A low-cost option for high-quality voice calls in noisy environments.
The Logitech H570E boast features like acoustic echo cancellation and digital signal processing to ensure clear voice communication in noisy environments.
- Crystal clear calls in a quiet environment
- Decent microphone performance in a noisy, busy environment
- Headband is quite sturdy due to the metal reinforcement
- Plug and play design
- Replaceable ear pads allow for easy replacement when they wear out
- The sound is good for individuals who like bass-heavy headphones
- The packaging is not strong enough to keep the headphones safe during shipping
- For people with large ears, the earpads may not be comfortable due to their small size
- Not for individuals who prefer clear mids in their music tracks, such as those with guitars
- For those with sensitive ears, the highs or “s” of the person speaking are slightly sibilant and piercing at high volume
Given their modest price tag, do the Logitech H570E fulfill their claim as a headset crafted for modern office workers?
Let’s find out today.
Company Overview
Logitech, a global technology company with over 40 years of experience, is recognized for its innovative design and commitment to sustainability.
Their eco-conscious approach is evident in their packaging, which uses 90% less plastic and reduces fossil fuel usage by 45% over its lifecycle. Logitech’s product range, spanning music, gaming, streaming, video, and computing, are designed to enhance user interaction with the digital world.
Their products are sold worldwide, reflecting their global reach and influence in the industry.
Technical Specifications
- Form: On-Ear
- Driver Size: 30 mm
- Microphone Sensitivity (dB): -47 dB +/ -3 dB
- Microphone Frequency Response (Hz): 100 Hz-18 KHz
- Microphone Distortion: < 2% @ 1 kHz, 94 dB SPL
- Speaker Sensitivity (dB): 94 dB ±3 dB at 1 KHz, 0.01 m, 0.01 W
- Speaker Frequency Response (Hz): 31.5 Hz-20 KHz
- Speaker Distortion: < 5% @ 1 kHz, 10 mW, 1 kHz
- Removable Cable: (N)
- Source Jack: USB-A
- Cable Length: 1.5 m
- Mic: Y
- Microphone type: Bi-directional ECM noise-cancelling mic
- Weight (g): 85 g
Packaging
The Logitech H570e arrive in packaging that is as straightforward as it gets. The headphones are housed in a thin brown cardboard box, snuggled within a soft cardboard cutout. While functional, this minimalist approach to packaging doesn’t necessarily inspire a sense of anticipation or excitement that often accompanies the unboxing of a new tech gadget.
In terms of aesthetics, the packaging of the H570e leaves much to be desired. The design and color of the box are rather plain, suggesting that aesthetics weren’t a priority in the packaging design process. This is not entirely surprising for a budget-friendly pair of headphones.
In the box
- Logitech H570E
- Setup Guide manual
- Warning/Caution manual
Design
At first touch, the headband might seem a bit cheap. But despite its seemingly flimsy exterior, there’s a reinforced metal band inside that gives it a surprising amount of sturdiness.
The adjustability of the headband strikes a fine balance, providing just enough tension to stay in place when adjusted but not so much that it’s difficult to move.
The microphone is also impressively flexible, rotating up to 270 degrees, allowing me to tuck it away when not in use. The silicon-like material also makes it easy to bend, letting me position it optimally for the best call quality. Whether I need it closer or farther from my mouth, the H570e are up to the task.
Moreover, the H570e come with replaceable ear pads, a feature I really appreciate. This allows for easy swapping if they wear out, or even an upgrade from a third-party vendor if you’re so inclined. However, the earpad foam is a bit thin and overly soft, contributing to the headset’s overall cheap feel.
One of the more practical features of the H570e is their in-line controls. They’re a real boon for quickly adjusting the volume, answering calls, and toggling the microphone’s mute function. The controls are tactile and clearly labeled, making them intuitive to use even for a first-time user.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing with the H570e. The wires, unfortunately, are not tangle-free. They twist and turn so easily that untangling them can quickly become frustrating. This is a minor inconvenience but one that’s worth noting.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Logitech H570e present a bit of a mixed bag. At first glance, the small size of the ear pads had me concerned, especially given that my ears are larger than average.
They’re soft enough to avoid causing irritation, but their size does make for a somewhat awkward fit, with noticeable pressure on the sides of my ears.
The clamping force of the H570e hits a sweet spot – it’s neither too tight nor too loose, ensuring the headphones stay securely in place on my head.
A standout feature in terms of comfort is the lightness of the H570e. Weighing in at a mere 85 grams, these headphones are light enough to forget you’re wearing them, at least for a while.
However, after about an hour of use, I found that they started to feel hot, causing my ears to sweat. This seems to be due to the leather material of the earpads.
That said, when I used them in an air-conditioned environment, they remained reasonably comfortable throughout the entire workday. So, your mileage may vary depending on your specific use case and environment.
Internals
Delving into the internals of the Logitech H570e, the simplicity of its design becomes apparent. These headphones are a straightforward office accessory, providing just the basics with their plug-and-play design.
The inclusion of a USB-A plug is a key feature, enabling me to connect the headset to my PC and start using it almost instantly. The absence of a need for drivers or additional software is a significant convenience.
However, I found myself wishing for more plug options or a separate adapter, which would have allowed for greater versatility in using the headset with other devices like tablets or phones.
The H570e carry a UC certification and are compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Microsoft Lync, Cisco, and Skype. This compatibility is a major advantage for office workers and call center agents, as it allows for seamless use of the headset for office calls. Simply plug it in, and you’re ready to go.
A noteworthy feature is the volume limit of up to 115 dB. Although this exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 80 dB, it’s a thoughtful addition that helps prevent accidental exposure to excessively loud audio. It’s these small but significant touches that enhance the overall user experience.
Microphone
The Logitech H570e’s microphone is a standout feature, demonstrating an impressive ability to pick up my voice with remarkable clarity.
This was particularly evident in the mic tests, where the microphone didn’t pick up any of the background noise despite a heavy downpour during the recording. It was as if the microphone had a laser focus on my voice, disregarding any extraneous sounds.
However, this sensitivity is a double-edged sword. The microphone picks up even the subtlest of lip movements, which could potentially be distracting for others on the call. But don’t worry; a simple adjustment can mitigate this issue. By positioning the mic slightly farther from your mouth, you can keep these minor sounds from becoming an unintended part of your conversation.
In noisier environments, the microphone continues to perform admirably. It rejects background noise effectively, ensuring my voice remains the primary focus. Yes, the background noise is still audible, but my voice consistently comes through clearly, as if it’s on top of the noise.
Regardless of the environment, my speech remains understandable.
A key player in this performance is the microphone’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise cancellation. This feature works like a charm, almost completely blocking out unwanted noise. The result is clear conversations without any compromise on sound quality.
There is, however, a slight trade-off when the background noise is particularly loud.
My speech can take on a somewhat processed tone, akin to a radio broadcast.
But it’s worth noting that this didn’t seem to affect the clarity of my speech. During my calls, the person on the other end had no complaints and understood me perfectly. So, while it’s something to be aware of, it doesn’t detract from the overall performance of the microphone.
Logitech H570E Sound
The Logitech H570e headphones have a V-shaped sound profile. This means the bass is strong, the highs are bright, and the middle tones are more subdued. The highs can sometimes feel a bit sharp, but overall, the sound is balanced and enjoyable.
While the soundstage is small, one must consider these headphones’ price point. The H570e don’t promise an expansive, concert-hall-like soundstage, and they don’t deliver one. You can easily tell if a sound is coming from the left or right, but there’s not much sense of depth.
The small soundstage doesn’t take away from the clarity of the sound.
Depending on the mix of the track, I found myself able to discern individual instruments with relative ease.
Shifting gears to their utility as a communication tool, the H570e perform admirably. I tested them out on several phone calls, and the sound was consistently crisp and intelligible, making them a reliable companion for business calls.
Bass
While listening to “Mercy” by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz on the Logitech H570e, I noticed that the bass was very strong. The low sounds were full and loud – louder than the midrange sounds.
But even with this strong bass, the sound didn’t become too loud or lose quality. It still had a good beat and energy. I could easily hear the kick drum, which made the music feel more alive.
Midrange
As I ventured into the midrange territory with the Logitech H570e, I chose “Mugatu” by Toms Story, a track that’s purely instrumental, as my test piece. The mids, while slightly laid back, retained a level of clarity that was commendable.
When it came to vocal quality, there was a slight nasal characteristic, but not to the extent that it detracted from the overall listening experience. This was also the case during calls. Despite the nasal undertone, the clarity remained intact, ensuring that vowels and consonants were easily discernible.
However, it’s important to note that the Logitech H570e lean towards a V-shaped sound signature. This means that the bass and treble are more pronounced than the midrange.
Treble
Turning my attention to the treble, I decided to put the Logitech H570e through its paces with “Paradise” by Coldplay. The highs were noticeable, particularly on the “s” sounds in the vocals, which had a sibilant quality. However, the hi-hats managed to avoid being piercing, maintaining a level of comfort for the listener.
The pronounced highs had the effect of enhancing the clarity and detail in the vocals.
The emphasis on the high frequencies could lead to listener fatigue over extended periods.
Where to Buy
Conclusion
As we wrap up this review, the Logitech H570E’s microphone takes center stage. Its exceptional performance ensures your voice remains clear, whether in a bustling café or busy office. The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) noise cancellation effectively picks out the noise and makes my voice shine on calls, ensuring that conversations remain crystal clear.
In terms of audio, the H570E offer a decent enough low-end and crystal-clear highs, rendering vocals, bass guitar, and kick drums with admirable clarity.
However, the mids section and guitars could use a bit more presence. While enhancing clarity, the highs exhibit a sibilance that might lead to listener fatigue over extended periods. The sound quality isn’t recommended for audiophiles but good enough for some side music listening while working.
The build quality exceeds expectations for this price point and suggests a reassuring durability and longevity.
However, the packaging is purely utilitarian, arriving in a simple, medium-thin brown carton. And for those with larger ears – the compact size of the ear pads might not be the best fit.
All in all, the Logitech H570E stand as a solid choice for those prioritizing microphone performance, sound quality, and build, with a few minor caveats to bear in mind.