Poly, a leader in business communication, part of HP Inc. throws its hat into the premium hybrid workspace ring with the Voyager Surround 80 UC. Boasting cutting-edge features like ANC, surround sound, and a focus on comfort, this headset promises to transform your video calls and multimedia experiences. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a deep dive.
Design and Comfort
Polished and professional, the Voyager Surround 80 UC ditches the bulky corporate aesthetic for a sleek, modern style. Subtle Teams and Phone icons on the right earcup hint at its productivity prowess, while remaining compatible with Zoom and other platforms. Plush memory foam earcups embrace your ears, and the breathable protein leather keeps things cool, even during marathon sessions. The self-adjusting headband ensures a personalized fit, and while it doesn’t fold flat, the well-made case with its felt exterior and zippered clamshell design keeps everything protected.
Physical buttons on the right cup handle power, Bluetooth, mute, and charging, while a touch interface lets you control volume, music, and calls. For the tech-savvy, customize a touch gesture in the Poly Lens app. One clever feature? A pulsing red ring lets colleagues know you’re on a call, saving you those awkward “are you muted?” moments.
Sound Quality and ANC
This is where the Voyager Surround 80 UC shines. Imagine crystal-clear audio across the entire spectrum, punchy bass, well-defined mids, and sparkling highs. That’s exactly what you get. The surround sound adds an extra layer of immersion, particularly in gaming and movies. It may not be true Dolby Atmos, but it’s a welcome addition that elevates your soundscape.
This headset truly excels in its core purpose: conquering calls and meetings. Powering on, you’re greeted with audible battery and connection info, also available in the Poly Lens app. The six-microphone array with AI-powered ANC effectively filters out background noise, ensuring your voice is crystal clear. The mic easily adjusts for optimal placement, and colleagues consistently praised the call clarity during my testing. This is a reliable companion for conference calls and online meetings.
Features and Connectivity
Packed with features, the Voyager Surround 80 UC boasts dedicated buttons for volume, mute, ANC, and surround sound. Multipoint connectivity lets you seamlessly switch between your computer and phone calls without manual reconnecting. The included Bluetooth dongle offers a stable, long-range connection, while the USB-C port ensures compatibility with modern devices. One missing element for some might be the 3.5mm jack for wired connections.
Software and Battery Life
The Poly Lens app gives you granular control over your headset experience. Adjust EQ settings, customize ANC and microphone levels, and even monitor battery life. Speaking of which, the Voyager Surround 80 UC packs a punch, lasting up to 20 hours with ANC and Bluetooth, a significant advantage over many competitors. And unlike many others, you can use them while charging, a game-changer for long days.
Verdict
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC is a fantastic hybrid workspace headset. Exceptional sound quality, powerful ANC, and clear call clarity make it a compelling choice for professionals and audiophiles alike. The comfortable design, packed features, and impressive battery life justify the price tag, even if it might seem steep compared to some competitors. If you’re looking to elevate your work and multimedia experiences, the Voyager Surround 80 UC is definitely worth considering.
