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Plantronics Explorer 500
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Specs / Features


Overview
Type Over-Ear
Specification
Warranty (Months) 12 months
Size
Weight N/A
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Reviews summary section

What's good

  • Excellent audio quality
  • Lightweight
  • Long battery life

What's bad

  • Generic design
  • Ear gel/clip fit is loose

While Bluetooth headsets aren't particularly exciting, Plantronics manages to offer a compelling package with the Explorer 500. At 7.5 grams, it is so light weight reviewers felt no discomfort wearing it for hours on end. Looks-wise it won't earn any medals. Experts describe it as "modest" and "generic." It sports an all-plastic construction and blends a matte finish on the back with a rubbery grip on the front. The included ear gel also comes with an ear clip for added security. Even with the ear clip experts still felt the fit was a bit loose and Phone Arena adds, "…it loses that snug fit with vigorous movement."

While it doesn't offer the features of higher end headsets such as water resistance, the Explorer 500 does come with its own unique offering – a microUSB cable strap. The strap, of course, is used for charging, but critics discovered the magnetic connection was strong enough to become a clasp, thus doubling as a handy carrying cable. As with other headsets of its class, it can be issued voice commands to Siri, Google Now and Cortana thanks to its A2DP Bluetooth connectivity. You can also pair up to two devices to the headset and switch between them with a press of a button.

More important than design, of course, is audio quality. Here, the Explorer 500 impressed experts both with its noise-cancelling dual microphones and certified HD Voice. Even on busy streets, they were able to hear incoming calls quite well and outgoing calls were also clear. Battery life was another big win as they were able to get 7 hours of continuous talk time from the battery. If not in use, the headset goes to sleep and went up to 6 months without needing a recharge.

Overall, reviewers were very impressed with the overall quality of the Plantronics Explorer 500. Chip Chick states, "The Explorer 500 is an absolute great value." Boored at Work adds, "The Explorer 500 functions extremely well, with solid mic audio quality and great sound…It's a headset you can't go wrong with."


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