Plantronics Voyager Pro HD Bluetooth headset review

By Gary Mazo
published

We’ve talked before that Bluetooth headsets, while once simply trendy, are now pretty much a necessity (opens in new tab) to those who drive to and from work.  Actually, in many states, if you simply drive, you need a headset. 

Bluetooth technology is getting better and Bluetooth headsets (opens in new tab) are getting “smarter.” As I will cover in more detail, the Plantronics Voyager Pro HD actually knows whether or not you have the headset on. With their proprietary software for Android phones, you can also check your email, check the weather – even post a status update to Facebook. 

Plantronics Voyage Pro HD Bluetooth headset

What’s in the box 

what's in the box

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD comes well equipped.  There is the standard charger and an additional USB cable (updates to the headset are handled via  a USB connection to a Mac or PC.)

Also included are two additional earpieces with accompanying soft covers.  Documentation (a rarity these days) is included as well.

Pairing the Voyager Pro HD

When you first turn on the Voyager Pro HD, it will automatically go into Pairing mode. The LED should flash and alternate between red and blue to indicate that you are in Pairing mode.

For future pairings, just press and hold the Power button for a few seconds to make the LED’s flash and put the headset into Pairing mode.

On your HTC EVO 4G LTE or HTC One X or other Android device, just: 

  1. Go to your Bluetooth settings
  2. Choose Scan for devices
  3. Select the Plantronics Voyager Pro HD from available device
  4. If you are asked for a passcode – just input 0000.

NOTE: There is a Plantronics My Headset  app that you can download that adds specific functionality to Android devices. Search for it in the Google Play store.  If you download the app, you can pair your device from the app as opposed to the Settings app detailed above.  The My Headset app also displays an on screen battery meter and has voice recorder functionality. 

Functionality 

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD uses what they call Smart Sensor Technology. That means, that somehow, this little headset knows when it is on your ear and when it is on the table or dashboard. If it is not on your ear, it doesn’t answer the call – plain and simple and it works!  If a call comes in, just put on the headset and without pressing a single button, calls will transfer right to the headset. When the headset is off your ear, it is “locked out” from taking calls – so you don’t lose your calls.

If you wear it on your ear all the time in the car, just tap the call button to take a call. To end a call, just tap the call button again.

back view

If you are on a call on your phone and want to transfer it to your Voyager Pro HD, just hold the call button for about a second or two.

If you want to reject a call that is coming through, just hold the call button for a couple of seconds while it is ringing.

Holding the call button for a second when not on a call should activate voice dialing on your Android phone.

Double tap the call button to redial the last call

Vocalist voice and text service

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD comes with one year of free service to the Plantronics Vocalyst text and voice service. When you get the device, you go to www.Plantronics.com/myheadset (opens in new tab) and then click on the Activate Vocalyst button.  Plantronics gives you an activation code you plug in to start your service.

Essentially, with the Vocalyst service (and the free Vocalyst app for Android) you can:

  • Record and listen to reminders
  • Send emails and have them read to you
  • Hear updated news and weather reports
  • Update your Facebook status

Once you establish your account you can customize it and add other text apps to your Vocalyst service.  It should be noted that Vocalyst wants you to upgrade to the Pro service for $3.50 a month or $35.00 a year.

You can also connect two phones to the Voyager Pro HD using Multipoint technology and simply answer whichever one is ringing.

Comfort 

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD is a big headset. I’m guessing that the battery and the Smart Sensor are housed in the section of the headset that sits behind the ear. The headset is heavier than others like the Blueant Q2 and Jawbone Era.

The headset was comfortable in my ear with the included ear tip ant  there are additional sizes for varying sized ear canals. The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD also has a boom type microphone that swivels.  This took some getting used to, but I am convinced that it certainly contributes to the clear quality of my voice (according to those I spoke with.)  One issue I had (and I had with many headsets) was that the back of the device that goes behind the ear can get stuck or in the way if you wear glasses.

Call quality 

Call quality was excellent with the Plantronics Voyager Pro HD.  Plantronics uses what they call Windsmart technology to block out wind and extraneous noise. Like other noise cancelation technology I have used, this is effective but it does alter the sound of the voice just a bit.

The sound was mainly loud and clear. Volume can be adjusted via the volume buttons on the top of the device.

NOTE: The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD support A2DP audio streaming meaning that when the headset is connected, you can stream your music from your Android phone right to the headset.  Sound quality was very good and you can use the volume up and down buttons simultaneously to pause or play music.

The wrap up

The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD is an excellent headset.  Sound quality is great, battery life seems very good and the boom mike means that your voice is picked up well and you are heard well on the other end of the call.

With the separate Android app installed, you can even have the headset read your email messages, check news or weather and more.

This is a big headset – that means you most likely won’t lose it – but it may not be as comfortable as other in the ear headsets.

The good

  • Good sound quality for music and podcasts
  • Good functionality
  • Easy to pair and use
  • Great call quality
  • Added Android app is a plus

The bad

  • A bit on the heavy side
  • Not as comfortable as smaller in the ear headsets

The verdict

There are many factors that make a Bluetooth headset the right headset for you.  The Plantronics Voyager Pro HD is easy to set up and use, it offers good functionality, it has good batter life and it stays in place.  Add in the Android app for pairing and checking the battery life and the Vocalyst service and this becomes a feature-rich headset.  I would suggest trying the on first (if possible) to make sure that it will be comfortable for you.

Buy it now

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Gary Mazo
Gary Mazo
8 Comments
  • A plus is Plantronics excellent customer service. My son had a plantronics headset for his computer. It broke just short of a year (but within warranty). We called and they sent a new one out immediately without having to ship in the broken one first. I think we had to email the receipt. Very impressive.
  • I've had this headset for about 6 months and I must say its awesome after owning a jawbone prime, blueant v1, and blueant q1. seems big in pics but it really isn't that big and its comfortable to wear for long periods. sound quality is fine as is the mic even when out in public. my favorite feature is its knowing if you're wearing it or not. I keep it connected at all times. if its not in and I get a call the phone rings. I can answer the phone normally from the handset if i want. or if i put the Bluetooth in my ear while its ringing it'll answer the call automatically. battery life is great too and you can charge it while its connected to the phone.
  • I've used this headset with my previous iPhone 4 (for over a year) and more recently with my Samsung Galaxy S3 and I just love it. I've been through a slew of other headsets (Motorola, Blue Ant, Jabra, etc.) and while the Plantronics is the biggest of them all, it's extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time (while driving or at the office) even with my reading glasses on and the long boom is the main reason my friends and family can actually hear me while I'm using this headset compared to others as I'm a quiet speaker by nature. I specifically got this for the A2DP feature which works great with my S3 and my previous iPhone which is great for when you have some time to kill in between meetings/appointments. Battery power is terrific as I've never had it run out on me even after having used it for two days without charging. All in all, it's the best headset I've used so far and would highly recommend it.
  • What's the battery life?
  • From the "buy it now" link: Talk Time Up to 6 hours .... Standby Time Up to 5 days
  • to add a bit. it states when fully charged that it has 6 hours of talk time. I've let the headset sit over the weekend paired but unused and when checking the talk time it was still 5 hours. talk time and idle time are both magnificent.
  • Nice. Have to get one. I have the blueant q2 battery life not that good
  • I have the previous version & it is hands down the very best headset I've ever used! Personally, I think it may have better sound quality than the phone itself! People can't tell when I'm using it... Also, the battery life is amazing!