The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC are premium true wireless earbuds tailored for hybrid work and frequent calls. Retailing around £280–€330, they boast active noise cancellation (ANC), a unique touchscreen charging case, and top-tier microphone quality.
Strengths
1. Touchscreen Charging Case
A rare innovation: the case includes a built-in touchscreen for playback, volume control, and toggling between ANC and transparency modes—no need to reach for your phone. While not fully transformative yet, it signals a forward-looking trend.
2. Excellent Call Performance
Designed for calls, the buds feature Poly’s WindSmart mics and deliver reliable voice clarity—even in windy conditions—making them a solid pick for professionals. Multiple sources praise their mic quality for remote work.
3. Versatile Connectivity & Range
Comes with a USB dongle that can be stored in the case, allowing for seamless PC/Mac pairing with stronger Bluetooth range—users report reliable connections across multiple rooms.
4. Respectable Battery Life
Poly claims 8 hours of music playback and 5.5 hours of talk time with ANC. Independent tests reveal around 6–6.5 hours actual usage, with the wireless charging case providing extra capacity. Fast charging offers ~60 minutes of playback from a quick 15-minute boost.
5. Comfort & Fit
Comfort is well-regarded, especially for longer wear and during calls—some even use a single earbud setup without issue.
Areas for Improvement
1. Average ANC Performance
ANC is effective below 1 kHz and offers solid passive isolation, but it doesn't match industry leaders like Sony, Bose, or Apple—especially in louder environments such as the Tube or outdoor settings. Users noted having to crank volume outdoors to compensate.
2. Touch Controls on Buds are Unreliable
The touch-sensitive panels on the earbuds can miss intended swipes or trigger erroneously—especially in damp conditions—despite IP54 rating. Many reviewers found the built-in swiping finicky during casual use.
3. Complex Firmware Updates
Maintaining up-to-date software requires updating multiple components (buds, dongle, and case), often in a specific order. Users have reported glitches and confusion during this process.
4. Touchscreen Case Value is Limited
Though novel, the touchscreen on the case offers minimal functionality—no track scrolling or notifications display—making its practical value unclear..
5. High Price Point
At around £280–330, these earbuds are one of the most expensive options. For that price, better ANC performance is available elsewhere.
Verdict
The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC are compelling for professionals who prioritize microphone quality, flexible connectivity, and a unique futuristic case. The well-implemented dongle and long predictive range make them a strong candidate for work-focused users. However, if superior ANC, reliability of touch controls, and hassle-free updates are top priorities, competitors like the Sony WF‑1000XM4 or Bose QC Earbuds II offer better value—often at lower prices.
Ideal for:
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Users seeking best-in-class call clarity
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Hybrid workers needing seamless device switching
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Tech enthusiasts excited by new form factors
Think twice if:
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You need top-tier ANC performance
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You dislike unreliable touch controls
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You’d rather avoid multi-step firmware updates
Final Thoughts
The Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC stands out with an innovative touchscreen case, top-tier call performance, and excellent connectivity. They suit professionals and hybrid workers who prioritize voice quality and futuristic design. However, if your top requirements are stellar ANC, consistent touch controls, and simpler firmware support—all at a more affordable price—you may find better options elsewhere.
Available from amazon.co.uk