Plantronics Explorer 500 Bluetooth Headset
Our Explorer 500 Bluetooth headset is engineered for professionals and everyday users who need reliable hands-free communication on the go. Equipped with Plantronics HD voice technology, the Explorer 500 ensures every call is crystal clear, whether you're navigating busy streets or working from a home office.
We built this headset with smart sensor technology that automatically routes calls to your phone or headset, giving you seamless control without fumbling for buttons. The lightweight, ergonomic design sits comfortably for hours, and the A2DP audio streaming lets you listen to music, podcasts, or GPS directions between calls. With up to 7 hours of talk time and a portable charging case included, you stay connected throughout your entire workday.
What makes the Explorer 500 stand out
Audio performance and voice clarity
The Plantronics Explorer 500 uses our proprietary HD voice technology to deliver crisp, natural-sounding audio on every call. Wideband audio processing captures more of the human voice’s frequency range than standard Bluetooth headsets, so conversations feel face-to-face even when you’re miles apart.
Our dual-microphone array works with digital signal processing to isolate your voice from background noise. Whether you’re on a crowded train platform or walking through a windy parking lot, the person on the other end hears you clearly without distracting ambient sound. A2DP streaming support means the same speakers that handle your calls also play your favorite music or turn-by-turn navigation with rich, balanced audio.
Smart sensor technology and hands-free controls
We equipped the Explorer 500 with intelligent sensors that detect when you’re wearing the headset. Put it on, and incoming calls automatically route to your ear. Take it off, and calls switch back to your phone speaker. This seamless transition happens without tapping a single button, letting you move fluidly between headset and handset based on your situation.
Voice commands work with Siri, Google Now, and Cortana, so you can dial contacts, send messages, or check your calendar without touching your phone. The multifunction button on the headset body lets you answer, end, or reject calls with a single press, and volume controls adjust audio levels on the fly. Our Voyager 5200 builds on these same sensor principles with added WindSmart technology for users who spend significant time outdoors, though the Explorer 500 remains the go-to choice for everyday versatility at a lower price point.
Battery life and charging
All-day power
The Explorer 500 provides up to 7 hours of continuous talk time on a full charge, enough to cover back-to-back meetings, a long commute, or an entire shift without reaching for a power outlet. Standby time extends up to 9 days thanks to DeepSleep mode, which activates automatically when the headset is away from your phone for more than 90 minutes.
Portable charging case
We include a compact charging case that holds the headset securely and delivers additional charges on the go. The case plugs into any USB port, and LED indicators show battery status at a glance. A quick 15-minute charge gives you an hour of talk time when you’re pressed for time, and a full recharge takes about 90 minutes from empty to 100 percent.
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Common questions about the Explorer 500
The Explorer 500 delivers up to 7 hours of continuous talk time and up to 9 days of standby time on a full charge. DeepSleep mode activates automatically when the headset is away from your phone for more than 90 minutes, preserving battery life during periods of non-use. A quick 15-minute charge provides approximately one hour of talk time if you need power in a hurry.
Yes, the Explorer 500 supports multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair it with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. You can stay connected to both your work phone and personal smartphone, and the headset will automatically answer calls from whichever device rings first. The headset can remember up to eight paired devices total and will reconnect to the last two used when powered on.
The Explorer 500 is fully compatible with Siri, Google Now, and Cortana voice assistants. Press the multifunction button to activate your phone's voice assistant, then speak commands to make calls, send messages, check your calendar, or control other phone functions hands-free. Voice prompts in the headset announce caller ID, connection status, and battery level.
Your Explorer 500 package includes the Bluetooth headset, a portable charging case, three sizes of soft gel eartips for a customized fit, a USB charging cable, and a quick start guide. The charging case provides additional charges on the go and protects the headset when not in use.
The over-ear hook rotates 180 degrees to accommodate either ear. Simply flip the boom arm to the opposite side and rotate the earhook to match. The three included eartip sizes work for both ears, so you can switch wearing sides based on comfort or your environment without needing separate accessories.
The Explorer 500 uses a dual-microphone array with digital signal processing to reduce background noise and isolate your voice during calls. It performs well in moderately noisy settings like offices, cars, and indoor public spaces. For extreme wind or very loud outdoor environments, our Voyager 5200 with WindSmart technology offers additional noise cancellation.
Yes, A2DP audio streaming is built into the Explorer 500, so you can listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and turn-by-turn GPS directions through the headset. The same speaker that delivers clear call audio also provides balanced, rich sound for media playback between calls.