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Kenwood KHS-31C Earpiece Shortage: How To Keep Your Team Talking With the Voiceporter VP-31C Replacement

November 24, 2025

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If your team relies on Kenwood Kenwood-style two way radios, there is a good chance you also rely on the KHS-31C earpiece. It is one of the most common earhanger / G-hook style earpieces in use with Kenwood ProTalk and similar radios.
Right now there is a nationwide shortage of the KHS-31C. Dealers are listing it as backordered, lead times are slipping, and many fleets are stuck waiting for accessories that should be simple to reorder.
The good news is that you do not have to park radios on the shelf just because you cannot get the original accessory. With smart planning and the right replacement, you can keep your teams on the air and avoid downtime. In this article we will explain what is happening with the KHS-31C, what to look for in a compatible replacement, and why the VP-31C earpiece is a strong option when the KHS-31C is out of stock.

What Is the KHS-31C Earpiece and Why Is It So Popular?

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.

The KHS-31C Shortage and What It Means For Your Fleet

Accessory shortages happen for a variety of reasons. Production changes, parts constraints and increased demand can all play a role. Whatever the root cause, the result for you is the same. You go to reorder KHS-31C earpieces and you see:
  • Backordered notifications
  • Unknown lead times
  • Limited quantities with strict order limits
If you run a small operation you might be able to wait it out. If you manage a large fleet, or if your radios are critical to safety and operations, waiting is not an option.
Common pain points that show up during a shortage include:
  • New hires do not have an earpiece and have to use the radio speaker
  • Existing users share earpieces, which is not ideal from a hygiene standpoint
  • Supervisors keep “borrowing” working earpieces from other staff
  • Attempts to mix and match random aftermarket parts cause compatibility problems
Instead of trying to chase whatever stock is leftover in the market, it is usually smarter to adopt a compatible replacement and standardize around it. That is where a model like the VP-31C comes in.

What To Look For In a KHS-31C 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

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: KHS-31C Versus 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 earhanger 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 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.

Turn the Shortage Into an Opportunity To Standardize

While a shortage can be frustrating, it is also a chance to clean up messy accessory inventories. Many organizations accumulate a mix of different brands, styles and partial kits over time. Adopting the VP-31C as your standard KHS-31C replacement lets you:
  • Consolidate to one primary earpiece model for Kenwood style radios
  • Simplify training and deployment
  • Reduce confusion for purchasing and maintenance staff
  • Ensure that new hires and replacement kits are easy to build
By documenting the change on your reference website and consistently linking KHS-31C lookups to VP-31C information, you can make the transition smooth for everyone who depends on your radios.