1-800-914-7996
Polycom 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 – October 2018
Selecting headsets for your Polycom phone has never been easier with our how to guide. From first time buyer questions to long time headset users, this guide will provide a deeper understanding of exactly how your headset will work. Most importantly…be sure to call if you have questions because it’s our support that sets us apart. We’re Plantronics Certified Headset Experts ready to help before, during and after the sale!
Section 1: Wireless Headset Solutions for Polycom Phones Section 2: Corded Headset Solutions for Polycom Phones Section 3: Polycom Compatibility Guide Section 4: Understanding a corded Polycom Headset Solution Section 5: How Corded Headsets Work with Your Polycom Telephone Section 6: CS500 & W700 Wireless Headsets Available for Polycom Phones Section 7: Remote Answer and Hang-up For Wireless Headsets Section 8: Special Headset Programming for Polycom Phones
Plantronics CS545-XD Wireless Headset:
With a headset, you instantly become more productive being able to write and type without holding or cradling a handset (Not to mention the reduction in neck and shoulder pain). With a wireless headset, you take productivity up another notch being able to roam your office while talking. Ever need to grab a file in another office or ask a co-worker a question? You can with a wireless headset. With the CS545-XD you get a light weight, great sounding headset that comes with everything you need.
How does it work? With the CS545-XD, you will start inbound and outbound calls at your phone. Most newer Polycom phones have a headset button on the phone. When a call comes in or you want to make a call, you simply press the headset ‘ON’ button and press your phones headset button. You are now talking with your caller and free to roam up to 350 feet. To answer/hang-up calls away from your desk you will need the optional HL10 or EHS cable shown below.
• The CS545-XD comes from our most popular wireless headset series • Enjoy all day comfort with a lightweight headset (21 grams) • 2 batteries included for unlimited talk-time • Includes Over-the-Ear and Over-the-Head wearing options • Hear more clearly with speaker and microphone volume adjustments
Optional Plantronics HL10 or EHS Cables for Remote Answering:
Need to answer remotely? If you want the most out of your headset investment, you will want the ability to answer/hang-up away from your desk. This increases your productivity again by not missing calls to voice mail or needing to run back to your desk with every ring. Most Polycom Phones allow remote answering with an HL10 or Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) cable connected to your wireless headset. Consult Section 3 below to determine which device is compatible with your specific model of Polycom phone and Section 7 explains Handset Lifters and EHS cables in detail. The HL10 & EHS cables accomplish the same function, thus you use one or the other.
Fast and Easy Ordering:
To simplify your choices and save you hours of time researching, we’ve listed the most common Polycom wireless headset and remote answer/hang-up solutions below.
OPTION 1: If you don’t need to answer remotely, click below to add the wireless headset to your cart.
OPTION 2: If you want to answer remotely (never missing calls and being more productive), check Section 3 (Polycom Compatibility Guide) to determine which device you need (HL10/EHS cable). Then return here to add the headset and appropriate HL10/EHS cable to your cart.
Plantronics HW540 Corded Headset:
Polycom phones work great with Plantronics headsets. You need two pieces to make it work; an H-series headset and bottom cable.
Want to make your corded headset solution easy…with no sacrifices? You need to consider the Plantronics HW540 EncorePro headset. It’s a quantum leap in convertible headset design. It’s a 3-in-1 headset without compromise – all of the wearing styles are designed with quality and comfort in mind, in a system that is simple to convert but delivers a secure, positive fit and finish. The HW540 provides high-quality audio, a flexible noise-canceling mic with visual positioning guides, soft ear cushions, and durable-yet-lightweight materials for all-day wearing.
• Flexible microphone for optimal voice clarity • Quick Disconnect cord allows you to easily walk away from your desk • Lightest in its class of business headsets • Soft foam ear cushions provide all-day comfort • Laser welded construction for unbeatable toughness
Plantronics U10P Direct-Connect Cable:
Many newer Polycom telephones have a headset port and button for easy headset use. You simply plug your H-series headset into the U10P/SPA cable, and into your Polycom telephones headset port. To answer or end a call, you simply press the headset button. It doesn’t get any easier. If you need to walk away during a call, you keep you headset on and pull the quick disconnect apart at the U10P/SPA cable. By doing this puts your caller on hold through the headset. When you return to your desk, plug the headset back into the U10P/SPA cable and continue talking.
To simplify your choices and save you hours of time researching, we’ve listed a great Plantronics corded headset and the most common Polycom direct-connect cables below. In less than 30 seconds, you can find your model of phone in our compatibility guide (Section 3 listed below) to determine which cable you need. By clicking on the items below, a new window will open for ordering and displaying product details, pricing and availability. Return to this page to add the compatible cable and proceed to checkout. It’s that easy!
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.
** Polycom Phones IP320/321 & IP330/331 have a 2.5mm headset jack. You may need an additional adapter from Polycom (Part Number 2200-11095-002):
If using newer CS-series Wireless Headsets (CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540): The 2.5mm headset port connector requires Polycom adapter 2200-11095-002.
If using older CS-series Wireless Headsets (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.
If using H-series corded headsets with Polaris Cable 27190-01: The 2.5mm headset port connector requires Polycom adapter 2200-11095-002.
NOTE 2: Polycom VVX 500 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 $28.50 versus $72 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.
For the Direct-Connect cable:
For the Direct-Connect cable for Polycom phones with 2.5mm headset port:
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. 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
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
Most Polycom phones will need the headset port activated for EHS use, giving you remote answer/hangup capabilities.
To enable Headset Memory Mode:
1. Select Settings from Home view, and select Basic > Preferences > Headset > Headset Memory.
2. From the Headset Memory Mode screen, select Enabled.
3. Press .
4. To activate Headset Memory Mode, press twice. The Headset key will flash to indicate that the phone is in Headset Memory Mode.
© 1996-2019 Headsets Direct, Inc. | All Rights Reserved.