The open-office floor plan nearly universally incites feelings of dread or at minimum sighs. At a minimum, most would readily agree that open-office layouts can be noisy, distraction-filled hellscapes that require the use of headphones to keep your sanity. Logitech seems to have gotten the memo and has developed the Zone Wireless headset specifically for noisy offices and the suffering masses that yearn for a little quiet so that they can be productive.
While the easiest solution might be to plug in your earbuds and get to work, at worst your employer may not fancy that solution and at best it creates the need to switch headsets when listening to music or making calls. The Zone Wireless headset hopes to alleviate the need for multiple headsets.
Logitech Zone Wireless Specs
Headset Dimensions
- Height x Width x Depth: 6.88 in (174.7mm) x 6.96 in (176.7mm) x 2.78 in (70.7mm)
- Weight: 6.38 oz (.1808 Kg)
Ear pad dimensions:
- Height x Width x Depth: 2.78 in (70.7mm) x 2.78 in (70.7mm) x .65 in (16.4mm)
Zone Wireless Receiver:
- Height x Width x Depth: .85 in (21.5mm) x .54 in (13.6mm) x 24 in (6mm)
Tech Specs:
- Compatibility: Works with common calling applications across almost all platforms and operating systems. Computer with available USB-A port or Bluetooth enabled and/or Bluetooth enabled smartphone.
- Microphone: Type: Omni-directional dual MEMS mic array,
- Frequency response: 85~20kHz @-3dB (ECM mic freq resp)
- Speakers: Frequency response (music mode): 30~13kHz @ -10dB
- Frequency response (talk mode): 100~8kHz per TIA920
- Battery: Built-in battery (Lithium ion)
- Battery life (talk time): 14 hrs (ANC on), 15 hrs (ANC Off)
- Battery life (listening time): 14 hrs (ANC on), 16 hrs (ANC Off)
- Wireless Charging: Qi Wireless charging enabled
- Wireless range: Up to 30m /100 ft (open field line of sight)
Design & Comfort
Make no mistake, this headset was designed for the workplace. Its simple, non-descript styling paired with its plastic build makes it a function-over-form affair with just enough panache to keep it from being boring. It’s a lightweight headset weighing in under 6.5 oz with very comfortably padded leatherette earcups – perfect for extended periods of use without becoming cumbersome. The mic arm articulates so it can be used either on the left or right side which is a plus for the lefties in the house.
The controls of the headset are very straightforward; there are two buttons on the ear cup: one to power on/off and pair the headset and the second to turn on ANC (Active Noise Canceling). On the side of the headset you can find the play/pause and volume controls. There’s a last button on the mic arm to quickly mute the mic if needed. In all, the button placement ensures you can easily navigate single handedly.
A Day in the Life
So how does it perform? Over the course of a month I used the Logitech Zone Wireless for an average 4 hours per day while I performed my 9-to-5 duties. This included extended podcast and Spotify sessions, regular (very long and boring) status calls, and even recorded a future episode of my podcast. I also paired with my iPhone – so I could easily answer personal calls while in the office and listen to music. The padding on the earcups are very soft and bouncy making for a superbly comfortable experience.
The Zone Wireless’ noise canceling was phenomenal and a sanity-saver when things got noisy at work. From constantly ringing phones to the loud talkers that congregate near my office, Logitech’s ANC properly blocked out ambient noise allowing me to focus on work. Best of all, the battery on the Zone Wireless headset easily lasts a work day without having to charge – but being me, I left my review unit charging overnight by simply placing atop a Qi wireless charging pad.
I found the audio was crisp and clear without drops in call clarity. Whether using on Zoom meetings, Skype calls, VoIP, or connected to my mobile, no one ever noticed I was on a headset – which is exactly what you want in these situations. Handoff between computer and phone was also pretty seamless – no having to jump back and forth re-pairing.
What wasn’t so great was the audio quality for anything that isn’t calls. Logitech’s Logi Tune allows you to make basic modifications to the sound quality but you will not be rocking out to tunes on these headsets. It’s not a terrible experience but if you’re looking for punchy bass or something specific for music, you’ll be better served by something designed for music or a gaming headset.
Another mark against the Zone Wireless is the slightly confusing (but very annoying) dongle types. If this is the only wireless Logitech product you use, skip over this part. For everyone else, if you’ve ever used any of Logitech’s Unifying wireless products, you’re already aware of their ability to sync with multiple devices. Got a Unifying keyboard and mouse (as is my set up at home), you’re going to have to buy the more expensive Zone Wireless Plus that adds that capability. My review unit was the lower priced version which requires its own dongle.
Verdict
For a device that’s intended for the office, the Logitech Zone Wireless headset is one of the best business peripherals you can buy. Sitting comfortably on your head for hours and providing a great noise canceling experience make this a must-have for anyone that works answering calls or who sits in video conferences for large parts of their day. As a home office device, it gets a little trickier; there are better options for music playback and that don’t look as silly when walking around with your phone (that mic arm screams call center headset). But if you’re looking for a sleek, more business-casual headset, the Zone Wireless is good option.
The Zone Wireless is available now for $229 on Logitech’s website.
