Logitech Zone Wireless 2: a premium headset, except for the finish

Kevin Hofer

10.12.2023

Translation: machine translated

The Zone Wireless 2 is a worthy successor to Logitech's premium headset. If you make a lot of business calls, it's definitely worth a look.

The Zone Wireless 2 from Logitech is a premium business headset. It's so premium business orientated that I even made the effort to don a shirt and jacket for the photoshoot. Compared to its predecessor, Logitech has made a few improvements in key areas. The headset is perfectly convincing for the office and on the move. Its rather high price of 290 Swiss francs /euros is therefore justified. However, we would expect a better finish for this price range. On the plus side, many parts are replaceable, including the battery.

Office headset

−5%

EUR296,58 was EUR313,06

Logitech Zone Wireless 2 - UC Version

Wireless, USB-A

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Green packaging scores points

The Zone Wireless 2 comes in a plain brown box - surprising for a premium business product, but commonplace in the B2B category. I think it's great, it seems more environmentally friendly and it should be the norm for other products. In any case, the packaging ends up in the recycling bin or in the waste.

The contents of the delivery aren't huge, but the main thing is there: the headset, its charging cable, a dongle for 2.4GHz wireless connection and a soft case for transport. The good news is that although the dongle uses the USB-C interface, Logitech supplies a USB-A adapter. A brief instruction manual is printed on the inside of the box lid. For more detailed instructions, a QR code takes you to the full user manual.

Farewell squares, hello rounds

Aesthetically, things have definitely changed. The Zone Wireless 2 looks less massive than its predecessor, as it relies on rounded shapes. The charcoal headset is understated and compact, exactly what I'd expect from a business audio device.

As with the previous model, the device is composed mainly of plastic. Only the headband is made of aluminium. And yet, the second version is heavier (226g compared with 181g for the first model).

A minor downside for those who like compact storage: it is no longer possible to fold the Zone Wireless 2, unlike the previous model. It will therefore inevitably take up more space when transported.

Both diaphragms are well padded and comfortable. However, as I have a small head, they tend to slip during rapid movements. Fortunately, head-banging is not part of my job description. The headband is also padded, but it's so thin that you can feel it all the time. The wider hoops distribute the weight better. Prolonged wear isn't uncomfortable, but other headsets manage to be totally forgettable.

The earpads rotate 180°, so they adapt to all head shapes. The headband is also very mobile. However, when I spread it a lot, I notice that the imitation leather covering of the padding doesn't sit flush everywhere. I do wonder how long it will last.

The size of the headset is infinitely adjustable on both sides, but is unfortunately easily disturbed. The finish is not up to the level expected for this price. My fingers also quickly leave marks.

Packed with codecs, sufficient battery life

Connection-wise, you'll have a choice between Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless via USB dongle, which operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band. The connection is stable in both cases, even several rooms away. The headset embeds Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX HD codecs.

The Zone Wireless 2 charges via the USB-C port or the optional charging station. It reaches 100% charge in around two hours, and five minutes of recharging is all it takes to regain an hour's battery life. How long this lasts depends on how you use it. Logitech gives the following guidelines:

If you phone a lot for work, you'll need to recharge the headset every couple of days or so. As for me, I do four hours of virtual meetings in four working days and listen to music for about four hours. So the battery lasts a week.

The big plus point of the headset is that its battery is replaceable. Incidentally, this also applies to wearing parts such as the padding on the ear cushions. This isn't so much the norm nowadays and represents a step in the right direction from Logitech to increase the lifespan of its products.

Bin for ashtray-charging station

You can choose an optional charging station, which doubles as a stand for the headset. Its ashtray-like appearance and plastic shell don't make it particularly attractive... unless you smoke, I imagine.

There's also nothing very practical about it. The idea was obviously to place the pad with the charging contacts in the recess so that the headset's headband describes a vertical arc. Something like this:

It's all very nice, but the headset doesn't sit very well. I have all the trouble in the world positioning it correctly and it falls off at the slightest knock on the desk.

Full of features

The Zone Wireless 2 offers active noise reduction (ANC) with four modes: transparent, off, low, high.

On the whole, it works well, annoying noises are attenuated. For example, I can't hear the train noise. But the ANC doesn't reach the ankles of circumaural headphones, like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

The "Call Clarity" function separates the caller's voice from background noise. If someone calls you using poor quality equipment, the Zone Wireless 2 improves the result. I tested this function by asking my caller to call me from a noisy environment. Indeed, I was able to understand her words better.

As the headset is Bluetooth Multipoint compatible, you can connect it to two devices simultaneously. The headset's port detection function automatically pauses and restarts music playback. If you receive a call and only put the headset on at that moment, it will automatically pick up the call for you.

You'll be able to configure all this in the Logi Tunes app, available on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. I found the application to be very well organised in both its desktop and mobile versions, so I can quickly find my way around. Here's an overview of the functions:

Somewhat unusual for a business headset, the app offers an equalizer with several presets. You can also run a five-step audio test that will work out a bespoke setting.

Buttons and motion control

All the buttons are located on the pad, in the same place as the microphone. This includes the on/off button, which is also used to establish the Bluetooth connection, the button to change ANC mode and the button to take calls.

The other pad responds to gesture commands: tap it up or down to change the volume and tap to manage playback. It all works perfectly and intuitively.

Decent sound, excellent microphone

Logitech's Zone Wireless 2 is a business headset accentuating the midrange, voices are always crystal clear. The headset is also convincing in the treble, I don't get bleeding ears listening to a soprano saxophone.

Alas, the bass is not as well balanced: in the presence of various frequencies, the subtleties disappear.

The microphone boom unfolds in both directions, so you can decide which side to place it on. For all that, the channels are not reversed: as soon as you lower the microphone arm, the Zone Wireless 2 automatically sets the channels. So you hear what you need from the right ear.

You activate or deactivate the silent mode by raising or lowering the microphone boom. If you prefer to leave the microphone down all the time, you can manage the mute mode using the middle button.

The microphone is of excellent quality. It's not a podcast microphone either, but my voice sounds good and the people I'm talking to can hear me perfectly. Noise reduction during calls is also excellent. Give it a listen!

Verdict: real progress

The Zone Wireless 2 business headset delivers a near flawless performance. The audio quality of the diaphragms and microphone is good, if not very good. Only the finish isn't up to the level I'd expect for this price. I also think it's a shame that the headset doesn't fold up like its predecessor for transport, but that's a matter of preference.

If you phone a lot, battery life could be a tricky issue: with 15 hours of talk time, you'll probably need to recharge every couple of days. The optional charging station would be ideal for impromptu recharges, but alas, it's difficult to position the headset properly and it sometimes falls off, making recharging impossible.

If the hefty price tag of 290 Swiss francs/euros doesn't scare you off, the Zone Wireless 2 represents a good premium business headset.

Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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