Headsets for Cisco Phones

Cisco is a leading telephone company and has done an excellent job integrating telephone headset usage into their standard Cisco telephones and Cisco IP Communicator softphones. Numerous headsets are compatible with Cisco telephones, but finding the correct amplifier or direct-connect cable is the key to getting a headset to work properly with your Cisco phone.

The following guide will explain the compatible equipment you need, including many pictures to simplify the process of finding a Cisco headset for your application.

                                   Last Updated –  May 2023

Headsets for Cisco Phones as easy as 1-2-3

Understanding This Guide and Headset Connectivity (3 minutes):

Step 1: Decide Between Wireless Headsets and Wired Headsets

Wireless Headset Advantages:

• More Productive Taking Calls Where You Need To Go
• Remote Call Alerts
• Answer/Hang up Remotely
• No Wires to Manage/Trip Over/Limit Reach
• More Advanced Technology/Audio Features Than Wired

Wired Headset Advantages:

• Less Expensive Than Wireless
• No Batteries/Charging
• Simple to Setup and Use

Step 2: Understanding What You Need

Wireless Headsets:

Business grade wireless headsets for Cisco come in many different wearing styles, with different talk-times (battery life), covering different distances, and technological features. Once you choose the style, talk-time and distance to cover your needs you will have everything you need for basic operation.

On older Cisco phones, you will turn the headset on/off for each call and start/end all of your calls back at your phone. Too greatly improve your experience with a wireless headset, most users also purchase an EHS cable or lifter to automate the process of handling calls, preserving battery and remote capabilities.

KEY POINT: Remote call alerts and answering/hanging up remotely require an EHS cable or lifter.

On newer Cisco phones, you will find a built-in USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for use of USB and Bluetooth wireless headsets and eliminate the need for an additional EHS cable or lifter for remote capabilities. It’s now built into the phone.

KEY POINT: Newer Cisco phones have USB ports and will allow remote alerts and answering/hanging up without an EHS cable or lifter.

To determine EHS cable/lifter options, use our Cisco Headset Compatibility Chart below. For more info visit: Understanding a Wireless Cisco Headset Solution

Wired Headsets:

Business grade wired headsets for Cisco come in many different wearing styles and technological features. You choose the style and features you need to best suit your personal preferences (headband versus ear models) and environment (dual ear and noise canceling capabilities). These headsets will have a Quick-Disconnect at the end of the cord that will connect to a Direct Connect bottom cable or amplifier. Many newer phones with a USB port will now support use of headsets with USB connections.

KEY POINT: A wired headset requires a Direct Connect cable or amplifier. (Learn about Quick-Disconnect)

KEY POINT: Newer Cisco phones have USB ports and will allow headsets with USB connections to work perfectly.

Numerous Direct Connect cables are available, each made for specific phone models. Amplifiers provide the best audio, and are more universal allowing customization of microphone and speaker volumes. To find which Direct Connect cable or amplifier you need for your specific Cisco phone, use our Cisco Headset Compatibility Chart below. Combining a headset with a compatible Direct Connect cable or amplifier will provide you with everything you need. For more info visit: Understanding a Wired Cisco Headset Solution

Step 3: Most Common Solutions – Add to Cart and You’re Good To Go!

Poly (Formerly Plantronics) Wireless Headset Solutions:

Poly (Formerly Plantronics) Wired Headset Solutions:

Cisco Headset Compatibility Chart

Phone Model:	Poly Wired	Poly Cable or Amp (Use with H-Series)		Poly Wireless Headsets	Poly EHS Cable/ Lifter
Cisco 12 VIP	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 30 VIP	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 521G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 524G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 6841	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43
Cisco 6851	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43
Cisco 6921	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 6941	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 6945	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 6961	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7821	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 7841	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 7861	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 7902, 7902G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7905, 7905G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7906, 7906G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7910, 7010+SW	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7911, 7911G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7912, 7912G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7920	NONE	NONE		NONE	NONE
Cisco 7921, 7921G	NONE	NONE		NONE	NONE
Cisco 7925G	NONE	NONE		NONE	NONE
Cisco 7929	NONE	NONE		NONE	NONE
Cisco 7931G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7932G	Poly QD-Series	M22		Poly Desk phone Series	NONE
Cisco 7937G	NONE	NONE		NONE	NONE
Cisco 7940, 7940G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7941, 7941G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7942G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 7945, 7945G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 7960, 7960G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7961, 7961G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7962G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 7965G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 7970, 7970G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7971, 7971G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco 7975, 7975G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-431 or HL10
Cisco 7985, 7985G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable		Poly Desk phone Series	NONE
	Poly Wired	Poly Cable or Amp (Use with H-Series)		Poly Wireless Headsets	Poly EHS Cable/ Lifter
Cisco 8811	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8821	3.5mm			Bluetooth Headsets	NONE
Cisco 8841	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8845	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8851	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8861	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8865	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets	APC-43 or HL10
Cisco 8941	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	APC-82 or HL10
Cisco 8945, 8945G	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	APC-82 or HL10
Cisco 8961	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets2	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco 9951	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco 9971	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco Cius	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	Poly HL10
Cisco CTS500	Poly QD-Series	U10 Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco DX70	USB Headsets	NONE		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco DX80	USB Headsets	NONE		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco DX650	Poly QD-Series or USB Headsets	M22		Poly Desk phone Series USB Headsets	Poly APU-76 or HL10
Cisco IP Communicator>2.0	USB Headsets	DA75/DA85		USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	NONE
Cisco IP Communicator>7.0	USB Headsets	DA75/DA85		USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	NONE
Cisco IP Softphone	USB Headsets	DA75/DA85		USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	NONE
Cisco SIP 3910	Poly QD-Series	M22		NONE	NONE
Cisco SIP 3911	Poly QD-Series	M22		NONE	NONE
Cisco SIP 3951	Poly QD-Series	M22		NONE	NONE
Cisco SPA 303G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 501G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 502G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 504G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 508G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 509G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 512	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-45 or HL10
Cisco SPA 514 & 514G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	APC-45 or HL10
Cisco SPA 525	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series Bluetooth Headsets	APC-45 or HL10
Cisco SPA 525G	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	APC-45 or HL10
Cisco SPA 921	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 922	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 941	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 942	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco SPA 962	Poly QD-Series	2.5mm Cable or M22		Poly Desk phone Series	Poly HL10
Cisco Unified Personal Comm	USB Headsets	DA75/DA85		USB Headsets Bluetooth Headsets	NONE

Note 1: Cisco 7942G, 7945, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G, and 7975G telephones using an expansion module (sidecar) will need Poly # 85638-01 for use with wireless headsets. The standard wireless cable to your phone is not long enough, and the 85638-01 extension cable is required.

Note 2: Dongle required for Bluetooth

Wireless Headsets Available for Cisco Phones

You have a wide range of wireless headsets to choose from for your Cisco phone. You can choose between different styles and functionality. A commercial grade wireless headset solution is purchased as a complete system (Base/Charger, Headset, A/C Power Adapter are included). Optionally a Handset Lifter or Electronic Hookswitch Cable (EHS) will need to be purchased to answer and hang up calls remotely. With newer Cisco phones, using the USB port will allow remote operation without the need for additional EHS cables or lifters. The base/charger controls compatibility, microphone volume, speaker volume, and also acts as the charger when your headset is not in use. There are LED lights on the base to indicate power, charging and other features.

For the latest wireless models: Poly Wireless Headsets

Remote Answer and Hang-up For Wireless Headsets

Wireless units give you freedom, and adding a Handset Lifter or EHS cable allows greater productivity by allowing you to answer and hang up remotely.  Both will sense when your phone is ringing and generate beeps in your headset to alert you of a call. If you choose to take the call, simply press the Call Control Button on your headset to answer the call. Your phone answers the ringing line and you begin talking. When finished you press the Call Control Button again to disconnect the call. You will need to return to your phone to press the appropriate buttons to dial, transfer a call, or to perform any other phone functions.  Most phones will support the Handset Lifter which raises and lowers your telephone’s handset, simulating you answering a call. The EHS electronically establishes calls on newer phones without the mechanical motor and physical movement of your handset, but otherwise accomplishes the same thing. Having the ability to answer remotely greatly increases your productivity. You can answer away from your desk and carry on conversations wherever you need to take them. It also allows you to answer calls that would have normally gone to voice mail. This saves you a tremendous amount of time playing phone tag with customers or co-workers.

For the latest models: Poly Handset Lifters & EHS Cables

Understanding a Wired Cisco Headset Solution

To have a wired commercial grade Cisco headset solution you will need two items; the headset and either an amplifier or a direct-connect cable. Headsets, amplifiers and direct connect cable all join together using a quick-disconnect connection. (Learn about Quick-Disconnect) 

Quick Disconnect:

The first thing to understand about commercial grade Cisco headsets is the headset cable terminates in what the industry calls a “quick-disconnect” connection. This connection allows you to leave your headset on at all times and quickly disconnect from the amplifier or direct connect cable when you need to walk away from your desk.

Amplifiers and Direct Connect Cables:

To connect your headset to your Cisco telephone, you also need an amplifier or direct connect cable, depending on the model of your Cisco phone. You can view your options in our Poly Headset compatibility chart located on this page. As you can see on the amplifier and cable, they terminate on one end with a modular clip or 2.5mm plug, which will plug into your Cisco phone.  

Originally, an amplifier was required for most Cisco telephones when using headsets. Cisco worked closely with Poly to engineer many of their phones to have the amplifier built into the Cisco telephone. This eliminated the use of an amplifier and allowed a less expensive direct connect cable to be used with standard H-series headsets. The only negative to using a direct connect cable is you lose your ability to control your outgoing voice volume. An amplifier gives complete volume control for your speaker and microphone.

With newer Cisco phones that have a USB port, you can now purchase a bottom cable that has a USB connection or purchase headsets that terminate with a USB connection.

How Wired Headsets Work with Your Cisco Telephone

When using a wired headset on Cisco telephones, most Cisco phones will use a headset and amplifier or direct-connect cable.

Typical Setup Using Amplifier:

If using any H-Series headset and amplifier, the amplifier will plug into the handset port on your phone. You will need to remove your handset for each call. When finished with the call you will return the handset to its cradle to hang-up the call. If you have a headset port, the standard amplifier is not compatible and will only work through the handset port. You will have a wide variety of headsets to choose from including noise-canceling models for a loud environment and voice-tube models for a quieter environment.

For the latest models: Poly H-Series Headsets for Cisco Phones

Typical Setup Using Direct-Connect Cable:

If using a compatible Cisco phone with a headset port, most likely you can use any H-series headset with a Poly Direct-Connect cable. The cable will plug into your headset port and you will simply press a ringing line to answer and the ‘headset button’ to disconnect the call. The advantage of using a Direct-Connect cable versus an amplifier is cost. The cable will be approximately $30 versus $80 for an amplifier. The disadvantage of using a Direct-Connect cable is it only works on compatible phones (See our compatibility chart above) and you can’t control your out-going voice volume. If you’re soft-spoken, your caller will have a hard time hearing you.

Cisco Softphones (Jabber) with Poly (formerly Plantronics) Softphone

Also, if you’re taking advantage of softphones with a VoIP system, be sure to download the latest release of Plantronics’ software for Windows and Mac. This helps your Plantronics audio device work more seamlessly with your softphone and allows you to take advantage of special features and firmware updates.