Accessories for mobile devices have been on a high rise. Bluetooth headsets make one such offering that has taken the mobile market by storm. From entry-level to premium ones, we’ve seen them all. Putting aside the premium likes of Jabra, the most recent Plantronics Explorer 395 oozes simplicity. Well, Plantronics also has its share of premium headsets like the Voyager Pro. However, its latest addition to the Explorer series is an entry-level peripheral that now settles on our desks as we take stride to explore it. After an in-depth inspection, here’s an elaborated review that reveals if it’s really worth carrying around.
We always look forward to the first glance at the device, well it’s not mere unboxing but the reaction to its first glimpse. However, Plantronics could kill the moment for anyone. Its annoying packaging box requires all your efforts to tear it open until it’s completely devastated. Just while thinking that Plantronics has much to work upon the packaging, another glitch appeared and this time in the form of a blob of glue. Absurdly, the packaging unit didn’t want the device to rattle so they may have impulsively decided to use a gummy substance that keeps it intact with the plastic cradle.
On pulling out the device (literally), the lump of glue gets stuck to the base of the headset (probably they’d planned to stick it to the user’s ears). Though clearing the glue wasn’t much of a hassle but our smeared fingers suggested we could have used some object to do the job. In the packaging box, a wall charger accompanies the headset. The lower end of the box has some booklets settled right below a silver card paper. On holding the headset, it felt quite sturdy while the built quality seemed good as well. It looks like a typical headset with a rectangular design.
Unlike a few premium headsets, the Explorer 395 surpasses the fixed one ear plug feature and can be conveniently used for both the ears. The ear loop attached to the base of the device’s body swivels effortlessly, enabling users to conveniently use it for either of the ears. The transparent plastic loop also adds some style. Apart from the transparent ear loop, the device adorns a glossy black body with silver accents. Both the larger edges are engraved with the company’s name while the rubberized earplug seemed convenient. The charging port is placed right on the head of the device.
At 0.39-ounce, the Plantronics Explorer 395 feels pretty light on the ears. The stylish-looking transparent ear hook is decent to use while we wouldn’t really ask for a free hanging earloop looking at the price of this accessory. To get started, the Explorer 395 is integrated with a switch on its left edge that instantly glows the Blue LED once switched on while a red light will flash when it is being switched off. Pairing the device with our Nokia E63 was an effortless process and quite quick, the QuickPair technology did its job well. The pairing mode is indicated by flashing red-blue. One can even hold press the call button for sometime.
This entry-level accessory has basic features like call answer, call end, reject calls, last number redial, call waiting and a battery indicator. It is capable of transferring calls from the headset to the phone and also the other way round. While at desk, the call quality was pretty decent. However, what we wanted to check is its claim for noise, wind and echo reduction. While on the road, the voice quality and volume level seemed good. It did manage to avoid the background noise to a great extent but we did experience echoing for some time. The caller could hear us quite clearly as well. However, the lack of A2DP doesn’t allow listening to podcasts or streaming music.
The QuickPair technology worked pretty well for us. Though the contoured tip offers secure and firm hold, we didn’t find it convincingly comfortable. Well, one its notable features is the on-off switch that is comfortably placed, so one could simply save battery in between calls. Plantronics could have added a few eartips as in-box contents to ensure further comfort.
Overall, the Plantronics Explorer 395 could make a great option for those looking for an entry-level headset. The transparent ear loop adds the oomph factor, of course ignoring the gummy blob. It’s a basic, entry-level peripheral and does its job well. The peripheral has been tagged with a price of $49.99 (approx Rs. 2,277) and has managed to gain a rating of 8 on 10.
