How do you choose an office headset?
Choose an office headset
There are a couple of things you should keep in mind before you choose a headset. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want a wired or wireless office headset?
- How do you want to wear the office headset?
- Do you want to hear ambient noise?
- Do you use MS Teams or Skype?
Do you want a wired or wireless office headset?
Wired
With a wired office headset, you have less freedom of movement. You can connect a wired office headset to your laptop, computer, or smartphone via a USB-A, USB-C, or 3.5mm jack connector. Make sure to check which connector you need before you buy an office headset. Do you want to connect to a desk phone? You often need an Easy Disconnect cable. This cable usually isn't included with the office headset, so you have to purchase it separately.
Wireless
With a wireless headset, you're not limited by a cable and you'll have more freedom of movement. Thanks to this, you can get a cup of coffee while making a phone call. Wireless office headsets work via Bluetooth, a dongle, or with DECT. DECT is the wireless technology between a headset and the base station. With a wireless office headset, the range is about 50 to 150m.
How do you want to wear the office headset?
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On-ear
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Over-ear
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In-ear
You often wear an office headset for a long time back to back. That's why it's important that it's comfortable and it doesn't bother you after a while. There are both on-ear and over-ear office headsets. An on-ear headset only rests on your ears and is often smaller than an over-ear headset. These headphones press on your ears, so they start to hurt sooner. An over-ear headset falls over your ears, so you won't hear as much ambient noise. These office headsets are more comfortable too. Check the material of the ear cushions too. Ear cushions made of foam are less comfortable than the ear cushions of artificial leather.
Do you want to hear ambient noise?
Do you want to be able to concentrate better during work? Choose an office headset with noise canceling. There are 2 types of noise canceling: passive and active noise canceling. With passive noise canceling, the shape of your office headset reduces noise. These fall over your ears entirely, so you'll hear less of your surroundings. Active noise canceling reduces more sound than passive noise canceling. An active noise canceling office headset uses a technology to reduce ambient noise and white noise. The microphones of the headset pick up sounds and produce other sound to reduce this.
Do you use Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business?
The office headsets certified for Microsoft Teams work with Teams or Skype for Business straight out of the box. This means you won't have to download extra drivers or software. You'll also have extra functions in Teams that are useful. Think about answering or ending calls with just the touch of a button. Or, adjust the volume and mute yourself. If you don't use Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business, a standard UC model is good enough.
