Blackwire 5220 Wired Headset - Flexible Boom Mic - Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic - USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm - Ergonomic Over-Ear Design - Works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom - Work from Home

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 I was also extremely surprised, because although I intentionally ordered the "outdated" USB-A version, it came with a USB-A to USB-C adapter on a tiny lanyard at the end of the cable.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.

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.

I got this headset because while I love wireless headphones, I've been continuously frustrated by Bluetooth headsets failing to connect successfully with my laptop and even my iPhone; at least with wired headphones, I'm guaranteed a connection! These headsets provide for excellent listening, and others can hear me clearly when speaking, for example, on Zoom. The headset is comfortable to wear, too. Last but not least, there are multiple options for connecting, whether through a jack, USBA, or USBC. I'd actually gotten them initially because they had a jack, given USB ports are at a premium, but once I realized I could connect with the smaller-sized USB port, for which there is less "competition," I hooked it up that way instead with no issues! Still, though, with USB port availability being at a premium generally, it's nice to know it's possible to connect with a traditional jack if the circumstances demanded it! I'm happy enough with this headset that I'm going out on a limb to purchase the wireless version, too, for greater mobility, so I'm not always chained to the headset; however, at least one commenter reported connectivity issues with the wireless version; I hope that's not the case for me, but if that happens, at least I can fall back on this reliable wired version. Thank you, Plantronics, for producing a great product!

I needed to get a new headset since my old one of nearly two years was continuing to get worse and had to be replaced (needed for online work). I also use them for online gaming so I can talk on Discord. Went with these because of the reputation of Plantronics (although these are branded Poly now), as I had used Plantronics a few decades back when I had still worked in call centers. The other headset I had used was a no brand name (pretty much but had been recommended to me by coworkers). As far as sound goes and being able to block out sounds (noise cancellation), these headphones are really good. Just yesterday, someone had come to my door and was knocking. That sound was pretty much muffled, especially later when I was actually talking on Discord, I almost couldn't hear the knocking. But back to my main concern. Comfort. I had read some of the reviews and specifically looked for mentions about comfort on the ears, as my ears are super sensitive to anything pressed on them for any period of time. I thought by looking at how cushiony they were, these might help with that issue. The padding is soft, but unfortunately, they do hurt my ears after hours of use. I have been wearing contacts as well, and not my glasses, so that could possibly make it a bit more uncomfortable--that has been an issue for me, thus why I have gone to wearing contacts instead. I think if you are a glasses wearer, there may be quicker fatigue/pain, as they do fit a bit tighter than other headsets. For the reasons listed above (tighter fit, the cushioning, and long time use), the headphones are a bit disappointing for me. That's why I wanted to write this review mostly--to provide that warning to anyone who might be like me with very sensitive ear cartilage. Otherwise, I have to say that I'm impressed with the sound quality especially, compared to my old set. I had to actually turn the volume down in my settings as everyone's voices have come through very loud and clear. Game sound too is great! Even though the mic is fixed (meaning you can't twist and adjust it such as the old one I had), I didn't find that it was so close to my face as being a distraction either. I do use it with the "speaker" plug rather than USB because that cord is longer and USB ports are a limited commodity on my laptop; another feature that I like with this headset. So I can't speak to the volume control pad (I think it also has a feature of answering your phone? but I would never use that either). I imagine it works as intended. Overall, I still recommend this set.

I bought this head set because I also use it at work. So I have put in 8 hours a day Monday to Friday for months now. It is comfortable. Has tones of features and the mic is perfect. I could not think of a way to make this a better headset. Everyone at my work love this thing.

I put this on my ears and tried it out, and my ears started hurting after only 5 minutes while testing the sound. I could feel the metal pressing against my ears. I bought this because it advertised noise cancellation. I played music on my cell phone about 5 feet away, and when I tested the mic, you could clearly hear the background music. This was not worth the $77 I paid for it. The packaging looked plain, like it was already used. Returning this for a full refund.

Great compatibility with Microsoft 11 and teams. Control buttons are convenient and easy to use. Functions just as well as cordless because the headset disconnects from two parts giving mobility while working. The headband is strong giving great durability and the soft band provides comfort for long wearing usage. And since it’s wired no battery life to be concerned with.

The Poly Blackwire 5220 has excellent sound quality, and the noise-canceling mic works really well. It’s lightweight, comfortable for long calls, and easy to set up. Perfect for work meetings and highly recommended!