Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Headset
Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc. Part number: 38667-01
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC combines a perennial favorite design with cutting-edge technology that results in a modern yet reliable headset.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Free Shipping Over $99 | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/23/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Headset price range: $199.71
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 01/25/2011
The good: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC has Smart Sensor technology that lets you route calls automatically to the headset or phone, play or pause music automatically, and more. It also features A2DP streaming, multipoint connectivity, and great audio quality to boot.
The bad: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC is not that much different from its predecessors, and it is currently not compatible with Plantronics' own Vocalyst automated phone service. We also think it's too expensive.
The bottom line: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC combines a perennial favorite design with cutting-edge technology that results in a modern yet reliable headset.
A decade after its first Bluetooth headset in 2001, Plantronics still stands out as one of the leaders in an increasingly crowded field. The Voyager line of headsets is especially popular with consumers who prize audio quality and comfort above all else. We were glad to see Plantronics update its lineup with the Voyager Pro Plus last year, which added A2DP streaming, voice alerts, and even better noise reduction.
But the innovation didn't stop there. Plantronics has introduced yet another improvement on its Voyager Pro line with the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC. Undeniably the company's most advanced headset yet, the Voyager Pro UC uses new sensor technology that can detect whether it is on or off the ear. This increases the headset's functionality tenfold--the ability to answer a call just by putting on the headset, for example, is fantastic. The Voyager Pro UC also works with a variety of softphone and VoIP PC applications without ever losing mobile connectivity.
Even though the design of the headset is the same and the audio quality is unchanged, we think this new technology is highly impressive. Just because of that, we're elevating the headset to Editors' Choice. We just wish it were cheaper; it retails for $199.95, which is nearly double the price of competing headsets.
Design
It's design deja vu all over again with the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC. Indeed, it looks identical to both the Voyager Pro Plus and the Voyager Pro. It has that retro telemarketer look, with a large behind-the-ear battery pack and a long swiveling boom microphone. We're admittedly a little tired of the design by now, but we can't blame the company for sticking to a design that many people have come to love. Despite its looks, the Voyager Pro UC is definitely comfortable and easy to wear. For more details on button placement and overall look and feel, we'll direct you to our review of the Plantronics Voyager Pro.
Unlike the Jawbone Era, which has a built-in accelerometer to help answer and end calls, the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC uses very sensitive capacitive touch technology instead. According to Plantronics, this works by "sensing capacitance changes due to conductors brought close to one or more sensor electrodes." This Smart Sensor technology enables the headset to differentiate one action from another.
The benefits of the sensor are quite impressive. For example, if a call comes in and you're not wearing your headset, the call automatically routes to the phone. You can then answer the call as you would normally or you can slip on your headset and the call will be answered automatically. If you put on your headset in the middle of the call, the call will be transferred to the headset automatically as well. This prevents you from having to fumble around for the headset whenever you get an incoming call.
This works great for listening to music as well. Taking the headset off automatically pauses the song, and when you put the headset back on, the song resumes where it left off. You also no longer have to worry about accidentally placing a call while the headset is bouncing around in your pocket; the Voyager Pro UC has Auto Call Button Lock, which locks the button when the headset is not worn.
Features
Like the Voyager Pro Plus, the Voyager Pro UC has voice alerts, multipoint technology for simultaneous connectivity to two devices, and A2DP streaming so you can listen to music, podcasts, and apps like turn-by-turn navigation. You also get a visual headset battery meter when the headset is paired with an iPhone. The Voyager Pro UC currently does not support Plantronics' Vocalyst automated phone service, but it might in the future.
The Voyager Pro UC comes with a USB adapter that is by default paired with the headset. You can plug the adapter into a PC or Mac and use the headset with a variety of softphone and VoIP applications that include options from Avaya, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft (OCS & Lync), ShoreTel, and Skype. The Voyager Pro UC is able to make use of the simultaneous connectivity of the phone and the PC. For example, if you're on a mobile call, the headset will communicate to the PC software and change your availability status to "On a call." Once you're done, the software will change it back to normal availability.
If you use Outlook, you can create a list of VIPs or favorite contacts that you communicate with frequently. You can set it up so that whenever you get an instant message or e-mail from one of these people, the headset will alert you, and then read out the subject line of the e-mail. In VoIP apps like Skype, you can also quickly switch from IM conversations to voice chat simply by putting on the headset.
Performance
As the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC has much the same noise-canceling technology as the Voyager Pro Plus, we're not surprised that the quality is equally as good. We paired the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC with the Apple iPhone 4, and quality was very impressive. Incoming voice quality was crisp, clear, and as natural-sounding as holding up the phone directly to the ear.
Callers reported similar results. They did report the occasional muddiness, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Calls were free of static and noise, and wind noise was reduced as well. Callers said our voice quality was clear and natural for the most part, even when we were in a noisy environment.
We're quite impressed by the audio quality of music as well. Sure, it's not a stereo listening experience, but songs had passable sound quality.
The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC has a rated battery life of 6 hours of talk time and five days of standby time.
User reviews
-
-
Good, not great.
by Eclectophile on November 30, 2011
Pros: Excellent noise canceling, Good sound quality. Good mic sound quality. Good battery life.
Cons: Smart sensor is easily confused, noise cancellation appears to be tied in with incoming audio which cuts off your mic,
Summary: I have had this headset for over 6 months. I spend my entire day on the phone for work and this was a great way to free up my hands, ...
Summary: I have had this headset for over 6 months. I spend my entire day on the phone for work and this was a great way to free up my hands, avoid a wired headset, and deal with background noise. After months of using it I have to say that most of the time it's a very decent headset. It's difficult to get decent reviews on headsets involving call quality online. All of the reviews seem to deal with features but never really put headsets through their paces. All in all this headset has great call quality on both sides. No one complained that I sounded like I was in a tunnel, the way the do with so many other headsets. The call quality on the receiving end was very good although I think the speaker is a little on the muddy side in that it seems to intentionally roll off the treble.
The smart sensor seems like a good idea however if you put it on after taking a shower, your hairs wet from rain, or if you're walking around and it's a hot day and you sweat, the sensor gets confused and will randomly transfer calls to your handset. They totally should have let the user decide if they want to keep using this feature. Maybe they did but I use a Mac and Plantronics seems to favor the PC for product support. In any case it's annoying and it happened regularly enough for me to stop using this headset as my first choice.
Finally, the biggest gripe. It appears that the engineers have the audio from the other end of the receiver, in some way, going through the noise cancellation circuitry of the headset. So, for instance, if the person you are calling is standing outside in traffic, you hear the roar of traffic as plain as day, HOWEVER, the noise cancellation circuitry will turn your mic off. You can turn the volume down to compensate for all the background noise coming through on the other side of the call. That's no big deal. But I've spent minutes talking to people and they didn't hear a word I said because for some reason their background noise was so bad that the headset cut off my mic. This is inexplicable because I've literally stood in front of a large operating diesel generator and spoke in a normal voice and the person I was talking to told me they couldn't hear the generator, only my voice. So the noise canceling tech is great, but something coming through the other end can cut your mic out completely.
So anyway, I've thrown this headset in the standby bin and I use it when I drive. This headset has some amazing features and, I'm guessing, it's only a firmware update or two away from being great. But I'll never be able to update it because I use a Mac. Way to go Plantronics. Way to alienate 10 percent of the market. At the moment, I am using a 10 dollar Panasonic wired headset and it does the job better than the 500 or so I've spent on wireless headsets in the past 4 years. It doesn't have noise cancellation but it also doesn't cut my mic off.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Buyer Beware
by ryanoudoak on March 31, 2011
Pros: Easy to set up and connect, good range, good clarity -- one reason I purchased was because I don't get cell reception in my basement and I was able to leave my phone upstairs and continue a call in my basement with this headset.
Cons: Does not stream music or other media from a mobile device -- including GPS turn-by-turn directions. This is not explained in this CNET review or on Amazon where I purchased this device
Summary: I didn't want to kill this device on the rating for a mistake made by me, but I did do research. I purchased this device for a couple of ...
Summary: I didn't want to kill this device on the rating for a mistake made by me, but I did do research. I purchased this device for a couple of maini reasons -- make hands free calls and stream music and other media during the day at work. When I received this product, I spent hours looking on-line and trying to find an Android app that would help me stream media using this device because the review I read on here and the information on Amazon had assured me that this device could be used to "stream music, pod casts, and GPS turn-by-turn directions" as well as text messages, emails, etc. I think that it would probably stream music and pod casts from a computer, but I am not sure how the GPS turn-by-turn feature would ever be useful if it doesn't work with a mobile device.
How do I know it wasn't just by inability to figure out how to do it and not a fallibility overlooked by CNET? Because the tech support at Plantronics told me after I reluctantly called them as a last resort, having spent 4 hours trying to make it work myself. When I explained to tech support the trouble I was having and which model I had purchased, they told me that the Pro UC did not stream media from a mobile device and that I should be the Pro Plus. They also informed me that the Pro Plus was much cheaper.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great sound/comfort- ok noise red- LOUSY integrity!
by Goddess_Susie on October 19, 2011
Pros: Comfortable, Great volume control, noise reduction is okay, the boom picks up your voice well and fits either ear nicely. The range is good, voices are clear, and listeners don't say you sound like you're in a cave. It's also easy to connect. I have sma
Cons: DOES NOT HOLD UP! I bought this based on CNet's recommendation and think it's a great ear piece but the rubber split about 1/8" in front of the hard plastic (where the volume rocker is) and is not repairable. I've tried Gorilla Glue and electrical tape.
Summary: C+ in noise reduction
F in durability
A in everything else
Final- I'll probably buy it again until something better comes out.Summary: C+ in noise reduction
F in durability
A in everything else
Final- I'll probably buy it again until something better comes out.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Poor Quality for the price. Big disappointment.
by MajorDeezaster on October 14, 2011
Pros: range is good
Cons: Battery charger socket inside the headset has failed in less than a year rendering the headset useless. Sound quality is poor, volume low, which may be because the unit does not fit into your ear no matter which rubber tip you put on it, unlike other hea
Summary: Overall, I'm very disappointed in this headset and will not buy another Plantronics device.
Summary: Overall, I'm very disappointed in this headset and will not buy another Plantronics device.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
sounds good
by thenameisselena on September 4, 2011
Pros: This bluetooth has really good sound quality, some people claim they can tell if you're on a bluetooth, but, not with this one. It blocks out wind and car noise easy.
Cons: IT JUST WON'T FIT OR STAY IN PLACE. For the money it cost and the quality sound you would think you want to use it more. Wrong, it keeps falling out, and is the very worst if you are driving and talking, or walkig to your car and you have bags in your han
Summary: hey, if you have a big ear and don't really talk to anyone much then it should be perfect. But, if it is important for you to use your ...
Summary: hey, if you have a big ear and don't really talk to anyone much then it should be perfect. But, if it is important for you to use your phone and bluetooth often, then you will have to invest in more gagets. car chargers, usb chargers and hell a spare bluetooth would really help cause this one will allow you maybe two 45 minute calls before need more electricity.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Uncomfortable, doesn't stay on my ear, but nice sound
by aipinquan on March 27, 2011
Pros: Great sound.
Nice form factor.Cons: Clumsy to put on.
Horrible ear cups that do not stay in my ear.Summary: What good is great sound when the earpiece pops out of my ear after 5 minutes? My PLT510 was wonderful. How could they lose so much functionality in this design? ...
Summary: What good is great sound when the earpiece pops out of my ear after 5 minutes? My PLT510 was wonderful. How could they lose so much functionality in this design? The limited options for earpieces mean I cannot find one that will work at all in both ears, and I can't find one that stays in either ear. And don't even go to their site to try to give them feedback unless you want to punish yourself.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great sound quality and functionality.
by nthesadl on July 21, 2011
Pros: Great sound. Easy to use buttons. Blocks out background noise very well. Unit stays in place once seated.
Cons: A bit awkward to seat into ear properly. Cumbersome...boom broke off from normal use and folding/unfolding unit while putting on/taking off. Heat sensitive. Once temperature reaches near 100 degrees, unit stops working.
Summary: Overall, a good item for the price as long as the individual does not plan on spending any time outside with it in the hot summer months.
Summary: Overall, a good item for the price as long as the individual does not plan on spending any time outside with it in the hot summer months.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
One of the best in the Market
by shermonno1 on January 27, 2011
Pros: Excellent sound quality and is by far, has great battery life. Stands out above the rest as well in comfort.
Cons: It is a bit on the bulky side but still does not sacrifice the importance of comfort.
Summary: Dual mic technology is really great in the set and it's integration really makes the difference in sound quality.
Summary: Dual mic technology is really great in the set and it's integration really makes the difference in sound quality.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Good idea, bad execution
by Pucker_Eye on April 24, 2012
Pros: boom style microphone
Cons: heavy and falls off the ear, bad sound quality
Summary: Defeats background noise, but overall quality is poor in comparison to others. It is heavy and falls out of and off my head often. Very aggravating. I returned it and ...
Summary: Defeats background noise, but overall quality is poor in comparison to others. It is heavy and falls out of and off my head often. Very aggravating. I returned it and went with the Motorola H730.
-
The Best Blue tooth . I talk 2500 min a month
by Sisco56 on December 28, 2011
Pros: volume is great / battery life good / Price
Cons: To Large not easy fit with sun glasses
Summary: If your in the car all day you need this unit.
Summary: If your in the car all day you need this unit.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc.
- Part number: 38667-01
- Description: Designed for mobile professionals in the office or on-the-go, this single headset lets you seamlessly switch between calls received on your PC and those received on your mobile phone. Wideband technology sharpens PC audio and delivers rich, natural-sounding voice and multi-media transmissions. The Voyager PRO UC headset offers dual noise-canceling microphones on the boom and three layers of WindSmart technology to ensure that you hear every word and that your voice is heard clearly despite the noise around you or what you are connected to: your PC, mobile or smart phone.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Weight 0.6 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone,
PC multimedia - Additional Features AudioIQ,
WindSmart,
Built-in DSP,
Volume control,
Answer/end button,
Noise canceling circuit,
Mute button Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Built-in,
Boom
Wireless Link
- Radio Frequency Range 2.4GHz
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Bluetooth USB adapter
Power
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 6 hour(s)
- Standby Time 120 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Plantronics, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Plantronics, Inc.
- Address:
345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060 - Phone: 1-831-426-5858
- Fax: 831-426-6098
