- Bryan Tan
The Premium Versatile Earbuds for Business and Leisure?
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
In today's hybrid work world, we need earbuds that can seamlessly switch between our work and personal devices, provide crystal-clear audio for calls and meetings and block out distractions so we can focus.
In the ever-expanding world of true wireless earbuds, the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC dares to stand out with many intriguing features. We'll take a look at the earbuds' design, sound quality, touchscreen case and integration with the Poly app and determine whether this bold offering lives up to its promises.
Design
In the design department, the Voyager Free 60+ UC earbuds are small and lightweight, making them comfortable for long periods. The build also feels premium and comes with three different ear-size tips to find the perfect fit. The case for our 60+ does add a bit of weight overall but nothing too crazy. For those concerned, unless you are rocking some cargo pants with huge pockets, the case will be a little too big for your average pocket.
Where Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC makes a distinctive entrance with its touchscreen charging case, resembling a mini-computer, the case doubles as a control centre for the earbuds.
The package includes various accessories, including a USB-A Bluetooth adapter and charging cables. Lastly, the IP54 rating also ensures sweat resistance, making the earbuds suitable for workouts.
Sound
Equipped with 10mm drivers, the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC delivers a passable sound experience. While the default Bass EQ preset emphasises sub-bass frequencies, the sound signature might differ from everyone's cup of tea.
The earbuds reproduce music with a balanced and detailed quality across genres. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode settings allow users to tailor their auditory experience, although the ANC's performance falls short of top-tier competitors. My personal gripe with these earbuds is that it doesn't seem to fit my ears that well, so do give it a try at a physical store if you are keen on picking one up.
For calls, the three microphones on each earbud work together to provide clear and natural sound, even in noisy environments, so no worries there.
Controls & Connectivity
The Voyager Free 60+ UC has several features that make them ideal for hybrid work. They have a touch-sensitive control panel on each earbud, so you can quickly answer calls, adjust the volume, or switch between devices.
However, its S$400~ price tag commands a pretty interesting touchscreen on the charging case. It serves as a hub for various controls, such as toggling ANC, managing Bluetooth connections, and monitoring battery levels. Despite its fancy integration into the case, the touchscreen does come with jumpy animations and less-than-smooth usability. Nevertheless, it does bring convenient features like quick device switching and ANC adjustments without going through the app or remembering the touch controls on the earbuds.
The Voyager Free 60+ UC are compatible with various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. They are also certified for use with leading unified communications (UC) platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Poly Lens App
The Poly Lens app enhances the Voyager Free 60+ UC experience by providing extensive customisation options. From adjusting voice alerts to fine-tuning sidetone settings, the app offers a range of features that enhance user control.
While the equaliser settings might be limited to Bass, Flat, and Bright presets, the app still adds valuable functionality. It's also worth noting that while the touchscreen case is innovative, many functions are accessible through the buttons and swipe sensors on the earbuds themselves.
Battery
The earbuds also have a somewhat acceptable battery life, up to 5.5 hours of listening time on a single charge.
The charging case provides 11 hours of battery life, so you can easily get through a full day of work.
Pricing & Availability
The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC stands at the apex of the Voyager Free 60 series at around S$300 to S$400~ depending on store you buy it from; however, if the touchscreen case isn't essential to you, you can also opt for the other models in the series, which at first glance, might seem a little confusing with the name convention and all but, here is a link to Poly's website with a table that effectively explains what each version constitutes.
In essence, while its unique features and dual-purpose design hold appeal, there are certain drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. The comfort issue, less-than-stellar ANC, and occasional usability quirks of the touchscreen case might make some hesitant to invest in this product. However, the earbuds still manage to deliver a satisfactory sound experience and cater to those seeking versatile functionality.
Combining business and leisure features in one package makes the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC a multifaceted contender in the wireless earbud arena. However, potential buyers should consider their priorities before investing in this premium offering.