If you’re looking for a solution for low-end mobile devices that works equally well for portable devices that are usually desk-bound, consider the Poly Sync 20 Speakerphone.
The unit I tested is the limited-edition pink version of the Poly Sync 20. The pink device has all the same features as the gray fabric and frame version, which serves as a personal speakerphone, a portable music speaker, and a smartphone charger.
Aside from the unique pink fabric covering on top of the limited edition, the standard-color gray device pictured above won’t disappoint.
For every Pink Sink unit sold from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, Pauley will donate $10 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This is a good incentive to consider purchasing this product.
The gray and pink versions are currently list-priced at $129.95. However, the cost ranges from $89.95 to $149.95 depending on special offers and optional features.
Hassle Free Sound Upgrade
I had no problem connecting the portable multi-purpose speaker to all my devices. These include laptop computers and full-size desktop computer configurations running Windows, macOS, and Linux.
In most cases, the device immediately defaults to the poly speaker when connected. Otherwise, all I had to do was select the sound card or speaker device I wanted to connect in the computer’s system settings.
The 28″ included USB Type-A cable is long enough to reach the host computer’s connection port if placed nearby. A second USB port lets you use a longer cable if needed, or other connectors to interface with devices like Chromebooks. If you don’t need the included USB cable for connection, you can wrap it around the bottom of the base to hide it.
Poly Sync 20 Pink USB/Bluetooth Smart Speakerphone (Image Credit: Poly)
On the top edge of the front are five touch buttons marked with icons. On the far left is a rocket silhouette indicating buttons for programming. You can program frequently used functions such as play/pause music, last-number redial and voice assistant.
There’s a phone icon on the top right button to answer (flash green) or end (red) a phone call. In the center are buttons for volume down (-), volume up (+), and microphone on/off (the mic icon with a line through it).
To the right of the speakerphone is the Bluetooth pairing button on the left, the second USB port in the middle, and the on/off power button on the right. Speakerphone announces when it connects and disconnects from all devices.
great sound quality
When I’m away from my desktop computer’s terrible soundbar, I spend most of my time suffering through subpar sound reproduction from my portable gear. Thus, I’ve endured countless portable speakers in my travels.
Some were adequate, though rarely more than a little loud. So, testing the Poly Smart Speakerphone was an unexpected treat.
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Impressive sound quality bathed my ears with deep bass tones and rich treble sound. I frequently clicked between the tiny laptop speaker and the connected Polly speaker to confirm that my ears weren’t deceiving me. Every time I was more struck by the clear sound gradation, which didn’t wobble when transferred between devices.
Whether I was having a mobile phone conversation, making a video call, or playing audio files or selecting music, the Poly Portable Speaker sounded great.
Useful, Smart Design
The Poly boasts an intelligent design, multiple connectivity options and a bundle of extra features. It’s small with dimensions measuring 1.3″ x 3.7″ x 7.2″, lightweight at 12.7 ounces, and has tons of extra features that bundle the jobs of multiple portable tools into one super handy tool.
You can use Poly Speakerphone to share voices from around the room during a call. It is also a useful battery charger for various types of mobile devices.
The Poly Sync 20 can charge a smartphone via USB (Image credit: Poly)
It also comes with a carry case and lanyard. Apart from protecting the speakerphone from dust and dirt while carrying it around, the cloth case has limited utility. The purpose of the lanyard remains a mystery.
The 3200mAh non-replaceable Lithium-Ion battery takes about four hours to fully charge, providing 20 hours of talk time.
Other Notable Specs
Poly has packed this speakerphone with additional impressive components that serve better than expected:
- Bluetooth 5.1, Multi microphones that track the talker with a frequency response of 100Hz to 6.7KHz and a pickup range of up to seven feet.
- Dynamic audio makes conference calls smooth and clear despite the speaker’s small size (1.6″), delivering a peak audio output of 86dB SPL at 0.5m.
- Noise cancellation and echo reduction circuitry drive significant improvements in performance compared to similar portable speaker products.
Poly provides separate procurement device management solutions for enterprise use. But I had a more than satisfactory experience for my one-person office needs.
ground level
The Poly Sync 20 is a change of pace for the Poly line of speakerphone webcams (see my Poly Studio P5 webcam review) that fits in with the company’s focus on the needs of remote and hybrid workers.
For many users, the Poly Sync 20 will prove to be better than wearing a headset, especially during long cell phone calls. It also helps the user not to be seen wearing headgear while participating in a business video call.
Poly Sync is compatible with 20 of the most popular meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco, RingCentral and more.
