Plantronics CS510From real comments

Name: Plantronics CS510
Rating: 2.6 (14 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 14 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment43%

PROS 43%

CONS 57%

Rank based on 14 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a headset that can last years of daily office use
You need reliable all-day battery life on a single charge
You're okay handling occasional battery replacement over the years

What users love

Long device lifespan0 mentions

Strongly positive

Replaceable battery available0 mentions

Widely praised

Strong all-day battery life0 mentions

Strongly positive

Reliable core call quality0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need out-of-the-box USB/PC softphone compatibility without questions
You want headset-only call answering without extra cords or adapters
You're not prepared to troubleshoot occasional power or connectivity issues

What users complain about

Battery swelling and tight fit issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Unclear PC/USB and lifter compatibility0 mentions

Generally negative

Audio cutting out repeatedly0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Power failure after disconnection0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Requires extra cord for headset controls0 mentions

Generally negative

Noise cancellation shortcomings0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Mid

Apple AirPods Pro 2~$249 · similar price

Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price

Apple AirPods Pro 2~$249 · similar price

Transparency Mode

Noise Cancellation

Sound Quality

iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in

Durability/Crackling Concerns

High Price

2Mid

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700~$399 · 1.4× pricier

Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700~$399 · 1.4× pricier

Excellent Call and Mic Quality

All-Day Comfort

Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation

High Price Point

Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments

Bluetooth Pairing Problems

3Value

Sennheiser HD 25~$150 · 1.9× cheaper

Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side

Sennheiser HD 25~$150 · 1.9× cheaper

Exceptional durability

Balanced, quality sound

Fully repairable/modular

Cable-to-driver cutout issues

Strong clamping force

Unconventional cable entry side

Best value

4Upper

Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.8× pricier

Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source

Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.8× pricier

Neutral, accurate sound

Exceptional comfort

Great detail and resolution

Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners

Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral

Sound highly dependent on seal and source

5Value

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2~$180 · 1.6× cheaper

All-day comfortSituational awareness and safetyAccessibility for hearing-impaired usersUSB-C flap durability concernsReduced pure bone conduction feelPrice and upgrade value concerns

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2~$180 · 1.6× cheaper

All-day comfort

Situational awareness and safety

Accessibility for hearing-impaired users

USB-C flap durability concerns

Reduced pure bone conduction feel

Price and upgrade value concerns

6Mid

Sennheiser HD 598~$250 · similar price

Exceptional comfort for long sessionsGreat value for moneyWide, natural soundstageEarpad and headband material wears outLight bass responseCable and connector fragility

Sennheiser HD 598~$250 · similar price

Exceptional comfort for long sessions

Great value for money

Wide, natural soundstage

Earpad and headband material wears out

Light bass response

Cable and connector fragility

7Value

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x~$169 · 1.7× cheaper

Detailed, Accurate SoundExcellent ValueLightweight & ComfortableSmall, Shallow EarcupsBrand Reliability Concerns from Past ModelsSub-Bass Roll-Off

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x~$169 · 1.7× cheaper

Detailed, Accurate Sound

Excellent Value

Lightweight & Comfortable

Small, Shallow Earcups

Brand Reliability Concerns from Past Models

Sub-Bass Roll-Off

8Value

Skullcandy Crusher Evo~$200 · 1.4× cheaper

Massive Haptic BassExcellent Battery LifeRugged DurabilityComfort Problems Over TimeNot Audiophile-Grade SoundEarpad Longevity Issues

Skullcandy Crusher Evo~$200 · 1.4× cheaper

Massive Haptic Bass

Excellent Battery Life

Rugged Durability

Comfort Problems Over Time

Not Audiophile-Grade Sound

Earpad Longevity Issues

9Mid

Bose QuietComfort 35 II~$349 · 1.3× pricier

Strong Sound QualityBetter Than Newer Bose ModelsOutstanding DurabilityCushions Wear Out QuicklyConnectivity and Codec LimitationsPoor Mic Performance on Calls

Bose QuietComfort 35 II~$349 · 1.3× pricier

Strong Sound Quality

Better Than Newer Bose Models

Outstanding Durability

Cushions Wear Out Quickly

Connectivity and Codec Limitations

Poor Mic Performance on Calls

10Mid

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x~$349 · 1.3× pricier

Exceptional lightweight comfortFavorable vs. HD600 and other rivalsNatural, warm tonalitySmall stock earpads uncomfortable for larger ears/headsLimited fine detail and occasional grainCan sound flat or uninvolving to some

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x~$349 · 1.3× pricier

Exceptional lightweight comfort

Favorable vs. HD600 and other rivals

Natural, warm tonality

Small stock earpads uncomfortable for larger ears/heads

Limited fine detail and occasional grain

Can sound flat or uninvolving to some

You are here

22Mid

Plantronics CS510~$279

Long device lifespanReplaceable battery availableReliable core call qualityBattery swelling and tight fit issuesUnclear PC/USB and lifter compatibilityAudio cutting out repeatedly

Plantronics CS510~$279

Long device lifespan

Replaceable battery available

Reliable core call quality

Battery swelling and tight fit issues

Unclear PC/USB and lifter compatibility

Audio cutting out repeatedly

Comfort
1. Sennheiser HD 598arrow_upward14
2. Shure SRH1540arrow_upward8
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2arrow_upward7
Durability
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 IIarrow_upward8
2. Sennheiser HD 598arrow_upward7
3. Skullcandy Crusher Evoarrow_upward6
Durable
1. Sennheiser HD 25arrow_upward20
2. Plantronics CS510arrow_upward2
Sound quality
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 IIarrow_upward9
2. Apple AirPods Pro 2arrow_upward8
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700arrow_upward2
Noise cancellation
1. Apple AirPods Pro 2arrow_upward8
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700arrow_upward7
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 IIarrow_upward3
Value for money
1. Sennheiser HD 598arrow_upward10
2. Skullcandy Crusher Evoarrow_upward5

Overall Impression

Long-term durability stands out as the CS510's strongest trait. Multiple users report using the same unit for years under heavy daily use, with one logging 5 years at 40 hours a week and another 4 years of WFH use. Even after 3 years, one user still got 3-4 hours of battery life from the original battery, needing only occasional replacement, which is available from Plantronics or Amazon for around $30.

Some users hit frustrating connectivity and power problems. One user described audio cutting out after just a few seconds during video playback and Teams calls, requiring repeated manual restarts. Another reported the base flashing red and green lights and the headset beeping rapidly without powering on after simply being unplugged to move desks, suggesting occasional reliability issues after disconnection or long-term use.

Setup and compatibility questions come up around cords, USB, and lifters. Some buyers found they couldn't answer or hang up calls using the headset itself without purchasing an additional cord, which caught at least one corporate user off guard. Others asked whether the CS510 supports direct USB connection to a PC for apps like Skype, Teams, Zoom, or Bluejeans, or whether a handset lifter is needed to pick up calls, indicating setup isn't always self-evident.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

scheduleLong device lifespan

2 mentions

Strongly positive

Users report the CS510 lasting 4-5 years under heavy daily work use before needing significant maintenance. This suggests strong long-term durability for office environments.

@kzigmant

The CS510 is Definitely a solid Headset! I've been using mine for Working from home for the last 4 years. The factory installed battery lasted about 3 years. At the 3 year mark, I was still getting about 3-4 hours of battery life out of it. One of the few headsets that can pretty much last all day on a single charge. Of course letting it charge at lunch time is a good idea, as it's not good to let any battery operated electronics device to run to 0% battery constantly. I was able to find the OEM Plantronics battery on Amazon for $29.99. Otherwise, it was nice to see a comparison in this review with another Plantronics headset. The other headset looks cool, but the CS510 still has the looks and solid range and battery life.

smart_display

April 15, 2021

@sawyerramos3113

I love mine. Have had it for 5 years, use it 40 hours a week, for work. And only just now is when I need to change the battery. And the quality is all he said and more. It was worth the $250. Oh wait, company paid for it. Well still the same.

smart_display

January 12, 2019

attach_moneyReplaceable battery available

2 mentions

Widely praised

Users were able to source OEM replacement batteries from Plantronics or Amazon for about $30, and successfully replaced batteries to keep the headset running.

@BiLatKnee

Yep, Worked great. Second replacement. Last replacement battery was in there pretty tight. It was destroyed upon extraction.

smart_display

September 14, 2024

@kzigmant

smart_display

April 15, 2021

battery_fullStrong all-day battery life

1 mentions

Strongly positive

Even after years of use, the headset can still deliver 3-4 hours of battery life on the original battery, and is described as one of the few headsets that lasts all day on a single charge.

@kzigmant

smart_display

April 15, 2021

check_circleReliable core call quality

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user running the headset plugged into a work dial-pad reported it worked perfectly for almost two years before any issue arose, reflecting solid everyday call performance.

@levidimarzio6721

I have this headset. Plugged into a dial-pad for work. It's worked perfectly for almost two years. I unplugged it to move my desk recently, and since then the red light, and green light on the base are flashing. when I try to turn the headset on, it beeps rapidly 3 times, won't power on. what else could I try to make it work again?

smart_display

August 3, 2021

battery_alertBattery swelling and tight fit issues

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Some replacement batteries arrived swollen or fit so tightly that they were destroyed during extraction, complicating the replacement process.

@Sandra-jn3vn

Thank you for sharing this. Like another mentioned, my battery had swelled a bit so I destroyed it while extracting it. Now I'm waiting for a replacement battery for a rush delivery so I can get it replaced asap.

smart_display

November 6, 2025

@BiLatKnee

Yep, Worked great. Second replacement. Last replacement battery was in there pretty tight. It was destroyed upon extraction.

smart_display

September 14, 2024

help_outlineUnclear PC/USB and lifter compatibility

2 mentions

Generally negative

Users asked whether the CS510 can connect to a PC via USB for apps like Zoom and Teams, and whether a handset lifter is required to pick up calls, suggesting setup information isn't always clear.

@goldenbear777

Hello, could you connect this to PC via USB? For Skype, teams, Bluejeans, zoom, etc.

smart_display

July 31, 2021

@congoparrot

does this series need a handset lifter to place or pickup calls?

smart_display

May 10, 2019

warningAudio cutting out repeatedly

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One user experienced the headset losing audio just seconds into calls and video playback, requiring the power button to be pressed repeatedly to restore sound during a Teams meeting.

@TX-D-nice

I purchase the adapter. I connected as shown in this video. I charged the base and headset. I kept the base plugged in to stay charged. Once the light was green I pushed the on button. I played a video and could hear great. But for only a few seconds then it goes off. I tried this on a Teams meeting. I could here them they could hear me. But again in a few seconds it turns off. I can push the on button again and it will come back on to where we can both hear each other. Then again as before a few seconds it turns off. What am I doing wrong here? I've went through your video of setting up the devise and the functions. As far as I know I have them all set as shown. Can someone help me figure this out please?

smart_display

January 29, 2024

power_offPower failure after disconnection

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

After being unplugged to move a desk, one user's base started flashing red and green lights and the headset beeped rapidly without powering on, indicating a fragile power/pairing state.

@levidimarzio6721

smart_display

August 3, 2021

cableRequires extra cord for headset controls

1 mentions

Generally negative

Without purchasing an additional cord, some users found they could not answer or hang up calls directly from the headset itself, an unexpected limitation for a corporate-issued unit.

@Dogmomma23

So if u dont buy that other cord u cant answer the phone with the headset itself? Corporate just got me this headset and it works but I cant answer or hangups with the headset itself.

smart_display

October 16, 2019

mic_offNoise cancellation shortcomings

1 mentions

Generally negative

One user reported that noise cancellation did not fully block background noise, still hearing their dog during calls.

@cjzerbel1484

I can't seem to get my noice cancellation to work, still hear my dog in the back

smart_display

July 31, 2024

Plantronics CS510chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what (similar price)

Comfort

Durability

Durable

Sound quality

Noise cancellation

Value for money

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Plantronics CS510From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression