Poly Voyager Legend 50 Microphone Test: USB Dongle vs. Bluetooth

Choosing the right headset to give you that professional sound you need for your calls and meetings is crucial if you work in a busy office, at home, or on the go. The Poly Voyager Legend 50 is one of the many popular choices for those who prefer an on-ear, discreet looking headset.

Here’s the question though: The Poly Voyager Legend 50 is known to deliver top-tier audio, but does its microphone perform better, or different, when using it with a USB dongle or connected via Bluetooth? 

Our latest video tests it across Windows, Mac, and iPhone, comparing microphone quality with and without the USB dongle and with Poly Lens noise block settings. Watch below to hear the results and discover why a USB dongle is the smarter choice for business calls.

What do you think? Do you think the microphone sound quality will be better if you use a dongle? Will the microphone remove more noise when connected via Bluetooth? Or, does the sound quality and noise cancellation remain the same no matter how you connect?

Watch the Video: Poly Voyager Legend 50 Microphone Test

Why Microphone Quality Matters

Clear audio is vitally important for those who need to be on business calls and video meetings. Background noise, like typing, office noise, pets, children or public space noises can disrupt calls, put your image into question and cause your message to get lost in all the distractions. 

Industry studies note 65% of professionals cite poor audio as a productivity barrier. The Poly Voyager Legend 50’s microphone is designed for clarity, but is its performance consistent, or inconsistent by connection type (USB dongle or Bluetooth connection. Let’s explore the test results.

Testing the Poly Voyager Legend 50 Microphone

Poly Voyager Legend 50 Bluetooth wireless headset

 

We tested the Poly Voyager Legend 50’s microphone in various scenarios:

  • Windows with USB Dongle:

    • Quiet Environment: Crystal-clear audio, no background noise. Testing showed consistent voice quality.

    • Typing Noise: With Poly Lens AI Noise Block, typing sounds were not suppressed effectively. UC Noise Block performed similarly, and of course without noise block typing sounds came through.

    • Fan Noise: AI Noise Block did not reduce fan noise significantly, with voice audio cutting in and out due to the wind.

  • Windows with Bluetooth:

    • Quiet Environment: Comparable to USB dongle, with clear audio.

    • Typing Noise: Noticeable typing sounds, as Bluetooth lacks Poly Lens noise block integration.

    • Fan Noise: Fan noise was audible, indicating weak noise suppression with wind present.

  • Mac with USB Dongle:

    • Quiet Environment: Clear, professional audio, similar to Windows.

    • Typing Noise: AI Noise Block did not minimize typing effectively.

    • Fan Noise: blowing sound from fan was audible, and interfered with consistent voice audio.

  • Mac with Bluetooth:

    • Quiet Environment: Good audio and about the same as when using the USB dongle.

    • Typing/Fan Noise: Both were heard similarly to the sounds when using the USB dongle.

  • iPhone with Bluetooth:

    • Quiet Environment: Clear voice quality, suitable for mobile calls.

    • Typing/Fan Noise: Background noise was noticeable, as iPhone Bluetooth lacks advanced noise block features. 

Key Finding: If you’re someone who believes that the sound, and noise canceling abilities of a headset’s microphone is different when you connect using a dongle vs. Bluetooth, I have a news flash for you.

In our tests, which you can view and listen to in our video, there was no difference, no matter which combination we used;

  • Windows PC
  • Mac
  • iPhone
  • Noise canceling feature activated
  • Noise canceling feature deactivated
  • Dongle
  • Bluetooth

The sound of the microphone, including its noise cancellation, were the same across all our tests. This means that the sound of the microphone, and its ability to remove background noise is not dependent on using a dongle.

That said, there is value in using a dongle over a Bluetooth connection. Here are four key benefits you get by using a dongle compared to using a Bluetooth connection.

Why Choose a USB Dongle?

Poly USB adapter dongle for use with Poly wireless headset

Based on our tests and the comparison chart, USB dongle headsets like the Poly Voyager Legend 50 outperform Bluetooth-only connections:

  • Stable Connection: Pre-paired dongles minimize dropouts, unlike PC Bluetooth, which faces Wi-Fi interference that can lead to dropped calls.

  • Advanced Features: Poly Lens enables noise block customization, remote call control (answer/end calls away from the desk), and firmware updates, unavailable with native Bluetooth.

  • Extended Range: Compared to Bluetooth, using a USB dongle will give you more wireless range. ideal for office mobility.

  • UC Compatibility: Certified for Teams/Zoom, ensuring seamless integration.

Boost Audio with neep AI Noise Canceling Software

neep ai noise canceling software for better sounding calls and meetings

For the ultimate in noise cancellation, pair the Poly Voyager Legend 50 with neep AI Noise-Canceling Software. It eliminates background noise from your calls and callers’ environments, ensuring professional sounding calls for business, telehealth or sensitive meetings. Try it free for 14 days at neep.com.

Business Leasing Program

Equip your team with the Poly Voyager Legend 50, or one of our many professional grade headsets, like the Yealink HA64 pro, through our business-only leasing program. No need for an upfront investment when headsets can be leased for a low monthly rate that includes warranties that don’t expire, free accessories (e.g., ear cushions, batteries etc), free shipping, free setup assistance and ongoing support. Contact info@headsetadvisor.com or 800-683-5715 to learn more.

Headset Advisor: Your Trusted Partner

With over 30 years of experience and expertise, Headset Advisor matches professionals with tailored audio solutions. Call 800-683-5715 or email info@headsetadvisor.com for a free consultation or demo.

Final Word: Choose Poly Voyager Legend 50 with USB Dongle

The Poly Voyager Legend 50 delivers clear audio across devices, but the USB dongle enhances connection reliability, wireless range and allows for remote call answering. Pair the Legend 50 with neep AI noise canceling software for superior call clarity and explore leasing your headsets if budgets are tight, or if you'd rather use funds for other areas of your business. Contact Headset Advisor for help matching you with the best headset for your needs!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Does the Poly Voyager Legend 50’s microphone work better with a USB dongle?
    No. The microphone sound quality, and noise cancellation remains unchanged whether using the USB adapter, or Bluetooth. There are several key benefits to using a dongle over Bluetooth, but sound quality isn’t one of them.

  2. How does neep AI noise canceling software enhance the Voyager Legend 50?
    neep AI noise canceling software learns your voice, separates it from other voices, and reduces background noise for clearer calls. It even removes noise from your caller’s end. Try it free at neep.com.

  3. Is the Voyager Legend 50 good for professional calls?
    Yes, The Voyager Legend 50 was designed for use in a professional environment. It has a quality microphone, and can be used with a USB dongle for additional benefits. 

  4. Can businesses lease the Voyager Legend 50?
    Yes, our business-only lease is very affordable and it avoids the need to invest funds up front to outfit a team with headsets. Fixed rate, warranty included, free shipping, accessories, and technical support. Contact 800-683-5715.

  5. Which headset is best for my setup?
    Contact Headset Advisor at 800-683-5715 or info@headsetadvisor.com and one of our expert Advisors will match your needs with a compatible solution because there isn't a best headset overall, just a best headset for your specific situation.

  6. Can I try the Voyager Legend 50 before buying?
    Yes, reach out to us at Headset Advisor to learn more about the Legend 50, or to arrange for a free trial.

 

Computer noise canceling headsetPoly bluetooth headsetPoly voyager legend 50Voyager legend 50

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