Kenwood KHS-31C Alternative Earpiece: Voiceporter VP-31C Replacement
February 8, 2026
Voiceporter Accessories
Voiceporter VP-31C Earpiece - 1-Wire, Swivel, G-Hook, KHS-31C Replacement - K01
Why the VP-31C?
The VP-31C delivers an extremely comfortable and clear communications solution for use in dynamic work environments. The speaker sits outside the ear and can be easily swiveled for left or right ear use. The high quality inline mic and PTT can be clipped to clothing for easy access. It is a lightweight design made for comfort during extended shifts.
Speaker swivels to be worn on the left or right ear • Lightweight and comfortable • Easy to clean the earpiece • Ideal for multi-shift radio users • Molded stress reliefs for extra reliability and strength • Strong rotating clip on inline pod • High-quality omni-directional microphone • Available in an extensive variety of device connectors
Features and Usage
- Comfortable Design: The C-ring design is described by retailers as lightweight and comfortable for extended, all-day use, resting outside the ear rather than inside.
- Discreet Communication: The low-profile design and in-line PTT microphone with a clothing clip allow for discreet use, popular in environments like security, retail, and warehouses.
- Ease of Use: The PTT button is designed for easy access, and the earpiece can be wiped down with an alcohol pad, making it suitable for multiple users or hygienic sharing.
The Kenwood KHS-31C is a single wire, over the ear style earpiece with an inline push to talk microphone. It is typically used with Kenwood style two way radios that use the common two pin connector.
Key characteristics that made the KHS-31C a go to earpiece include:
- Over the ear G hook or C ring style design that rests on the outside of the ear
- Single wire from the radio to the inline mic and earphone
- Built in microphone with a large push to talk button on the cable
- Reversible wear on left or right ear
- Compatible with a wide range of Kenwood connector radios
For many users this checks all the boxes. It keeps conversations private, it is comfortable for long shifts, and it works in retail, hospitality, security and industrial environments. Once a fleet standardizes on a specific accessory like this, it becomes part of the workflow.
That is what makes a shortage so disruptive. When staff are trained on one style of earpiece and that part disappears from the supply chain, operations can slow down quickly.
What To Look For In a Kenwood KHS-31C earpiece replacement?
Not every earpiece that physically plugs into your radio is a good functional replacement. When you evaluate alternatives to the KHS-31C, focus on these key factors.
1. Connector compatibility
First confirm the connector type on your radio. The KHS-31C is paired with Kenwood style radios that use the common two pin plug. Your replacement should use the same style connector so it plugs in and locks firmly without adapters.
If your radio manual or reference chart says it supports the KHS-31C, then you want a replacement clearly identified as compatible with the same connector standard.
2. Wear style and comfort
Your users are probably used to the feel of the KHS-31C. A good replacement should match that overall experience:
- Over the ear G hook or earhanger style design
- Reversible on left or right ear
- Stable enough for walking, bending and active work
- Soft material where it touches the ear
Workers who wear an earpiece for an entire shift care more about comfort than any other spec. If the replacement is more comfortable than the original, you will not hear complaints about the change.
3. Single wire convenience
The KHS-31C uses a single wire design with the mic and PTT on the cable. Many users prefer this because it is simple to route under clothing and less likely to snag compared to multi wire setups. If your crews are already trained on a single wire layout, staying with the same style reduces retraining and confusion.
4. Inline microphone and PTT
To truly replace the KHS-31C, the alternative must have:
- An inline microphone placed in a natural speaking position
- A clear, easy to press push to talk button
This is the heart of the user interaction. If the PTT is hard to press, noisy, or in an awkward location, people will notice immediately.
5. Build quality and warranty
Accessories take a beating in real world use. Look for:
- Strain relief at the connector and mic body
- Reinforced cable jacket
- Clip that holds tight to clothing or lapel
- A stated warranty period
Even if the replacement is not the OEM brand, a solid warranty and good feedback from similar deployments can give you confidence to standardize on it.
Meet the VP-31C: A Practical KHS-31C Replacement
Voiceporter VP-31C Earpiece - 1-Wire, Swivel, G-Hook, KHS-31C Replacement - K01
The VP-31C is a single wire G hook style earpiece designed as a direct replacement for the KHS-31C. It connects to Kenwood style two way radios using the same type of two pin plug and provides the same basic user experience your teams expect.
At a high level, the VP-31C offers:
- Single wire design from radio to ear
- Over the ear G hook earphone for left or right ear
- Inline microphone and push to talk button
- Kenwood style two pin connector compatible with radios that use the KHS-31C
- Design intended as a KHS-31C replacement for professional use
From a user’s point of view, the VP-31C feels very similar. They still clip the mic to a collar or lapel, route the cable under a shirt or jacket, and place the earhook over their ear. The push to talk motion stays the same. Users do not have to relearn how to operate their accessory.
From a fleet manager’s point of view, the VP-31C provides a way out of the shortage problem. Instead of waiting for OEM stock to arrive, you can move to an in stock replacement and keep your radios in service.
Side by Side: Kenwood KHS-31C Versus Voiceporter VP-31C
Here is a simple way to think about the two models.
Connector
- KHS-31C uses the Kenwood style two pin plug.
- VP-31C is built with the same connector type and is marketed as compatible with radios that accept the KHS-31C.
Wear style
- KHS-31C is an over the ear ear hanger style.
- VP-31C uses a similar G hook style that can be worn on either ear and adjusted for comfort.
Layout
- Both are single wire designs with inline mic and push to talk.
- Both clip to clothing and route under garments to keep cables tidy.
Use cases
- KHS-31C is widely used in retail, hospitality, security, education and light industrial roles.
- VP-31C fits the same applications and is a natural choice where you would normally deploy KHS-31C units.
When you present this to your internal teams, you can honestly say that the VP-31C is not a downgrade. It is a lateral move to a compatible accessory that happens to be available when the original is not.
How To Transition Your Fleet From Kenwood KHS-31C To VP-31C
Making the shift from one standard accessory to another does not have to be complicated. The key is to communicate clearly and standardize as much as possible.
1. Choose the VP-31C as your official replacement
Start by designating the VP-31C as your approved replacement for any radio or kit that previously shipped with a KHS-31C. Document this decision in your internal accessory chart or reference site so that purchasing, IT and supervisors are all working from the same playbook.
2. Update your internal compatibility guides
If you maintain a radio and accessory compatibility page on your reference website, update the KHS-31C entries so they read something like:
- OEM earpiece: KHS-31C (backordered or limited availability)
- Recommended replacement: VP-31C single wire G hook earpiece
Anywhere that currently says “order KHS-31C” should be updated to “order VP-31C” while the shortage continues.
3. Label and stage replacements
When the VP-31C units arrive, clearly label the storage bins and issue kits so there is no confusion at the counter or in the equipment room. For example:
- “Kenwood style earpiece – VP-31C – replaces KHS-31C”
This prevents staff from digging around for the OEM part that you no longer stock.
4. Brief supervisors and key users
Before deployment, give a quick overview to supervisors and any team leads:
- Show how the VP-31C connects to the radio
- Point out the G hook ear style, inline mic and PTT
- Emphasize that it is designed as a direct KHS-31C replacement
Most users will not notice much difference beyond perhaps comfort or cable feel. The message should be simple. Same function. New model. In stock.
5. Monitor feedback and performance
After the rollout, pay attention to comments from the field. Are users comfortable for full shifts. Any issues with audio clarity or cable durability. This feedback helps you confirm that the VP-31C is working as expected or identify small tweaks such as routing tips or clip placement.
Voiceporter VP-31C Earpiece - 1-Wire, Swivel, G-Hook, KHS-31C Replacement - K01