Firstly, I’d like to mention that I have had this device for just over 4 months. Usually I would have written a review long before now, but I have learnt that very often the first few months of any new product are prone to hiccups.
I am glad I waited, the latest (as of writing) firmware version 218 has resolved an issue that is related to Skype for Business. I will mention the issues I had at the end of this post.
First impression was that it looks very elegant. Comes in either a white or Grey finish. The Over-the-head band is substantially more robust in look and feel. Its well padded Over-the-head with a breathable type of material finish resting on your head. The ear cup cushioning is soft and comfortable.
Highlights
- I really liked that there are 2 levels of ANC, 1 for Office and another for noisy environments
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Smart sensors allow you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset and automatically mute your calls or pause your music by taking it off
- The controls have been well thought out and repeat the layout of the Voyager Focus UC.
- A 3.5mm jack! So stoked that this has been included as it extends the usability massively
- Open Mic to amplify background noise, I don’t use this too much but it is a nice feature I have played with from time to time. I feel like it amplifies my hearing
- No boom microphone! This is only the second headset I have reviewed without a boom. Last time around I was just a little disappointed BUT Plantronics have done a great job with the 8200 UC. Its really set a new benchmark and in my opinion leads the market in this specific respect. A pair of dual Omni-direction microphones make this possible
- Dynamic mute alert detects and notifies you when you talk while on mute
- Doubles as a business headset and a music headset, don’t discount this fact!
- The battery just goes on and on! I have had 2 days of good use (about 5-6 hours each) and 26 days on standby on my current charge..its still going!
- The soft case is classy and I do like the additional pocket that stows away cabling. Which by the way , comes with a USB cable, 3.5mm cable, USB dongle and a flight adaptor
Testing included hundreds of Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams calls as well as at least 250 hours of listening to music on Spotify (via a combination of PC and iPhone)
I found that the call quality was really good. When in the office I didn’t really need ANC enabled but it certainly reduced the office noise callers were usually hearing when calling me. Working from the local Coffee Brewers I cranked up the ANC (very noisy environment) and although the audio experience was slightly less natural, the ANC took care of the noise so well that I could continue my conversation.
I also noticed that the inside surface of the ear cup is smooth and covered in a slightly padded material. So when your ear makes contact with the inner surface its not irritating.
Specifications
| Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
| Standby Time | Up to 1 month |
| Range | Up to 30 Meters\98 Feet |
| Frequency | Bluetooth v4.1 |
| Audio Performance | Active Noise Canceling |
| Call Answer/End | Yes |
| Volume +/- | Yes |
| Earpiece/Headset Weight | 289 grams\10 oz |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth/3.5mm |
| Connects To | PC, Tablet and Mobile |
| Skype for Business Certified | Yes |
| Lync/Skype for Business | Yes |
| Device Type | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Style | Binaural |
| Wearing Style | Over-the-head |
| Microphone | Noise-canceling |
| Headset Family | Plantronics Bluetooth |
| High Density Environments | Yes |
| Integrated Busylight | No |
| Digital Encryption | 128-Bit |
| Limited Warranty | 1 year |
| USB Port | Yes |
| Mute | Yes |
| Digital Signal Processing | Yes |
| PC Wideband Audio | Yes |
Suggestions for improvement
- I would like to see an option for a hard case like the BackBeat PRO 2 SE has. I am even prepared to pay extra for that. It’s probably not necessary but would certainly give me peace of mind when I am out and about.
- I think it may be worth providing a larger ear cup option to avoid any wear fatigue with persons having a slightly larger ear. The inside of the cups measures 60mm\2.36in, this is the same size as other units I have tested so this seems to be a norm across most brands.
The only negative I can really mention is that this is not an entry level unit and so comes at a price and its not cheap. However, in this category its still one of the more affordable headsets.
NOTE
Do update the firmware when you receive your Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC. I got mine on the initial release firmware 115. After a lot of testing I was stumped by a clicking noise on Skype for Business calls. The good folks at Plantronics replaced the unit promptly but the issue continued. Once I updated to firmware version 218 the 8200 UC was brilliant!
