When outfitting a call center, customer service department, or busy office, investing in durable and high-performing audio hardware is essential to maintaining daily productivity. For decades, the Plantronics EncorePro lineup has been the gold standard for professional-grade, corded communication, offering a wide range of models tailored to different wearing preferences and acoustic environments. Whether you need the lightweight versatility of the 500 series or the premium, executive-level comfort of the 700 series, finding the right fit for your team ensures crystal-clear audio and reliable noise cancellation for all-day use.
In this comprehensive review, we test and compare the top-selling models across the entire series—including the HW510, HW520, HW530, HW540, HW710, and HW720—to help you identify the perfect headset for your specific workflow. We will also cover critical accessories like the Plantronics M22 amplifier and essential customization options such as ear cushion upgrades.
Plantronics HW510 EncorePro 510 Noise Canceling Headset (HAC Certified)
The Plantronics HW510 is a well-built corded headset compatible with virtually any phone on the market. This mono style headset covers one ear and features a standard over-the-head wearing style, making it the entry-level workhorse in the EncorePro family. A noise-canceling microphone effectively eliminates background noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly on every call. The inclusion of the industry-standard Quick Disconnect (QD) allows you to walk away from your desk without removing the headset and even connect to a computer using the right adapter, such as the Plantronics MDA100 QD or PC USB Switch.
For users who prefer a voice tube design, the HW510 is also available in the HW510V variant. This monaural voice tube version offers an alternative to the noise-canceling boom and is ideal for those who want a different acoustic profile. If you already own a HW510V and need replacement voice tubes, these are readily available as accessories. Additionally, both the HW510 and HW510V are Telecoil hearing aid compatible, making them excellent choices for users who require HAC-certified equipment.
When pairing this headset with your desk phone, we strongly recommend using the Plantronics M22 Vista Amplifier with ClearLine Audio. This amplifier gives you convenient volume control and a mute function, significantly enhancing the overall call experience.
Plantronics HW520 EncorePro Noise Canceling Binaural Headset (HAC Certified)
Considered the younger sibling of the HW510, the Plantronics HW520 is a true workhorse designed for users who need to block out ambient noise entirely. This binaural headset covers both ears, delivering stereo sound quality and significantly reducing distractions in busy call center environments. Like the HW510, the HW520 is HAC certified and can be ordered in a voice tube version—the HW520V—for those who prefer that specific design.
One of the standout features of the EncorePro Series is its customizability. If the standard foam ear cushions do not suit your comfort preferences, you can easily upgrade them. The HW520 allows you to switch to leatherette cushions for a balance of comfort and durability, or upgrade to full leather cushions to block out the maximum amount of outside noise. This level of personalization ensures that the headset fits your physical needs, even during marathon shifts.
Plantronics HW530 EncorePro 530 Headset
The HW530 takes a slightly different approach, offering a single-ear corded headset in an over-the-ear wearing style. This design is particularly lightweight and secure, making it a great alternative for users who prefer not to wear a band across the top of the head. Like the rest of the family, the HW530 features a flexible noise-canceling microphone boom that allows for precise adjustment to capture the best voice quality.
The HW530 maintains the same broad compatibility as its siblings, working seamlessly with most current and legacy desk phones when paired with the correct direct-connect cable or a Plantronics amplifier. For optimal performance, we still recommend the Plantronics M22 Vista Amplifier to take full advantage of the ClearLine Audio technology.
Plantronics HW540 EncorePro 540 Headset
In our opinion, the Plantronics HW540 is the standout and perhaps the best all-around model in the EncorePro Series. It brilliantly combines the benefits of the previous models into a highly versatile multi-wearing style package. The HW540 is a single-ear unit that offers three distinct wearing styles, making it incredibly practical for users who are on the phone throughout their entire shift.
You can wear it over the head like the HW510, adjust it to sit comfortably over the ear, or convert it to a behind-the-neck configuration—a lifesaver for users who wear glasses or simply want to keep their hair undisturbed. The flexibility of the HW540 allows you to switch between these styles to find the perfect fit for any situation. As with the HW510, you can upgrade the ear cushions to leatherette if needed, further enhancing long-term comfort.
Plantronics HW710 EncorePro Noise Canceling Headset
Stepping up the EncorePro family tree, we have the Plantronics HW710, a significant upgrade over the HW510 Series. This premium model is a single-ear, over-the-head headset that immediately distinguishes itself with luxurious leatherette ear cushions as standard, adding an upscale touch to the professional design.
Considered the top-of-the-line single-ear option, the HW710 is incredibly lightweight and features a retractable noise-canceling microphone. This retractable design allows you to position the microphone exactly where you need it and tuck it away when you are not on a call, preventing the boom from getting in the way. It is compatible with virtually every desk phone on the market, provided you use a bottom cable or an amplifier like the Plantronics M22. If you prefer foam over leatherette, replacement foam ear cushions are also available for the HW710.
Plantronics HW720 EncorePro Noise Canceling Headset
Finally, we arrive at the Plantronics HW720, the premium binaural counterpart to the HW710. This headset is built for users who demand the absolute best in audio immersion and construction quality. It features a reinforced, high-quality headband and plush leatherette ear cushions that comfortably cover both ears for a superior sound experience and maximum noise isolation.
Like the HW710, the Plantronics HW720 is equipped with a superior, extendable noise-canceling microphone that ensures your voice is heard clearly even in the noisiest environments. The build quality is noticeably enhanced, making it a durable investment for executives and power users who spend hours on calls daily.
Final Recommendations and Essential Accessories
Regardless of which EncorePro model you choose, you must remember to pair it with the proper connectivity solution for your desk phone. We highly recommend ordering a Plantronics M22 Vista Amplifier with ClearLine Audio when purchasing any of these headsets. This amplifier not only ensures plug-and-play compatibility with your existing desk phone but also provides you with essential in-line volume control and a dedicated microphone mute button.
Additionally, the Quick Disconnect (QD) feature built into these headsets opens up a world of flexibility. With adapters like the Plantronics MDA100 QD or PC USB Switch, you can easily swap your headset from your desk phone to your computer, allowing you to handle VoIP calls, webinars, and media playback through the same high-quality hardware.
By choosing the right EncorePro model—whether it is the entry-level HW510, the versatile HW540, or the premium HW720—and pairing it with the M22 amplifier, you are investing in a communication solution that will serve your team reliably for years to come.
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