Poly Blackwire 8225 Wired Headset with Boom Mic (Plantronics) - Dual-Ear (Stereo) Computer Headset - USB-C

The Poly Blackwire 8225 is a high-quality wired USB headset designed for office professionals and remote workers. With its advanced noise-canceling technology, premium sound quality, and comfort-driven design, it aims to boost productivity by minimizing distractions. But does this headset live up to its promises? This review covers its key features, audio performance, design, and overall value.

Overview

The Poly Blackwire 8225 is a corded over-ear headset that connects via USB-C or USB-A. It comes in a dedicated Microsoft Teams-certified version with a Teams button for instant access. The headset offers adjustable active noise cancelation (ANC), high-quality microphones, and padded comfort.

Design and Comfort

The lightweight plastic design features thick padding on the headband and ear cups to allow for comfortable all-day wear. The ear cups rotate 180 degrees to rest comfortably around the neck when not in use.

The boom arm easily adjusts to position the microphone near the mouth. The padding isolates some environmental noise, but the adjustable ANC settings help block even more background sound for fewer distractions.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Blackwire 8225 utilizes advanced hybrid ANC technology to effectively block out unwanted noise. This feature is crucial for maintaining focus in busy environments and ensuring clear communication during calls. The three adjustable ANC levels allow you to customize the noise cancellation to your specific surroundings.

• How ANC Works: ANC uses microphones to detect ambient noise and then generates opposing sound waves to cancel it out. This results in a quieter listening experience and reduced distractions.
• User Feedback: Reviews indicate that the ANC is effective at reducing general background noise but may not completely eliminate loud voices or music.

Noise-Canceling Microphone

The noise-canceling microphone is essential for clear communication, especially in noisy environments. It filters out background noise so your voice can be heard clearly on the other end of the call.

• Acoustic Fence Technology: This technology focuses on capturing your voice while blocking out sounds from around you, creating a virtual “fence” around your conversation.
• User Feedback: Users generally praise the microphone quality and its ability to reduce background noise.

Audio Performance

The Blackwire 8225 delivers premium sound quality, making it suitable for both calls and listening to music. The 180-degree pivoting speakers provide a comfortable and immersive listening experience.

• User Feedback: Reviews highlight the good sound quality, with some users even using the headset for casual music listening.

Comfort and Design

The headset is designed for all-day comfort. Its lightweight build, padded headband, and soft ear cushions ensure a comfortable fit even during extended use.

• User Feedback: The comfort level is generally well-regarded, although some users with larger ears have mentioned some discomfort after prolonged use.

Compatibility and Integrations

The Blackwire 8225 is designed to work seamlessly with various devices and communication platforms. The USB-C connection ensures easy plug-and-play compatibility with most PCs and Macs. The Teams version features a dedicated button for quick access to the Microsoft Teams app.

• User Feedback: Users appreciate the wide compatibility and the dedicated Teams button on the Teams version.

Conclusion

The Poly Blackwire 8225 is a high-quality wired headset that offers a compelling combination of noise cancellation, audio performance, and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for professionals who require a reliable and effective communication tool for working in various environments. While the ANC may not eliminate all noise and the comfort level may vary for some users, the overall feedback is positive, making it a worthy investment for enhancing productivity and focus.