We list three Cisco headsets. The Cisco Headset 521 (CP-HS-W-521-USBC) is a wired single-ear headset with a 3.5 mm plug and an in-line USB-C adapter for call controls. The Cisco Headset 561 (CP-HS-WL-561-S-EU=) is a single-ear DECT wireless headset with up to 100 metres range and a Standard base that connects to a Cisco IP phone or a computer. The Cisco Headset 722 (HS-WL-722-BUNAS-C) is a dual on-ear Bluetooth 5.0 headset with a Webex button, up to 23 hours talk time and a charging stand.
Quick pick: desk phone users who walk away from the desk → Headset 561; hybrid workers on Webex, laptop and mobile → Headset 722; a simple wired headset for a PC or Mac → Headset 521. ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice.
Cisco headsets at a glance
Cisco groups its business headsets by series. The 500 Series covers wired (520 and 530) and DECT wireless (560) models for Cisco IP phones, soft clients and desk video devices. The 720 Series is an on-ear Bluetooth headset designed for hybrid work, at the office or at home. These are the three models on our shelves.
| Model | In one line | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Headset 521 | Wired, single-ear, 3.5 mm plug plus USB-C adapter with call controls | Open-plan desks, PC or Mac softphones |
| Headset 561 | DECT wireless, single-ear, up to 100 m from the Standard base | Cisco desk phone users who move around the office |
| Headset 722 | Bluetooth 5.0, dual on-ear, Webex button, charging stand | Hybrid workers switching between laptop and mobile |
Series descriptions from Cisco's Headset 500 Series and Headset 720 Series data sheets; "Best for" is an ARC IP Networks suggestion.
Cisco Headset 521 vs 561 vs 722: key specifications
Figures taken from Cisco's data sheets for each series.
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| Specification | Headset 521 | Headset 561 | Headset 722 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Wired, single-ear | Wireless, single-ear | Wireless, dual on-ear (stereo) |
| Connection | 3.5 mm plug, in-line USB-C adapter | DECT to Standard base; base connects by USB or RJ9/RJ11 Y cable | Bluetooth 5.0 (two devices at once) and USB-A via the supplied adapter |
| Range | Cable about 2.67 m overall | Up to 100 metres | 65 metres |
| Battery | Not applicable | Up to 10 h active, 60 h standby | Up to 23 h talk, 45 h listening |
| Microphone | Unidirectional electret | Unidirectional electret | Two MEMS beamforming, AI noise removal |
| Call controls | On the in-line USB adapter | On the ear cup | On the ear cup, flip-to-mute boom, Webex button |
| Hearing protection | Spike protection over 118 dB (with USB adapter) | Spike protection over 118 dB | Acoustic shock protection above 118 dB (A) |
| Security | Not listed | AES-128 DECT encryption | Cisco Secure Boot, image authentication |
| Warranty | Two-year limited hardware | Two-year limited hardware | Two-year limited hardware |
Source: Cisco Headset 500 Series and Headset 720 Series data sheets.
Headset 521: a wired headset for open-plan desks
The Cisco Headset 521 is the single-ear wired model of the 500 Series, which Cisco designed for people working in open spaces. Its unidirectional microphone focuses on the wearer's voice and reduces background noise, so the person on the other end hears you rather than the next pod. Keeping one ear free also lets you hear a colleague or the front counter.
The headset ends in a powered 3.5 mm plug that fits the jack on many laptops, tablets and mobiles. The supplied in-line USB-C adapter turns it into a USB headset and adds answer, end, reject, hold and resume, mute and volume buttons, plus an in-call LED on the ear plate, a microphone test and audio shaping. The overall cord from headset to USB is about 2.67 m. With the adapter, acoustic spike protection cuts off sounds over 118 dB, which matters for anyone on the phone all day.
Headset 561: DECT wireless for Cisco desk phones
The Cisco Headset 561 uses DECT to roam up to 100 metres from its base. Lift it from the base and it answers the call; put it back and the call ends. A full charge gives up to 10 hours of active use and 60 hours standby, and calls are protected with AES-128 encryption.
The Standard base supports one connection at a time and ships with both a USB-A cable and an RJ9/11 Y cable for Cisco IP phones. It does not support Bluetooth; Cisco reserves that for the Multibase version. Conference or training mode pairs up to three additional headsets to the same base, which suits training a new receptionist or contact centre agent: each extra headset joins on mute.
Why the -EU part number is the Australian one: Cisco lists the frequency band of CP-HS-WL-561-S-EU= as covering Europe, the U.K., Asia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Cisco also makes a United States-Canada version, so check the band before buying a 560 Series headset from overseas.
Headset 722: Bluetooth for hybrid work
The Cisco Headset 722 is the dual on-ear model of the 720 Series, which Cisco built for hybrid work at the office or at home. Bluetooth 5.0 connects two devices at the same time, such as a laptop and a mobile, and the supplied USB adapter connects it to a computer. Its two MEMS beamforming microphones use AI voice activation to remove headset noise while you are not speaking, and the boom arm rotates 276 degrees and mutes when you flip it up.
Battery life is up to 23 hours talk time and 45 hours listening; a full charge takes 2.2 hours, and 10 minutes of quick charge gives 2 hours of talk time. This bundle includes a charging stand, USB adapter, USB-A cable and soft travel case. Cisco notes that from 26 March 2025, orders include the USB-C adapter with a USB-A converter.
Our model is the Webex version: its Webex button joins a meeting, opens the Webex App, and answers, ends or holds calls, and a presence LED shows when you are busy. Cisco also makes 720 Series models certified for Microsoft Teams, with Q part numbers and a Teams button; we list the Webex model only. Cisco's data sheet says the 720 Series is compatible with all popular meeting or video applications.
Which Cisco headset for which Cisco phone?
Cisco points to its Cisco Headset Compatibility Guide for the exact phone, firmware and headset combination, so treat the table below as a starting point. It lists the headset connections Cisco gives for each phone; read more in our guide to Cisco IP phones in Australia.
| Phone | Headset connections Cisco lists | Headsets to check first |
|---|---|---|
| IP Phone 7821 | Wideband RJ-9 headset jack, AUX port; no USB or Bluetooth | Headset 561 (RJ9/11 Y cable) |
| IP Phone 8841 | Wideband RJ-9 headset jack, AUX port; no USB or Bluetooth | Headset 561 (RJ9/11 Y cable) |
| IP Phone 8851NR | RJ-9 headset jack and side USB port; no Bluetooth radio | Headset 561 |
| IP Phone 8861 | RJ-9 headset jack, two USB ports, Bluetooth | Headset 561 or 722 |
| IP Phone 6871 MPP | RJ-9 headset jack, AUX port, USB-A port for Cisco headsets | Headset 561 |
| Desk Phone 9861 | USB-A and USB-C ports, Cisco Headset Smart Pairing | Headset 521, 561 or 722 |
Connections from Cisco's phone data sheets. Headset suggestions are ARC IP Networks' and must be confirmed against the Cisco Headset Compatibility Guide.
Management and security for IT teams
Cisco headsets are designed to be managed like the rest of the Cisco estate. With compatible Cisco IP phones, Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Control Hub, the 500 Series supports remote firmware upgrades and configuration. The 720 Series reports its inventory to Control Hub through the Webex App, takes firmware upgrades through the Webex App or Cisco Accessory Hub, and only accepts firmware images authenticated with Cisco's AES-128 bit key under Cisco Secure Boot. For an Australian business with staff on the NBN at home, that means a headset firmware update does not need a trip to the office.
Which Cisco headset for which Australian workplace?
ARC IP Networks suggestions.
| Workplace | Headset | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Medical or dental reception | Headset 561 | Walk to the files or waiting room without dropping the call |
| Contact centre or help desk | Headset 561 | Training mode adds up to three extra headsets to one base |
| Law, accounting or real estate office | Headset 722 | One headset for Webex meetings, laptop and mobile |
| Working from home on the NBN | Headset 722 | Up to 23 hours talk time, charging stand, two devices at once |
| Hot desks and open-plan pods | Headset 521 | Wired, no charging, one ear free for colleagues |
| School or council front counter | Headset 561 | Answers on lift, ends on dock |
Why buy Cisco from ARC IP Networks
- Cisco Registered Partner: genuine Cisco supplied through Cisco's authorised Australian distribution.
- New only: every unit is new, genuine Cisco stock.
- Every product page built from Cisco's own data sheets, with the warranty stated for each model.
- Licensing help: we quote the Cisco DNA, Catalyst, Meraki or Webex licence your hardware needs.
- GST tax invoice on every order, with trade and project pricing for installers and integrators.
See the full range on our Cisco Australia hub, or read where to buy Cisco in Australia. Questions? Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Shop Cisco headsets and phones
Live Australian pricing (inc. GST) and availability are on each product page.
DECT wireless single-ear, up to 100 m, Australian frequency band
Bluetooth 5.0 dual on-ear, Webex button, up to 23 h talk
Wired single-ear, 3.5 mm plug and in-line USB-C adapter
Multiplatform desk phone with a USB-A port for Cisco headsets
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed October 2026.
For phones with an RJ-9 headset jack, such as the IP Phone 7821 and 8841, the Cisco Headset 561 is the usual choice: its Standard base includes an RJ9/11 Y cable for Cisco IP phones and a USB-A cable. Always confirm your phone model in the Cisco Headset Compatibility Guide.
The 521 is wired: a 3.5 mm plug with an in-line USB-C adapter for call controls. The 561 is DECT wireless, roams up to 100 metres from its base, runs up to 10 hours on a charge and answers or ends calls when you lift or dock it.
Yes. Cisco lists the frequency band of the CP-HS-WL-561-S-EU= as covering Europe, the U.K., Asia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.
Not with the Standard base. Cisco lists Bluetooth V4.2 only on the Multibase station; the Standard base supports one USB or RJ9/RJ11 Y connection.
The HS-WL-722-BUNAS-C is the Webex version, with a Webex button. Cisco makes Teams-certified 720 Series models with Q part numbers. Cisco's data sheet says the 720 Series is compatible with all popular meeting or video applications.
Up to 23 hours talk time and 45 hours listening, with a 2.2 hour full charge. Ten minutes of quick charge gives 2 hours of talk time.
Cisco states that all Cisco Headset models have a two-year limited hardware warranty.
ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice. We list the Cisco Headset 521, 561 and 722 alongside Cisco IP phones. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Fitting out a Cisco phone system?
Tell us which Cisco phones and meeting apps your team uses and how they work. ARC IP Networks will match headsets to phones and quote with trade pricing for installers and IT providers. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.