Poly - Blackwire 5220 USB-A Headset (Plantronics) - Wired, Dual Ear (Stereo) Computer Headset with Boom Mic - USB-A, 3.5 mm to connect to your PC, Mac, Tablet and/or Cell Phone

I ordered this with only moderate expectations -- it's a known brand, but you can never tell nowadays, especially at this price point. Fortunately, this wired headset fits comfortably, folds flat, came with a storage bag, AND has a sound canceling microphone that apparently sounds quite clear to people I spoke to. The sound quality in my ears was decent, though I didn't push it hard. I was using it for Zoom and telephone calls.I was also extremely surprised, because although I intentionally ordered the "outdated" USB-A version, it came with a USB-A to USB-C adapter on a tiny lanyard at the end of the cable. EXCELLENT! Not expected, and since it's not listed in the description, YMMV. :-) I used the headset successfully on my Android phone, both with its USB-C connection AND with its barrel connector.I'm not really fond of the volume control and mute "remote," but the switches do seem to work, with a beeping noise and sometimes a strange delay (though that might be my computer running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS). I couldn't get the volume switches to do what I wanted on my phone, but again that might be due to my particular phone.I'm also a little disappointed in the thin gauge of the cable from the barrel connector (for the remote or a phone or whatever) to the headset. It seems VERY thin. I guess that makes it feel lighter, but the cable from the remote to the USB connector is about twice as thick, so it feels sturdier.I also had trouble inserting the barrel connector back into the remote, but that issue is clearly (well, pictorially) mentioned in the (wordless) instructions. Just press harder, until the end of the barrel disappears into the remote.If my experience with other headsets holds up, the first thing to fail will be the "leathery" plastic covering on the earpieces. It doesn't look like it will last hugely long, but as I said at the top, I don't have an expectation for much more at this reasonable price. (Less than forty dollars, mid 2025.)If the company makes replacement earpiece covers available, I will be all over it! But I won't order them in advance, in case the cable or something else breaks before I need them.

I have been trying to find really good headphones for my computer for a long time. After having tried both wired and wireless headphones with no success, I gave up. Then I got a new job and they use these headphones as their standard. After using them at work for a week and in spite of the fact they are wired, which restricts my movement when on a conference call, I ordered them for my home office. They are great !!! Noise cancelling and with excellent sound quality, and a good value for the money. Now I have to find them in a wireless version !!!

This Poly Plantronics headset has met - exceeded my expectations since purchasing it.I suspect most buyers use this headset in an office or call center setting. For me this is not the case; I purchased this to enhance my experience with so much of coursework and lectures happening online.Comfort: The headset is very comfortable overall. The ear pads are soft and do not make my ears feel very hot after extended use. Note that this is an on-ear headset as opposed to an over-ear headset. The padded cushioning on the band makes it feel comfortable on the head as well. The 10-setting adjustability of the sizing is fantastic - it really allows for a very customized fit. After a hours of straight use my ears do feel some discomfort, but that is the nature of ears. I do not blame the product for this.Sound: I opted for the dual-ear headset to block out outside noise that may be present while I’m on calls. It works well for that and sufficiently mutes the gardeners and traffic while I’m on calls.Microphone: This is a main reason I bought this headset, and it has been fantastic. My first usage of it, I signed into class early when only my teacher was on the Zoom call. I said hello and then asked how my sound quality was. He said even before I asked, it was clearly noticeable how crisp and clear it was. Also, this a teacher who records podcasts and lectures and thus takes his sound-quality seriously and he was very impressed. It also mutes sounds around you, such as air conditioners, keyboard typing, pencil writing etc. If it is picked up, the microphone heavily silences it so that it is barely noticeable. Great microphone.Usability: This is a “plug and play” headset which means you just plug it in and you’re good to go. You don’t need to pair it, sync it, or anything else. You plug it and and your computer automatically picks it up as the primary audio and microphone device. This means on platforms like Zoom, you do NOT need to select it as your preferred microphone - it happens automatically. It makes it very convenient to use. This model also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack making it perfect to use with a phone or tablet as well.Features: People complain about how long the wire is. I definitely understand the complaint. I haven’t measured it, but it’s quite long. That said, I don’t mind it at all. This has allowed to to get up from my chair and walk to another part of my room to grab something while not disconnecting from the call for even a second, or having to unplug and replug my headset. And if you don’t need all the length, you can the wire a couple times and tie it with something to keep it shorter for most of your usage.The in-line volume, mute, and pick up/hang up is very helpful too. The mute button integrates with Zoom which is very nice. There is also a great setting that if you speak into the mic while on mute, the headphone makes a low beeping sound in your ear to let you know you’re muted. It’s very cool.Design/Construction: The headset is slick and has a very pleasing appearance. It also feels nicely built and doesn’t feel flimsy or like it will break. You can also use this headset with the mic on whichever side you please and it rotates to accommodate it on either side. It also comes with a decent carrying case for travel.While this headset is a bit pricey, I think it is worth its price point if you will use it frequently. If you need something for more infrequent use, go with a cheaper model. But if you plan on using it regularly, you’ll be happy with the purchase.