In an era where remote and hybrid work is now present and more acceptable than ever, the significance of a reliable headset can be essential for most professionals who want to zone-in for productivity.
But to fend away from the usual Sony’s, Bose’s, Audio Technica’s and alike, a meticulously designed active noise-canceling headset that markets for premium on-call quality is definitely a change of pace.
–Introducing the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC;
A not-too expensive and not-too cheap comfortable and nice-feeling over-ear headset aimed to redefine headphones for work.
Read on to find out more!
Table of Contents
What’s in the package
Inside the box of the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC, we find its nice hard-shell felt carrying case. The case features red Poly logo on the side, and the material of the case reminds us of the back of rear car-seats.
Getting inside the case, we have the headphones themselves with all its accessories included.
Users get a USB Type-C wireless dongle, a USB Type C to A adapter, a Type-C to C cable, and a Type C to 3.5mm audio jack.
With all these included, there’s shouldn’t be any problem when pairing the headphones with other devices, whether they be wire to your MAC, PC, or smartphone.
Design and Feel
From the first touch and glance, the professional design and aesthetic of the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC become very evident.
With soft-touch plastic all around in that office chair black, it blends professionalism with an appreciation for nice materials.
The memory foam ear cups are very plush and feel very comfortable when wearing. They fit over the user’s ears with a noticeably comfortable amount of room for extended listening sessions.
For I/O, the Poly Voyage Surround 80 UC’s USB Type-C port, power and BT switch, and red-accented function button can be found around the right ear cup.
While the large ear cups provide comfort, the non-foldable design might pose a challenge for those used to folding headphone designs.
However, the included hard case houses the headphones and all its accessories in a nice and compact package, offering secure protection when stowed away.
The touch controls on the earcups add a layer of convenience, although accidental presses are an occasional drawback.
Features
The Voyager Surround 80 UC doesn’t skimp on modern features, showcasing its commitment to a seamless user experience.
The Surround 80 UC features 6 microphones, creating a very clear sound output for calls.
When testing the headphones for calls, our producer at the end of the line commented that the quality was as good as if we were just using our smartphones, which is actually really good!
Some headphones’ call quality can actually make you sound worse on the other line, compared to just using your phone on loudspeaker.
Likewise, the call quality on our end sounded really good on these headphones rated for up to 21 hours of talk time, and 24 hours of playback with its 1,100 mAh battery. And the headphones can be charged to full within an hour.
The Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC also features some lighting at the sides, and when you’re on call the light emits as red to let others around you know you’re on a call and not to disturb you.
When on call, the red-accented function button used to for cycling through ANC or transparency mode doubles as a mute button.
The headphones also feature gesture control on the right side for media playback, volume, and answering calls.
Additionally the device features NFC for quick pairing.
These headphones also feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and it proves effective. It does not rival the best in the market, but even a little bit of ANC can go a long way, especially if it can get quite busy in your home or office.
In comparison if Sony’s latest flagship ANC model is a 10, this is about a 6-7 out of 10.
It also features Bluetooth 5.3 support and multi-device connectivity to add versatility to the Surround 80 UC’s arsenal. This feature allows you to pair the 80 UC with your laptop and phone at the same time.
Which means you could be listening to music on your computer while you work, and at the same time get pinged for notifications or even take calls on your phone.
OS, Apps, UI
Furthermore to give you more control over the headphones, users can also download the Poly Lens app for iOS and Android.
In the app we can update the headphones firmware, customize the EQ profile, change the red-accented function button for a different functions and adjustments for ANC and transparency mode, to name a few.
Sound Quality
For a headset primarily designed for calls, the Voyager Surround 80 UC surprises with its balanced sound profile, which could leave you wanting more if you’re used to a more dynamic sound profile.
The emphasis on voice and highs complements calls, audiobooks, and podcast listening with ease.
The two 40mm drivers deliver a commendable listening experience across various genres, though bass-heads seeking a profound low-end might find it lacking.
The absence advanced Bluetooth codec support raises questions for some but doesn’t noticeably impact the audio listening experience from the headset.
Where the Voyager Surround 80 UC truly shines is in performance tailored for the demands of the modern workplace.
The microphone quality stands out, excelling in isolating the user’s voice amid ambient noise. The dedicated function button, coupled with innovative touch controls, adds to the headset’s allure.
And the myriad of connection accessories like the wireless Bluetooth dongle, prove essential for unlocking the headset’s full potential, showcasing Poly’s attention to detail.
Final Thoughts
Concluding this review we need to answer the question, who is the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC for?
Well the Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC goes for USD 449.95 direct from HP, and at the time of this recording this roughly converts to PHP 25,000.
But we have seen them being resold locally for about PHP 10,000 on Lazada.
So If your workday is dominated by calls and virtual meetings, the headset’s comfort, mic performance, and robust features make it a worthy companion.
While it may not cater to the audiophile’s cravings, but it isn’t made for that; its specialized focus on the nuances of the modern work landscape positions it as a standout in its category.
So what do you think of the Poly Voyage Surround 80 UC, is it fir for your work and productivity needs? Or is that price tag something you’d want to stray away from?
