The Poly Sync 20 speakerphone from Poly is part of a new range of products designed to cater to the needs of remote and hybrid professionals.
The versatile speakerphone is tailored for the demands of remote and hybrid professionals. Whether it’s for impactful conference calls or enjoying your favourite tunes on the go, this smart speakerphone delivers.
With an extended battery life lasting for hours and the added convenience of smartphone charging, it’s designed to keep up with your dynamic lifestyle. Its sleek and compact design, coupled with intelligent features, simplifies conference calls for today’s professionals.
Highlights
- Keep your smartphone charged and ready.
- Slim and portable, comes with a carrying case.
- Works with computers via USB, and with smartphones via Bluetooth.
- Connect wirelessly to computers via the included BT600 adapter (Poly Sync 20+).
- IP64 dust and water-resistant.
Specifications
| Speakers | 1 x 40 mm high-performance speaker Peak audio output: 86dBspl @ 0.5m Loudspeaker frequency response: 80 Hz to 20 kHz Bass reflex with dual passive radiators Three microphone steerable array Microphone pickup range: 7 ft / 2 m Microphone Frequency Response: 100 Hz to 6.7 kHz Ideal for room sizes up to: 13ft x 13ft / 4 m x 4 m Full duplex audio Noise and echo reduction |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.1 Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, BLE |
| Connectivity | PC via USB-A or USB-C cable (depending on model) Smartphone via Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Battery Type: Lithium-ion Battery Capacity: 3200 mAH Talk time: up to 20 hours Charge Time: 4 hours |
| Buttons | Touch sensitive user controls for Call/answer end, Mute, Volume +/- Programmable function button Push button user controls for Power On/Off and Bluetooth pairing Status light bar Integrated USB-A or USB-C cable (depending on model) One USB-A port for smartphone charging |
| Water resistance | IP64 dust and water resistant |
| Weight and dimensions | 34 mm x 95 mm x 182 mm 360g |
View full specifications here.
Design
The Poly Sync 20 boasts an appealing design with a combination of grey mesh, black trimming, and a white plastic underside, making it a stylish addition to any desk. One standout feature is Poly’s thoughtful cable management solution: when connected via Bluetooth, the cable neatly wraps into a groove on the device’s underside, with the USB head securely clipped into a receptacle.
On top, capacitive touch buttons, clearly marked with glyphs, provide easy access to essential functions. Though the glyphs could be more visible in low light, the touch buttons, including a programmable one, are well-positioned to avoid accidental selections. The physical on/off and Bluetooth pairing buttons, along with a convenient USB-A port for phone charging, are discreetly tucked away on the right side.
Two additional physical buttons, for Bluetooth and power, reside on the same side. Pairing via Bluetooth is a seamless process—simply hold down the Bluetooth button for two seconds and select “Poly Sync 20” in your Bluetooth settings.
A translucent bar between the fabric cover and the button row serves as a status indicator, lighting up in light blue during normal operation. It dynamically changes color based on actions; for instance, turning red when muted and green during calls. A thoughtful touch is the bar transforming into a volume indication display when adjusting the volume, providing a visual cue.
Poly prioritizes portability with the Sync 20, ensuring it’s incredibly light (360g) and compact (less than 20cm wide). Transporting it is a breeze, thanks to the included case. Moreover, each Poly Sync 20 speakerphone is IP64-rated for dust and waterproofing, adding durability and peace of mind for use in various environments without fear of spills or damage.
Performance
The Poly Sync 20 supports popular video and audio conferencing systems such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco, Google Meet, and Avaya. Its smart multi-microphone array ensures clear communication by minimizing echo and noise, delivering an impressive audio experience for both you and your remote participants.
Poly has packed numerous features into this compact device, offering both practical and somewhat auxiliary additions. Notable is the USB-A port for device charging, transforming the Sync 20 into a handy emergency power bank when needed. While the speakerphone functions seamlessly without additional software, the Poly Sync and Plantronics Hub desktop apps provide customization options, allowing users to fine-tune preferences like bass levels or configure the Rocket button for media control and device updates.
However, some features, like the dedicated Microsoft Teams button on specific Sync 20 models, may feel less utilitarian, primarily serving to return users to their open Teams window. Although the Sync 20 announces device connections and disconnections, the added Microsoft Teams button’s practicality seems limited.
In terms of audio performance, the Poly Sync 20 surpasses most business laptops, providing clearer and richer audio during video calls. With a microphone range of 7 feet, our testing revealed reliable voice pickup even at a distance of around 15 feet. The 3200 mAH battery lives up to its promise of a 20-hour battery life, and the speakerphone doubles as a convenient smartphone charger via USB.
While excelling in video conferencing, it’s worth noting that the Sync 20 doesn’t stand out in music playback, particularly at higher volumes or when handling demanding bass. Although not its primary purpose, the speakerphone handles ambient tracks at lower volumes more adeptly than when pushed to its limits.
Verdict
The Poly Sync 20 is a portable speaker offering improved audio and microphone quality beyond basic laptop capabilities. With an elegant design and various connectivity options, it’s suitable for video conferencing. However, its music playback falls short.
The Poly Sync 20 is available in different models, including the Poly Sync 20+ with a Bluetooth dongle. Differentiating between models, which may have USB-A or USB-C cables, can be initially challenging. Each package includes the speakerphone, a carry case and a lanyard. Opting for the Sync 20+ adds the BT600 Bluetooth dongle.
