Plantronics(Poly) Blackwire 8225 Premium Wired UC Headset Bundle with Headset Advisor Wipe (USB-A)

Good functions but quality is questionable.Product works well, good call quality and noise cancellation.But right side stopped working after 9 months, under normal usage.

I was looking to upgrade my headset with what I had conceived as being the deluxe version of the 5220 headset, which is a great headset in its own right, and one that I also currently own. I would consider myself to be one of those gadget guys who likes to get the latest and greatest items, and the pandemic has most definitely honed my interest in making my virtual office the best that it can be. I had watched at least 5 comparison videos online between the 8225 and other Poly/Plantronics headsets that are currently out as well as other equivalent Jabra set before making the purchase. There truly was no reason for me to upgrade from the 5220, but I thought the added ANC with the 8225 set would be the equivalent of having the 5220 on steroids ---and perhaps I would even get the added benefit of better sound/voice/technology on calls due to its relative newness. Sadly, I can say that was not the case. I also own the older iteration of the 8225 knows as the Plantronics 725 ANC. After having tested all 3 (5220, 8225, 725), the clear winner in terms of vocal clarity is the 725 following by the very close 5220. To my surprise, the 8225 mic gives voices a very muddy, bass-heavy presence that goes in and out whether or not the ANC was turned on/off---though it was slightly better with ANC turned off. Before anyone asks, I did adjust the settings for the mic gain to try to get an "ideal" approximation of what the 725 excels at doing, but it simply never panned out under any setting. In addition, all 3 headsets have been updated to the latest firmware via the Plantronics Hub. That said, the older 725 (with and without ANC) captures the voice in a rich, clear, precise manner with words sounding nearly perfect. The 5220 is remarkably close to the 725, but not as present. The 5220, however, is the most comfortable on the ears of all 3, feeling as if one has pillow cushions gently nestled against each ear like comfortable ear muffs. I'm so disappointed because the Poly 8225 headset looks great---as if someone attempted to create a Beats-like headset for the office. That said, your VOICE and presence on calls is of paramount importance if you are working from home. A good headset coupled with a good webcam is ESSENTIAL. While the 725 isn't as "sexy" as the 5220 and newer Poly 8225, it delivers in the ways that count.

Had issues with this headset immediately after opening the box with the light indicator not coming on to let nearby users know I'm on the call and more importantly the call control buttons will not work if you press the mute speaker or mute microphone on your computer and once that happens the microphone will no longer work and people can't hear when you speak. No matter how many times you revert it back, the call control buttons on the headset won't work and you have to unplug and plug in the USB cable back into the port in order to reset it.I returned the item back to Amazon and purchased the exact same headset model and it also had the same exact issues right out of the box. I used the Plantronics Hub software to configure the headset and update the firmware software, but that doesn't fix the issue either. I even contacted Poly IT Support center and they said it must me a firmware issue with their headset and suggest to replace it again, which is a waste of my time to keep doing this.

The sound quality is great! Very comfortable. However, the wire is awful. Always getting in the way, gets caught on my chair with the set ripped off of my head. Would not buy them again.

Bought these to do dictation, and I've found that the sound of the wore shifting around comes through the earphones, and its a tedious background noise that does interrupt my train of thought. For the cost, these wouldnt be my first choice.