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The Poly Sync 20+ is a portable speaker with a built-in microphone steerable array that is specifically designed for video calls using apps such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
It can be connected via Bluetooth or USB and is best suited for a laptop or mobile use, providing superior audio and microphone quality to both laptops and mobiles.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poly - Sync 20 Bluetooth/USB-A Speakerphone - Personal... | £88.29 | Buy on Amazon |
Specification
- Connectivity: Wired (USB-A & USB-C depending on model) and wireless (Bluetooth)
- Recommended For: Flexible enterprise (professionals who split time between corporate office, home office, and travel)
- Room Size: 4m x 4m
- Microphone: Three microphone steerable array
- Talk Time: Up to 20 hours
- User Controls: Call answer/end, mute, volume up/down, programmable function button.
- Dust And Water Protection: IP64
- Mobile charging: Yes
Set Up and Connectivity
You can connect the Poly Sync 20 via Bluetooth or USB. The speaker has a built-in USB cable which is sensibly wrapped around the underside of the speaker for a nice clean cable management solution.
When using USB with Windows, the PC will automatically detect the speaker, and you can change the output option via the speaker icon in the taskbar.
For Bluetooth, you will need to hold the Bluetooth button on the side until you hear it say pairing.
The front panel of the speaker has several touch buttons, with one being programable.
You can then install one of the Poly apps to manage the device. It seems like you have two options, Poly Lens or Plantronics Hub. I assumed Lens was the newest app, and this is what I installed. It is also possible to install Plantronics Hub on either iOS or Android.
With Poly Lens installed, you can update the firmware and change a variety of settings, including programming the rocket button. In its default state, this will play/pause media, but you can change it to hold/resume call, redial (on mobile) or call up a virtual assistant such as Google.
Audio and Microphone Quality
Most of my Zoom and Teams meetings are done on my desktop with large speakers and a proper microphone, so the Poly Sync 20 struggles to compete here.
However, when using it with my laptop, the speakerphone works well, providing significantly better audio and microphone quality than my Huawei Matebook 13.
Perhaps the stand-out feature is the three-microphone array which can pick up your voice clearly from a couple of meters away. This then gives you the flexibility to move around while on call or alternatively have it work as a conference call speaker. I found it worked well when taking Whatsapp video calls with my family, which allowed my partner to get involved in the call and not rely on low-quality phone speakers.
The speaker quality is perfectly fine for voice. People sound clear, and it can go loud enough that voices remain audible even when several metres away.
Music
As well as a speaker phone, Poly advertises this as a “high-performance music speaker”. I would say that is an overly generous description.
I wouldn’t personally use this for music as the overall sound quality is not amazing for this scenario. The dimensions of the unit itself and the power of the speakers inside it can’t do the music justice.
The only exception would be that this sounds better than what your laptop or mobile phone is capable of.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Poly - Sync 20 Bluetooth/USB-A Speakerphone - Personal... | £88.29 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Jabra Speak 510 Speaker — Portable Bluetooth Speaker,... |
£79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Poly Sync 20 comes in various models. You have USB-C or USB-A and then a choice of having a dongle included.
For the MS Teams compatible model with USB-C but no dongle, Amazon has this listed as £85.64.
Poly then also has the Sync 40 for £184 or the much larger Sync 60 for around £400.
Jabra has several competing speakers going from the Speak 410 up to the Speak 810.
The cheapest is the Microsoft-certified Jabra Speak 510 for just £75.99; then the Speak 710 is £170.
Overall
The Poly Sync 20 is a good speakerphone that will inevitably appeal to the large number of people that have a hybrid or work from home setting.
It is conveniently sized and works with multiple devices, which makes it a bit more convenient than dedicated speakers and microphone, or a headset.
Poly Sync 20+ Smart Speakerphone Review Rating
Summary
The Poly Sync 20 is a good speakerphone that will inevitably appeal to the large number of people that have a hybrid or work from home setting.
Overall
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Overall - 80%80%
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
