Lend Me Your Ear
28th July 2023 | Modified: 19th September 2023Categories: Tech News
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The move to remote working, using Teams for meetings and phone calls and softphones on the likes of 3CX and CNC CloudPhone have seen a meteoric rise in the need for a worthy headset.
The vast array of headset models can make choosing a suitable one somewhat daunting. In this short article I aim to help you identify a headset suitable for your needs.
Location, Location, Location
Rather than start by looking at the type of headset you want lets look at where you’ll be using it so we can identify the headset you need.
With that in mind, how do you use your headset? Consider the following:
- Do you sit at your desk all the time for calls or do you like to walk around?
- Is your working environment quiet or noisy?
- Do you have a laptop and need to take the headset with you for mobile working?
- How long on average will you wearing it for each day? You need to think about comfort.
Wired for Sound
If you’re sat at your desk with no need to walk around as you talk then a simple corded USB headset will be sufficient. These are relatively low cost however as with most things you get what you pay for. Jabra and Poly produce good quality headsets in this arena.
Other considerations will be whether you want a single ear or stereo headset and how much you’ll be wearing it. We’ll look at these factors later on.
The Happy Wanderer
If you’re more of a walker and talker, more expressive with your hands or just like a wire-free experience then a cordless headset maybe what you’re after.
For movement around the area of your computer and within the same room then Bluetooth headsets work well and come in various ranges. Generally the desk based units have a dock that connects to your computer and the mains to charge the headset.
If you want to roam around your house or apartment or a large office then look at a DECT style of cordless headset which will allow you more freedom.
For more mobile working arrangements you will need to consider a portable Bluetooth headsets such as those manufactured by Poly. These come with a small dongle to connect to your laptop/computer and hook over your ear. Often they come with a small carrying case that doubles as a charger. Whilst these are great for portability, they don’t always filter out ambient noise. If you are generally in a noisy environment they are best avoided in favour of a more substantial headband style unit with better noise cancelling capabilities.
You may also consider in-ear devices such as Air Pods or Jabara Elite series ear buds.
Stereo for the People?
Depending on your environment and your requirements you may opt for for a stereo headset. This has the advantage of helping concentration and muffling external noises. A stereo headset is also good if you intend listening to music. They can also serve as good ear warmers in the cold weather!
Keep in mind that with both ears covered some people can feel isolated and claustrophobic so they aren’t for everyone.
Noise Cancellation
Most headsets come with some form of noise cancelling and like most things some are better than others.
If you are wanting filter out background noise completely then look for headsets/earbuds that explicilty mention the amount of noise cancelling provided.
In conclusion
The variety of headsets on the market has increased significantly.
Whether you’re using the headset for a phone system or Teams, with some thought and consideration of your needs the correct one can be selected and you can avoid making an expensive mistake.
