The Poly EncorePro EP525 covers both ears A call center floor gets loud enough that one open ear stops helping and starts hurting focus — the neighboring call, the hold music leaking from someone's headset, the general hum of forty agents talking at once. The Poly EncorePro EP525 is built for exactly that environment: a stereo digital headset that covers both ears, with USB-A and USB-C built into the same cable so it works on any computer in the building without a second SKU to track. It's the stereo model in Poly's EncorePro 500 Digital series — the same digital platform as the mono EncorePro EP515-M, which means it actively calibrates its own audio rather than running a fixed profile, and can take firmware updates over USB. It weighs 74 grams, carries Telecoil Hearing Aid Compatibility, and is engineered for heavy call center use rather than light office duty. Does the EncorePro EP525 work with Microsoft Teams? Yes — the Poly EncorePro EP525 works with Microsoft Teams and every other major softphone, including Avaya, Cisco, and Skype for Business, but it isn't formally Teams-certified the way its sibling, the EncorePro EP525-M, is. That certification adds a dedicated Teams button and an official badge; the underlying headset is the same. [card title="Same hardware, one button apart"]This is worth knowing before you pay more for the certified version. The EncorePro EP525 and the EncorePro EP525-M run on identical hardware — same 74-gram build, same digital audio calibration, same SoundGuard Digital protection. The EP525-M adds a dedicated Teams button for one-press app access and Microsoft's formal certification. If your team doesn't need that button, the standard EncorePro EP525 delivers the same call quality for less.[/card] One cable, both connectors Like the rest of Poly's EncorePro 500 Digital series, the EncorePro EP525 has USB-A and USB-C built into a single cable rather than shipping as two separate SKUs. Order one part number, and it plugs into a desktop tower or a USB-C laptop without a dongle or a different box. [stat]74 grams[/stat] Built for the shift, not the showroom At 74 grams the EncorePro EP525 is light for a stereo headset, and Poly positions it specifically for heavy call center use rather than casual office duty — a distinction that shows up in the details: a noise-canceling microphone tuned for average-to-loud rooms, a built-in hold button that manages both audio and video calls from one press, and SoundGuard Digital hearing protection against sudden spikes over a long shift. The 2-year warranty matches the rest of the EncorePro line. [callout type="honest"]The EncorePro EP525 covers both ears for passive isolation — the cushions physically block a real amount of room noise — but it isn't active noise cancellation. There's no electronic system erasing background sound the way ANC headsets do; the isolation comes from the seal of the ear cushion itself.[/callout] EncorePro EP525 or the EP525-M? [compare] EncorePro EP525 — UCWorks with Microsoft Teams and every other major softphone. Same hardware, same audio, no dedicated Teams button. Lower price. EncorePro EP525-M — Teams certifiedIdentical headset, plus a dedicated Teams button and Microsoft's formal certification badge. For teams standardized specifically on Teams. [/compare] The Poly EncorePro EP525 is the headset for a call center that needs both ears covered and doesn't need to pay extra for a Teams badge it won't use — one cable for every desk, digital audio that adjusts itself to the call, and hearing protection built for a full shift rather than an occasional call. Order it once, and it works wherever it lands, backed by HeadsetPlus's lifetime support. Poly EncorePro EP525 stereo digital headset Attached cable with built-in USB-A and USB-C connectors and inline controls Foam ear cushions (fitted, both ears) Quick start guide Type Binaural (stereo, both-ear), over-the-head, on-ear Series Poly EncorePro 500 Digital Series Microphone Noise-canceling, tuned for average-to-loud environments; HD wideband audio Connector Built-in USB-A and USB-C on a single cable — no separate version needed Controls Inline answer/end, mute, volume; built-in hold button for audio/video Certification Works with Microsoft Teams and major UC platforms (Avaya, Cisco, Skype for Business); not formally Teams-certified — see EncorePro EP525-M for certification and dedicated Teams button Noise handling Passive isolation from covering both ears (not active noise cancellation); noise-canceling microphone for outgoing voice Audio processing Dynamic audio adjustment calibrated to call conditions; remote firmware updates over USB Hearing protection SoundGuard Digital — protects against loud sudden spikes and extended exposure Hearing aid compatibility Telecoil Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) Comfort Foam ear cushions on both ears, lightweight build engineered for heavy call center use Weight 74 g Software Plantronics Hub / Poly Lens Mono alternative EncorePro EP515-M (mono, same digital series) Teams-certified sibling EncorePro EP525-M — identical hardware, adds dedicated Teams button and certification Part number 783R3AA (old 218274-01) Warranty 2-year manufacturer warranty, plus HeadsetPlus lifetime technical support Software. The EncorePro EP525 works with Microsoft Teams and every other major UC platform and softphone, including Avaya, Cisco, and Skype for Business. It is not formally Teams-certified and doesn't carry the dedicated Teams button that the EncorePro EP525-M does. Plantronics Hub (Poly Lens) manages settings and firmware updates. Hardware. The headset connects through its built-in cable, which carries both USB-A and USB-C connectors — no adapter or separate SKU needed regardless of which port the computer has. Platforms. The EncorePro EP525 is engineered for heavy call center environments where both-ear isolation and all-day durability matter more than a certification badge, and works equally well in general office use. What's the difference between the EncorePro EP525 and the EP525-M?The Poly EncorePro EP525 and the EncorePro EP525-M run on identical hardware — same weight, same audio, same digital calibration. The EP525-M adds a dedicated Microsoft Teams button and formal Teams certification; the standard EncorePro EP525 works with Teams too, just without the button, at a lower price. Does the EncorePro EP525 work with Microsoft Teams?Yes. The Poly EncorePro EP525 works with Microsoft Teams and other major softphones, though it isn't formally Teams-certified. For a dedicated Teams button and official certification, the EncorePro EP525-M is the equivalent certified model. How much does the EncorePro EP525 weigh?The Poly EncorePro EP525 weighs 74 grams, light for a stereo headset covering both ears, and built specifically for extended wear in call center environments. Does the EncorePro EP525 need a separate USB-A or USB-C version?No. The EncorePro EP525 has both USB-A and USB-C connectors built into a single cable, so one part number works on any computer regardless of which port it has. Is the EncorePro EP525 hearing aid compatible?Yes. The EncorePro EP525 is Telecoil Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC), which matters for call centers required to accommodate hearing aid users under accessibility guidelines. Does the EncorePro EP525 have active noise cancellation?No. The EncorePro EP525 uses passive isolation from covering both ears, not active noise cancellation. Its microphone is separately noise-canceling for outgoing voice, but there's no electronic system blocking room noise.
