Plantronics 510S Voyager Bluetooth Headset with Desktop Adaptor

Overview of the Plantronics 510S Voyager Bluetooth Headset with Desktop Adaptor

The Plantronics 510S Voyager Bluetooth headset with adaptor gives you incredible versatility in an ultra compact headset design. It’s small, comfortable and lightweight construction is testament to the fact it was designed for people on the go. In the past few years this was one of the only options for people wanting to use one headset for computer, mobile and office phone. Now there are better options.

That said, because it is Bluetooth it is still amazing value for those that actually want to use it as a mobile headset first, and office and computer second. You see other models like the new SAVI 710, 720 and 740 which also do all three are not really designed for taking out of the office. They are really office bound so they are designed like office headsets (bigger with longer talk time). If you want to use it outside then the only other headset really is the GN 6470. It’s so much better but it’s also twice the price. If money was no object then the 6470 is a winner but factor price and the 510S looks like value.

If you’re looking to answer calls away from your desk we also recommend you buy a handset lifter. This device fits on your telephone base and lifts the hand piece up or down when you push a button on your headset, letting you answer and hang up on calls from anywhere in the office. A handset lifter for this headset is available separately, as a great value headset and lifter bundle pack or as a comprehensive headset, lifter and accessories bundle pack.

The standout feature of the Plantronics 510S is obviously its versatility. Very few other headsets out there let you swap between your mobile, PC and office phone (the few exceptions are the Sennheiser VMX Office, the GN GO6470 , GN Pro 9470 and the SAVI 710, 720, 740 and 740M). Now you can take a call at your desk, jump onto a webinar, Skype a colleague overseas and then get in the car and keep chatting on your mobile – all without changing headsets!

Did we mention that the price is AMAZING! We are offering them at almost half price.

The Plantronics 510S is a good looking, discreet headset. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day. Plus, the compact styling continues to the base station, which takes up very little desk space.

If you don’t like an over-the-ear wearing style, you’re out of luck as the Plantronics 510S doesn’t give you any other options (remember it was designed for mobile on-the-go conversations). Having said that though, there are no other multi-function mobile/computer/desk phone headsets that offer an alternate wearing style except the GN 9470 (over ear and overhead), so unless you are prepared to chip up this is something you’ll have to live with.

Where the 510S really starts to struggle is with range, offering just 10 metres away from devices. In practice in can be even less. But less face it, how often are you going to be walking 5+m away from any device you are using at that time. That’s like leaving your mobile in the car and then expecting to be able to go for a stroll without it. The issue is in the office if you want to answer calls away from your desk with a lifter so please keep this in mind before you buy.

And like all Bluetooth wireless technology, quality can be average and simply doesn’t compare to modern DECT wireless protocols. If quality is a priority (and it should be), the GN Pro 9470 or GN GO6470 are a much better bet. They also don’t have the range issue either which is why GN Jabra models tend to get much better reviews from our customers after living with them.

Battery life is also a downside, with a maximum of 6 hours offered. Although better than the Sennheiser VMX Office, this still isn’t enough to handle a full day on the phone and heavy headset users may find this limiting.

As a multi-function headset, the Plantronics 510S certainly gets the job done – but others do the same job much better. The key to this product is to figure out what you want it for. If it’s for on-the-go then fine – it’s either this or the significantly better GN 6470. The Sennehsier VMX office also does the same thing but for one of the coolest designs we’ve seen from such a brilliant audio company, the VMX is a massive let down.

If you really only want it for your office phone and computer applications then new SAVI 710, 720 and 740 are the smart picks. They are the latest multifunction from Plantronics. If you don’t mind the now run out model they replaced then you can even consider the very well priced WO100, WO200, 300 and 350. If you’re after the best in this category then go straight to the Sennehiser DW Pro1 do not pass go, and do not collect $200. It’s simply sensational.

If you don’t even need the mobile or computer connectivity then save your money and buy a great office only headset like the GN 9330e or the brilliantly priced CS351N (being discontinued but still a great headset at an amazing run out price).