Plantronics Voyager Edge Review

Introduction

The Voyager Edge is a the latest premium Bluetooth headset in Plantronics line-up. At $129.99, it is not affordable, but the Santa Cruz-based company went out of its way with the design and extra perks that come with it. The end result is a high-class, but also stylish Bluetooth headset.

So how much is $130 worth to Plantronics, and what exactly will that get you? Let's find out.

In the box:

• Bluetooth headset
• Charging base (built-in battery) with LED battery indicators
• USB to microUSB cable
• Car lighter adapter with USB
• S, M, L size silicone eartips for in-ear support
• Optional plastic clip-on earloop

Design

If your line of work requires the use of a Bluetooth headset, but you're also looking for something a bit fancier, then the Voyager Edge should be among your first stops. The sleek, but compact, accessory is beautifully-designed, and comes in three color options: black, white, and grey. At 9 grams, the headset is fairly lightweight and also comfortable – we often forget that we have it on after a while. Very helpful with that are the silicone eartips, as they are both comfortable and provide a reliable grip.

The exterior, treated to a nano coating, is water resistant, so use in rainy weather is of little concern. The construction of the piece is also commendable – it's plastic, obviously, but that's not at all detrimental to perceived quality.

The Voyager Edge makes room for 4 functionally different buttons – a volume rocker, an on/off slider switch, a key to access voice commands, and a separate 'Answer' button that seemingly spans the entire length of the microphone. We're happy to report that all four of these are pronounced both in the cue they provide (you have to feel them out, after all), and also the amount of feedback you get.

The same high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail has gone into the charging cradle. Shaped like a tear when looked at from above, it's got a premium-looking and feeling rubbery texture. Snapping the Edge into it is easy, and we do like the fine touch with the touch-sensitive LED battery indicators. Also, thanks to its petite proportions, it can act as an on-the-go power bank, though it's certainly too bulky to wear in your pocket. And yet, if you do a lot of field work, the idea of 10 extra hours of talk time is likely too good to pass up (that's twice the talk time of the headset itself).