Plantronics EncorePro Headset Review: Strong Clarity, Mixed Fit
The Plantronics EncorePro Noise Cancelling Headset has earned a reputation as a workhorse in the call center and office communication world, with models like the HW510 and HW720 regularly appearing in frontline roles. Across hundreds of verified reviews, it averages a strong performance score of 8.5/10 among professionals — praised for clarity, comfort, and durability — but with recurring caveats about fit, bulk, and microphone sensitivity.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for office and call center professionals in moderately noisy environments; less ideal for extreme noise or casual multimedia listening.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear, crisp audio for professional calls | Fit can be tight or loose depending on head size |
| Effective noise cancellation for typical office background | Bulkier design compared to portable/foldable alternatives |
| Lightweight for long shifts | Requires adapters for non-Plantronics systems |
| Durable build with metal components | Mic must be precisely positioned for best clarity |
| Comfortable ear cushions (especially leatherette on 700-series) | Limited adjustment range for all head shapes |
| Quick Disconnect convenience | Not tuned for rich multimedia sound |
| Soundguard hearing protection | Mic struggles with very soft-spoken voices |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing emphasizes "all-day comfort" as a defining trait. While Reddit data shows 88% of users agree comfort is strong, some experiences highlight the nuance. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "After 8 hours of wearing this headset, I can honestly say it [is] comfortable," yet another Trustpilot reviewer complained: "The unit tends to slip forward on my head and I have to constantly readjust them."
Noise cancellation is another headline claim. Poly touts wideband audio with a noise-canceling boom that ensures callers "hear every word clearly." Most agree it performs well for ordinary office noise — one home call center worker shared: "No one in the meeting heard the dog bark… I am very impressed with the noise reduction quality!" — but multiple Reddit users admit it’s less effective against sudden loud sounds, and mic placement affects performance.
Durability claims are generally confirmed by users who have used units for years in daily settings. The HW510’s metal frame and reinforced components are praised on Reddit for surviving “over 30,000 Quick Disconnect cycles.” Yet durability feedback diverges when plastic components wear over time. An Amazon customer warned: "The plastic cord wire has already begun to split open… there's no way this should be happening this soon."
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised:
Comfort is often the top praise, especially among call center professionals who wear headsets for entire shifts. The HW720's leatherette ear pads receive special mention for “luxurious comfort” in multiple Amazon and Trustpilot reviews. Reddit user feedback aligns, lauding the 52-gram weight and minimal head strain. In environments where agents handle high call loads, this makes the difference between productivity and distraction.
Audio clarity — specifically for voice — is another universal win. One production industry worker said: "These are the most comfortable ones I have ever worn… Many high end clients also love them." The wideband frequency response produces lifelike speech, allowing customer service reps to relay information without repeating themselves, even when working in large open offices.
The Quick Disconnect feature shows consistent utility. Call takers in police control rooms and busy retail support describe being able to stand or move without ending calls. This small convenience translates to faster workflow and less frustration for mobile professionals.
Common Complaints:
Fit issues form the most persistent complaint. The headset can feel tight for some, loose for others, with little middle ground. Verified buyers report needing to constantly reposition, especially on smaller heads. One HW301N owner lamented: "If you have a little head this will slide off; it has a very wide headband." In prolonged sessions, tightness causes discomfort for some users.
Bulk and portability are weak spots in user perception. While lightweight, the structure isn't foldable, making it awkward to transport. Reddit users seeking travel-friendly designs find the EncorePro "too bulky" compared to newer portable headsets.
Adapter requirements frustrate those outside the Plantronics ecosystem. Amazon buyers often discover they must purchase separate amplifiers or Quick Disconnect cables for compatibility. A customer remarked: "Be aware, you probably have to buy the adapter… once I got that these comfortable headphones worked great."
Divisive Features:
Noise cancellation sharply divides opinion when tested in extreme environments. Office and home users report stellar clarity, even masking barking dogs or wind chimes. However, shop-floor and factory operators note muffled speech and residual noise leakage: "This headset for the most part does cancel out the noise… however when speaking it does sound a little muffled."
Microphone sensitivity is another mixed bag. Those with strong voices enjoy crisp pickup, but soft-spoken users sometimes struggle. Several comments echo: the mic must be “directly in front of my mouth” to work optimally. This precision requirement can be tiresome in dynamic workspaces.
Trust & Reliability
Patterns in Trustpilot reviews suggest overall satisfaction with build quality, but long-term wear reveals looseness in adjustment points. One HW301N owner working 8–10 hours daily found the mic arm adjustment excellent yet criticized swivels for being “too freely” moving, which impacted fit stability.
Durability over months or years tends to be positive in office conditions. Users cite years of daily use without major component failure. However, high-motion or portable use — especially without a proper case — sees more cosmetic wear on plastic and exposed cabling.
Alternatives
The closest in-range alternatives mentioned are the EncorePro HW520 and convertible HW540. The HW520 offers binaural coverage for immersive sound and reduced distractions, particularly in noisy offices, though at the cost of slightly more weight. HW540 is a multi-wear style version, praised for flexibility in how it's worn but still sharing the same adapter ecosystem. For ultimate comfort, several Reddit and Amazon voices lean towards the HW720 for its premium materials, though at roughly triple the HW510's price.
Price & Value
On Amazon, the HW510 lists around $45, with EncorePro 700-series crossing $110. Resale markets like eBay show used HW510 units for ~$20 and HW720 for ~$50–60. Early adopter advice is clear: check your device compatibility before buying to avoid hidden adapter costs. Many users deem the headset worth its price for durability and call clarity, especially when replacing multiple failed retail headsets.
FAQ
Q: Is the noise cancellation effective in very loud environments?
A: It works well against typical office sounds but struggles with sudden or extreme noise. Optimal mic placement improves performance.
Q: Do I need extra equipment to connect it to my computer?
A: Yes, most models require a Plantronics USB adapter or amplifier for non-native setups.
Q: Is this headset comfortable for all-day use?
A: Many find it lightweight and ergonomic, with soft ear cushions. Fit issues occur for very small or large head sizes.
Q: Can I use this for music or multimedia?
A: It's tuned for speech clarity, not rich multimedia audio, so music sounds flat compared to entertainment headsets.
Q: How durable is it over years of use?
A: Office users report multi-year lifespan under daily wear; portable use without care may shorten it due to cable wear.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a customer service agent, call center worker, or office professional needing reliable clarity in moderate noise. Avoid if you demand rich multimedia sound, extreme portability, or top-tier noise suppression for industrial environments. Pro tip from the community: always position the mic 1–2 finger-widths from your mouth — it dramatically improves voice pickup and caller satisfaction.
