SHOWDOWN Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Vs Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC! Is It Worth the Upgrade?

[@MsChayo27]

Thank you SO much for this review just ordered the 2 as I started a new job and trying to keep my toddler with me(she doesn’t cry but does jibber jabber) THANK YOU!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching and you're welcome :)

[@susmitsingh]

You do an amazing job reviewing these headsets, have been on the look out for a perfect WFH office headset and thanks to you I have made up my mind. Though I am a bit confused as to whether I like the mic sound quality of the 1 or the 2 more. But amazing review, very crisp and informative and just what one needs to know about these headsets

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Susmit, thank you for watching!

[@kia7289]

Excellent in depth review! I am trying to decide between the two and your video helped me to see the differences. The situational test you run are so on point! Thank You!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Glad we could help 🙂

[@gerryjamieson1861]

I really like, understand and appreciate the information you guys provide. It really does help we consumers make a more informed buying decision. Might I suggest you do an ease of connectivity between a cell phone and computer. I would like to see you watching a youtube video and getting a call on you cell phone so I can determine how seamlessly you switch between devices. Keep up the great work. Gerry / Vancouver

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching and sharing your suggestion, Gerry. That's been request a lot so it's something we're looking to add in our videos. Stay tuned!

[@RichM1967]

Focus 1 -- I have four of them. All of them broke on both sides where the plastic ends and the metal band starts. I take a 4 inch zip tie to hold them together. Other than that it's been a great headset. WIth the focus 1 sometimes people say they can't hear me and I think debris gets in to the little holes on the mic.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Richard, I hope the Focus 2 fixes that for you!

[@seetomYEG]

Same thing just happened to me after 4 years of use. Upgrading to the UC 2.

[@cherri6945]

Love the new Voyager Focus. It has all of the bells and whistles of a headset. You reviewed it so magnificently, as you do on all of your review videos. Thank you for sharing such great content of videos.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Cherri, thanks for watching and kind words. We appreciate you!

[@cherri6945]

@@HeadsetAdvisor. You're most welcome. 😊

[@AmornMan]

I’ve been using the focus 1 for many years and last year the plastic on the side started to break on the inner side, supposedly happened from the force when you remove it from your head. Now I’m considering gen 2 as a replacement, hopefully it will be more durable. Unfortunately it’s not compatible with gen 1 stand though.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@Tajbor87]

Any update? :) Do you think it will break in the future? My focus 1 broke, the plastic on both sides where the extendable part is, outer side. Fixed it with small zipties. On pictures the new one seems a bit similar, but maybe the redesign solves this? I really like my focus 1, battery is worn out after 5 years. Because of this break issue, I am considering a Jabra Evolve2 65, looks sturdier.

[@AmornMan]

@@Tajbor87 my gen 1 broke a few times until I could not stand to self fix it anymore. I just bought gen 2 for just a few months so probably too soon to tell. But it looks more durable than gen 1 because the part where gen 1 broke is now made of metal in gen 2. So fingers crossed 🤞🏼😅

[@Tajbor87]

@@AmornMan hey thanks for the answer :) I actually couldn't wait anymore so I bought one, wearing it right now. Something might be wrong though... When ANC is turned on (any level), I hear white noise constantly. Been trying to google it for an hour, tweak the settings in the app, but it won't go away. Had the same static noise with gen1, but only when I was ON A CALL. Or maybe in "open mic" mode. But obviously I'm doing nothing right now, even happens with no devices connected (like the speakers were somehow active), so I should hear nothing. Does your gen2 do that? I feel like it's an easy fix I just can't find it. One time it stopped for no reason, then started again when I resumed music on pc.

[@Tajbor87]

meh, I reached customer support, they told me it's probably defective... bad luck? :D

[@slistone1940]

I've had two sets of the first voyager focus. They both broke in the same place, on the plastic around the headband. Hopefully the new one solved that issue.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

We haven't heard of the same break on the Focus UC 2 yet, so this may have been updated and fixed.

[@MichaelDogan]

I've had the same issue with the original voyager focus breaking on the plastic part of the headband. Granted this was after nearly daily use for approximately 5 years. And I too am hopeful the new one has solved this issue.

[@rick_.]

Excellent review, thanks. I have been using version one for a while, and quite like it. One of my favourite features is the rotating volume... much easier to operate than feeling around for buttons and mashing the earphone into the side of my head to operate them. And I do like having the mute button on the mic arm. I need simple volume control and quick,easy access to mute because they are the controls I use all the time. I tried a Jabra Evolve 65 headset and really disliked volume controls - vol up/down by pressing buttons on the earphone, needed a double press of vol down to mute/unmute.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Rick, on the Focus 2 UC it has buttons now you'd press against your ear rather than a rotating dial. Nothings coming to mind at the moment with a similar volume controller like the Focus 1.

[@SaunaBarrel]

But its missing the forward and backwards button, if you press twice it redials the last phone number. Focus one is much better for media.

[@LoneRanger.801]

BEST headset comparison channel on KZbin! 😊

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thank you!!

[@tnetroP]

I appreciate this review is a year old now, but it would be interesting to try and pair the Focus 1 with the BT700 to see whether the range would be increased with the different adapter. Great review by the way.

[@CoolioBeans]

Better review than the previous one. It'd be good to have a segment focusing on the actual need to upgrade. Based on the added benefits, it does not seem to be wise to upgrade.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thank you for the feedback to help us improve!

[@ernestsmith3351]

sound quality of the speakers for listening to music is unbelievable. the bass is incredible....mr loverman by shabba ranks on them sound absolutely incredible

[@germancortes9443]

The focus 1 was the most amazing headset until it changed to Poly. I have had nothing but issues since I got the Poly version of it (keep the original plantronics at work and the poly at home). The Poly has really bad noise issues, does not block the environmental noise as well as the plantronics did. This is the same feedback I have gotten from other people that used the plantronic focus 1 and got the poly version of the same headset

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

We'll just say, we don't disagree 😩 If you want to look at something comparable in the future that would be your new go to headset, feel free to contact us headsetadvisor.com/pages/contact-us

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Update: give neep.com a look for the best noise suppression on any headset of your choice.

[@Professor__Cow]

I had the Voyager 1 for 3 full years. the ear pads eventually get fuzzy and fray out, and bottom mesh piece covering the mic fell off.

[@jgoog7442]

There is no left/right side. The mic can go on the left or right and the speakers will swap controlled by the mic rotation.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

yes

[@jsbedi]

Thanks for your review. I listen to this review on PC use Headphone to detect even the small point. I still more confidence to use the Focus 1. For me the most important is Mic the other thing is minor. The quality of 2 is more natural sound compare to 1. But Focus 1 not bad in real life, it can eliminate noise and isolate you from environment. This is OK. The mic of Focus 1 is a little Muffy compare to Focus 2 but still acceptable everyone in the meeting never has the problem with it. But I don' agree your scoring for Mic quality. It's not bad that level it still by far better than the most of headset in the market, with this standard I hope I will see score 1,2,3 in the other brand if you use the same standard. More than that you should devide mic quality overall to mic quality and the second one noise cancelling because some brand have a very good mic, high quality clear sound but bad in noise cancelling. With the scoring like your review will make many people miss leading to select the one that suitable for them. For example the people that need the headset using in quiet environment they don't care about noise cancelling. The need the best mic quality. In opposite, someone that need to use in the noisy environment prefer the best noise cancelling headset. Some brand that have an excellent mic will receive the bad score from your review because they do not focus or add the noise canceling function and in reverse too that not fair. Each headset have different purpose so should add to different scoring criteria. Finally, if someone never use it and need to use Focus go to 2 but if you are using Focus 1, the added function not like black and white that you have to upgrade, continue to use Focus 1 is not a bad choice.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thank you for sharing your insight, that helps a lot!

[@asing87]

Thanks for sharing this comparison. Are you guys going to do one with the 4200 series vs. the Focus 2?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Alexander, we will definitely be doing that in the near future.

[@AlexeyShurovs]

Yeah, that comparison would be awesome to see, thanks!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@AlexeyShurovs If you haven't seen the comparison yet, check it out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJuWhX54ap6lh80

[@MrAtlantis95]

This is a little bit confusing while you used a rating report for both focus devices which did not use yet at other headphones.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for pointing that out! The rating report is new so stay tuned for new videos as this will be a standard going forward.

[@MrAtlantis95]

@@HeadsetAdvisor That rating makes only sense in case you reuse the same tests. Additional: There was someone on KZbin that tested headphones and was recording sound using a human head. Then you get something like this with microphones in the ears. And for your test you can a speaker in the mouth. Then you realize a consistent reliable test. The following below is only mentioned as indication about what I mean with a human head. www.listeninc.com/products/audio-testing-hardware/ancillary-components/head-torso-simulators/ geluid.eu/nl/geluid-simulatie-hoofdtelefoons/meethoofd-voor-koptelefoon

[@diegofcarvalho]

Excellent job!! Thanks!!!

[@wadepaget503]

Dave wondering if you could do some videos on using non UC headphones with programs like Teams/Zoom etc. Tips tricks for AirPods, Sony XM4 etc. I know they aren’t Microsoft certified but maybe hacks like USB dongles? Interested in your thoughts. Keep the great videos coming!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Wade, if you use non UC headphones with your mobile phone it will work great with apps like Teams and Zoom. That being said, if you connect a headset to a computer via Bluetooth without the USB dongle that comes with the UC variants customers have a bad experience. Meaning, at first they get excited because the headset connects with Bluetooth to the computer, but the reliability isn't what you want for calls or meetings. Customers say sometimes the headset comes unpaired randomly, calls cut in and out, calls drop and there's sometimes no ability to adjust volumes or mute/unmute from the headset. I know this is kind of a long response but there's a lot of confusion around this topic. I hope it helps and it's the reason the major headphones manufactures like Jabra, Poly, Bose, Logitech etc.. make UC variants. The small USB dongle is a really important part of having a good experience when connecting to the computer.

[@wadepaget503]

@@HeadsetAdvisor Thanks for the reply. Good point ... I have seen some posts about pairing headsets to dongles from other companies like the Jabra 370 UC dongle ... wondering on your take on this. Thanks!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@wadepaget503 We’ve had customers pair certain headphones with other dongles like the Link 370 or Plantronics BT600. We haven’t personally tested this but it’s worth a try! We will have to do some experimenting here to confirm for you.

[@x12flare73]

I have both. The voyager focus 1 sounds better for music with more bass, the voyager 2 sounds slightly cleaner in the highs which is a bit better for calls but ANC makes it sound worse. The mic quality on the focus 1 is better. Personally, it’s a step back from Poly here. ANC is slightly better on the voyager 2 but as mentioned makes music quality noticeably worse.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts between the two

[@SaunaBarrel]

I have both, i agree also missing the forward and backwards button on the focus 2, press twice and it redials the last number.

[@beebeethreefiveseventhreef3276]

Still micro usb in the focus2? Why no usb c, Poly...

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

I know :( we shared the same thoughts.

[@Airethilien]

I can't figure out whether the Focus 2 UC also works with the Poly Hub app my employer provides or just the Poly Lens app. Do you know?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Should be Poly Lens for Focus 2 UC

[@Airethilien]

@@HeadsetAdvisor thank you for replying. I guess I can't make this headset work on my corporate laptop then sadly

[@marcozett9863]

After about 2 years on Focus 1 I upgraded to Focus 2 a year ago. I wish I never did. Media buttons are completly unusable for me. I did use the media buttons on Focus 1 a lot. Vol min/max when turning etc. Now all buttons are reduced to one site, way to complicated (1 times click for this, 2 times click for that). Rather click with the mouse now before thinking what i have to do now to reduce volume etc.

[@eugenetai1644]

I have been using the Voyager Focus UC (1st gen) in a work-from-home situation for 3 years + now, and I still love it! Very clear, very comfortable, and definitely a quality build. I love the fact that I can connect it to both my work PC and work cell at same time, and it will stop any audio/video playing to answer a call from either. The battery is the only thing that I am finding has degraded some in the years since I bought it, but that is to be expected; it still lasts an 8-hour workday for me, with calls all day long, as long as I plug it in during lunch. Unfortunately, what I did not find clear in this video is whether or not an upgrade from gen1 to gen 2 is worth the additional cost. But for someone that doesn't have either, I can still highly recommend the gen 1 headset for work situations.

[@nathanrford3933]

Busy / On a call light for Voyager Focus 2? I assume yes, is it both sides?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Nathan, thanks for watching! Yes, the busy light is on both sides.

[@zedj2170]

I use plantronics products for over 10 plus years and i dont know if its just me or the focus 1 sounds better than focus 2

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

We've seen some customers say this but from what we've heard, the Focus 2 UC has been an upgrade.

[@GospelOfTimothy]

The problem with these headsets is that the batteries are not replaceable and they only have 300 charge cycles. Which means if you charge them twice a day they will only last you 6 months.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts, Tim. Almost any comparable headsets in this class won't have a replaceable battery, and I'm not sure where this information was posted, but there is a lot of customers using both models of headsets and they last much longer than 6 months. Out of the box you have a 2 year warranty, and on average customers have their headset about 3-5 years before they replace it.

[@patryk290384]

I watched mic test couple of times on headset and version 1 UC has better mic quality than 2nd revision. Also test for the speakers IMO was edge better for v1. New design catches a lot of fingerprints. My option based not this review is different than yours. V1 has better sound quality and better mic quality. V2 has better battery and better range but regarding sound quality and mic this is little step back.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@danieleannibale2986]

Thanks for the video!! I have a Plantronics Voyager Focus UC (the older model of the video). My left ear doesn't sound anymore... may I ask if there is a way or spare parts to fix it? Thanks for your kind help.

[@JC-83]

It is very helpful and valuable info!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@edmundphuang8920]

How effective is the ANC to help you concentrate?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Edmund, it depends on your environment. The ANC in this headset isn't a huge difference between it being on or off but definitely helps further reduce noise going on around you. Overall, this headset does a very good job to block out the right amount of noise for you to concentrate.

[@bradley3549]

I'd say if ANC is your focus (no pun intended) neither of these headsets are for you. The Jabra Evolve 2 I just demo'd has an AMAZING ANC comparatively. However, the microphone on that model is basically unusable for some reason.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@bradley3549 we’re hearing the same on Jabra. Which model did you get? The microphone sounding unusable doesn’t seem normal.

[@bradley3549]

@@HeadsetAdvisor Jabra Evolve2 75. There is apparently some odd behavior with ANC/Sidetone/noisy environments that Jabra has said they will fix in an upcoming firmware. But I wasn't willing to risk it. My results while using teams on Android in a noisy environment (server room) was atrocious. People constantly interrupting me to tell me they can't understand me. I'd switch back to my Voyager Focus UC and they would say I sounded absolutely crystal clear. Seemed like such a fluke based on all the reviews. But here we are. I may check in when the new firmware is received and see if people are having better results, because other than the microphone, I thought they were absolutely stunning.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@bradley3549 sorry to hear that! Hopefully the new update comes out soon so you can give it a try again.

[@Yellowdragonbh]

Is the stand for the Focus 1 usable with the Focus 2...or would I need to get a new stand?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Julian, the stands are not cross compatible, so you'd need to order the Focus UC 2 with the charging stand if you want the stand. headsetadvisor.com/products/poly-voyager-focus-uc-2-wireless-headset-with-anc?_pos=1&_sid=f989461a8&_ss=r

[@quakermaas]

For me the the Focus 2 mic was a lot better than the Focus 1, on the Focus 1 I could hear more compression and clipping (possibly Bluetooth). Both had good noise suppression in a noisy environment.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching :) give neep.com a look if you ever want the best possible noise suppression on any headset.

[@tango_gru]

hows the weight feeling of focus 2 vs Jabra 2 Evolve 75 ??

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

It's a hard question to fully answer. They're both very comfortable but slight edge would go to Focus 2.

[@ammartm1]

Which one do you guys recommend focus or 4320 or others ones I’m a truck driver I listen to music and talk a lot thanks

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Most truckers we come across go with the B450-XT here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHKcmKWggt2Aeas It keeps one ear free so you're safe on the road and has amazing mic noise cancellation.

[@stevespessard2306]

The only reason I’m thinking about upgrading from 1 to 2 is that suddenly about 2 weeks ago when connected to my PC it sometimes goes into a mute/unmute loop when using some kinds of software, notably Teams. This seems to be a widespread problem as it’s being reported by lots of users. Do you know anything about this, and do you think the focus2 has addressed this problem? Thanks!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Steve, have you tried a firmware update? That could be the fix, and this isn't a common issue we're aware about. It shouldn't happen on the first or second model.

[@roomer11]

Does both Voyager Focus UC and Voyager Focus 2 mic mute/un-mute function work when connected to a laptop directly using Bluetooth i.e. not the dongle ?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Some apps will allow you to mute/unmute from the headset when connected via Bluetooth, and other times you don't get that feature. The Dongle ensures you will be able to mute/unmute from the headset.

[@nashcabrera5824]

I am in the market looking for a compatible headset with my telecoil hearing aid. Do you think this is a good fit?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Nash, these headsets aren't telecoil compatible. I'd recommend the headset here that is telecoil compatible headsetadvisor.com/products/plantronics-encorepro-hw525-duo-wired-usb-headset-with-controller-203444-01

[@nashcabrera5824]

@@HeadsetAdvisor thanks but I need a wireless one. The link doesn’t show any wireless headset.

[@iEnjoyBath]

I have the focus 2 and i feel like my calls sound like they echo in my ear. When i listen to a video, it sounds fine. Any ideas?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Joel, do you have the Hub software downloaded on the computer? You may need to turn off sidetone within the app to see if that helps.

[@iEnjoyBath]

@@HeadsetAdvisor i will try that! Thank you

[@juancgomezq]

Thanks! Excellent.. just started looking for headsets and your reviews are superb

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Thanks for watching! If any questions come up, let us know :)

[@josecua169]

Hi how is the noise cancellation for both devices? I read some reviews on amazon talking about popping noises on the focus 1 but i am not sure if this is an isolated issue

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Jose, overall the Focus UC 2 is improved all around and better than the focus 1. In regards to popping noises on the Focus UC 1 we haven’t heard that, so it sounds like an isolated issue.

[@josecua169]

@@HeadsetAdvisor Thanks so much for the reviews and quick replies. Really appreciate it

[@prathmeshtodakar7210]

Using this one for the past couple of days. Facing a weird issue as the microphone is blocking all that I talk and couldn't really use it for concalls. Any idea how to solve this issue?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Are you using the Focus 1 or Focus 2?

[@prathmeshtodakar7210]

@@HeadsetAdvisor Focus 1

[@rodrigoverduzco2629]

Does this headset have openmic?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Rodrigo, yes the Focus UC 2 does have OpenMic.

[@rodrigoverduzco2629]

Thaks for the reply

[@rodrigoverduzco2629]

How is it activated?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@rodrigoverduzco2629 While not on a call, tap the red Mute button to activate OpenMic and hear your surroundings. Control the level of ambient noise you hear by adjusting the volume wheel.

[@dhuvachaikarnchanapraphaku1461]

Does voyager focus charger cradle of previous version compatible with focus 2?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Unfortunately, no.

[@JakubLachowski]

Focus 1 has more bass, more high tones and better balanced. ANC works better as well. In focus 2 I can hear some noise directly from speakers which is annoying. I used both and my heart will stay with focus 1.

[@margoola]

Still without rediall last call

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Headsets are starting to have more of these features pause play music skip tracks long press to put calls on hold wirelessly from headset check this one out headsetadvisor.com/products/impact-1000-made-for-the-new-open-office?srsltid=AfmBOorfvnl2D256hvFrhB_cAQl2X-SAlBtvj6VjBGsHR08NOp-zsKw0

[@sp4rk01]

Micro USB... 😔

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

I know, I know 😕

[@BG2RHY]

hahahahaha~Very stupid

[@benink5690]

I wonder if you can replace it easily with USB c. What should I have bought instead? I just ordered Poly focus 2 uc. Any reccomendations at the same cost?

[@AhmadQ.81]

The first thing I thought about is now they are using USB-C, come on.

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Ahmad, I can't tell if you're saying this as a good or bad thing?

[@ashishtipnis5098]

Hello I have plantronics B825-M with stand charger but it's 3 years old now I am looking for Poly voyager Focuse 2 head set with Teams Can I use old stand charger for new headset

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

Hi Ashish, the charging bases unfortunately aren't interchangeable between the Focus 1 and Focus 2. So, to answer your question, you won't be able to use the old stand charger for the new headset.

[@AwesomelySweetYve]

Will I need to download any apps on a work computer to have this headset working? I’m getting this tricky for work and I won’t be able to download anything unless tech allows it. Any ideas?

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

The app isn’t required unless you want additional features like being able to answer calls away from the computer.

[@LoneRanger.801]

What’s the latency / delay on the microphone? I am forced to use a wired USB Mic just because the mic latency is noticeable for my use (live zoom sessions and video recording). I don’t mind the LOOKS. Mic quality and Latency is what matters to me the most. You have an expansive experience in this area. Which one would you recommend (2 suggestions for two different price points would be really helpful). Also, any other thoughts or suggestions for me? Thanks heaps. Love you channel. ❤️

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

We've never heard of a latency or delay issue on either headset. Which headset did you try that gave you latency issues ?

[@GMKiko]

in first, in case there's a give away!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

David! Great to hear from you.

[@GMKiko]

@@HeadsetAdvisor Keep it up!

[@GMKiko]

Micro USB HOW?!?!?!?!

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

I know 🫤 Check out Epos Impact 1000, Orosound Tilde Evo and Yealink WH64 Hybrid as some alternatives that all have USB-C.

[@trwealthmanagement]

Need a little more help..

[@neney83]

And one reason you should not. The headset still comes, in 2024, with a micro-usb port for charging... 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Seems like HP has not heard of USB-C yet...

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

You aren't wrong 🤷‍♂️

[@runmadhu2161]

Any recommendations for a headset that has a replaceable FOAM? I have Voyager Focus and the foam is GLUED. I want the quality of call to be almost similar to Voyager Focus... because the voice quality is here best on earth 🥹

[@HeadsetAdvisor]

@@runmadhu2161 Yealink BH70, Jabra Evolve2 55 or Epos Impact 1000 are a few comparables to look at.