Panasonic KX-TCA86 Comfort-fit headset with travel fold design

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 6 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00009V2PG
• Item model number: KX-TCA86
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 2, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's KX-TCA86 headset is the simple solution for hands-free phone conversation. The headset works with any telephone that has a standard 2.5 mm mini-jack, and the 4-foot cord gives you a generous amount of room, especially if you're connecting to a cordless handset. The headpiece fits securely around your head with a comfortable molded ear cup and folds down for compact storage. The adjustable noise-canceling microphone boom is reversible, so you can use your preferred side for speaking and listening. Panasonic includes a one-year warranty covering part and service.

What's in the Box
Headset with microphone, cable, user's guide, warranty card

Product Description

Panasonic KX-TCA86 Comfort-fit headset with travel fold design

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good but..., March 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TCA86 Comfort-fit headset with travel fold design (Office Product)

This is a very good headset for the money, but try the Panasonic model KX-TCA60 instead. It has noticeably better sound quality. (See my reviews there.) This model is a little bit more expensive, has a smaller microphone (which is nice), folds (which is convenient if you really need it) and is built a little more sturdily.

55 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sticking with Plantronics... thanks., November 13, 2005

By 

T. Hassler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TCA86 Comfort-fit headset with travel fold design (Office Product)

I bought this headset thinking to replace my aging (yet still functional) Plantronics that I've used every day of the week for 5+ years.

Well, I'm still with my old Plantronics, and after using this, I'll probably replace it with a similar model from them!

The good:
1) The ear pad is comfortable and largish, which works for me. I like a headset that feels comfortable against my ear for long periods of time (as in many hours).
2) The price here is a third of what I paid... can't believe I didn't research this, but I fell for the old "if it's expensive, it has to be good" marketing ploy at an Office ***-***** style store.

The bad:
1) The bumped out hard rubber piece that sits on your non-listening ear was both uncomfortable and shaped the opposite of how it will fit your head
2) The "mute" button only works while you hold it in. How does that help me on a 2 hour conference call? My Plantronics has a switch.
3) No Voice volume boost? Come on!
4) The "noise cancelling" is also "voice cancelling" to some degree. I had to increase my volume just to be heard. This was the main reason I ditched it after two days of testing with a newer phone system. It turns out that my Panasonic 2-line 5GHz cordless units also lower the output of my voice, but this thing does too. Going back to my old headset made it more reasonable for others to hear me. I don't have to shout as often (the problem with my new phone system made me question if I was being objectionable about the headset at first)
5) The fold out style of the headband is pretty inflexible and seems sort of pointless. I found that it dug into my head a little.

I've always been one to try new technology, and this looked on par with my original headset. I was (and still am) firmly in the Plantronics camp, but I thought I'd give it a try. Sorry to say that I did. After this, I may never try another brand. (No, Plantronics didn't solicit this review, but they sure could send me some money if they feel like it!) ;-)

Don't buy it. You'll probably return it just like I did.

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compatible with 5.8GHz phones, March 2, 2005

By 

Spiro Apostolopoulos "spirona" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panasonic KX-TCA86 Comfort-fit headset with travel fold design (Office Product)

This headset works great with my AT&T 5840 5.8GHz handset. It states on the packaging that it is compatible with 900MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.8GHz analog/digital phones. I can hear clearly and can be heard very clearly. The only negative is there is no volume control, the headband does not adjust, and the microphone cannot adjust to come closer or go further away from your face. That said, this headset works very well and I haven't been able to find any other headsets that state they are compatible with 5.8GHz phones.

As for the KX-TCA60 that everyone raves about, I bought it first based on the reviews and price. However, the TCA60 did not work with my 5.8GHz phone and the packaging states that it is compatible with 900MHz and 2.4GHz analog/digital phones only. This information is not on Amazon.com.

So if you have a 5.8GHz phone I would stay away from the TCA60 and go with the TCA86. It's a great buy and works very well.