Headset's Buyer's Guide

Pick Your Right Headset / Headset Buyer's Guide

How do I choose the right headset?

Your workplace may have shifted in the last few years. There has been a considerable amount of buzz around working from home, returning to the office, and even hybrid schedules. As you’re working your way back into your new normal, have you felt like something is missing? Adding a headset to your workstation may allow for increased productivity and concentration to get you back on track.

Below are some helpful tips and notable features to look for when finding the right headset for you, wherever you decide to set up shop day in and day out. This guide will help you understand what features you don’t want to work without.

Wired vs wireless – advantages and disadvantages

Wireless headsets offer more freedom and flexibility to roam as you please. On a call but need to go for that second cup of coffee? No problem. Need to grab something from the printer mid-meeting? You got it. However, this is one of the reasons wireless headsets tend to cost a little more. Wireless is worth investing in if you want more freedom than the cord on a headset allows.

Not looking for all the bells and whistles? Wired headsets are a great route if you need a more cost-effective option. If you prefer a quick plug-and-play option, wired headsets will get the job done with little to no set up involved. Who doesn’t want that?

Best budget option headsets

Now you know wired headsets are the most budget friendly, yet, that doesn’t mean they’re missing key features. There are certainly good, better, and best options for corded headsets. 

For meetings (teams, zoom, etc.)

Do you find yourself scrambling to find meeting invites? Do you work with more browsers open than you’d like to admit? Microsoft Teams Certified devices will give you one less reason to be late to your Teams meeting whether using a corded or wireless headset. The dedicated Teams button allows you to launch the app or answer a call with just a click of the button.

Poly and Jabra have a selection of Zoom and Microsoft Teams Certified devices. However, most devices are compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and many other unified communications platforms. The purple TEAMS button is your best indicator that the headset is Microsoft Teams Certified. Highly recommended if using Teams in any capacity.

For general office

Do you feel like valuable time gets consumed by in-office distractions? Maybe coworkers often pop over to your desk. While in-person collaboration will never go out of style, this may put a cramp in the project you were in the middle of. Something as simple as a headset with a busy light could help limit some of the day in and day out interruptions. The built-in light will let your coworkers know when to not disturb.

Jabra’s Evolve2 85 has taken the busy light to a new level, making it visible from any direction. A red light automatically activates when you’re in a call or meeting. You can also activate this yourself.

For call centers

Are back-to-back calls the norm for you? Things to consider when selecting a headset for a call center environment are noise cancellation, comfort, and durability. Finding a device that checks these boxes will provide a better experience for both ends of the call without skimping on comfort. Avoid the headache and grab the Engage 50.

The Engage 50 is the headset for the digital contact center, featuring a processing chip in the earcup that provides call analytic data and advanced functionality. It’s compatible with over 10,000 desk phones right out of the box. The 3-microphone system with noise cancellation filters out background noise, giving callers a superior customer experience whether you’re working from home or a call center.

For working remote

No fixed location? No problem. The corded Blackwire USB series from Poly is your go-to for working anywhere with your PC. Poly’s Voyager 5200 UC is the perfect grab-and-go headset whether you’re running out to a job site or finishing up some calls on your way out of town for the weekend.

For school / distance learning

Don’t let individual creativity be endangered. Quiet time can help some generate novel ideas and insights. It’s recommended to steer towards the over-the-head binaural headsets when needing to bunker down to study or focus. With both ears covered, the outside noise is no longer a distraction. Let the creative juices flow.

Most comfortable headsets

Have you ever thought of a headset as a burden or flat out uncomfortable? Choosing a comfortable headset has a lot to do with your wearing style preference, which you may not even know yet. Luckily, there is more than one wearing style to test out.

The styles range from over-the-head, over-the-ear, to in-ear. The traditional over-the-head wearing style comes in a monaural version, covering one ear, or binaural, covering both. The over-the-ear wearing style is popular for mobile workers or folks who prefer a smaller-scale headset. The in-ear wearing style suits those looking for something like ear buds. So next time you think of a headset as uncomfortable, try checking out a different wearing style that may work better for you.

Best noise cancelling headsets

How many times have you interrupted a group video call to quiet a barking dog or avoid a rumbling lawnmower from joining the conversation? So much for appearing professional!

While this scenario is common nowadays, it’s still frustrating. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could rest assured in knowing that other meeting participants can only hear your voice and not all the distractions that are going on endlessly around you?

If this resonates with you, then we recommend checking out Poly’s best noise cancelling headset to date, the Voyager Focus 2.

The Voyager Focus 2 is for the professionals on calls all day in a noisy home or office environment. Next time you’re talking while muted, the Voyager Focus2 will alert you. Once you put on the headset, it automatically answers the call for you. Ultra-comfortable for all day use no matter where you’re working. PC connectivity via included BT700 Bluetooth adapter or via USB cable; smartphone via Bluetooth.

Top headsets with built-in microphones

All collaborate work involves coordination but working in hybrid teams presents significantly more coordination challenges than working face to face. There may be effort required to coordinate with remote teammates. Don’t get left out of small exchanges and minor decisions on team meetings due to computer audio issues. The Poly EncorePro Series has a proven track record for durability and all-day comfort for those with action-packed days. The flexible microphone is noise cancelling to block out your background noise. This corded headset family has options for USB or QD connectivity.

Best sound quality headsets

Do you work in financial, healthcare or government? Do you need your conversations to be private? This may seem like a no-brainer, but not every call with or without a headset is as private as you may assume. Poly’s S7300 Office Series is the perfect choice for sensitive conversations. Not only will your conversations be top-secret, but clear and protected.

This DECT headset offers up to two times more density than other DECT headsets on the market. Exceeding enterprise security expectations and designed to meet the highest level of DECT Security Step C enhanced with Military level FIPS 140-2 listed features, such as 256-bit AE encryption. If that’s not enough to have you convinced, it also features a noise-cancelling microphone and Poly Acoustic Fence technology.

Most durable headsets for heavy use

Are you constantly tossing your headset into your bag when packing up for the day? Shouldn’t it be the norm to know a headset can withstand a little more than the usual wear and tear?

Although the Jabra Biz 2400 II series is lightweight, it’s no flimsy headset. An adjustable headband and microphone allow you to find the perfect fit during those long days. This series also features the noise-cancelling microphone that’s a must in a noisy environment. This corded headset family has options for USB or QD connectivity.

Headsets vs headphones vs earbuds

Maybe you prefer the earbud wearing style over the traditional over-the-head headset. Is it hard to find a set of earbuds that don’t fall out of your ears or come with connectivity issues? Jabra’s Elite 75 true wireless earbuds fit like no other and connect via Bluetooth to your mobile device flawlessly. Wouldn’t it be nice to work without having to constantly adjust your earbuds? The small, medium, or large ear gels fit nicely in your ear to ensure all-day comfort.

Have your ear buds ever died on you mid-meeting? The Elite 75’s default battery settings allow for up to 7.5 hours for music or calls and up to 28 hours with the case. Not to mention, the compact carrying case doubles as a charging case and is small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket.

Looking for something a little more versatile? Would you prefer to wear just one earbud for voice calls and both for music? Poly’s Voyager 6200 UC is a Bluetooth neckband-style headset with earbuds that allows for just that.

A headset can allow for increased productivity and concentration if you let it. At the same time, it’s important that the headset fits your needs and addresses your working pains. Hear and be heard on that next call.

To speak to a headset specialist, please call (800) 882-7779 Option 1.