Plantronics CS55™ Wireless Headset Review

I had a wired Plantronics telephone headset at my work and really enjoyed using it. I didn't mind the wire at all, and the headset was comfortable, clear and easy to use. Unfortunately, it died (a little too soon, I thought) and I was given a Plantronics CS55 telephone headset to replace it.

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset costs about $175 on Amazon. A decent wired headset costs $100 less.

What it is

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset is a wireless model that uses DECT technology. Using frequencies in the 1.9 GHz range, the CS55 will not interfere with home WiFi networks or with any popular cordless phones. DECT means that the Plantronics CS55 uses a spread-spectrum  system to maintain a wireless connection with a minimum of noise, static and breakup.

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset consists of two primary components: a base station that stands about five inches tall and a headset. The headset comes with a variety of mounts, including a couple different over-the-ear loops and a springy headband. I prefer the springy headband, so that's what I use. The headset docks in a small cradle in the base station, and there are a couple of recharging contacts so that the headset will recharge when it is docked.

Connecting it

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset needs to connect to a standard telephone to enable it to work. My understanding is that there is a version called the CS55H for home use, and that the CS55H does not require a standard phone to enable it to work. However, I have the standard CS55, which does need a traditional phone to make it work.

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset's base station connects to the existing desk phone with two cables, one running to the phone and the other running to the phone's handset. It can be a little confusing to connect these properly but just take your time and follow the instructions. There is also a wall-wart style power supply that must be connected for the Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset to work.

 Using it

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset is easy to use. With the headset on my head, all I have to do is lift the desk phone's handset off its cradle to answer a call. To make a call, I have to lift the desk phone's handset and punch the number on the desk phone's keypad. Note that that Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset does not have a keypad to make calls -- it is only for talking, not for dialing.

Sound quality using the Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset is good but I'd like a little fuller sound. Still, it is clear and easy to understand. It's really nice not to have any cables but the fact is that I have to be at the desk to answer and hangup on calls, so I won't be any great distance from my desk. (Plantronics does make the HL10 "handset lifter" option for the CS55, but I don't have it.) The furthest I've been from my phone during a call was about 15 feet and the Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset worked perfectly.

Wearing the CS55 is very comfortable and I could easily do it all day. The unit is feather-light. I also like the ability to mute the headset's microphone if I have to cough or clear my throat. This is easily done by pressing a button on the earpiece.

The Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset holds a charge for at least a couple hours. I haven't really tested the full length of a charge but I have not had any signal loss after using the headset wirelessly for a couple of hours. Some people have reported that the CS55 can be used all day on a charge but I haven't tried that. The headset's battery is replaceable but it's a little tricky to replace.

Summary

I like the Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset. It's comfortable and has clear sound. The lack of wires is convenient, although it's not a big advantage for me. Connection and setup of the CS55 is somewhat confusing, but you can figure it out if you take your time and read the instructions.

I recommend the Plantronics CS55 Telephone Headset.