I have a reputation among friends, associates, family for doing a deep dive and researching the field when choosing new products. I like to understand the differences between products, state of the art, etc., and generally be an informed buyer. I've also been in "tech" for more than 35 years, with roles from hands on through CIO and CTO, so I've got a lot of experience researching and choosing products, whether for one person or thousands. In short: I tend to be a picky shopper. I researched the field here, and think I've found a winner.
At this point in my career, I'm traveling weekly, and I'm meeting -- either in person or remote -- with numerous people each week. Conference calls are the norm, and may involve dozens of people, conference rooms with poor equipment, offices with dreadful 15 year old "speakerphones", hotel rooms, working from my home office, etc. One of the most frustrating experiences is trying to participate in a mission critical conference call when 1) I can barely hear or understand the folks at the other end, and 2) they can't hear and understand me unless I lean over a mic and raise my voice. Cell phone "speakerphones" may be acceptable in an emergency, but haven't proven adequate for routine use.
I had recently research Bluetooth speakers for use primarily as audio / music listening speakers (for use, e.g., with Google Play Music from my phone). I researched and auditioned many: Bose, Cambridge, JBL, Shark, Amazon, Phillips, Anker, Jambox, etc. I narrowed it down to those with speakerphone capability, thinking I'd satisfy that need along with the media speaker requirement. After a LOT of research and live auditions, I settled on Nyne Bass, and couldn't be happier with it -- as a media speaker - truly amazing in all respects: sound is stunningly good - even outdoors, and both battery life and bluetooth handling are excellent. Unfortunately, it's only mediocre when turning a phone into a speakerphone, and often quite disappointing -- and I've tried out colleague's products like Jambox for the same purpose, and also found them disappointing. So -- I went on the hunt for a "real" business quality Bluetooth speakerphone.
After much research, I homed in on Jabra, and the 510+ looked most promising after reading a LOT of reviews. Buying via Amazon Prime, I knew I had no risk, so I place the order -- and had the package on my desk about 36 hours later. Once again -- kudos to Amazon Prime and the vendors that work with Amazon in this program.
The product is perfectly packaged, and beautifully made. It appears to be about 4.5" in diameter, and about 1.25" high when sitting flat on a desk or table. It is a gorgeous, professional grade piece of tech with excellent fit and finish and features. It comes with a neoprene zipper case, the USB cord wraps around the body and tucks into a groove that also holds the cable end in place. Incredibly well thought out and executed.
This model can be connected to a phone or laptop via bluetooth, and to a laptop via USB cable. It doesn't come with its own charging brick, but the USB cable can charge from any standard 1A or higher brick. It takes a while for a full charge, but once charged, I can use it all day and into the night, and the charge is only partially depleted.
Sound quality is absolutely spectacular for the purpose. I can place this on a table or desk in a room with a dozen people at distances from 3 ft to 15 ft or more, and they are all picked up and easily understand by people at the other end of the call. What comes out of the speaker is superb as well: I'm often on the receiving end of a conference call with two dozen people, all different sound environments and volume levels, and half a dozen international accents -- and this speaker yields clear audio rivaling $400 or $500 Polycom and Cisco equipment (no exaggeration). This is so good, in fact, that I've taken to turning it on when sitting in my office at my current client's site, and using it in favor of the brand new Cisco equipment installed there. It's a better experience.
The controls around the perimeter are all touch controls -- no physical buttons to degrade, and they work perfectly. Power, answer / hang up, volume up/down, bluetooth (on/off/pair), mute, battery (to check battery charge level). There are a serious of LEDs around the perimeter of the speaker that are almost invisible when off, but light up as needed to indicate function, e.g., Bluetooth connected, power on, volume level and battery life (number of lights on out of ten around the perimeter), etc. Audio prompts walk you through pairing, connection status, etc -- and these can be turned on and off via preferences.
The firmware is easily upgradeable via the USB cable and downloadable PC application. I haven't had need to use the app yet, but it provides deeper control over options and connection to services like Lync. This also provides support for soft phones: this "510+ MS edition" is optimized for Microsoft products like Lync -- the other 510+ is, I believe, aimed more at other soft phone products like Cisco.
All in all: a beautifully designed, engineered and implemented product. Every now and then you trip across a gem that defines state of the art in its category - and I believe this qualifies. As you might guess, I'm delighted with this product.
Jabra Speak 510 UC Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone – Outstanding Sound Quality, Portable Conference Speaker for Holding Meeti
4.6 | 7,832 ratings
Price: 67.44
Last update: 08-29-2024
About this item
CLEARER CONVERSATIONS – The outstanding sound quality in the Jabra Speak 510 Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker ensures everyone is heard during conference calls, making your meeting more efficient; The 360-degree microphone picks up sound at all angles
HOLD MEETINGS ANYWHERE – Take audio conferencing to a whole new level and turn any room into a conference room with this Jabra speakerphone; Use it at home, in the office or when traveling
EASY SETUP – No IT required; Setup and use of this Bluetooth conference speaker with microphone is a breeze, just connect via Bluetooth or USB and dial-in; Compatible with all leading UC platforms; Certified for Avaya, Cisco, Skype for business, and more
SLIM, COMPACT DESIGN – A convenient carrying case and integrated cable management makes it ideal for use while on-the-go; Plus, the slim, compact design means you can bring this USB speakerphone anywhere you are
WORKS WITH MANY DEVICES – Connect or plug this Jabra conference speakerphone into your desk phone, mobile phone, soft-phone or whatever device you have; Works with many types of devices for conference calls and streaming multimedia
IN THE BOX - 1x Jabra Speak 510 Bluetooth Wireless Speakerphone, Carry Pouch, Safety Leaflet, Weight: 195.4g, Color: Black. 2-year warranty included - registration required
HOLD MEETINGS ANYWHERE – Take audio conferencing to a whole new level and turn any room into a conference room with this Jabra speakerphone; Use it at home, in the office or when traveling
EASY SETUP – No IT required; Setup and use of this Bluetooth conference speaker with microphone is a breeze, just connect via Bluetooth or USB and dial-in; Compatible with all leading UC platforms; Certified for Avaya, Cisco, Skype for business, and more
SLIM, COMPACT DESIGN – A convenient carrying case and integrated cable management makes it ideal for use while on-the-go; Plus, the slim, compact design means you can bring this USB speakerphone anywhere you are
WORKS WITH MANY DEVICES – Connect or plug this Jabra conference speakerphone into your desk phone, mobile phone, soft-phone or whatever device you have; Works with many types of devices for conference calls and streaming multimedia
IN THE BOX - 1x Jabra Speak 510 Bluetooth Wireless Speakerphone, Carry Pouch, Safety Leaflet, Weight: 195.4g, Color: Black. 2-year warranty included - registration required
Product information
| Mounting Type | Freestanding |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Speak 510 UC Speakerphone |
| Speaker Type | Component |
| Special Feature | Music Streaming, Digital Signal Processing, Rechargeable, USB Charging |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Smartphones or Tablets |
| Compatible Devices | Phone |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Controller Type | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 2.05"D x 2.25"W x 0.7"H |
| Item Weight | 0.7 Ounces |
| Is Waterproof | False |
| Charging Time | 15 Hours |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Maximum Range | 10 Meters |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Speaker Size | 1.8 Centimeters |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Package Type | FFP |
| Number of Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 Meters |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Connectivity Protocol | Bluetooth |
| Includes MP3 player? | No |
| Is Electric | Yes |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Specific Uses For Product | personal |
| UPC | 163121466268 737069181844 000112342326 724627170648 706487013327 642554364995 724627170556 858783401893 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00706487013310, 05554442230235 |
| Manufacturer | Jabra |
| Item Weight | 0.7 ounces |
| ASIN | B00AARRS9Y |
| Item model number | 7510-209 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2 batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
7,829 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #930 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #33 in Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| OS | Windows, macOS |
| Special features | Music Streaming, Digital Signal Processing, Rechargeable, USB Charging |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Audio Jack | Wireless |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Phone Talk Time | 15 Hours |
| Language | English |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Date First Available | November 24, 2012 |
Top reviews from the United States
Jon Strong
Best in class portable, bluetooth, wireless, mobile speakerphone
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2015
Aníbal Rojas
A must for the conference call junkie
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
Christopher B.
Great speakerphone that's also great for listening to music in the office
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018