Avaya 1600 and 9600 series phones (IP 1608, 1616, 9608 through 9670) take headsets through two paths: corded, plugging into a bottom cable or amplifier, or wireless, connecting through the phone's headset port with a base unit reaching up to 300-325 feet via DECT 6.0 — a dedicated frequency that won't interfere with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you don't move far from your desk, corded is simpler and cheaper; if you need to answer calls away from the desk, wireless is the way to go. Here are the current certified picks for both.
Quick answer
For Avaya 1600 and 9600 series phones, the Jabra Biz 1500 (budget) or Biz 2300 (Kevlar-reinforced, durable) are the top corded picks, and the Poly HW540 or HW520 (hearing-aid compatible) offer wearing-style flexibility. For wireless, the Poly CS540 + EHS bundle is the standard entry point; the Poly Savi 8445 + EHS bundle adds tri-connectivity and ANC; and the Jabra Engage 65 SE + EHS bundle offers the longest range and highest headset density for busy floors.
Last updated July 2026
Corded headsets for Avaya 1600/9600 phones
Best budget corded
Jabra Biz 1500 Mono
A top-rated entry-level corded headset — all-day wearing comfort, a noise-cancelling microphone, and wideband audio. At $119.96, it's ideal for bulk purchasing. Includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty and everything needed for your Avaya phone.
The binaural version for louder offices — Jabra's noise-cancelling mic blocks up to 60% of background noise. The included cord provides microphone volume control, which some Avaya desk phones (J100, 1600, and 9600 families) specifically require for best microphone performance. Fully customizable with foam or leatherette cushions, plus the same 2-year warranty and lifetime Jabra tech support.
Kevlar reinforcement on the headset and cord makes this the pick for durability — lighter, tougher, and able to survive the common office accidents (a chair rolling over the cable, for instance). The 360-degree Free Spin boom works on either side of the head, and the QD connector lets you step away from the desk without unplugging from the phone.
Three wearing styles — over-the-head, over-the-ear, and behind-the-neck — in the lightest headset in its class, with a noise-cancelling microphone and wideband audio. A strong pick for offices where staff prefer different wearing styles.
A stereo, over-the-head corded headset for louder environments, fully customizable with foam, leatherette, or extra-large ear cushions. Notably hearing aid compatible (HAC) with telecoil support — the best corded solution for users who wear hearing aids at work. Ships with the correct adapter for your Avaya desk phone.
The Savi 8220 or Savi 8240 is still the top wireless pick for Avaya phones.
Reality
Both are discontinued. The Poly Savi 8445 is the current equivalent, offering the same tri-connectivity (desk phone, computer, Bluetooth mobile) with active noise cancellation and a convertible wearing style — the direct upgrade path from either older model. Similarly, the original Jabra Engage 65 and Engage 75 have been replaced by the Engage 65 SE, which improves range, battery, and headset density.
Best entry wireless
Poly CS540 + EHS Avaya bundle
Our top-selling wireless system — lightweight, dependable, up to 350 feet of range, and up to 8 hours of talk time. Two wearing styles (over-the-head and over-the-ear). The bundle includes the EHS cable for remote answer, end, and mute directly from the headset.
The current top-tier Poly wireless pick — up to 490 feet of range, active noise cancellation, and simultaneous connection to your Avaya desk phone, computer, and a Bluetooth device. Convertible wearing style (over-the-head, over-the-ear, or behind-the-neck). Replaces the older Savi 8220 and 8240.
Up to 490 feet of range with DECT Security Step C encryption (a high-security tier) and up to 3x the headset density of standard DECT — ideal for busy floors running many headsets in one location. Connects to the Avaya desk phone and computer via USB-A. Built-in busylight, lightweight headband. This replaces the original Engage 65 and 75, which are discontinued.
Low headset volume on an Avaya 9600 phone? Check the firmware, not the headset
If a corded Plantronics headset (including older HW251N/HW261N models) sounds unusually quiet on an Avaya 9608, 9611, 9621, or 9641 no matter how high the volume is turned up, the cause may not be the headset at all. Avaya confirmed a firmware-level issue on H.323 6.1 SP1 that caused exactly this symptom, resolved in the 6.2 update. If you're troubleshooting persistent low volume that doesn't respond to any headset or amplifier adjustment, it's worth checking your phone's current H.323 firmware version with your phone system administrator — this is a case where the fix lives on the phone side, not the headset.
What is the best wireless headset for Avaya 1600/9600 phones?
The Poly CS540 with the Avaya EHS bundle is the standard entry-level wireless pick. For tri-connectivity (desk phone, computer, and Bluetooth mobile) with active noise cancellation, the Poly Savi 8445 is the current top-tier option. For the longest range and highest headset density on busy floors, the Jabra Engage 65 SE offers up to 490 feet with DECT Security Step C encryption.
What replaced the Plantronics Savi 8220 and 8240 for Avaya phones?
Both are discontinued. The Poly Savi 8445 is the current equivalent, offering the same connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile device, with active noise cancellation and a convertible wearing style.
What replaced the Jabra Engage 65 and Engage 75 for Avaya phones?
Both the original Jabra Engage 65 and Engage 75 are discontinued. The Jabra Engage 65 SE is the current replacement, offering up to 490 feet of range, DECT Security Step C encryption, and up to 3x the headset density in one location.
Is there a hearing-aid-compatible headset for Avaya phones?
Yes. The Poly HW520 is a corded, hearing aid compatible (HAC) headset with telecoil support, certified for Avaya desk phones. It's a strong option for anyone who wears hearing aids and needs a corded professional headset.
Why is my corded headset so quiet on an Avaya 9608, 9611, 9621, or 9641?
This can be caused by the phone's own H.323 firmware rather than the headset — Avaya confirmed and fixed an issue on version 6.1 SP1 in the 6.2 update. If volume stays low despite every headset and amplifier adjustment, ask your phone system administrator to check the phone's current firmware version.
Whether corded or wireless, the certified bundles above are pre-matched with the exact cable or EHS your Avaya phone needs. Browse the full current range on the Avaya wireless headsets collection, or call our headset experts at 877-999-3838 to confirm the right bundle for your exact model.
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