Plantronics Voyager Focus UC versus Jabra Evolve 65

Quick review of two similar, mid-range UC bluetooth headsets.

[andymarchewka]

Nice comparison, thanks! Well worth the watch.
Just a note: you mentioned that neither headset folds in flat, but the Jabra Evolve 65 definitely does.

[shawnmelmer]

Thanks! The helpful tip regarding the phone notifications while on a call help me make my choice - went the Voyager.

[hanushajay]

That Chime part! So true and very annoying especially when your in a call/meeting. You literally miss long seconds of communication.

[tedturner]

Should note that the Focus isn't particular as to which side is Left Or Right. When you lower the mic boom, it sorts out left and right automatically. The Jabra does not, and can only be worn with the mic on the right.

The Focus kit includes a high quality audio dongle. My Jabra did not. Maybe I got shorted.

The Focus dock is very solid and uses a four gold contact positive connection, and the headset slides into and out of the dock easily. The Jabra uses the Micro USB connection, and the dock is rather cheap compared to the Focus dock.

Overall, owning both, the Plantronics is a much more elegant and technologically superior headset. It sounds a lot nicer than the Jabra as well. In fact, sound quality wise, there is no comparison. The Jabra sounds like a generic cheap headset, while the Focus is on par with mid to high end stereo headphones. To be fair, the Jabra is very "flat", but not in a good way. The highs are flat and can't seem to be made to sound crisp. The Focus has plenty of high end, but also a tremendous low end that I have to tailor down on the EQ. Some will like this, as it seems to be popular amongst the Beats crowd.

Noise cancelling is similar, with the upper hand going to the Focus, as it has a better earpad. The "listen through" function of the Focus is better than the Jabra as well.

The Plantronics smartphone app is very nice as well, and allows adjusting all the headset settings.

The only thing I would give the Jabra a higher mark on is the included hard case. You can buy a good hard case for the Plantronics for about $15 on Amazon.

Focus goes for about $161 online. Jabra retails at $200. No brainer. Go Plantronics Focus UC.

[salfa]

Thanks a lot for the review - covers everything and exactly what I needed!

[colsonmaclean]

Accurate though the mic on the Jabra is a bit better.

[AusCharlie]

Both bags have a pouch inside, the Jabra one is velcro sealed rather than zip though.

[Stokedforsaturday]

Has anyone tried the newer Jabra Evolve 75 vs the Focus? I'm trying to decide between the two and it seems Jabra has made some improvements with the 75

[argentmoire]

ive had two jabra evolve 65 both have snapped at the ear cup on the microphone side, placing it on a desk should not break these but it do

[kevincorcoran]

So GEorge, what you've done here is a hardware review. Thank you for that. I came here for Software performance review.... Mic noise cancelling comparison, and ear noise cancellation./ Thank you for this

[TechOutAdam]

I actually never considered Plantronics, thanks for the review! The biggest thing was how much better they seemed for functionality during calls. I make hundreds of calls a week and you can’t miss a beat on some calls.

[alangordon]

Very handy review. I wonder what the noise cancelling is like on the microphone in noisy environments - is there much difference between the two?

[RandallSlick]

Voyager Focus UC - Fantastic headphones for calls and music. Very, very comfortable for all day use. Occasionally glitchy behaviour when BT paired, but generally solid. But, Poly, please include gaffer/duct tape for when (not if) the inevitable cracks appear in the headband plastic. Three sets so far with the same problem, so it's clearly a thing. Please improve your materials.

[Jarris]

Audio samples would be so much more useful.

[magnuswoo]

You shood compare evolve 75 insted of 65 it isn't appel against appel.

[Mirahverl]

What??? 50GBP diff equates to a 50% difference in price?? Why would you put these in the same class for comparison?? ie. "pick on somebody your own size"!

[VanIyke]

Can you name 2 or 3 head sets that are great at noise cancelling?

[anpaoo]

Hi, I'm interested. How can I buy?

[amahindro]

Are these good for dictation and transcription softwares?

[Aus.gavinKim]

Could you help me?
I’ve got 75(it has ANC and very nice) and voyager focus uc yesterday.

I don’t know if you’ve ever used this 75. I need some recommendations.
I think voyager makes clear sound than 75.. ha..it’s really hard to choose !