Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset
Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc. Part number: VOYAGER510
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Plantronics Voyager 510SL Plus comes with satisfactory performance and a generous range of accessories, but it needs a few tweaks to its design.
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CNET editors' review
Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset price range: $49.00 - $59.00
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 09/14/2005
The good: Solid sound quality; decent features; loads of accessories.
The bad: Pricey; tiny controls; fit may be too loose for smaller ears.
The bottom line: The Plantronics Voyager 510SL Plus comes with satisfactory performance and a generous range of accessories, but it needs a few tweaks to its design.
The Plantronics Voyager 510 is available in several different versions, all of which are expensive. The 510 ($99) is simply the headset with a compact charger. The 510S ($299) adds a desktop charger that can be hooked to a landline phone for taking calls on the headset. The 510SL ($379) comes with the desktop charger, as well as a handset lifter that raises your landline phone off the cradle in a manner similar to the GN Netcom GN 6210. Finally, the 510SL Plus ($429) includes all the aforementioned offerings along with a variety of accessories such as a car charger, a USB charger, and a belt-clip carrying pouch. You can buy the lifter alone for $79 or the base by itself for $229.
The headset itself is gray and black and largely resembles the M2500 with its behind-the-ear-fit, swiveling boom mic, and nonprotruding earpiece. Though it's among the largest Bluetooth headsets we've seen, it still weighs a slight 0.67 ounce. Since the battery rests in the wraparound ear hook, it's not wholly flexible, but we were able to get a mostly secure fit on either ear. Be advised, however, that users with smaller ears may find it too loose. Unfortunately, as with its predecessors, controls on the Voyager 510 were tiny and tough to manipulate while wearing. The volume rocker wasn't bad, but the power/muting key located immediately above it was so small that we had trouble finding it even when we were holding the headset in our hand. Likewise, the call control button at the top of the boom mic was also too little for our tastes. The headset has one indicator light that flashes red during charging and blue during a call.
The desktop charging base is furnished in an attractive silver and black color scheme. At 4.75 by 4.25 by 4.0 inches, the Plantronics Voyager 510 is on the bulky side, but the rounded edges make for an attractive look overall, and we prefer it over the GN 6210. Easily accessible, the headset rests in a charging cradle on the front of the base. To make and end a call on either your landline or your cell phone, you can lift the headset out of the cradle, as well as press the call control buttons on the headset or the top of the base. Alternatively, if you're using the handset lifter (see below), the same steps automatically raise your landline phone off the cradle. Other keys on the base consist of a volume control, a power switch for the handset lifter, and buttons for adjusting the frequency so that it matches your landline phone's. Additionally, a red indicator light indicates whether the base is on and a blue light flashes when the headset is in use. On a final note, we found that once the base is connected to the power cord, the landline phone and the headset lifter comprise a somewhat messy setup.
The handset lifter attached easily to our landline phone with adhesive strips. We had to experiment with the position, but once we got it in the correct place, it worked without incident. Plantronics wisely included a switch on the lifter that adjusts the height to which if lifts the phone.
We tested the Plantronics Voyager 510 with a Sony Ericsson S710a. The pairing process was easy to understand, and we were up and running in no time. Sound quality for cell phone calls was mostly good, though with a somewhat hollow quality at times. Callers asked if we were using a headset, but that's nothing out of the ordinary. Previous Plantronics headsets picked up a noticeable amount of wind noise, but the 510 came with a windscreen ear tip and mic cover that provided some improvement. The headset came with a fair amount of features, including noise canceling, last-number redial, voice dialing, call reject, and the ability to transfer calls between the headset and a cell phone. The 510 has a rated battery life of six hours of talk time and promised standby time of just more than four days.
User reviews
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Great BT Headset for Noisy Environments
by jacecole on August 23, 2005
Pros: Comfortable, easy to use, wind resistant, good volume for noisy situations
Cons: You have to remember to turn it off
Summary: I got this headset as part of a corporate trial... they want it back, and they'll have to come hunt me down. This is all I need in a ...
Summary: I got this headset as part of a corporate trial... they want it back, and they'll have to come hunt me down. This is all I need in a BT headset; it?s small, light and fits very comfortably into my ear. The longer mic boom, compared to my prior headset the Motorola HS850, allows people I?m calling to hear me much better. It also has very good wind resistance. In addition I do really like how the ear piece stays very firm on your ear and doesn?t flop around a lot when I?m walking.
The battery life is unreal! I only have to charge this headset once a week. I use it mostly on my commute to and from work and on the weekends when I?m mobile. The speaker portion of the headset sits nicely in your ear canal, and I don?t have to turn it all the way up to hear people. This would be a good headset for people in noisier environments.
The only thing I didn?t like about the BT headset is once you remove it from your ear you have to remember to hit the very small power button? otherwise you?ll be charging every day.32 out of 32 users found this user opinion helpful.
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FANTASTIC Headset - But, use the foam windscreen!!
by shadowsintherain on March 14, 2006
Pros: Loud, Clear, Comfortable (for any size ear) and AFFORDABLE
Cons: The foam windscreen is a must if you're outside...even in no wind.
Summary: First off, I have to say that the CNET review of this headset is very inaccurate. "Fit may be too loose for smaller ears" is a VERY incorrect statement. This ...
Summary: First off, I have to say that the CNET review of this headset is very inaccurate. "Fit may be too loose for smaller ears" is a VERY incorrect statement. This unit comes with multiple earpieces that would fit ANY size ear. If you use an earpiece this thing is NOT falling off your ear. EVER. The reviewer failed to put in an earpiece and the unit was just resting on his ear. (You can see this in the video.)
Also, the term "Pricey" is not applicable to this headset anymore. I purchased mine for just over $50 shipped. That's not pricey at all.
The only downfall I've had with the headset is that the foam windscreen that goes over the microphone is a MUST if you're using this headset outdoors. Even walking in a no-wind situation at a brisk pace makes it impossible for the other party to hear what you're saying. Plus it's VERY loud on the other end in this type of situation. With the windscreen, it's completely fine.
My other gripe with the windscreen problem is how easily the screen falls off. There's nothing to secure it.I lost one the first day I had the unit. So, today, I put a tiny piece of velcro onto the boom so that it stays on. Glue would work well, too.
That's my only gripe though. The headset is very loud, very clear, and VERY comfortable. I forget I'm wearing it most of the time. The battery life is great (wish my phone was as good!). This thing is SMALL too! I wouldn't even know it was in my pocket when it's folded up.
I HIGHLY recommend this headset.21 out of 21 users found this user opinion helpful.
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decent BT headset,
by kennethbokor on October 16, 2005
Pros: good ear fit, volume is great, comfortable, basic features ok
Cons: caller echoing, noise reduction so-so
Summary: I like many on this site, have tried multiple BT Headsets in search of the best on for me. I have a BB 7250 mobile device and have had a ...
Summary: I like many on this site, have tried multiple BT Headsets in search of the best on for me. I have a BB 7250 mobile device and have had a hard time finding a good BT headset for it.
I recently picked this up and overall it does a pretty good job. Somewhat comfortable on my ear, for it's design. It appears to be heavier than it actually is. Decent quality in fit and finish. Charges fine and battery life seems ok.
Sound quality from a caller is good. Speaker loudness is excellent, since the placement is via an ear but that is user selectable based on ear canal size and shape. The sound clarity of my voice when talking is good to a caller.
I also tested this unit in a windy enviroment and the caller could barely make out any words I said. When I attached the foam "wind screen" provided with the unit, that seemed to cut down a lot of the wind noise but still not enough to carry a good conversation.
Pairing is an easy process. Pairing only took a few seconds and the unit stays paired.
Downside, I have had a major problem trying to find a BT Headset that does not echo. My voice does not echo when I am talking, it is the callers voice that echos and they can hear themselves. On this headset I also experinced this same complaint from callers, regardless of what I had the headset and phone volume levels set at. Also, I did not like the on/off button as it did not seem to move when pushed. The volume buttons are easy to find and use.
Lastly, on answering a call via the headset, the delay is about 3-4 seconds. This is in the mid-range as compared to others that I have tried. To me, this is a bit long but still within usable limits.
Overall, I believe this is to be a good BT Headset and I would recommend it.
The price point is pretty good and I do like the look of this headset. It does look like a headset.
But take my advise, make sure you can return it if necessary. Try it with your own phone first to check compatibility of the features and call quality, environment, answer delays, etc., to see how it works.18 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally, a BT headset without major flaws
by Grant Gevens on August 5, 2005
Pros: Comfortable, wind-resistant, inexpensive
Cons: Takes a little more effort to put on my ear.
Summary: This headset answers all of my needs from a BT headset. It is incredibly comfortable and light. It comes with three different foam ear inserts so it is likely to ...
Summary: This headset answers all of my needs from a BT headset. It is incredibly comfortable and light. It comes with three different foam ear inserts so it is likely to fit well with many people. Because it fits into the entrance of the ear canal the sound is very good. I have to turn the volume down some now whereas I had to turn my Cardo Scala 500 all the way up when in a noisy car. I also have been pleased that the earpiece adheres to my ear well and doesn't flop around like so many other BT headsets do.
The battery life is great. I'll probably charge it every three days unless I really use it heavily.
Another thing I love is the near instantaneous repairing you get when you turn it back on. Just by pressing the on button you get in paired back up with your phone. I'm using a Motorola Razr (V3). Unlike my Scala 500 it stays paired and never connects/disconnects.
Wind resistance was key for me since I am getting a convertible in a few months. With the windows rolled down in my current car (not a convertible) the sound quality is outstanding. You get an optional foam cover for the end of the swing arm that helps with noise reduction. You don't have to put it on if you aren't worried about wind noise.
Finally, I only paid $49.95 via a popular online website.
Since I appear to be the first to review this headset on this website I just wanted to add a disclaimer. I work in a medical field and have no connection or loyalty to Plantronics.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Bluetooth Headset - Lots of research
by Tango2fast on November 23, 2005
Pros: Great sound, volume, ease of use, works with my blackberry
Cons: Takes a little bit of practice to put on ear
Summary: This is a wonderful BT headset. One of the best I've tried. The sound quality is amazing, and it has tons of volume. It comes with different sized ear-pieces ...
Summary: This is a wonderful BT headset. One of the best I've tried. The sound quality is amazing, and it has tons of volume. It comes with different sized ear-pieces to fit almost any size ear. It connects fairly quickly, and the pairing process was a breeze. I also like how if folds fairly flat for easy storage and carrying.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just what I was looking for!
by aerochick on October 4, 2006
Pros: Easy to use, easy to set up, simple controls, terrific sound quality
Cons: A tiny bit cumbersome to put on, but once it's on, it's forgotten
Summary: I researched to find the "best" in BT earpieces, as I did not want to find myself in the boat of many friends--trying and returning/replacing BT earpiece after BT ...
Summary: I researched to find the "best" in BT earpieces, as I did not want to find myself in the boat of many friends--trying and returning/replacing BT earpiece after BT earpiece... or like some who are just not happy with the one they are "stuck" with.
This one is amazing--the sound quality is "perfect" and the person on the other end has no idea that I'm using an earpiece... in fact, they say it sounds better than the cell phone (I use a HP IPAQ 6515). It has terrific range and battery life. The LED lights are perfect indicators as to the status of the call and the signal beeps are very clear.
So far, so good--and I'm SO glad I did the research and chose this one.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Keep looking...A better headset is out there somewhere
by wruss on November 2, 2005
Pros: Comfort, Ease of set up
Cons: Sound Quality, Connection speed
Summary: The Plantronics Voyager 510 is a comfortable headset to wear and is a fine unit for non-professional use. However, if you use your cellphone for business or if you make ...
Summary: The Plantronics Voyager 510 is a comfortable headset to wear and is a fine unit for non-professional use. However, if you use your cellphone for business or if you make a lot of calls, you will be disappointed and frustrated by the inconsistent sound quality and the slow connection speed between the headset and your phone.
All too frequently, I miss the salutation from the person I am calling because they answer on the first ring. The headset connects after the person's second or third "hello". I find myself having to apologize and explain that my Bluetooth headset was slow to connect. Sometimes it does not connect at all. I find this is not the most confident way to begin a business call.
The sound quality is average at best and is inferior to the wired headsets that I have used. However, it is better than the Jabra BT500 for which I paid nearly twice the price.
I have been looking for a great Bluetooth headset and have been frustrated with the quality of every one I have tried. I care less how it looks than how it functions. I struggle to understand why manufacturers of these devices refuse to provide a boom mic that provides the quality of sound necessary that road warriors like me require. Plantronics builds fantastic units for office and wired connections. This Bluetooth unit is well below the standard they have established for their devices. If you must make and/or receive a large volume of calls, keep looking.7 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best sound quality I've found with Bluetooth
by NULawAdam on January 25, 2007
Pros: Great sound quality, great price
Cons: Bulky, less stylish
Summary: If style is important then the clunky size and weird looking shape of this headset means it's probably not for you. But basically the only thing I care about ...
Summary: If style is important then the clunky size and weird looking shape of this headset means it's probably not for you. But basically the only thing I care about with a Bluetooth headset is sound quality. I don't like people telling me that they hear an echo, that the sound is tinny, etc. That happened when I bought the Jabra JX-10, which costs twice as much and got a higher editorial review than this headset. I'll take a headset that works well over one that looks cool any day. If that describes what you're looking for, then I would highly recommend buying one of these for 50 bucks.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding so far!
by ldater on September 13, 2006
Pros: Sound quality, comfort, design, range
Cons: Maybe a little clunky, can't connect a conf call with headset
Summary: I am a bluetooth fiend, having tried many. You can read my other reviews if you want more info. I've concluded that bluetooth opinions are like, uh, you know......
Summary: I am a bluetooth fiend, having tried many. You can read my other reviews if you want more info. I've concluded that bluetooth opinions are like, uh, you know...everybody's got one. But from a pretty experienced user, I believe this is one of the best...right up there with the Plantronics 350. I'm fast becoming a big fan of the Plantronics headsets, having had the two 320's (that I stupidly gave away to my bro), and now the 350 and 510.
PROS
* Outstanding sound quality...full and rich
* Outstanding volume, great for noisy environments
* Excellent elimination of background noise, according to my brothers, with no echo or other "weird" sounds
* Even though it looks bulky or heavy, it's actually quite comfortable and lightweight
* Easy to switch to either ear
* I think it looks cool, even though that's subjective
CONS:
* A little clunky for carrying around and handling when not in use, even though it does fold up to be more compact
* Can't use the headset to connect a conf call...have to use the phone
If I come up with anything new, good or bad, I'll report back.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works great with a blackberry 7250
by sknight603 on February 15, 2006
Pros: Sound Quality and Comfort
Cons: Mute button (power) is hard to use when wearing
Summary: I went through a Motorola, Jabra and Nokia before finally getting the Voyager.
All the others had unacceptable static on my end and rustling noise on the other end. Perhaps ...Summary: I went through a Motorola, Jabra and Nokia before finally getting the Voyager.
All the others had unacceptable static on my end and rustling noise on the other end. Perhaps from my beard scraping the boom.
The Voyager 510 sounds incredible and the boom stays off my face, so no beard scraping.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc.
- Part number: VOYAGER510
- Description: Simplify your communications with this lightweight and versatile headset. You'll enjoy all-day wearing comfort, clearer voice transmission and superior sound quality - without wires! And with the optional Deskphone Adapter, your headset transforms into a powerful communication solution for both your office and mobile phone.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Recommended Use PDA, Cellular phone, Cordless phone
- Additional Features Foldable, Mute button, Volume control, Answer/end button, Noise canceling circuit
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Boom
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Remote Control
- Type None
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Connections
- Connector Type Bluetooth
Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards TCO '07
Power
- Battery 1 x Headset battery - Rechargeable - Lithium polymer
- Included Qty 1
- Run Time (Up To) 6 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Plantronics, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Plantronics, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://plantronics.com/
- Address:
345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060 - Phone: 831-426-5858
- Fax: 831-426-6098
