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Reviews (1)
06 July 2017
Explorer 50: Excellent, but imperfect
I'm a fan of Plantronics bluetooth headsets because they generally have great features. My current phone unfortunately wouldn't work with my Plantronics Legend, so I embarked on an online search for a replacement. I found the Plantronics Explorer 50.
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Once purchased, received, unboxed, charged, and paired, I began trying it out. First, I downloaded the Plantronics Hub Android app from Google Play Store to help display the battery level when I use my headset and it's been great. Then, I downloaded the app again from Plantronics' website and tried to do a firmware update on my PC. It took me a while to realise that Plantronics, for whatever misguided reason, no longer provides support for the Explorer 50 beyond having the user manual on their website. They don't even have the headset listed with a photograph like they did the Legend and Pro versions. I found it interesting and quite curious.
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When I unboxed the Explorer 50, I was disappointed to observe that it didn't come with a charger case like the Legend does. It also didn't come with a storage pouch of any kind. It was just the headset, a short USB cable, and a small "getting started" manual. The earpiece is firmly attached to the headset much like the ear hook is. They are both therefore not removable. The ear hook folds and rotates to enable the headset to be worn on either the left or right ear. The headset is lightweight as well.
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When I started using the Explorer 50, I noticed it fit well on my ear due to its light weight and ear hook. After a few hours, however, the ear hook hurt my ear lobe a bit at the back where it hooks the ear. It wasn't so bad that I had to take off the headset. In fact, I have been using the headset frequently since I purchased it. As for the volume, I agree with some other owners that the sound may not be as loud as other Plantronics headsets. However, when I turn the volume all the way up on the Explorer 50 and wind my driver's side window up, I can hear callers and they can also hear me loudly and clearly. At home, calls are very clear too. I use it for calls with several apps from Skype to WhatsApp.
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Unfortunately, the Explorer 50 is not a noise-cancelling bluetooth headset. At its price point, I wouldn't expect that anyway. While it can connect to two devices simultaneously and give you audio notifications when the headset is switched on or off, when it connects to your device, the remaining talk time, and warns when the battery power is running low, it is not as robust feature-wise as other more expensive Plantronics bluetooth headsets. I am also uncertain as to whether it can be programmed to a UC softphone. I haven't tried it yet.
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Despite its drawbacks the Explorer 50 does what it promises. It delivers clear calls for at least 10 straight hours of use, fits well, connects to two devices simultaneously, and charges from completely flt to full in less than 2 hours. Consequently, it's a fantastic value for money. If the features and performance stay the same I'd buy it again and again. It is one of the best performing bluetooth headsets I have ever owned.
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Plantronics should pay me for this endorsement. I wish. :-)