Headsets for Polycom/Poly Phones.

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

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

Last Updated –  July 2021

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

Understanding This Guide and Headset Connectivity (3 minutes):

Step 1: Decide Between Wireless Headsets and Corded 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 Corded

Corded 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 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 Polycom phones, you will turn the headset on/off for each call and start/end all of your calls back at your phone. To 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. You will need 8-10 seconds to program your Polycom phone for wireless headset use.

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

KEY POINT: Program your phone for EHS cable usage. See Special Headset Programming for Polycom Phones

On newer Polycom phones, you will find a built-in USB port. This allows for use of USB 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 Polycom 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 Polycom Headset Compatibility Chart below. For more info visit: Understanding a Wireless Polycom Headset Solution

Corded Headsets:

Business grade corded headsets 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 corded headset requires a Direct Connect cable or amplifier

KEY POINT: Newer Polycom 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 Polycom phone, use our Polycom 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 Corded Polycom 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) Corded Headset Solutions:

Polycom Headset Compatibility Chart

Polycom Model:	Poly Corded	Poly Cable or Amp (Use with H-Series)		Poly Wireless Headsets	Poly EHS Cable/ Lifter
Poly CCX 400	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Poly CCX 500	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Poly CCX 600	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Poly CCX 700	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom CX200	H-Series	A10 or M22		CS500 & Savi Series
Polycom CX300	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL10
Polycom CX500	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL10
Polycom CX600	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL10
Polycom CX700	H-Series	A10 or M22		CS500 & Savi Series
Polycom IP300	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP301	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP320	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-512 or HL101
Polycom IP321	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-512 or HL101
Polycom IP330	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-512 or HL101
Polycom IP331	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-512 or HL101
Polycom IP335	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom IP430	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom IP450	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
	Poly Corded	Poly Cable or Amp (Use with H-Series)		Poly Wireless Headsets	Poly EHS Cable/ Lifter
Polycom IP500	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP501	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP550	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom IP560	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom IP600	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP601	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom IP650	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom IP670	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom SE-220	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	HL10
Polycom SE-225	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series	HL10
Polycom Soundpoint PRO	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series
Polycom Star2Star IP301	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	HL101
Polycom Star2Star IP560	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51 or HL101
Polycom Via Video	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series
Polycom View Station	H-Series	2.5mm		CS500 & Savi Series
Polycom VVX101	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX150	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX201	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX250	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom VVX300	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX301, VVX311	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX310	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51
Polycom VVX350	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom VVX400, VVX410	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-514
Polycom VVX401, VVX411	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom VVX450	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom VVX500, VVX501	H-Series or USB3	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB3	APP-514
Polycom VVX600, VVX601	H-Series or USB	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series or USB	APP-514
Polycom VVX1500	H-Series	U10P or M22		CS500 & Savi Series	APP-51

NOTE 1: The Extension Arm (Part # 76141-01) is an item required for a few Polycom phones to hold the handset in position if you are using wireless headsets with an HL10 handset lifter.

NOTE 2:  Polycom Phones IP320/321 & IP330/331 have a 2.5mm headset jack.

Corded Solutions: The preferred Direct Connect cable is with 2.5mm connection. You can alternatively use the U10P cable or M22 amplifier with Polycom Part Number 2200-11095-002 which adapts the RJ9 connection to 2.5mm.

Wireless Solutions: If you choose to use the APP-51 EHS cable you will also need Polycom Part Number 2200-11095-002 which adapts the RJ9 connection to 2.5mm.

Wireless Headsets without EHS Cable or Handset Lifter (CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540, Savi Series):
The 2.5mm headset port connector requires Polycom adapter 2200-11095-002 to use the headset button.

Wireless Headsets that are older generations (CS50, CS55, CS70N, CS351N, CS361N, CS510S):
Alternatively use Plantronics adapter 78333-01.
When using 78333-01 bypass the EHS cable audio connection.
Connect 78333-01 directly between CS base and phone headset connector.

NOTE 3: Polycom VVX500/VVX501 phone can use Focus, Edge UC, Voyager UC, etc and USB headsets with USB having some restrictions.

1. Blackwire 300 and Blackwire 500 are not recommended with Polycom VVX series phones. Using the headset can cause mute failure and phone reboots.
2. Mute works local to the headset. Mute sync works with mute icon on the desk phone screen. Mute sync is inconsistent with the mute button on the phone.
3. Phone firmware must be 5.4.2 to use Voyager Focus.
4. 11/27/2019 From Plantronics: The USB port on the VVX350 phone is not 100% compatible with the C3200 series.

NOTE 4: When using a sidecar with Polycom VVX 101, VVX 201, VVX 300, VVX 301, VVX 311, VVX 400, VVX 401, VVX 411, VVX 500, VVX 501, VVX 600, VVX 601 phones and the APP-51 you will also need 85638-01 cable so the EHS cable can reach the sidecar.

Wireless Headsets Available for Polycom Phones

You have a wide range of wireless headsets to choose from for your Polycom 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 Polycom 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: Plantronics 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: Plantronics Handset Lifters & EHS Cables

Understanding a Corded Polycom Headset Solution

To have a corded commercial grade Polycom 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.

Quick Disconnect:

The first thing to understand about commercial grade Polycom 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 Polycom telephone, you also need an amplifier or direct connect cable, depending on the model of your Polycom phone.  You can view your options in our Polycom 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 Polycom phone.  

Originally, an amplifier was required for most Polycom telephones when using headsets.  Polycom worked closely with Plantronics to engineer many of their phones to have the amplifier built into the Polycom 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 Polycom 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 Corded Headsets Work with Your Polycom Telephone

When using a corded headset on Polycom telephones, most Polycom 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: Plantronics H-Series Headsets for Polycom Phones

Typical Setup Using Direct-Connect Cable:

If using a compatible Polycom phone with a headset port, most likely you can use any H-series headset with a Polycom 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.

Special Headset Programming for Polycom Phones:

1) Programming and EHS cable for use with wireless headsets.

Most Polycom phones will need the headset port activated for EHS use, giving you remote answer/hangup capabilities.

    

1. Make sure the EHS cable is NOT plugged into your Polycom phone
2. From your phone select: Menu-> Settings-> Basic-> Preferences->Headset-> Analog Headset Mode or Electronic Hook Switch Mode
3. Scroll Down to Plantronics Mode, and then press Select – Press Menu to return to the idle display
4. Now that the port is activated, you may plug the EHS cable into your phone and headset base.

2) Polycom VVX 500 speaker phone volume setting using corded USB headsets.

1. Log into your web browser.
2. Go to Utilities > Import & Export Configuration.
3. Using a text editor save the following as a .cfg file:
   <Volume voice.volume.persist.usbHeadset=”1″/>
4. Under Import Configuration, select Choose File.
5. Choose the .cfg file you saves and Import.

Your speaker volume will now stay the same as you left it.