Review: Plantronics Voyager 835 Bluetooth Headset 13

Equipped with dual microphones, noise cancellation tech, and a wind noise reduction system, the Plantronics Voyager 835 bluetooth headset crams a lot of tech into a reasonably priced package. This combination of technologies allows the headset to operate well in all sorts noisy environments, though not quite as well as some more specialized (and more expensive) headsets.

Voice Quality

The Voyager 835 sports dual microphones with their own proprietary AudioIQ noise cancellation technology. While this system does an adequate job of isolating your voice and removing the noise, it unfortunately leaves your voice somewhat distant and tinny sounding. Unlike its more expensive competitors, like the Jawbone Prime, the Voyager 835’s noise cancellation tech can’t be turned off, meaning you’ll always sound like that. The speaker is adequately loud and sufficiently clear. In fact, the speaker is somewhat better than those found many more expensive headsets.

Controls

The Voyager 835 has three buttons: a power/call button, volume up, and volume down. All buttons are easy to find, distinguish, and press. Plantronics saw fit to include with the instructions an explanation of what all the various patterns and colors of the LED light mean, which is quite welcome. The headset will even blink to notify you if you’ve missed a call (assuming you’ve left your headset sitting on your desk).

Comfort

While you can’t swap out the 835’s ear gel, it is reasonably soft and pliant. But it is fairly large and may become slightly uncomfortable after extended wear. The headset also comes with a built-in non-detachable clear plastic ear hook. The hook is mounted on a swiveling hinge, allowing you to flip it around for use on either ear. Surprisingly, the hook was never at any time uncomfortable, even though it was instrumental in keeping the headset in place.

Style

The Plantronics Voyager 835 is handsomely designed as far as headsets go. The casing is a glossy black plastic rectangle ringed with matte silver. The LED indicator light is hidden in a nook under the power/call button and only shows when illuminated. The clear plastic ear hook is fairly discrete, which is a good thing considering how thick it is. The Voyager 835 is neither stunningly beautiful nor is it atrociously ugly, so don’t expect it to draw attention.

In the Box

Shipping with the Voyager 835 you’ll find manuals and safety cards, a Micro USB charger (that is compatible with the Pre), and a 12-volt Micro USB auto charger that features a pivoting design in lieu of the corded approach that most car chargers take.

Conclusion

For reasonable price you can get a bluetooth headset with decent noise isolation, an excellent speaker, and all day comfort. That headset would be the Plantronics Voyager 835. Coupled that with a handsome design and you’ve got a quality headset that you won’t regret buying.

The Plantronics Voyager 835 Bluetooth Headset is available in the PreCentral store for $69.95, a savings of 42% off the list price of $119.95.

Pros

All-day comfort

Cons

Ear gel cannot be changed