Plantronics Headset M175C for Mobile & Cordless Phones Reviews

• Plantronics M-175 Headset

  
  By AXN9ZQIEF1IY6 on 2000-03-24
  I have used the M-175 with our Uniden cordless phone (Digital Spread Spectrum) for over a week now. I have attended extended conference calls and various other calls, using the M-175. I asked the called parties if they could hear me clearly and the response was always positive. The sound quality of the headset from the user perspective is also very good. There is a volume adjustment as well as a very handy, mute switch. The headset is very light and comfortable. It comes with enough hardware to configure it to fit with a headband or an over-the-ear clip. Both modes are very comfortable and can be worn for extended periods without fatigue. The construction seems fairly sturdy however; it is all plastic so I would not be overly rough with it. Over all I would recommend this product, I'm sure it would work very well with a cellular phone as well.
  
  

• Successfully does what it's designed to do

  
  By A139UZ7XAE72HW on 2001-11-18
  As others have noted, sound quality is a hit or miss venture - it depends on the combination of phone and headset. Frustrating, but reality. I use my Plantronics with a Uniden TRU346, I've had to max out the volume on the phone and in both places on the headset to achieve adequate enough volume where no one complains about not hearing me. Fortunately, both the M175 and Uniden have excellent volume control features, otherwise I'd have had to return this headset. The only downside to this is that when dialing, if I forget to turn down the volume before dialing it's too loud, after connecting I then can max the volume - a minor annoyance.

  I use a business level (read: very expensive) Plantronics headset with amplification module at the office, but that ties me to my desk, when working from home, I use the Plantronics M175, put my phone in my pocket, and can roam hands free for as far as my phone will take me. Plantronics quality of materials, design, construction and sound is among the best. A handy mute button and volume control dial located mid point on the cord makes quick adjustment a breeze. It would have been nice to have had a call end button on the cord, but for this price, it's a deal without it.

  I actually prefer the shortened boom, my headset at work has a longer and adjustable wire boom, but it gets in the way most times - being bumped by my hand (makes for an audible shock to the other party), getting in the way while taking a sip of coffee, etc., and with the shorter boom on the M175, when my allergies are in full swing, I can hit the mute button and blow my nose or sneeze without moving the boom, and the caller doesn't know what I just did - sounds funny, but think of how often one's immediate needs are limited by being on the phone. Also, Plantronics does a better job than most at eliminating background noise.

  Buy this unit if your phone has excellent volume control abilities and you want the option of using as a headset or ear setup. Shop around, you'll be surprised at how low priced Amazon is for this unit.
  
  

• This is it.

  
  By A3IBOQ8R44YG9L on 2000-04-27
  This headset is worth every extra penny. I've used this model and its siblings for 3 years and attest to the quality and value of Plantronics equiptment. I've bought three of their phones (2 as gifts) and have never had a problem. When one of their products eventually wore down from high use, they replaced it promptly with no hassle. They make most of the call center equiptment in the world and it shows.

  This is a great product made by a great company.
  
  

• best I've used yet

  
  By A3127FWD8H8LJD on 2000-04-02
  I wanted an improvement over the headset that came with my AT&T 900MHz cordless phone where the people I was speaking with had problems hearing me and the earpiece hurt. This is a huge improvement, I particularly love the volume controls for both the microphone and speaker, and the easy mute button. I find this headset extrememly comfortable and it comes with three sizes of earclips. I did not rate it with five stars because on our other cordless phone, a Panasonic 2.4 GHz, I cannot hear the other person as clearly.
  
  

• This product works great if you have an old phone

  
  By A32J3YZH0J23QH on 2005-08-29
  I just got through using the Plantronics live chat available on their website. This M175, according to the technician I spoke with, are not designed to be used with phones over 900 MHz. If you have a 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz, you should buy the MX500C or M220C, which are designed not to fry with today's phones.
  
  
• The best headset for both cordless and cellular phones-EVER!
  By AFEEG5MQ9P2DW on 2003-01-16
  I have to use a headset ALL of the time for both my cordless and cellular phones because I have permanent nerve damage in my neck and right shoulder from a car accident, that prevents me from holding a phone to my ear for more than a few seconds. So, I have been through over 15 headsets since my car accident in 2000. NONE of them have EVER lasted longer than 4 months! It's not that I "abuse" the headsets, it's just that I use them every time I use a telephone. It didn't seem to matter whether I sat still while using the headsets, or whether I walked and moved around alot while using them - they ALL began to breakdown within only 4 months of owning and using them. There is nothing more annoying than being on a headset in the middle of a phone conversation and all you hear is a loud crackling noise and the person's voice with whom you are speaking to, cutting in and out. This is my 4th Plantronics headset. I have 2 Plantronics M175's, and 2 Plantronics M170's. I've had the M175's for over 8 months and the M170's for over 16 months! ALL of them work so fabulously, that absolutely noone can tell I'm using a headset when I'm talking to them on the phone. As a matter of fact, my own husband did NOT believe I was using the M175 when I was on my cellular phone - OUTSIDE! Plantronics is obviously the leader in headsets for a good reason - they are the most reliable and best performing headsets on the market today! I recommend the M175 and M170 Plantronics' headsets to anyone that needs or desires a headset for their cordless and cellular phones. I hope this review was helpful to you in your purchasing decision.
  
  
• Terrific for cordless phones as well as cellphones
  By A1U1IW4YBLU29P on 2000-07-15
  Having seen the previous reviews, i had to have this headset...Overalli am very happy with the purchase. I have used it with pansonic cordless phone for conf calls and nobody seems to realise i am using a headset, unlike my previous experiences with Panasonic headsets. On my cell phone people say the quality is higher than the cell-phone on its own ! The ability to change from head-band to ear-clip is good as well. I amso impressed that I am going to try their products for PC headsets as well
  
  
• no NOKIA compatibility
  By A1H9NSDXKHBSDS on 2000-09-01
  It would have been nice to know that this headset does not work with the Nokia 8860. The information [here] leads one to believe that the Plantronics M175 will work on all phones with a 2.5 mm jack. When I received the headset and could not get it to work, I had to call Plantronics customer Service in order to get the info regarding non-compatibility. It would have been nice to have more information BEFORE I made my purchase.
  
  
• Serious design flaws make this high-end product a gimmick
  By A2K97H3H9YBR9 on 2001-03-01
  I got an M175 after much research. Below is some unflattering feedback I gave Plantronics on this product which I share now w/ you. The mistakes they made with this product are so brain-dead, I'm really surprised that any company, especially Plantronics, would let this product come to market.
  ---------
  Prior to making the purchase it seemed that
  a) the M175 was your top of the line model w/ a boom mike for cell applications
  b) the convertability seemed like a great feature
  
  Well, having used it so far I believe that
  a) earhook mode is a joke. it's flimsy and bounces around my ear even if I move my head only slightly, no matter what hook size I use. Very annoying. You should have a way to adjust the grip tension at the ear so that I as a user can trade off comfort for snugness or something. So basically, the "convertability" is at best a gimmick.
  
  b) Plantronics' online knowledgebase posits that with the boom mike which only extends somewhere down my cheek should still work satisfactorily from the standpoint of the people I talk to. Well, it doesn't. I get complaints from people I call even if I max out the mic switch at the plug connector. Frankly, I'm a little dubious that the short boom was a good idea and Plantronics should have made it adjustable like everything else and/or put a foam ball on it so that if I wanted the mike could extend the mike closer to my mouth. And this from someone with a normal-sized head.
  
  c) Plantronics also should have made the boom articulated such that it could rotate down my face without having to move the entire earpiece with it and in the process lessening the contact quality at the ear.
  
  These all seem like design flaws. I expected more from Plantronics who's supposed to have years of good experience making these products. I give the product at best an mediocre rating from a user standpoint. Your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.
  
  
  
• Excelent Sound Quality & Useful Information
  By A27PRL1YAMGV91 on 2000-11-12
  This product IS compatible With Virtually All Cell Phones In SOME cases it needs an adapter. usually this is the fault of non-standard phone jacks to check to see if your phone is compatible with this headset. (without an adapter or to see what adapter you will need) go to http://www.plantronics.com/mobile/cellular.html for mobile phones and http://www.plantronics.com/mobile/cordless.html for cordless phones check these pages!
  
  
• Versatile but expensive
  By on 2003-10-08
  The M175 headset is Plantronics' most versatile and expensive wired mobile headset product. It can convert between headband and ear-loop modes, has earpiece and microphone volume controls, and a microphone mute control.

  Although the M175 has two modes of wear, most users will likely use only one mode out of laziness. To actively use both modes the user must keep track of (and not lose) several pieces - the earpiece / microphone boom, the headband and earpiece cushion for headband mode, and an ear-loop or two for ear-loop mode; and have the patience to disassemble the handset's old mode of wear and reassemble the headset to its new mode.

  The headband mode is very comfortable due to the earpiece cushion. However, the headband is not easily pocketable, so in this mode you will likely leave your M175 in one place e.g., the car, instead being able to use it in multiple scenarios. Like other headband designs, the M175's headband can get caught in one's hair. Like other ear-loop designs, the M175's ear-loop may be uncomfortable for eyeglass and sunglass wearers. If you plan to use only one mode, then consider other, less-expensive, Plantronics models. I like the MX153-M1 (from the MX150 family), which does not have the setbacks associated with these two designs.

  The volume controls are somewhat superfluous because they are dependent on (limited by) the power provided by the phone. Other headsets (i.e., the Jabra ProBoom) provide external battery-powered volume earpiece amplification.

  The M175 provides the good earpiece and microphone sound trademark of Plantronics. The headset's versatility has a price though, and as of this writing (October 2003), there are better values available in the market.
  
  

• Awesome!
  By AAR754P3ZD58S on 2000-05-05
  So clear! NO static, like I had with the el-cheapo $15 headset I first tried! I use mine with a Panasonic 2.4 mHz Gigarange phone (which I also love!), and so far have no problems (one reviewer experienced some problems with this phone/headset combo).
  
  
• Depends on the phone
  By on 2001-08-16
  Are you wondering why some of the reviewers really love this headset while others seem to hate it?

  I believe the quality of the sound that your callers will hear depends on your phone more than the length of the boom. I've tried this headset with both a Uniden EXS9900-series cordless phone and with a Motorola Startac 7797 wireless phone. It works great with the Startac, but when I used it with the Uniden, callers consistently complained about the volume, even though Plantronics does list this phone on its website as compatible.

  I found the headband much more comfortable than the over-the-ear and in-the ear configurations.

  I recommend this headset, but only if you're going to use it with the right phone.
  
  

• Less than I expected from Plantronics
  By A2GPBQRIWIEC5Q on 2001-05-21
  I bought this unit based on a few reviews that said it was great. Well, I find that the earphone has sufficient volume, but the microphone boom is inadequate. The boom is too short and I am forever trying to find a position where people can hear me. I don't understand why Plantronics made the boom so short and without any adjustment!

  I have tried maximizing the volume and have found that the only position that works is to have the headset twisted around so the earphone in half off my ear. That is the only position wher other parties can hear me.

  Quite frankly this product stinks.
  
  

• Excellent Call Quality but Poor Durability
  By A2ZZQHZC01V775 on 2004-07-20
  Generally, I'm a big fan of Plantronics. I've had one of their Supra (commercial grade headsets) for going on 10 years. It's a wonderful product.
  
  Unfortunately my experience with the M175 has been less than stellar. I've purchased several over the last few years and they all start out working great. Really outstanding. But after about 6 months they gradually begin to stop working.
  
  I've called their technical support department several times and been told by representatives that they've never heard of such a problem. Frankly I'm a bit dubious. I suspect there's some sort of design flaw with this product.
  
  
• It Broke After 1 Week!
  By A3VW8UTXPMNLSZ on 2000-11-10
  I got my headset and loved it, the people I was talking to couldn't tell a difference and I was convinced that I was saving my brain from radiation. That was the first week I had it. The second week everyone I called complained that they couldn't hear me because of all of the static on the phone. As soon as I would unplug the headset, "Oh, that is much better now!". I would have to recommend against this headset based on what is obviously cheap construction and second-rate components.
  
  
• Great, while it lasts
  By A2GUHX6I9QQ3E9 on 2003-11-07
  This headset is easy to use, clear for you (the user) and clear for your conversation partner. The features of the adjustable volume control, mic level, and mute make it perfect for doing just about anything while talking on the phone. I've enjoyed the headset so much, I'm about to purchase my 3rd one... which leads to a little problem. While the headset works great for about 6-9 months, static begins to plague the product. Eventually, I couldn't hear the person on the other end of the phone (dead silence), though they could hear me. I tried cleaning the contacts, etc... no luck. I've even considered taking my 900MHz panasonic apart and soldering the wires directly to the phone, but I think I'll just order another. DEFINITELY keep track of the warranty if you buy this headset. Then, you can collect and have Platronics fix the thing on their bill. Summary: Great function with sub-standard durability.
  
  
• M 175 is simply top of the line, and inexpensive!
  By A2Q5SZG3DMBEWY on 2000-08-23
  Simply outstanding in every respect. I use the M175 @ home on my digital 900mz portable, and with my digital cell phone. The performance is purely excellent. This head set is worth 3 times the price in my opinion, 3 times over the value for only the price of a lunch.
  
  
• Don't Buy This Headset ! Microphone is inadequate .
  By on 2001-03-01
  We bought this headset recently and returned it the same day it arrived. The microphone does not sit close enough to your mouth to pick up your voice . We tried it both over your ear and on the headband but neither method worked well enough to locate the microphone close enough to your mouth to make quality calls. All the callers we talked to with this headset said they could hardly hear us. When you use this headset you will lose about 60% of your voice volume going out to the callers you are talking to and there are no volume controls that will help the situation.

  My advice is to pay a little more and find a headset that places the microphone infront of your mouth to pick up your voice much better , those you call will appreciate that you did.
  
  

• Bad Wire/great voice,sound/biodegradeable wiring?
  By A2Y52KUKM636MA on 2002-07-05
  I am buying my 3rd and 4th set today. This unit would be perfect except the wiring splits, peels, cracks and breaks internally. It really deserves heavier gauge wireing or heavy duty wire insulation, or just plain old shielded cable would hold up just fine. I'm buying a replacement plus an extra one because it's a great headset while it lasts, between 4 to 6 months of office use.
  If anyone out there knows of a headset with the voice/sound quality equal to this one but with better construction please email me... I've tried Sony but my customers could not here me.
  
  
• The BEST headset....
  By on 2000-11-10
  This is one of the best headsets I have ever used--works great on my desk phone as well as my Motorola Startac cell phone--only complaint is I can only wear it with the headband--all the earpieces are too big and won't hold the phone in place. Other than that--EXCELLENT sound quality on both ends and Great price!
  
  
• 10 cents.
  By A2Y52KUKM636MA on 2003-12-02
  For an extra 10 cents it could be one off the best. The Voice clarity and loudness is great. The mute button is wonderful. The headset is very light and comfortable. But Unfortuneately the wire or cable that makes all these features worth while is TO DARN THIN. It cannot take any abuse at all. I use mine every day and I have to buy 3 to 4 sets per year. Maybe that is there plan. So keep still and don't drop your phone, it will cost you. I have kept so still that I now use the speakerphone. 10 cents worth of higher quality cable and I'll buy again, but not until then.
  
  
• Poor Manufacturing flaw makes this product less than stellar
  By on 2002-08-30
  What can I say? This product is great. I used it flawlessly with my Vtech cordless phone for about 6 months.
  I had the SAME problem as one of the earlier reviewers:
  He said:
  "Unfortunately, the wires broke or came loose where they connect to the headset. Guess I'll have to buy me a new one."

  Really Plantronics. This kind of design flaw is simply unacceptable!
  
  

• best sound - bad fit
  By A527UMJL84BFH on 2003-05-22
  This unit had the best sound and some of the poorest ergonomics I've encountered. The ear and mic volume control worked great with cordless phones and my Sanyo PCS phone. It was a BIG improvement over my old BodyGlove set. Unfortunately, it does not fit well. The over-the-head component would pop out of the earpiece socket as I put it on. When I resorted to over-the-ear mode, the boom would stick out when the earpiece was flush on my ear. When I set the boom close to my face, earpiece moved off the ear and volume suffered. The last straw was when the 'flexible' ear hanger broke as I attempted to adjust it - I had owned it just three days. Soooo... I'm still looking for the perfect headset.
  
  
• Excellent headset
  By A29LNXUJP5ANAL on 2004-01-02
  I had bought several of the wal-mart variety headsets and was getting pretty frustrated with their quality, lack of mute feature, etc, so finally I decided to spend some real money. I have a Plantronics headset at work that is decent, so I bought this one. It's even better than my headset at work!

  It is convertible from headset to earpiece (for those who like that sort of thing. The little padded thingy for the earpiece (when used in headset configuration) is very comfortable. I don't notice any discomfort even after 3-4 hours of usage. There is a mute switch on the wire, and both the earpiece and microphone volumes are adjustable.

  I have only had mine for a month or so, so I can't comment on the durability issues yet. Apparently, I'm not as acrobatic as some reviewers, so I don't expect problems.

  I really can't think of anything that I do not like about this piece of equipment.
  
  

• Excellent for home/office use
  By A2OTFNASZFDVFT on 2005-02-16
  For the price, you can't beat this little headset. The mute switch sets it apart from other headsets, which is a must-have feature for conference calls.
  It is also comfortable, and in my expererience, fairly durable. I've used this headset for 2 years with no complaints. In fact, I'm listening to a conference call on it right now. :-)
  
  
• Very happy with this headset
  By ASHQ1JCA241D6 on 2005-03-13
  I purchased this headset for use when on the cell phone. The sound quality and way it fits is excellent. The headband could be a bit sturdier but I am careful when expanding or shortening it so I think it is fine.
  
  
• Problems with sound
  By on 2001-01-03
  I bought it to use with Nokia 6100 (which need an adapter) and with Siemens Gigaset. Sound breaks on both phones. You talk for 10 minutes and then it's gone. I liked all the features - mute, volume control but with disappearing sound it's no use.

  Besides, the voice tube is too short - it is more than an inch from the mouth.

  Luckily, I bought it from Circuit City so I can bring it back.

  Advice: buy it first at local store where you can return it later if it works for you. I wouldn't recommend this phone though anyway.
  
  

• Excellent when combined with Panasonic KXTC1851 Phone
  By on 2002-09-08
  I returned the M110 model due to very poor user voice quality. This model's user voice quality is MUCH improved. It also includes a very easy to use mute switch and volume level dial on the cord. I have to agree with other comments that the unit does not appear to be the most robust, but for $$ I don't mind buying a new one every 6 months.
  

  
  I use this headset with a Panasonic KXTC1851 900 MHz DSS Cordless Phone (which interestingly is now selling for ... more than I paid for it one year ago). This phone has its own volume control and I have no low caller volume issues {that many folks have complained about with this headset) when using this combination. I set my phone at the mid-volume level and then use the headset's volume control for finer adjustments. They work great together.
  
  

• Excellent little headset.
  By ABAIR8JYL618U on 2005-03-22
  I've owned this unit for at least two years and have found it to work well on both my cell phone and office desk set. It is lightweight and reliable. The sound quality is excellent and I've never received a complaint from any my clients on the other end of the line. It attaches to your cell/cordless, desk set through a 2.5mm plug. It has 3 microphone volume settings and an adjustable volume control wheel on the headset wire, along w/a mute switch (very handy if you're talking to someone in the room at the same time!) It's quite the little gem. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a inexpensive alternative to Jabra (which has an echo) and to other, more expensive, units.
  
  

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