cisco headsets buyers guide · purchasing decision. standard typical distance use in headsets...

1 © 2019 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Business Headset Buyers Guide

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.


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Cisco Headsets

Our work environments and styles continue to evolve. We work in open environments that allow us to interact freely and we rely heavily on computers and smartphones. Some listen to music to stay productive while others are continuously on calls. Whether working at a desk, interacting with a team, or on the go, everyone must remain intently focused on work.

Know your headsets

Know your jargon

Customize your experience

Get connected

Don’t overlook management

Meet the Cisco Headsets

Cisco Headset 521 and 522

Cisco Headset 531 and 532

Cisco Headset 561 and 562 (with Single Base)

Cisco Headset 561 and 562 (with Multi-Base)

Cisco Headset 730

Competitor Comparison

Hearing is believing

However, in noisier environments, you can hear every device, every person, and every conversation. It can be both distracting and disruptive. That’s where business headsets come in. They allow us to work in comfort with complete audio privacy. And the right headsets allows us to enjoy premium audio quality as we chat with colleagues, listen to music, and stay connected to our devices.

So, whether you want a headset that works right out of the box, keeps you comfortable all day long, makes your “daily grind” a far more enjoyable experience, is easy to set up and manage, or all of the above, we’re here to help.

This headset guide is designed to help you identify what headset is right for you without having to wade through all the technical details.


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Know your headsetsLet’s begin with the basics—headset variations.

A wired headset uses a wire or cord to physically connect the headset to your device. Meanwhile, a wireless headset has no wires and, instead, transmits audio signals through the air via Bluetooth or DECT technology.

Single-ear headsets—often referred to as “mono” headsets—have only one ear cup. Dual-ear headsets—sometimes called “binaural,” “stereo,” or “duo” headsets—feature cups over both ears. While binaural headsets deliver the same audio to both ear cups, stereo headsets transmit separate audio signals to the left and right ear cups.

Know your jargon Bandwidth describes the range of audio frequencies a headset can receive. The higher the bandwidth, the better the audio quality. Wideband is the sound quality used in most high-definition business and mobile voice network headsets. Narrowband, on the other hand, is the standard audio quality found in traditional voice networks.

Noise cancellation prevents those unwanted sounds that ruin your listening experience.

Active noise cancellation is the most common method. It uses power to generate opposite sound waves that effectively “cancel” unwanted sounds. The less common passive noise cancellation uses insulating materials or other technologies to block unwanted sounds, without the aid of power. Because the term “noise cancellation” is frequently used to describe active noise cancellation, some manufacturers have chosen to call passive noise cancellation “sound isolation.” Headsets with passive noise cancellation, or sound isolation, generally cost less and allow you to hear your own voice better while speaking.

Keep in mind, your hearing can be damaged by certain sound waves. So, you’ll also want to look for a headset with built-in hearing protection that prevents exposure to sounds above 118 dB.

Customize your experienceToday’s headsets leave a lot up to the listener. For example, a sidetone setting lets you adjust the level of your own voice that you hear in the headset earcups. Adjusting this setting creates a more natural sound, similar to hearing your own voice as you speak. Audio shaping is a setting that allows you to dial in the audio qualities you like best. It modifies the sound your headset produces, from a warmer, fuller sound to lighter, brighter sound.


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Get connectedBusiness headsets hook up with devices in a broad range of ways. They include wireless connections, like Bluetooth and DECT, and the various “wired” connectors you plug into your cell phones, desk phones, computers, and tablets. Many even use quick-disconnect features, freeing you to walk around as you work. Check out the chart below for a detailed explanation of each connection type.

Don’t overlook managementHeadset features and cost shouldn’t be the only factors in your purchase, because headset administration is critical. Many business headsets require separate software to manage settings, which can require a license fee and, let’s be frank, isn’t connected to the rest of your collaboration solution. Somebody has to manage all that for every headset in your company, which can take up a lot of time. For that reason, it’s important to know what headset vendor offer beyond the hardware itself—such as easy administration software, troubleshooting tools, and simple provisioning—before making a purchasing decision.

Standard Typical Distance Use in Headsets

Bluetooth Between 5 - 65 meters

Advantages: Flexibility – integrated into nearly every cell phone, laptop, etc. No base station required (though many use a Bluetooth USB dongle to improve reliability).

Disadvantages: Realized range. In the office there are many items that interfere with Bluetooth reception including microwaves, lighting, Wi-Fi, and other Bluetooth devices.

Cisco Headset 561 and 562 Multi-Base “M” are DECT models with Bluetooth for connection to a smartphone or laptop.

DECT 100 meters or more Advantages: Range – unique frequency that doesn’t overlap with much else. Disadvantages: Requires base station or USB adapter (DECT radio not integrated into laptops, cell phones, etc.).

Cisco Headset 561 and 562 Standard “S” or Multi-base “M” are DECT models.

USB Type A and Type C Type A is the most common USB connector used on most PCs, while Type C is the newer USB connector used on many laptops.

RJ RJ9 and RJ11 (for headsets)

RJ is a common telephony connector, used on most IP phones to connect an analog headset or handset. Cisco IP phones use RJ9 for the headset port and RJ 11 for the axillary (Aux) port (used for signaling answer call, end call, etc.).

Cisco Headset 531 and 532 offer RJ9 connection or USB.

Quick Disconnect

Proprietary to most headset manufacturers

The purpose of the cable is to allow wired headset users to leave the desk and quickly unclip/reclip from the device. It also acts as a safety feature.

Cisco 531 and 532 have Quick Disconnect.

RJ Y-Cable

One side connect to headset base and other side is RJ9 and RJ11 for Cisco phones

Used to connect wireless headsets to both the analog (RJ9) headset port and the digital (RJ11) Auxiliary port for signaling.

Cisco DECT models come with a Y Cable for connection to Cisco Phones.


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Meet the Cisco HeadsetsCisco has extended the collaboration experience with a full range of business headsets. The Cisco Headset 500 Series is a family of headsets designed for open workspaces enabling productivity with best-in-class noise isolation, vibrant audio, exceptional comfort and proven reliability. It includes a range of wired and wireless headsets with flexible connectivity that can be deployed in high density workspaces. The Cisco Headset 700 Series are premium Bluetooth headsets built for business, personal, and the journey between. They are designed for mobile or office workers enabling productivity in any environment with superior audio, active noise cancellation, enterprise grade security, and sleek microphone design making it easy to transition from business to personal use.

Cisco Headsets also take the hassle out of headset management and service. Administrators can now manage and troubleshoot all Cisco headsets from within their existing Cisco infrastructure. Inventory management features include summaries, custom reports, and connection status for all headsets and models in use. An administrator can apply customizable configuration templates for simple, straightforward headset deployment. This allows for remote firmware upgrades and compliance and policies management. Meanwhile, proactive diagnostics data provides issue detection and troubleshooting, debugging logs, and call quality data.

Hear the difference Experience bold sound rather taking calls or listening to music

Stay focused Noise cancellation and ergonomic design to keep you productive

Roam freely Bluetooth or DECT technology let you work anywhere, with any device

Enjoy yourself Easy set-up and intuitive operation make your experience effortless

Rest easy Put compatibility issues and troublesome administration behind you


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Cisco Headset 521 and 522 These headsets are ideal if you’re working in an office or on the go. They work great with your computer or any mobile devices with a headphone jack. They feature integrated calling controls and a lightweight, comfortable design. The best part is, they sound spectacular.

Single-ear/dual-ear wired options

Flexible connection options

Designed for all-day comfort

Easy setup and tuning

Outstanding audio quality

Unbeatable noise reduction On-ear busy indicator

White LED: Link status

Red LED: Outgoing call


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Cisco 520 Series Jabra Evolve 40Plantronics Blackwire 5220

Jabra Biz 2300 UC

Busy light Yes Yes No No

Connectivity USB, 3.5 mm USB, 3.5 mm USB, 3.5 mm USB

Wearing style

On ear binaural and monaural




Hearing protection Yes Yes Yes Yes

Personalized audio tuning Yes No No No

Weight (g) 135 142.5 138 124

Cables included USB, 3.5mm USB, 3.5mm USB, 3.5mm USB


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Cisco Headset 531 and 532 Work in a contact center? Then these are the headsets for you. They work seamlessly with your computer and desk phone, offer a quick-disconnect cable to make it easy to get up from your desk, and feature integrated calling controls with advanced call handling. The unique design provides lasting comfort for those long shifts. Not to mention their audio performance, which is crisp and clear.


On-ear busy indicator


Unbeatable noise reduction

Designed for all-day comfort

White LED: Link status

Red LED: Outgoing call

Single-ear/dual-ear wired options


Quick-disconnect cable for mobility


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Cisco 530 SeriesENCOREPRO 720 +Plantronics DA90

Jabra Biz2400 +Jabra Link 260

Busy light Yes No No

Connectivity USB, RJ-9 USB, RJ-9 USB, RJ-9

Wearing style



On ear headband, neckband, ear hook

Hearing protection Yes Yes Yes

Personalized audio tuning Yes No No

Weight (g) 101 78 77

Cables included USB, RJ-9 USB, RJ-9 USB, RJ-9


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Cisco Headset 561 and 562 (with Single Base) Are you the kind of person who can’t sit still? Then take a long look at these full-featured, wireless headsets. They perform equally well in an office or contact center, with your computer or your desk phone. They’re so comfortable you forget you’re wearing them. Plus, with their extended wireless range, you can get up, move around your workplace, and stay connected without the hassle of cables.

Outstanding audio quality Unbeatable noise reductionSingle-ear/dual-ear wireless options

Single-ear/dual-ear wireless options

All-day comfort

DECT wireless



Mobility up to 300 feet from the base


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Cisco 560 Series with Single Base Jabra Engage 65 Plantronics CS520 Sennheiser SDW 5015

Wireless range 100 m/330 ft 150 m/490 ft 350 ftLine of sight: 180 m/590 ft

Typical office building: 55 m/180 ft

Talk time 10 13 9 10

Charging time (minutes)

0 - 40%: 30

0 - 100%: 90

0 - 40%: 30

0 - 100%: 90180

0 - 50%: 30

0 - 100%: 60

Connectivity1 connection

Softphone, desk phone

2 connections


1 connection

Desk phone

2 connections


Conference 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional)

Busy light Yes Yes No Yes

DECT security 128-bit encryption 128-bit encryption 64-bit encryption 128-bit encryption

Wearing style On-ear binaural and monauralOn-ear binaural and monaural and convertible

On-ear binaural, monaural and convertible

On-ear monaural, ear hook or neckband



Replaceable battery Yes No No No

Weight (g) 115 83 96 58

Cables included USB, EHS cable USB, Aux Aux USB, Aux


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Cisco Headset 561 and 562 (with Multi-Base)If you frequently use more devices than you can count, the Cisco Headset 561 and 562 pair with a Multi-Base to make a great tag-team. The Multi-Base enables you to connect your headset with your computer, mobile devices, and desk phone, and easily switch between them. Of course, these headsets also provide the lasting comfort, premium audio, and extended range you need to get things done in any workspace.

Single-ear/dual-ear wireless options

All-day comfort

DECT wireless


On-ear busy indicator


Unbeatable noise reduction

Earpiece calling and volume controls

Connect with laptop, mobile and desk phones

Mobility up to 300 feet from the base


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Cisco 560 Series with Multi-Base Jabra Engage 75 Plantronics Savi 720 Sennheiser SDW 5016

Wireless range 100 m/330 ft 150 m/490 ft 350 ftLine of sight: 180 m/590 ft

Typical office building: 55 m/180 ft

Talk time 10 13 9 10

Charging time (minutes)

0 — 40%: 30

0 — 100%: 90

0 — 40%: 30

0 — 100%: 90180

0 — 50%: 30

0 — 100%: 60

Connectivity3 connections

(Softphone, desk phone, mobile)

5 connections


3 connections


4 connections


Conference 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional) 4 (3 additional)

Busy light Yes Yes No Yes

DECT security 128-bit encryption 128-bit encryption 64-bit encryption 128-bit encryption

Wearing style On-ear binaural and monauralOn-ear binaural and monaural and convertible

On-ear binaural, monaural and convertible

On-ear monaural, ear hook or neckband



Replaceable battery Yes No No No

Weight (g) 115 90 96 58

Cables included USB, EHS cable USB, Aux USB, Aux USB, Aux


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Cisco Headset 730

Premium audio with Clear Voice technology

Bluetooth, USB, or 3.5mm connections

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

Boom-less microphone design

Enterprise-grade security

On-ear controls

Integrated presence LED light

20 hours talk time with ANC

Customizable audio

Cisco Headsets mobile app

All-day comfort

If you do business in the office, at home, or on the go, the Cisco Headset 730 is designed for you. The boom-less microphone design, Bluetooth connection, and active noise cancellation ensures you always stay connected and productive from anywhere. The Headset 730 also has premium speakers and customizable audio offering an exceptional music experience for personal use.


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Cisco Headset 730 Jabra Evolve 75 Poly Voyager Focus

Bluetooth version BT 5.0 BT 4.2 BT 4.1

Bluetooth range 65 m/213 ft 30 m/100 ft 30 m/100 ft

Connection Options Bluetooth, USB or 3.5mm cable Bluetooth or USB cable Bluetooth

Simultaneous connections 2 Bluetooth + 1 USB 2 Bluetooth OR 1 USB 2 Bluetooth

Security Hardware and Software protected None None

Speaker size 40 mm 40 mm 32 mm

Microphone style Boom less Medium-length boom arm Short-length boom arm

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Yes (Hybrid, 4 mic) - ANC with adaptive and manual modes

Yes (Hybrid, 4 mic) - ANC on/off Yes (Feedback, 2 mic) - ANC on/off

Smart Sensor Features Automatic call and music controls No Automatic call and music controls

Busy indicator Yes. Automatic during calls. Manually turn on/off

Yes. Automatic during calls. Manually turn on/off

Yes. Automatic during calls.

On-Ear Controls Call, Music, Volume, and Mute controls Call, Volume, and Mute controls Call, Music, Volume, and Mute controls

Battery Life Talk: up to 20 hrs with ANC Listen: up to 25 hrs with ANC

Talk: up to 18 hrs with ANC Listen: up to 17 hrs with ANC

Talk: up to 10 hrs with ANC Listen: up to 12 hrs with ANC

Charging time 150 minutes 150 minutes 120 minutes

Weight (g) 219 177 155

Included in the box Cisco 700 USB adapter USB A cable 3.5 mm cable Travel case (hard)

Jabra link 370 USB adapter USB A cable Travel case (hard)

USB adapter (USB A or C option) USB cable (USB A or C option) Travel case (thick Neoprene)

Companion App Yes Yes Yes

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© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1110R)

C07-743218-00 12/19

Hearing is believingThat’s your quick primer on business headsets. We hope you found it helpful. Remember, when looking for a great-sounding headset that improves your listening experience, increases productive, and is effortless to manage, Cisco is a clear choice. We’ve been a long time leader in business communication, and continue to create the most intelligent and intuitive collaboration experiences possible.

Try one today, and hear for yourself.

https://www.cisco.com/go/headsets

cisco headsets buyers guide · purchasing decision. standard typical distance use in headsets...

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