Poly Sync 20 review: a compact speakerphone that doubles as a phone charger

This Poly Sync 20 review looks at one of the best-known personal speakerphones for hybrid work. Launched by Poly before the company became part of HP, the Sync 20 is still sold on HP's store in several versions, including Microsoft Teams models and the Sync 20+ with a Bluetooth adapter.

We based this review on HP's current datasheets, independent reviews from TechRadar, Notebookcheck and UC Today, and owner feedback. The aim is to answer whether the Sync 20 is still worth buying and which version to choose.

Design: small, light and practical

The Sync 20 is a slim bar about 18 cm wide that weighs 360 g. A grey mesh covers the speaker, and a touch panel below it handles call answer and end, mute, volume and a programmable button. Physical power and Bluetooth buttons sit on the side next to a USB-A port.

Reviewers praise the cable management. The integrated USB cable wraps into a groove underneath and the plug clips in place, so it disappears when you use Bluetooth. A light bar shows connection, call and mute status at a glance. The unit is IP64 rated, and a carry case and lanyard come in the box.

Call quality and microphones

A steerable three-microphone array focuses on the person talking and reduces echo and background noise. Poly quotes a pickup range of up to 2 metres. Notebookcheck found it could follow a voice walking around a room, and callers reported clear speech without clipping.

Full-duplex audio lets both sides talk at once. The microphone is tuned for speech rather than deep voices, so expect clarity rather than warmth. For a laptop user who currently relies on built-in microphones, the improvement is obvious.

Speaker and music playback

The 40 mm speaker with twin passive radiators sounds fuller than most laptop speakers, and HP lists a speaker range of 80 Hz to 20 kHz. Notebookcheck liked its mids and vocals but noted weak low bass and a mono presentation, which makes action films less engaging. A bass setting in Poly Lens helps. Two units cannot be paired for stereo.

Battery life and phone charging

HP rates the 3,200 mAh battery at up to 20 hours of talk time, with a full charge taking under four hours. Notebookcheck measured roughly 17 hours in daily use, which is still a full working week for many people.

The USB-A port lets you use the Sync 20 as an emergency power bank for your phone, a feature not every speakerphone offers.

Sync 20 vs Sync 20+ and the Teams versions

This is where buying gets confusing. The standard Sync 20 connects to a computer with its cable and to phones by Bluetooth. The Sync 20+ adds a Bluetooth adapter so you can also connect a PC or Mac wirelessly. Each comes with a USB-A or USB-C cable, and there are Microsoft Teams versions with a dedicated Teams button as well as versions aimed at Zoom.

HP's current store lists M (Microsoft Teams) and standard variants with USB-C/A adapters. Check the product name carefully before you order.

• Sync 20: USB cable to computer, Bluetooth to phone
• Sync 20+: adds a Bluetooth adapter for wireless PC use
• M versions: Microsoft Teams certified with a Teams button
• Standard versions: certified for Zoom per HP's datasheet

Software, setup and Poly Sync 20 vs Jabra Speak2 75

Setup is simple: plug in the cable or pair by Bluetooth and the Sync 20 works without extra software. Installing HP's Poly Lens desktop app for Windows or macOS adds firmware updates, ringtone and equaliser settings, customisation of the programmable button and a factory reset. Poly Lens also manages other Poly devices, which helps IT teams that look after several headsets and speakerphones. Firmware can be updated offline as well.

Compared with the Jabra Speak2 75, the Sync 20 is smaller, lighter and cheaper, and it adds phone charging. The Jabra counters with four microphones instead of three, a larger 65 mm speaker, a microphone quality light ring and a longer 32-hour battery rating. For one person at a desk the Sync 20 is usually enough. For a small meeting room with several people, the Speak2 75 is the stronger performer.

Who should buy the Poly Sync 20?

It suits remote workers who dislike headsets, people who move between home and office, and small huddle spaces for two or three people. TechRadar questioned whether dedicated audio fans would rather use a good headset, which is fair. If you run meetings in larger rooms or want richer sound, the pricier Jabra Speak2 75 is a stronger choice.

Before buying, decide whether you need wireless PC use and which meeting platform your company relies on. Those two answers point you to the right version, whether that is a standard or Teams model, and whether you need the Sync 20+ with its adapter. HP's two-year limited warranty covers the device either way.

Key specs

Microphones

Three-microphone steerable array, pickup up to about 2 m

Speaker

40 mm driver with dual passive radiators

Battery

3,200 mAh, up to 20 hours talk time, under 4 hours to charge

Connectivity

Integrated USB-A or USB-C cable, Bluetooth 5.1; BT600 adapter with Sync 20+

Extra port

USB-A for smartphone charging

Durability

IP64

Size and weight

18.2 x 9.5 x 3.4 cm, 0.36 kg

Warranty

Two-year limited warranty

Alternatives to consider

• Jabra Speak2 75: Premium speakerphone with four microphones, a bigger speaker and 32-hour battery.
• Jabra Speak2 55: A compact rival from Jabra for personal use.
• Poly Sync 40: A larger model in the same Poly range for bigger spaces.

Frequently asked questions

The Poly Sync 20 remains a solid, sensible speakerphone for personal use. It improves call audio over a laptop, lasts a long time on a charge, survives life in a bag and can even rescue a flat phone. Its mono sound and tangle of model names are the main drawbacks. If you want an affordable way to sound better in calls without wearing a headset, it is still worth a look.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.