Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaging] Review. Simplify your communications! The lightweight and versatile Plantronics® Voyager 510 Bluetooth® Headset delivers all-day wearing comfort, clearer voice transmission and superior sound quality. With exclusive Multipoint Technology, your headset seamlessly transforms into a powerful communication solution for up to two Bluetooth devices. It's right here- Wherever, Whenever, Wireless....
"Awesome device - not only good volume, but superb clarity" 2007-10-10
By Jonathan Appleseed
This is my second Bluetooth device. The first was also a Plantronics, from Verizon, and while I was happy with the volume, with increased volume did not come increased clarity. I'm hearing impaired, so clarity is something that I'm very concerned about with any hearing device, be it phone, hearing aid, stereo headphones, and especially TV EARS!
Anyway, turning up the volume means I'll hear the sounds, but it doesn't always mean that I'll be able to discern them. "Hi, this is J.K. Rowling calling, and I'd like to invite you to tea," could turn into, "Your bowling league called, and said they want some bees." If I'm lucky. I returned the unit I received with my phone (as a matter of fact, I returned all of the accessories Verizon packaged with my Motorola Q - they were all junk) and bought this headset based on the strength of all the positive reviews. After testing it out, I couldn't be happier, and have to add my voice to the chorus of approval. Not only is this headset capable of great volume, it also is extremely clear.
To put this in perspective, I have less than 50% hearing in my left ear, and none in my right. I *need* these devices to work, and work well. Using the headset in my left ear (of course), I called my roommate, who is very soft spoken. He came in loud and clear. I not only heard what he said, I understood what he said.
I tested this again when I had to call Dell for technical support. The person had a very heavy accent, and while talking to him on my Motorola Q, I had a very, very difficult time understanding him. When I switched from the phone to the headset, I was able to (mostly) understand him. To me, that was the real litmus test, because for people like me with nerve damage, clarity is key, and accents are h - e - double toothpicks.
Buy this with confidence.
"If you want quality sound incoming and outgoing this is it!" 2006-08-19
By R. Hummel III (Los Angeles, CA (USA))
After trying a Motorola and the Treo Bluetooth (made by Jabra) headset for my Treo 650, I thought I'd never get the same quality I could achieve with a wired headset. After much use of my wired headset, the socket for inseting the wired headset into gave out, and I had to have the entire phone replaced (under warranty). So I figured wireless was the way to go, as well as it seemed much more convienient than having a that cord draped across my chest while driving.
I researched all the Blutooth headsets on Amazon, looking at everyone's descriptions, and that's hard! It seems like so many of the headsets have equal fans and detractors. However, the Plantronics 510 seemed to have very consistent reviews, as well as my awareness of their legacy as a high quality headset manufacturer going back to the Space Program of the Sixties.
Well, it's nothing short of perfect! It has volume to spare! I could never get the Motorola or Jabra to be loud enough in areas where there might be competing sounds. The noise cancellation feature is spectacular!
I've asked people I'm speaking to, and they havve no idea I'm on a headset. Crystal clear sound both ways.
This is an amazing headset, at an amazing price. Maybe not as teeny as some bluetooth headsets, but this works and is frustration free. It synced up with my Treo in a heartbeat.
February 2010 Update: I'm still using the same headset four years later! It works perfectly with my iPhone.
"Excellent Headset for MEN!!" 2005-11-18
By GenZen (New Milford, NJ USA)
That's correct, for men! This headset is heavier then most but the sounds quality is excellent and most importantly it can be VERY LOUD! Most other Bluetooth headsets that I've tried have issues with volume level. They are not loud enough (Motorola, Logitech and Jabra) especially in a car drive fast. But be aware, it's on the heavy side for many. It's perfect for me but I am almost 6 feet tall and weight close to 230 lbs. I would not recommend it for most ladies.
Also, the noise cancellation is good; people on the other side can hear me very well.
Battery life is excellent; I estimate about 5 hours maybe 6.
Drawbacks are:
* It does not have a USB re-charger like some
* The mute and off/on button is too small. Basically so small that it's useless. But then my phone has a mute button
* It's heavier then most (not as heavy as Jabra though)
"Best that I've used so far" 2005-08-18
By M. MIDDLETON (Pepperell, MA United States)
This is my 3rd BT Headset. Out of all of them I like the Voyager the best....the reason is the Voyager has the best voice quality....very clear and loud enough for anyone. That and it fits either ear really makes it for me great. I also have a Motorola HS820, it's pretty good, but lacks some things that the Voyager seems to have down better.
What I like about the Voyager compared to the 820, fits either ear...820 only fits the right ear only, sound is better, ear bud fits in the ear making it a lot easier to hear in loud environments.
Things I wish the Voyager had that the 820 has......it's lighter, the command button is better, it's not as big over the ear, I just seem to forget that I'm wearing the 820. The Voyager I tend to know I'm wearing it, where as the 820 I forget it's on me.
One thing about the Voyager with the command button is that I don't hear the whole menu when it starts. I don't know if it's the transmitter link just being awaken from sleep or what....but I only hear the tail end of the prompt .....the 820 you hear the whole thing from the press of the button. Not really a big deal....but I do notice it from the 820.
Overall I use the Voyager the most.....but still use my 820 also.....but the voice quality blows the 820 out of the water......it's that much better. If you have any questions feel free sir_onion@yahoo
phone used with vx8100
"Plantronics Voyager 510 Review" 2005-07-16
By Terry V. Leiby (San Jose, Ca.)
I have 6 headsets and all are OK. I just received the Plantronics unit, just out, and it is simply the best sounding, most comfortable and best value available. I have a Jobra, 2 Logitechs, Body Glove and 2 older Plantronics units. The 510 is THE ONE. I wear it all day and I forget it's on my head until it rings. It works in the wind and in my office. It's a 10!
By Jonathan Appleseed
This is my second Bluetooth device. The first was also a Plantronics, from Verizon, and while I was happy with the volume, with increased volume did not come increased clarity. I'm hearing impaired, so clarity is something that I'm very concerned about with any hearing device, be it phone, hearing aid, stereo headphones, and especially TV EARS!
Anyway, turning up the volume means I'll hear the sounds, but it doesn't always mean that I'll be able to discern them. "Hi, this is J.K. Rowling calling, and I'd like to invite you to tea," could turn into, "Your bowling league called, and said they want some bees." If I'm lucky. I returned the unit I received with my phone (as a matter of fact, I returned all of the accessories Verizon packaged with my Motorola Q - they were all junk) and bought this headset based on the strength of all the positive reviews. After testing it out, I couldn't be happier, and have to add my voice to the chorus of approval. Not only is this headset capable of great volume, it also is extremely clear.
To put this in perspective, I have less than 50% hearing in my left ear, and none in my right. I *need* these devices to work, and work well. Using the headset in my left ear (of course), I called my roommate, who is very soft spoken. He came in loud and clear. I not only heard what he said, I understood what he said.
I tested this again when I had to call Dell for technical support. The person had a very heavy accent, and while talking to him on my Motorola Q, I had a very, very difficult time understanding him. When I switched from the phone to the headset, I was able to (mostly) understand him. To me, that was the real litmus test, because for people like me with nerve damage, clarity is key, and accents are h - e - double toothpicks.
Buy this with confidence.
By R. Hummel III (Los Angeles, CA (USA))
After trying a Motorola and the Treo Bluetooth (made by Jabra) headset for my Treo 650, I thought I'd never get the same quality I could achieve with a wired headset. After much use of my wired headset, the socket for inseting the wired headset into gave out, and I had to have the entire phone replaced (under warranty). So I figured wireless was the way to go, as well as it seemed much more convienient than having a that cord draped across my chest while driving.
I researched all the Blutooth headsets on Amazon, looking at everyone's descriptions, and that's hard! It seems like so many of the headsets have equal fans and detractors. However, the Plantronics 510 seemed to have very consistent reviews, as well as my awareness of their legacy as a high quality headset manufacturer going back to the Space Program of the Sixties.
Well, it's nothing short of perfect! It has volume to spare! I could never get the Motorola or Jabra to be loud enough in areas where there might be competing sounds. The noise cancellation feature is spectacular!
I've asked people I'm speaking to, and they havve no idea I'm on a headset. Crystal clear sound both ways.
This is an amazing headset, at an amazing price. Maybe not as teeny as some bluetooth headsets, but this works and is frustration free. It synced up with my Treo in a heartbeat.
February 2010 Update: I'm still using the same headset four years later! It works perfectly with my iPhone.
By GenZen (New Milford, NJ USA)
That's correct, for men! This headset is heavier then most but the sounds quality is excellent and most importantly it can be VERY LOUD! Most other Bluetooth headsets that I've tried have issues with volume level. They are not loud enough (Motorola, Logitech and Jabra) especially in a car drive fast. But be aware, it's on the heavy side for many. It's perfect for me but I am almost 6 feet tall and weight close to 230 lbs. I would not recommend it for most ladies.
Also, the noise cancellation is good; people on the other side can hear me very well.
Battery life is excellent; I estimate about 5 hours maybe 6.
Drawbacks are:
* It does not have a USB re-charger like some
* The mute and off/on button is too small. Basically so small that it's useless. But then my phone has a mute button
* It's heavier then most (not as heavy as Jabra though)
By M. MIDDLETON (Pepperell, MA United States)
This is my 3rd BT Headset. Out of all of them I like the Voyager the best....the reason is the Voyager has the best voice quality....very clear and loud enough for anyone. That and it fits either ear really makes it for me great. I also have a Motorola HS820, it's pretty good, but lacks some things that the Voyager seems to have down better.
What I like about the Voyager compared to the 820, fits either ear...820 only fits the right ear only, sound is better, ear bud fits in the ear making it a lot easier to hear in loud environments.
Things I wish the Voyager had that the 820 has......it's lighter, the command button is better, it's not as big over the ear, I just seem to forget that I'm wearing the 820. The Voyager I tend to know I'm wearing it, where as the 820 I forget it's on me.
One thing about the Voyager with the command button is that I don't hear the whole menu when it starts. I don't know if it's the transmitter link just being awaken from sleep or what....but I only hear the tail end of the prompt .....the 820 you hear the whole thing from the press of the button. Not really a big deal....but I do notice it from the 820.
Overall I use the Voyager the most.....but still use my 820 also.....but the voice quality blows the 820 out of the water......it's that much better. If you have any questions feel free sir_onion@yahoo
phone used with vx8100
By Terry V. Leiby (San Jose, Ca.)
I have 6 headsets and all are OK. I just received the Plantronics unit, just out, and it is simply the best sounding, most comfortable and best value available. I have a Jobra, 2 Logitechs, Body Glove and 2 older Plantronics units. The 510 is THE ONE. I wear it all day and I forget it's on my head until it rings. It works in the wind and in my office. It's a 10!
