Classics come in many different forms.
There’s classic cars, classic movies, classic literature, classic attire and more. So what does this have to do with a Plantronics Voyager Legend, you ask? Well, it too is a classic.
The Plantronics Voyager 5200 headset’s classic design has been copied by several manufacturers because Plantronics (now called Poly) nailed it when they created this iconic design.
But as the saying goes, 'often imitated, never duplicated' holds especially true when you're considering a wireless headset for office phones, a category where Poly has consistently excelled.
Poly was on the right track when they designed the Voyager Legend headset. It truly is an amazing piece of engineering, one that Poly has improved on in recent years with the introduction of the Plantronics Bluetooth or wired 5200 UC headset.
What made the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC an iconic headset?
- It connects to mobile phones, tablets and computers
- It weighs a mere 18 grams
- You have up to 7 hours of talk time, which extends to 21 with the charge case
- It’s available in a UC and Bluetooth only version
- It’s compatible with Windows and MacOS operating systems
- It’s extremely comfortable to wear
- It sounds great
- It does a superior job of reducing unwanted background noise
- It’s affordable
Two compatibility options
The Voyager Legend comes in two variants; UC for connectivity to a computer via the included USB Adapter/Dongle plus Bluetooth, and the Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset version for those who want a headset for mobile applications. So, whether you prefer wired or Bluetooth wireless headsets for office use, there’s a Legend that’s perfect for you, offering flexibility and comfort.
Weight makes a difference
Weight really plays a key role when it comes to headsets that are worn over the ear. The last thing you want is a bulky and heavy earpiece, especially when you're relying on your wireless office headset for clear phone communication throughout the workday.
Headband style headsets accommodate weight a bit better because that weight can be distributed across the head via the headband. That’s not the case with an earpiece, especially if you're using a lightweight wireless headset for office phones, which ensures comfort throughout long calls.
The weight of the Voyager Legend is only 18 grams. To help you get a feel for the comparison, I’m providing a list of common household items that weigh about this same amount. This may help you to appreciate how light this headset really is:
- 3 tablespoons of coffee
- 20 buttons
- 4 grapes
-
½ the weight of a typical light bulb
Hopefully this gives you a sense of what the Plantronics Voyager Legend weighs, which isn’t really very much (and that’s a good thing).
Fitment
Anyone who’s worn an on-ear headset understands how important the weight of the device is, as well as design and fitment. Plantronics did a superb job when they designed the Voyager Legend headsets.
It’s incredibly easy to place on the ear (some headsets you have to wrestle them on), and once on, it stays put. That’s one of the complaints by many on-ear headset users. They find that the earpiece won’t stay in place and feels unstable. That’s not the case with the Voyager Legend headsets, and perhaps one of the reasons this design has been imitated by many.
Talk time and battery life
Bluetooth headsets historically weren’t known for their extensive talk time. This was largely due to the fact that these devices have been manufactured to be small which meant that there simply wasn’t a lot of room to squeeze in a decent size battery. The Plantronics Voyager Legend is compact yet powerful, making it an excellent Bluetooth wireless headset for office environments, providing 7 hours of uninterrupted talk time..
This is enough talk time for most people to work an entire day without the need to recharge the battery. And, with the charging case, that 7 hours extends to 21 for even more talk time.
One thing to note about the battery besides how much talk time you get, is the fact that the battery isn’t replaceable. Many headsets have a battery that can be replaced when it no longer holds a charge. That’s not a feature that’s available with the Voyager Legend, as well as with its updated model, the Voyager 5200 UC.
When the battery no longer holds a charge, the headset earpiece itself needs to be replaced. Though I don’t like that design personally, there are a number of headsets that are constructed that way.
MacOS or Windows
Whether you’re a Windows person or a MAC, the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC will work fine in both environments. It connects via USB, and the USB Adapter comes pre-paired right out of the box, so you can begin using the headset immediately once the battery is charged. No complicated process to go through as Plantronics made this super simple.
Soundly speaking
In terms of sound quality, the microphone does a very good job to pick up the voice sound easily. There’s no discernable static or distortion of any kind, just a good, clear sound experience.
As for the Plantronics Voyager Legend’s ability to remove unwanted background noise, I have to say, it does a great job.
I threw several annoying sounds at it that included the sounds normally associated with working in an office, as well as dogs barking, and of course no test would be complete without putting up against our Vitamix blender set on high just a few feet away.
Lastly, I took it outside and walked along a business street with cars and trucks passing by in a semi-breezy condition. In every one of these tests, the Plantronics Voyager Legend passed with flying colors as a top quality set of noise cancelling headphones. This means that if you work in an environment that has distracting noise going on, rest assured that the Voyager Legend will handle it so your callers don’t have to hear it.
Talk range and going the distance
The wireless talk range on the Voyager Legend is pretty typical of what you should expect from a Bluetooth earpiece. It’s rated to provide up to 33 feet of wireless talk range.
Some models today offer a bit more, but when compared to a DECT wireless headset for example, any Bluetooth headset will generally fall short by comparison.
Still, for most people who would wear a headset like the Voyager Legend, the 33 feet of wireless range is pretty acceptable.
Model 5200 replaces the Voyager Legend
Plantronics/Poly made a good wireless headset even better. They’ve updated the Voyager Legend with the new (and improved) model 5200. Same basic design as the Voyage Legend, but with some enhancements.
At the time of this blog, there is still some available inventory of the Voyager Legend. And, just because there’s a new and improved version, that doesn’t mean that the original isn’t still a good choice. That is, if you can still get your hands on one.
Final thoughts
If you’re fine with a headset that already has an updated version, and you don’t want to wear a headset over the head, nor use earbuds, then the Plantronics, err sorry, Poly Voyager Legend, or the Poly Voyager Legend UC may be a smart choice.
The price of this headset is very reasonable starting at $99.99, and it comes with a 1-year warranty from Poly. Bluetooth headsets today are priced all over the map, and can run as much as $450.00, or even more.
When you stop to consider that thought, the modest price of $99.99 sounds like a great price considering the Voyager Legend is a well-made, quality piece of technology.
The sound quality is extremely good, and it’s not only easy to put on, but it’s comfortable for even long periods of time. This headset will keep you connected whether you’re participating on video calls, Softphone calls or using your mobile phone or tablet for business or entertainment.
Grab your Plantronics Voyager Legend Headphones today
You truly don’t have to look very far to find a Bluetooth wireless headset that can’t match up to this one. Plain and simple, it’s a good value for a high quality classically designed headset. In my book that’s something worth considering.
Want to experience the quality sound of the Plantronics Voyager Legend headset yourself? Shop now for a pair of your own.