Do you want the best headset? 
Having a professional sounding headset when you’re on voice or video calls is highly important. Whether you work in a busy office, in the healthcare field, at home or on the go, you need to be heard clearly, and not have your callers distracted by noise going on around you.
Poly is a company that has a long history of producing professional sounding headsets, with the Poly Voyager Focus being one of the many. But, since that model was introduced, an updated version was released in the Poly Voyager Focus 2, but which has the better microphone? Our latest video compares their noise-canceling performance across real-world background noise profiles. Watch below to decide for yourself which one sounds better, and does a better job at removing unwanted background noise.
Watch the Video: Voyager Focus vs. Voyager Focus 2 Mic Test
See the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC vs. Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC microphone showdown, tested against baby crying, dogs barking, office noise, and typing.
Why Headset Microphone Quality Matters
It’s estimated that 60% of people who work in offices, at home, or on the go deal with sound quality issues such as intrusive background noise, or headsets that don’t sound that great.
The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC (Gen 1) and Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC (Gen 2) are designed to reduce background noise, but their microphone performance varies. Let’s explore their features and test results.
Key Features of Voyager Focus Headsets
Both headsets are built for professional communication, with advanced noise cancellation and comfort:
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Plantronics Voyager Focus UC (Gen 1):
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Microphone: Noise-canceling boom microphone reduces background sounds, and provides professional sounding audio for clear calls.
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Connectivity: Bluetooth v 4.1 with USB dongle, up to 98 feet range.
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Comfort: Lightweight (155g / 5.4 ounces), plush ear cushions, and cushioned, adjustable headband for all-day wearing and comfort
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Battery: Up to 12 hours talk time, 10 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC).
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Compatibility: Works with Zoom, Teams, UC applications and mobile devices.
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Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC (Gen 2):
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Microphone: Upgraded 4-mic array with Acoustic Fence technology for enhanced noise suppression, and professional sound.
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Connectivity: Bluetooth v5.1 with USB-A/C dongle, up to 164 feet range.
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Comfort: 175 grams/ 6.1 ounces, Improved ear cushions and adjustable headband for extended comfort.
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Battery: Up to 19 hours talk time (ANC off), 16 hours (ANC on).
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Compatibility: Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and 100+ platforms plus mobile devices.
Note: Tests show audio quality and noise cancellation are unchanged whether using a dongle or direct Bluetooth, but dongles offer a more stable connection, longer range, and access to advanced features like remote call answering.
Microphone Showdown: Test Results
Our video tests both headsets’ microphones on the same laptop, without noise-canceling software, using consistent background noise levels via a speakerphone. Here’s how they perform:
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Quiet Environment:
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Voyager Focus UC: Clear, crisp audio with no distortion. The sound quality was professional.
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Voyager Focus 2 UC: Slightly richer tone, but comparable clarity, and equally professional.
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Baby Crying:
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Voyager Focus UC: Reduced crying significantly, keeping voice clear.
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Voyager Focus 2 UC: Acoustic Fence minimizes crying further, with sharper voice isolation.
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Dogs Barking:
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Voyager Focus UC: Suppressed barking well, though some dog noise remained.
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Voyager Focus 2 UC: Stronger suppression, nearly eliminated all barking for cleaner audio.
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Office Noise:
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Voyager Focus UC: Filtered voice noise but let some background through.
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Voyager Focus 2 UC: better noise blocking, provided better audio quality.
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Typing Noise:
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Voyager Focus UC: Mutes most typing sounds, with minor bleed.
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Voyager Focus 2 UC: Near-complete elimination of typing, ideal for office settings with a lot of people working on computers.
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Key Finding: The Voyager Focus 2 UC’s 4-mic Acoustic Fence outperforms the Gen 1’s mic, especially in noisy settings, though both are excellent for environments with minimal background noise, or quiet settings.
Enhance with neep AI Noise Canceling Software
Whether you’re using the Voyager Focus gen 1, or gen 2, or any other audio device, consider getting the ultimate audio quality by pairing your device with neep ai noise canceling software. It removes background noise (e.g., dogs, babies, typing) from both call ends, and neep will learn your voice, and then isolate it from others for a crystal clear conversation. Try it free for 14 days at neep.com.
Business Leasing Program
Equip your team with the Voyager Focus UC, Focus 2 UC or new technology like the Yealink HA64 Pro through our business-only leasing program. No upfront investment needed to equip a team with professional headsets. Our program includes warranties for the entire term, free replacement accessories (e.g., ear cushions, batteries etc), free shipping, and free setup assistance and ongoing technical support. Contact info@headsetadvisor.com or 800-683-5715.
Trade In Your Old Headsets
Did you know that Headset Advisor has a trade in program that gives you cash, or credit for your old, outdated, or unwanted headsets? So if you have some packed away in a box somewhere, contact us today for a quote. One more way that Headset Advisor makes acquiring new communication equipment affordable.
Headset Advisor: Your Audio Partner
With 30+ years of expertise, Headset Advisor delivers professional audio solutions, and matches the right products tailored to your specific needs. Use promo code BLOG for a discount at checkout. Call 800-683-5715 to speak with one of our expert Adivors, or email info@headsetadvisor.com for a free consultation or demo.
Final Word: Which Voyager Focus Wins?
The Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC edges out the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC with superior 4-mic noise cancellation, longer range, and better comfort, but both provide excellent sound for calls. Pair either with neep AI noise canceling software for better sounding, distraction-free calls and meetings . Contact Headset Advisor to find the right headset.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Which headset has better noise cancellation?
Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC’s 4-mic Acoustic Fence outperforms Gen 1 in noisy settings. -
How do they handle background noise?
Focus 2 UC better suppresses sounds from babies, dogs, offices, and typing, per our tests. -
Does the USB dongle improve audio quality?
No, audio and noise cancellation are the same, but dongles offer other benefits not available when connecting via Bluetooth, such as a more stable wireless connection, longer wireless range, and access to advanced headset features such as remote call answering. -
How does neep AI enhance these headsets?
neep AI noise canceling software removes background noise for clearer calls. Try free at neep.com. -
Are they compatible with Zoom/Teams?
Yes, both are certified for Teams, Zoom, and 100+ platforms. -
Can businesses lease these headsets?
Yes, you can lease many different makes and models of headsets without the upfront investment, at a surprisingly low monthly rate. Contact 800-683-5715 or info@headsetadvisor.com
