of impressive features. A good value? Absolutely!  

The Voyager 4320 isn’t an undesirable headset even when compared to the more expensive relative. Keeping in mind the 4320 is geared to be a more budget friendly model, I have to say Poly did an amazing job to deliver a tastefully designed, richly appointed, great sounding comfortable headset. Frankly, you can’t argue about the price either. It’s truly priced well considering everything you get.  

To me, it comes down to what you need. Do you work in an environment where noise is a constant? Or, do you work in an area where noise isn’t a big deal?

If noise is a big deal, then you’ll want to lean towards the Focus 2 UC. Yes you’ll pay a little more, but once you use this headset, you’ll quickly forget about that extra hundred dollars you paid over the 4320.  

On the other hand, if your work environment isn’t all that noisy, you simply can’t go wrong with the Voyager 4320. It doesn’t have the ANC feature, but in a quiet environment, you really don’t need it. Along the way, you can save the money, and maybe treat yourself to a nice dinner with the savings.  

Sound like a pro on every call, even if your dog is barking in the background

Eliminate background noises for your microphone with Neep's AI-powered noise cancellation.

Try neep Free

Need help finding the best headset for your situation?

Contact us today and one of our friendly Advisors will match you with the right headsets.

CONTACT US TODAY

Should IT Teams Really Deal With Office Headset Support Tickets?

What Is the Best Plantronics Wireless Headset?

What Is a UC Headset?

Which is the Best Headset for Business Calls on a Busy Sales Team?

Yealink EHS36 Setup Guide For Discover D904 Wireless Office Headset

8 most frequently asked questions about office headsets.

5 Benefits Of Renting Your Office Headsets

The Complete Guide for Comfortable Office Headsets

What is the best wireless headset for office phones, shop our best selling headsets.

• Opens in a new window.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Serious Insights

Research and reviews from strategist, futurist and analyst Daniel W. Rasmus

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Review: A Descendent of the Space Race, the Poly Voyager Focus 2 Demonstrates the Power of Simplicity and Resilience

November 15, 2022 by Daniel W. Rasmus 5 Comments

Poly Voyager Focus 2

One of the best business-first headsets. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 floats above the head while delivering outstanding sound within its ANC-powered acoustic fence. The perfect conferencing companion.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Review

I see a lot of headsets. Right now, I’m wearing the Voyager Focus 2s exclusively for video conferences. And I’m unlikely to change any time soon.

There is something to be said about a high-end product. At a retail price of $329.99 ($234.95 currently on Poly’s site), the Voyagers see a lot of competition from other headsets designed for call centers and long hours of video conferencing. And frankly, most earbuds and headphones do double duty with sophisticated microphone arrays that work as well on a desktop computer as they do on a smartphone. But the Voyager’s lightness of its structure, robust connectivity, and acoustic-first design creates a combination that’s hard to ignore.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Specifications

• Bluetooth® v5.1 Class 1 Multipoint connectivity, the headset connects two devices simultaneously and remembers up to 8 devices.
• Supported Bluetooth® profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
• Range: Voyager Focus 2 UC is up to 50 m/164 ft; Voyager Office base is up to 91 m/300ft
• Battery Capacity: 560mAh
• Battery Type: lithium-ion
• Talk time: 15-25 hours, depending on the ANC setting
• Listening time: 24-40 hours, depending on the ANC setting
• Charge time: 2 hours for a full charge • Standby time: up to 30 days
• Dynamic EQ optimized for PC wideband voice telephony up to 7 kHz or for multimedia 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Digital Hybrid ANC using two digital MEMS microphones and two analog ECM microphones with three user settings (Off/low/high)
• SoundGuard DIGITAL: G616 support limits the level to 102 dBSPL
• Weight: 175 g/.38 lbs

What we like

If you go back into the history of Poly (now part of HP ), to its Polycom days, they built the headsets for NASA’s Apollo missions. That means light and sturdy define the legacy behind the Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset. In many ways, the Poly harkens back to those earlier designs.

The foam ear cushions sit on the ear, so there is no strain from seals around the ear or a heavy armature pushing down on the top of the ears as gravity pulls the headphones toward the center of the earth. The boom microphone responds to purposeful and casual pushes and tugs. The subtle LEDs share just enough information.

Good design may continue to influence, but the components inside the Voyager Focus 2 certainly increase the audio quality of every aspect of the listening experience compared to 1960s and 1970s technology. And while I would classify the Poly Voyager Focus 2s as ideal for video conferencing, they also offer solid sound for music and other audio pursuits, from catching a Netflix flick at lunch to power listening to a podcast on 2-time replay speed.

The Poly Voyager Focus 2s offer 3-levels of Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancelation (ANC). I tend to block out the world, and I don’t look back. While I’m sure the Voyager Focus 2s do a fine job on planes, I tend to like the sound isolation of a sealed earcup combined with ANC when in very noisy environments, so they are not my first choice in the air. However, their lightness and well-made travel case means they travel with me to be used in the hotel room when I need to work from the room.

If you ever wanted an acoustic fence around you, look no further than the Voyager Focus 2s. Multiple microphones cancel out the noise around you, so callers hear you—not the baby, not the rattle of dog tags or the rumble of the washing machine.

While the Poly Voyager Focus 2s can leverage Bluetooth®, the included transceiver makes for a more secure, higher-quality connection. And if you want to use the Voyager Focus 2 as a corded headset, use a micro-USB connection. They deliver up to 25 hours of playback from the 560mHa battery. With the attractive charging stand, I never approach even a warning for the battery. The Focus 2s will sit on standby for up to 30 days, often longer.

Unlike some headphones, notably the recently reviewed Targus headset, the Voyager Focus 2’s microphone boom rotates 360 degrees. It works as well with the microphone boom on the right or the left—changing orientation requires only turning the headset around. The boom includes a mute button—a feature invoked by removing the headset.

On-device controls include call answer and end, volume, power on, off, pairing, and ANC control.

Because the Voyager Focus 2s derive from an acoustic-first legacy, they include features like SoundGuard DIGITAL: G616 that limits the wearer’s hearing to noise exposure.

Like the Poly Studio P5 , the Voyager Focus 2 works with the Poly Lens app to keep its firmware current and user-configurable parameters accessible. One of Poly’s most innovative designs comes in the Studio P5, which includes a USB-A transceiver port to house the Focus 2 transceiver, freeing up a USB port on host computers.

Poly offers a 2-year limited warranty.

The packaging is minimal brown cardboard that screams environmentally conscious.

The Office base version connects to a desk phone. Poly also sells a Microsoft Teams-certified version, though my headset works well with every conferencing service.

What could be improved

The open design of Poly Voyager Focus 2s leaves little to the imagination. Rather than metal hidden under plastic, the Voyager headset celebrates its metal headband as the hero of its structural story. It suspends its cushion beneath the headband, so it floats. There is nothing weighty about the Voyager Focus 2s.

So why write effusively in the “what could be improved section?” Because the unique design leaves little room for improvement.

My only real nit, and I know it’s a generational issue that will change whenever the Voyager 3s ship, is the continued use of micro-USB. I also have to admit that I can be a bit casual with the Voyager Focus 2s, often finding them in the morning lying next to my keyboard with the power still on. So perhaps an auto-off feature? It seems like it should have one, but it doesn’t appear in the specifications. Luckily a few hours of sleep put only a dent in the remaining full charge from most mornings.

Poly Voyager Focus 2: The Bottom Line

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset is one of the best audio work companions available. It does a pretty good job with sound all around, so take a few minutes to crank up Dua Lipa and Elton John after sitting through a meeting about making a decision you could have made in that meeting.

Poly provided the Voyager Focus 2 for review. Images courtesy of Poly.

Serious Insights is an Amazon Affiliate. Clicking on an Amazon link may result in a payment to Serious Insights.

For more serious insights on hardware and accessories, click  here .

Share this post:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Reader Interactions

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Review: A Descendent of the Space Race, the Poly Voyager Focus 2 Demonstrates the Power of Simplicity and Resilience – Serious Insights

wireless portable charger

Additional Info

Extra resources

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Book Daniel W. Rasmus
• About Daniel W. Rasmus
• Serious Insights LLC Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy
• Newsletter Subscription

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Sign up / Sign in
• × Information Need Windows 11 help? --> Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution. Click here to learn more Information Need Windows 11 help? Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes. Windows 11 Support Center.
• HP Community
• HP Support Community Knowledge Base
• Poly Headsets Knowledge Base

Voyager Focus 2 Series how to pair

• Article History
• Mark as New
• Mark as Read
• Printer Friendly Page
• Report Inappropriate Content

• voyager focus 2

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review

Priced way over the odds for a work-first headset.

Tom's Guide Verdict

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a very comfortable headset for long working hours, and it boasts clear call quality and a feature-packed app. But substandard bass and treble, ineffective ANC and an average battery life at this price? It isn’t right.

Very comfortable

Minimalist design

10 mics for clear call quality

Feature-packed, user-friendly app

Substandard bass and treble

Average battery life

Ineffective ANC

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

• Price & availability
• Design & comfort
• Call quality & connectivity
• Sound quality
• ANC performance
• Special features
• Battery life

Price: $349 / £259

Colors: Black

Battery life (rated): Up to 24 hours (music time) and 21 hours (talk time)

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (codecs not specified)

Durability: Not specified

Weight: 9.7 ounces (275g)

For many, the post-pandemic world has introduced a hybrid working system, where you work three days from the office and two from home. Today, a quality headset has never been more important and is just as necessary as having the best ergonomic keyboard and mouse. For that reason, you now need one of the best headsets and headphones for working from home , especially if you spend a lot of time on calls.

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC might tick a lot of your boxes. It’s a very comfortable headset that you can wear for hours on end without being weighed down, and with a minimalist design, it fits perfectly into an office setting. It uses 10 mics for clear call quality, and its user-friendly companion app is packed with a wealth of customization options. However, not only does it face fierce competition from its rivals, but its bass and treble are substandard, the battery isn’t great, and ANC isn’t nearly as good as the best noise-canceling headphones , despite being priced as extravagantly.

For a complete breakdown, read my full HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Price & availability

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is available for $349 / £353 from Amazon. The headset is available in black only, so you aren’t spoilt for choice.

Its hefty price tag puts the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC in the same league as the Sony WH-1000XM5 — the top-ranking headphones for working from home costing $399.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Design & comfort

Designed to be worn for a full day of use in the office, the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a very comfortable headset. It’s sleek and the minimalist branding gives it a professional edge. Made of soft-touch plastic, the headband features two plush cushions separated by a small gap. This gap helps reduce pressure points on the head, making the headset comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Weighing 9.7 ounces, the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is slightly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5 (8.8 ounces) but lighter than the more expensive Sonos Ace (11.4 ounces). Still, I wore the headset for eight consecutive hours and didn't feel weighed down.

The earcups are big enough for most ears and are made of plush leatherette. Any leather-like material is prone to getting hot and my ears did feel itchy from sweat after about four continuous hours, so I’d recommend taking short breaks. Another downside is that it can’t be folded — a potential turn-off for those looking to travel with this headset. But you do get a hard case which lets you store it and its accessories together.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Controls

As aforementioned, the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a sleek headset, which means it doesn’t house many physical controls. The right earcup hosts all the ports, the power/Bluetooth button, and the ANC toggle. All other controls are done via swipes as the right earcup is touch-sensitive. In my testing, the touch controls were responsive and I had no trouble increasing the volume or tapping to answer a call. However, because the earcups are highly touch-sensitive, they’re prone to mistapping. Be mindful to avoid accidentally hanging up on your boss.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Call quality & connectivity

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, so you’d naturally expect excellent call quality. This is where the headset really shines. With 10 built-in mics (four for adaptive ANC which I’ll discuss later), the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC features a boomless setup. This means that there is no extendable mic, and audio is recorded via the earcups. When I was on calls, my colleagues sounded loud and clear, as did I. I even recorded myself on my phone and played it back, and the audio was rich. With the sidetone set to medium, I was able to hear myself clearly while talking, so I could check if I was being too loud.

HP has put a lot of thought into the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s design to ensure it’s the ideal headset for the office. For example, both earcups pulse with a red LED when you’re on a call, letting your colleagues know not to disturb you without having to make awkward hand signals across the office.

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC utilizes Bluetooth 5.3 to seamlessly connect to your phone and laptop, and multipoint connectivity ensures you can connect up to two devices at once. There’s also a handy USB-C dongle you can plug into your laptop to instantly use the headset. I did notice that some features are limited to dongle connectivity. For instance, if you speak while muted, an audio cue will tell you you’re on mute. Nifty! I wish this was present over Bluetooth too.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Sound quality

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a work-first headset, but for this money the chances are you’ll want to use it outside of work to listen to music, too. To test it, I listened to a playlist on Spotify Premium, which is one of the best music streaming services , on my Google Pixel 7 Pro . I was disappointed with the headset’s sound quality — you’ll feel short-changed if you’re looking for a dynamic sound profile.

Vocal-heavy songs, such as “Momento Mori” by Fish in a Birdcage and “Is This the Life We Really Want” by Roger Waters, sound great because of the headset’s emphasis on voice clarity. But songs with prominent basslines, such as “Pet Cheetah” by Twenty One Pilots and “Something Good” by alt-J, sound flat even with the EQ set to bass. I enjoyed listening to an audiobook on Spotify, though, as the spoken words sounded clear.

This is a great headset if you listen to podcasts and audiobooks in your spare time, but definitely isn’t one for music consumption. The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 ($250) maintain a well-balanced sound across all genres, and are also great for productivity.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: ANC performance

I don’t think I can live without active noise cancelation, so I always look for good ANC performance before buying earbuds or headphones. The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC has four built-in mics to support adaptive ANC, but the headset’s ANC performance depends on where you’re using it.

Indoors or in a busy office, the ANC performs well, drowning out most sounds and office chatter. In my testing, I couldn’t hear my colleagues when I was listening to music or I was on a call. Some noise still bled through, such as that of a loud truck revving up outside my office window. While the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC performs decently indoors, the same can’t be said for the outdoors. Yes, it’s meant to be used when you’re working, but if you’re spending $349 on a headset, the least you’d expect its ANC to do is keep your ears shielded at all times. On my walk to and from work, I could hear vehicles passing by and even my own footsteps.

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s ANC pales in comparison to that of the best in the market, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 .

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Special features

I really appreciate wear detection in earbuds and headphones — where playback automatically pauses when you remove an earbud and resumes when you put it back in. While the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC features wear detection, but thanks to the sensors being located on the headband, it doesn’t work as smoothly as intended. If you move and the cushions stop touching your head ever so slightly, the music pauses on its own. This proved to be really frustrating in my testing, especially when I was walking, so I disabled it via the app.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: App

Poly Lens is the HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s companion app, available on both iOS and Android . The app is intuitive and offers lots of customization options to optimize your headset. You can use the app to update the headset’s firmware, edit voice prompts, tones, ringtones, sidetone, smart sensors, and a lot more.

Also, you can assign a function to the custom button — ANC/transparency mode is the default and I kept it that way as I could switch to transparency mode to hear my colleagues without needing to take the headset off.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Battery life

HP rates the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s battery life highly, claiming that the headset is capable of offering up to 24 hours of music time or 21 hours of talk time. In my testing, the headset went from zero to 100% in just under an hour when charged with a 30W USB-A to USB-C charger. When I charged the headset, the right earcup (where the USB-C socket is) got very hot, so be wary.

The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s battery life isn’t as good as its competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 giving you 40 hours with ANC disabled. And if you want more bang for your buck, the Cleer Enduro ANC impressed us with its 60-hour battery life, and will save you a lot of money at just $149.

HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC review: Verdict

The HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC could be worth considering if you’re looking for a headset that’s great for working but you aren’t fussed about audio fidelity for music or ANC performance. It’s incredibly comfortable thanks to plush earcups and cushions on the headband, and its 10 mics offer clear call quality. With minimal branding and a sleek design, it looks professional too. The Poly Lens app also enables you to customize and optimize the headset.

But that’s all. Given its price, it’s reasonable that you’d want to use this headset for music consumption, either between calls or on your commute to and from work, so its audio performance is disappointing. Bass and treble sound flat even when the EQ is altered. And while the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC’s ANC is effective indoors, successfully drowning out office chatter, the same can’t be said for outdoor use. I could hear cars and even my own footsteps while walking — the Bose QuietComfort headphones have much better ANC for the same price. Similarly, HP’s offering doesn’t boast the whopping battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5’s and the cheaper Cleer Enduro ANC’s.

For $349, the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC doesn’t do enough to justify its price. I wasn’t expecting the world from a manufacturer best known for printers and laptops, but I don’t think I’m wrong in asking for a headset that walks the talk. I’d rather not feel like I’ve simply thrown away a chunk of my paycheck on a headset that doesn’t deliver.

Nikita is a Staff Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, out on a walk with a camera in hand, at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra tipped for design overhaul — here's what we know

Amazon Prime is giving away 15 PC games for free — including one of the best Star Wars titles ever made

OpenAI shares a new GPT-4o advanced voice demo — it can teach you a language

Most Popular

• Electronics
• Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories
• Headphones & Earbuds
• Over-Ear Headphones

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use are covered from day one. Malfunctions are covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
• Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like laptops, game consoles, and TVs, to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, mattresses, personal care, furniture, and more.
• Accidents happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
• Past and future purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
• Fast, easy claims. Frustration-free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
• No hidden fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Return instructions

2 year headphones protection plan, 3 year headphones protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Poly - Voyager Focus 2 Office USB-A (Plantronics) - Bluetooth Dual-Ear (Stereo) Headset with Boom Mic - USB-A PC/Mac/Desk Phone Compatible - Active Noise Canceling - Works with Teams, Zoom & More

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Audio performance: Adjust the noise canceling level for your personal preference with three options of Advanced Digital Hybrid active noise canceling (ANC)—high, low and off.
• Poly Acoustic Fence technology: Advanced multi-microphone noise canceling so callers hear you and not your surroundings.
• Smart technology: Dynamic Mute Alert tells you if you speak while muted.
• Comfort: Lightweight headband with sling and plush ear cushions for all-day comfort.
• Multiple device connections: desk phone, PC/Mac (via USB-A cable) and mobile phone connection options with Office versions.

Consider a similar item

Frequently bought together

You might also like

Compare with similar items

What's in the box.

• Protective Case

Looking for specific info?

Product information, warranty & support, product description.

We couldn't build a wall around you to block out background noise, so we did the next best thing: created a "focus zone" with the new Voyager Focus 2 headset. All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you with our pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology. It's all the Poly next-level engineering you expect with the wear-it-all-day comfort you need. Connect to a desk phone (via telephone interface cable), computer (via USB-A cable) and mobile (via Bluetooth) with the office base that also keeps the headset charged.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

HP Newsroom HP Newsroom HP Newsroom

• HP Newsroom

Press Releases

Connect with us

Immerse Yourself with Intelligent Meeting Solutions from HP and Poly

By Helen Sheirbon, SVP and Division President, HP Hybrid Systems

May 30, 2024

HP | Poly delivers next-generation audio and video experiences for the hybrid workforce

The poly studio base kit g9 plus for microsoft teams rooms delivers powerful compute performance for next-gen collaboration experiences..

The best meeting experiences allow participants to be seen and heard – even remotely – without distracting background noises. Select Poly devices, such as the Poly Studio V52 video bar, can be attached to the HP Mini IP PC to enable Poly’s AI-driven audio and video features like Poly DirectorAI Perimeter, NoiseBlockAI, and Sound Reflection Reduction to eliminate distractions and frame-up participants. These types of collaborative AI innovations will take your team’s meetings to the next level, so you can have your best meeting, every meeting.

The Poly Studio G62 is a modular video conferencing system that brings enterprise-grade video and audio to large and flexible spaces. With its modular design, the Poly Studio G62 seamlessly integrates with various peripherals such as cameras, microphones, and controllers, making it an ideal solution for board rooms, classrooms, and flex spaces.

The Poly Studio G62 provides a premium experience that can be easily expanded with multiple cameras and microphones to ensure participants show up and stand out, even in the largest meeting spaces. With sustainability top of mind, the Poly Studio G62 is made up of 80% post-consumer recycled plastics and 20% recycled metals. And it’s a breeze to set up, with flexible mounting options to suit any space. Poly Studio G62 is certified for Microsoft Teams and is pending certification with other platforms, including Zoom and Tencent.

The Poly Studio G62 modular video conferencing system is a user-friendly setup designed for large and flexible meeting spaces.

Enhanced Control with Poly VideoOS

The upcoming release of Poly VideoOS 4.3 software will enable the Poly TC8 or TC10 to be used as an advanced room controller. When paired with Poly Studio X Series video bars, Poly Studio G62, or G7500 video conferencing system, users can conveniently access video calls, and control various room settings such as lighting and displays from a single device. This web-based capability offers even greater flexibility, allowing customers to configure controls for an improved in-room user experience.

Comprehensive Software Management and Insights

Poly Lens supports the Poly Studio G62 and Poly Studio Base Kit G9 Plus, providing IT teams with remote device management of Poly devices from a single dashboard. Additionally, Poly Lens now integrates with Zoom Device Management (ZDM), to deliver detailed room health status, improving efficiency, insights, and troubleshooting of native Zoom Rooms, accessible through the Poly Lens portal. 

Pricing and Availability 4

• The Poly Studio Base Kit G9 Plus designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms will be available in June 2024, for $2,699.
• The Poly Studio G62 modular video conferencing system will be available in June 2024, for $1,999.
• Poly VideoOS 4.3 is expected to be available in June 2024.
• Poly Lens support for Zoom Device Management is now available.
• The Poly Voyager Free 20 wireless earbuds which were announced earlier this year at CES will be available and shipping worldwide in mid-June.

Footnotes and disclaimers

©Copyright 2024 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the expresswarranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

1 Frost & Sullivan’s State of the Global Video Conference Devices Market - Forecast to 2028.

2  Poly Studio Base Kit G9 for Microsoft Teams Rooms includes HP Mini IP Conferencing PC (G9) with 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 and Poly TC10 touch controller. Microsoft Teams Rooms Basic software is pre-installed, license activation required and includes core meeting experiences for up to 25 devices. A Pro license is sold separately and includes all Basic features plus the enhanced in-room meeting experiences, security, and Microsoft Teams Rooms Pro Management. A complete Microsoft Teams Room requires audio and video devices, not included in the Poly Studio Base Kit G9 for Microsoft Teams Rooms.

3 When more than one Poly TC10 touch controller is paired, the PoE port on the PC connects to a local PoE switch, to which the Poly TC10 touch controllers are connected. Up to four Poly TC10 controllers are supported.

4  Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Media Contact

HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: HP.com .   Contact: [email protected]

HP Media relations

HP Press Center

Select Your Country/Region and Language

• América Central
• Canada - Français
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• Asia Pacific
• Hong Kong SAR
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• 中國香港 - 繁體中文
• Česká republika
• Deutschland
• Magyarország
• Middle East
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• الشرق الأوسط
• المملكة العربية السعودية

HP Worldwide

• Investor relations
• Sustainable impact
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Press center
• HP Store Newsletter
• HP Printables Newsletter
• Ways to buy
• Shop online
• Call an HP rep
• Find a reseller
• Enterprise store
• Public sector purchasing
• Download drivers
• Support & troubleshooting
• Register your product
• Authorized service providers
• Check repair status
• Fraud alert
• Security Center
• HP Partners
• HP Amplify Partner Program
• HP Partner Portal
• Stay connected
• Product recycling |
• Accessibility |
• CA Supply Chains Act |
• Use of cookies |
• Your privacy choices |
• Terms of use |
• Limited warranty statement |
• Terms & conditions of sales & service |

©2024 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

Your browser does not support iframes.