Do you want the best headset? 
For years, the Poly (Plantronics) CS540 reigned supreme as the wireless DECT headset of choice for countless business professionals, and it established itself as the standard in office environments. Launched well over a decade ago, this lightweight, dual wearing style headset, provided essential mobility, and hands free convenience for desk phone users.
However, the office environment, and headset technology has changed dramatically since the CS540 was introduced. In 2025, it’s safe to say that the CS540's best days have come and gone. For businesses and professionals seeking a reliable, high-performance upgrade that meets the demands of the modern workspace, the Yealink HA64 Pro is a compelling Poly CS540 alternative.
The HA64 Pro doesn't just offer a replacement for the CS540, it redefines expectations across every critical metric.
Video Overview - Poly CS540 & Yealink HA64 Pro
A lot of people would rather watch a video to know about something rather than reading about it. If that sounds like you, then make sure to check out our side-by-side review of these two headsets. You’ll not only see how they compare, but, you’ll also hear how their sound quality compares through the noise tests we put them through.
1. The Core Shift: Connectivity For Hybrid Workers
The single greatest limitation of the Poly CS540 is its limited connectivity. Built for the desk phone world, it simply cannot keep pace with modern communication needs. Headset technology has changed, and so has the needs of today’s office worker. And though the CS540 is a single connection DECT headset, it can also be used with a computer with the purchase of an optional computer USB interface cable, the Discover D315 for just under $50.00. This requires that you disconnect the cables to your desk phone, and plug in the D315 adapter. So switching between phone, and computer is a bit awkward, time consuming and a feature that adds to the overall cost of the headset.
The Yealink HA64 Pro solves this by offering revolutionary triple connectivity straight out of the box, offering both DECT + Bluetooth both residing in the headset, rather than in the base like other brands. That seeming small difference actually makes a notable big difference in how the headset can be used.
|
Feature |
Yealink HA64 Pro |
Poly CS540 |
|
Desk Phone Connection |
Yes |
Yes (Primary connection) |
|
PC/Softphone Connection |
Yes |
Yes (optional D315 accessory - $50.00 cost, and requires manual swapping of cables from deskphone setup to PC) |
|
Mobile/Bluetooth |
Yes |
No |
This multi-device capability means a single Yealink HA64 Pro can seamlessly manage calls across your computer (Zoom, Teams, etc.), your desk phone, and your mobile device. The CS540 cannot compare to the versatility of the HA64 Pro.
2. Performance: Range, Battery, and Endurance
Mobility, versatility and reliability are important features of modern headsets. When comparing the Poly CS540 vs. Yealink HA64 Pro, the difference is stark:
Double the Battery, Double the Range
|
Metric |
Poly CS540 |
Yealink HA64 Pro |
|
Talk Time |
≈7 Hours |
≈14 Hours |
|
Wireless Range |
Up to ≈350 Feet |
Up to ≈600 Feet |
The HA64 Pro doubles the talk time and significantly increases the wireless range, ensuring users can walk freely throughout large offices or homes without fear of disconnection or mid-call battery failure.
If you’d like to watch a wireless range test video we did on a football field to help illustrate the HA64 Pro’s long wireless range, check it out below.
3. Microphone Clarity
In a world filled with the sounds of barking dogs, noisy coffee shops, and busy offices, the quality and characteristics of a business headset microphone is critical for your important calls and meetings. Everyone needs to sound professional when on calls, but not all headsets provide professional grade sound quality. Headsets may look the same, but the truth is, they don't all sound the same.
The Yealink HA64 Pro integrates advanced noise cancellation technology and sound quality that the older CS540 cannot match. Its microphone technology is specifically engineered to meet demanding contemporary standards, offering superior performance in neutralizing distracting background noise through Yealink’s Acoustic Shield technology. This ensures you sound professional and clear on every call, whether that's on a softphone call, video meeting, or mobile phone.
4. Advanced Features That Help To Define a Modern Headset
Unlike the Poly CS540 that offers a very limited amount of features, the Yealink HA64 Pro delivers a modern workstation experience complete with intuitive, professional features:
-
Integrated Touchscreen: A clear, intuitive 3.5 inch color interface that replaces traditional buttons, allowing for easy management of settings, connections, and device switching directly from the base, and without the need to download software, which many organizations don’t allow. The touchscreen is bright, highly responsive, and offers easy access to a wide range of features quickly and easily.
-
Built-in Dual Busy Light: An essential feature for any modern office, the light automatically signals your availability to coworkers, dramatically reducing interruptions.
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Flip-to-Mute Microphone: The physical act of raising the mic boom mutes the microphone, dropping it back down unmutes, a simple, tactile, and super easy way to manage privacy. And, for the traditionalist in you, there’s also a mute button.
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UC Certification: The HA64 Pro offers dedicated certification for Microsoft Teams and compatibility across 100+ softphone platforms, guaranteeing a smooth and reliable user experience.
The Verdict: Time for An HA64 Upgrade
The Poly CS540 deserves a lot of respect for its popularity, longevity, comfort and dual wearing styles (three with optional neckband), but as a wireless DECT headset in 2025, it is functionally obsolete. Its limitations in connectivity, wireless range, battery life and modern technology can directly hamper productivity, and when compared to contemporary headsets, it's not up to today's standards.
Unlike in 2011, when the CS540 was first released, the typical office worker today needs connectivity to a variety of devices including computers, desk phones and mobile phones. The vast majority of which leaves the CS540 out of the conversation due to its limitation on connectivity.
The limitations of the CS540 are also on display when it comes to out of office use where it lacks that versatility, because it can only be used in the office. The HA64 Pro, by comparison, has the ability to be used in the office, or on the go. This is another strategic, and meaningful advantage of the HA64 Pro.
Given the CS540 has been around for the past 15 years, that longevity has provided information on its strengths and weaknesses. One common issue is breakage of the short, plastic stem that the earloops, and headband fasten to as pictured below.
Unfortunately, when this piece breaks, it can’t be repaired, which means the headset must be replaced which is an added cost. This is something to keep in mind if lifecycle costs are being considered.
The Yealink HA64 Pro isn’t just a replacement, but a strategic investment that helps to provide today’s office professionals with a single solution headset for use across devices. If you are searching for the best Poly CS540 alternative on the market, look no further than the Yealink HA64 Pro. In it, you’ll get a vastly superior headset so you sound professional on your calls and meetings, while providing you with all day comfort, versatility, and unrivaled wireless range.
Making this comparison is by no means throwing the Poly CS540 under the bus. It has been around for a long time, and the sheer fact that it’s still popular speaks volumes about its appeal. It’s a solid sounding, lightweight and comfortable headset that provides two uniquely different wearing styles; on-ear and and over the head (mono). Most opt for the headband wearing style.
The wireless range is dramatically less than the HA64 Pro as I’ve illustrated, and it’s very limited on what you can use it with. Still, if your needs are for desk phone use only, the CS540 could be a viable option. But if you want a more up-to-date, technologically advanced device, then the CS540 wouldn’t be your best choice.
Next Level Audio
And for those looking for the ultimate in audio performance, consider pairing your headset, speakerphone, or whatever audio device you use with neep ai noise canceling software. neep learns your voice, isolates it from others, and works to remove unwanted background noise from your surroundings, and your callers. So if you’re looking for premium sound quality, but you don’t have a premium budget, let neep go to work for you because it’s surprisingly affordable. To learn more, or to arrange for a free demo of neep, just go to neep.com.
Budget Tight? We’ve Got Your Solution
Anyone who operates from a budget knows that they can be tight at times. This can prove to be a challenge if you’re in need of a headset refresh for the office, but don’t have enough to cover the cost. Here’s what many people might do:
- Order fewer units - which only addresses part of the overall needs
- Order less expensive headsets - (which may not be right for the needs)
- Postpone buying any new headsets until next budget - extends problems longer, and prevents staff from having the most efficient tools to do their job.
Headset Advisor has been assisting businesses with their communication needs for over 30 years. We know things can be tight at times, which is why we introduced our Headset Advisor lease program. This program, designed for businesses, provides you with access to the products you need at a surprisingly affordable, low monthly rate without the upfront investment. No waiting until next year, no compromising on quantity, or model.
Contact us and let us know what you need and we’ll work up a custom quote, or you can go here to learn more about this unique, affordable program.
Have Questions Or Need Some Help?
If you’re undecided, or just have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ve been assisting customers with their communication needs since 1994, so don’t feel like you have to do all the research by yourself. Our Advisors can help with questions, arrange a demo, take an order, or help direct you to a compatible communication solution.
Downloads
Yealink HA64 Pro Quick Start Guide
