Plantronics Encore Pro Headset Review
Phone and Headsets has heard a lot about the latest Plantronics Encore Pro headsets and finally we have managed to get hold of some to review.
Firstly there has been a little confusion as what the Plantronics Encore Pro headsets are replacing as some websites seem to think it is the Plantronics SupraPlus. Well it isn’t as the Plantronics SupraPlus headsets are here to stay.
It is in fact the existing Encore headset range that is being discontinued. For years they have been Plantronics top of the range headset, but the new SupraPlus headsets are so good it’s no longer the case. As the Encore Pro headsets are the new and improved version of the old Encore headset, so Phone and Headsets are here to find out if they are reclaiming their top of the range title.
There are two models available in the Plantronics Encore Pro range:
Plantronics Encore Pro Monaural HW291N
Plantronics Encore Pro Binaural HW301N
Review of the Encore Pro Comfort
One of the first things we noticed when we did the review of the new Plantronics Encore Pro headset is just how light these headsets are. On paper they are lighter than the old Encore and new SupraPlus models, but we were surprised how much that difference felt.
For example the Plantronics Monaural SupraPlus headset is 49grams with the Encore Pro headset at 43.5grams. It is especially when the headsets are worn for long periods you can notice the difference.
At first we did think the tension of the headband on the Plantronics Encore Pro Headset was a bit tight, but after a couple of stretches it was perfectly fine. Also it is this type of build quality that give you the impression the Plantronics Encore Pro is built to last.
As standard the Plantronics Encore Pro headset is supplied with leatherette ear cushions instead of the standard sponge cushions. Also as the EncorePro boom microphone is low slung it is further away from your face and as less intrusive.
Review of the Encore Pro Quality
When reviewing the Plantronics EncorePro headset straight away it was clear that the microphone was very strong. This means that you can actually have the Encore Pro boom microphone in the low slung positions away from the mouth.
Also the sound quality of the headset is very good making the Encore Pro headsets one of the best we have used. Along with its wideband audio capability it means you can use these headsets for IP calls as well, which helps protect you investment.
If you do purchase the Plantronics Encore Pro one thing you will need to check is how far out you slide out the microphone. The noise cancelling of the Encore Pro is very good but you need the microphone near the corner of your mouth, any further out and it is not as effective.
Plantronics Encore Pro v SupraPlus Compared
Overall the Plantronics Encore Pro is one of the best headsets on the market, but are they worth the extra money compared to the Plantronics SupraPlus? Well we think that if the headset is for personal use or you are not buying very many the extra price is worth it.
However if you are buying in large quantities for a call centre the SupraPlus headset is still very good. It is like buying a car without air conditioning, it will do the job just as well, but it is nicer to have the extra comfort!!!
