If you want a lightweight, single-ear wired headset for Microsoft Teams calls while keeping one ear open, choose Cisco Headset 321Q; if you need over-ear stereo sound and connections for more than one type of device, choose PLT Poly Blackwire 5220. For hunting, though, neither is designed as a hunting headset: both are wired communication headsets for work, so the right pick depends on how you plan to use them.
• Cisco Headset 321Q: Its single on-ear design, USB-A connection, and dedicated Teams button suit desk calls. The trade-off is that it is not a stereo, over-ear design.
• PLT Poly Blackwire 5220: Its over-ear stereo layout, 3.5 mm connection, and included USB-C/A adapter offer more ways to connect. The trade-off is that it covers both ears rather than leaving one open.
• Choose Cisco for a focused Microsoft Teams workflow and a lightweight, single-ear headset.
• Choose Poly for stereo listening, over-ear cushions, and a headset that can fold for travel.
• For hunting: Neither sheet describes hunting-specific features or wireless use, so neither is a purpose-built option for that activity.
The Cisco Headset 321Q is a wired, single on-ear headset with USB-A connectivity. Its clearest advantage is the dedicated Microsoft Teams button. It is intended to make common call actions—joining, answering, ending, or holding a call—available from the headset, with an LED alert and an in-ear notification for meeting prompts. If Teams is central to your workday, those controls can make a desk routine more direct than relying on software controls alone.
Its single ear cup is a practical fit for someone who wants call audio without covering both ears. Cisco lists a unidirectional ECM noise-canceling microphone to help reduce surrounding noise, along with passive noise suppression from the lightweight on-ear design. The listed 300 Hz–3,000 Hz frequency range points to a headset focused on voice communication, not broad-range music listening. Plug-and-play USB-A and Microsoft Teams certification make it a straightforward office choice for a compatible setup.
The two-year limited liability warranty and availability of spare ear cushions are useful ownership details, while Cisco also describes support and management options for deployment. The trade-off is the narrow role: it is a wired, single-ear Teams headset, not a stereo over-ear model or a wireless headset. Skip it if you want both ears covered, stereo sound, or a cable-free setup.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The PLT Poly Blackwire 5220 takes the more traditional over-ear route. It has a binaural stereo design, soft conforming ear cushions, and an over-the-head fit. That makes it the more natural match for people who prefer sound in both ears during calls or want a headset that also supports stereo listening. Its specified frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a much broader range than the Cisco’s listed voice-focused range.
Connection flexibility is a notable strength. The headset is wired and includes USB-C, a USB-C/A adapter, and a 3.5 mm mini-phone connection, according to the product title. That combination can help when moving between compatible devices with different ports. The listed cable length is 7.10 feet, and the headset folds for portability in its carrying case. Its 32-ohm impedance is another technical specification, but compatibility still depends on the device and connection being used.
For calls, the product information describes passive noise reduction from its ear cushions and a microphone designed to mask nearby conversations. That could suit a shared workspace where voices nearby are a distraction, though it does not make the headset a dedicated noise-isolating hunting model. The trade-off is the over-ear, two-ear design and a wired connection. Skip it if you specifically want one ear uncovered or need a wireless headset.
• Best for Microsoft Teams controls → Cisco Headset 321Q. The dedicated button supports joining meetings and handling calls, with an LED alert and in-ear notification.
• Best for keeping one ear open → Cisco Headset 321Q. Its single on-ear cup leaves the other ear uncovered.
• Best for stereo listening → PLT Poly Blackwire 5220. It is a binaural headset with a stereo sound mode.
• Best for over-ear coverage → PLT Poly Blackwire 5220. Its over-the-head design and soft ear cushions cover both ears.
• Best for broader listed frequency response → PLT Poly Blackwire 5220. Its range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, compared with the Cisco’s 300 Hz to 3,000 Hz.
• Best for a simple USB-A desk connection → Cisco Headset 321Q. Its specified connection is USB-A, with plug-and-play setup described for everyday office use.
• Best for connection options and portability → PLT Poly Blackwire 5220. It includes USB-C, a USB-C/A adapter, and a 3.5 mm connection, and it folds into a carrying case.
• Best choice specifically for hunting → Neither based on these specifications. Both are wired work headsets; neither data sheet identifies hunting-specific construction or features.
Buying Considerations
Start with the device you will connect to. The Cisco is built around USB-A, so check that your intended computer or other device has a compatible port. Poly lists USB-C, a USB-C/A adapter, and a 3.5 mm connection, giving it more connection paths on paper. That does not mean every device will support every function equally; confirm the ports and headset compatibility for your setup.
For hunting, be especially careful about the use case. The phrase “best over ear headphones for hunting” often suggests equipment chosen for outdoor conditions, but these product details describe wired office headsets rather than hunting gear. Likewise, neither is an example of the “best open ear earbuds for hunting”: Cisco is a single on-ear headset, not an open-ear earbud, and Poly is over-ear. The phrase “memory foam ear cushions bluetooth headphones for hunting” also does not describe either product. Poly’s cushions are described as soft and conforming, but the sheet does not identify them as memory foam; both headsets are wired, not Bluetooth.
Finally, match the controls and fit to how you work. Cisco’s Teams button is a specific convenience for Teams users, while Poly emphasizes stereo sound, multiple connection options, and a folding design with a carrying case. If either headset will be worn for long calls, the fit is personal: the available specifications can distinguish on-ear from over-ear, but they cannot guarantee comfort for every listener. Check the current price on Amazon if that matters to your decision.
I would choose the PLT Poly Blackwire 5220 for general wired work because its stereo over-ear design and listed connection options give it broader day-to-day flexibility.
I would choose the Cisco instead if Microsoft Teams controls and an uncovered ear are the priorities.
For hunting, I would buy neither as a purpose-built option: their stated features are aimed at wired communication, not hunting use.
FAQ
The Poly Blackwire 5220 is the direct fit. It has an over-the-head, binaural stereo design with soft conforming ear cushions. Cisco is a single on-ear headset, so it does not provide the same two-ear layout.
No. Both are described as wired headsets, and neither data sheet lists Bluetooth connectivity or hunting-specific features. Cisco uses USB-A; Poly lists USB-C, a USB-C/A adapter, and a 3.5 mm connection.
Poly lists more connection options: USB-C, a USB-C/A adapter, and a 3.5 mm connection. Cisco is specified with USB-A connectivity. Confirm that your device supports the connection you plan to use.
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