Want a hassle-free solution to quickly improve your call quality? A VoIP headset might be the answer. It offers many benefits over traditional deskphones, including noise cancellation, echo reduction and a bonus perk of keeping all your calls hands-free.
With a vast variety of headsets available on the market today, you have options to match your individual needs, preferences and budget (no matter how small or large it may be). Bad news? There are a lot of options. It can get overwhelming searching for the right pair, unless you’ve already laid your eye on a specific set. If you still haven’t found the one, read on and let us guide you through.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Headset
These headsets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Here are four things to keep in mind when choosing yours:
1. Wired or Wireless?
VoIP headsets can either be wired or wireless. If you move around a lot while on a call, a wireless headset is without a doubt a better option. You can get up and walk around at any point, as long as you keep in mind the perimeter of the wireless connection.
It’s also a convenient solution for those who stay on the phone for long periods of time, as long as you remember to check on your battery. Wireless headsets may tie you down to a desk, but they are hard to match when it comes down to sound quality and reliability.
2. Battery Life
If you choose a wireless VoIP headset, always check the battery life. The last thing you need is your device dying in the middle of an important conversation. Most wireless headsets will have a battery life of at least 8 hours, and some may last up to 24 hours. Ideally, you should get something that can take you through a full workday without needing a recharge.
3. Monaural or Binaural?
Monaural headsets have one earpiece, while binaural headsets have two. Monaural headphones are typically lighter and more comfortable to wear for long periods, but binaural headphones offer better sound quality. Most products in this review are convertible, so you can use them in either mono or binaural mode.
4. VoIP Software Compatibility
Most headsets will work with all types of software, but it’s always best to check with your VoIP provider for any potential driver compatibility issues before buying one. Some VoIP providers such as 3CX offer limitless opportunities by providing easy integrations with a variety of softwares. However, it is always a good idea to double check compatibility before making your final purchasing decision.
3 Features To Look For In VoIP Headsets
Now that you know what to consider when choosing your headphone, here are four features to look for:
1. Comfort And Usability
The headphones should be easy to use and comfortable enough to wear for long periods. Look for headsets with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband. If you wear glasses, make sure the design does not put too much pressure on your temples.
2. Sound Quality
Your headphones should provide clear sound quality for you and the caller on the other end. Look for headsets with noise-canceling microphones and echo-reduction features. Noise-canceling headphones use digital signal processing to reduce background noise, so the clear audio is transmitted through the VoIP system, and this is very important for remote employees because the noise from traffic or other people at home can be very distracting.
Poor internet connections can also produce choppy or distorted audio in conversations so if your headset doesn’t immediately fix the jittery sound, you should consider running VoIP tests to check your bandwidth or try getting a good VoIP router. This will help manage the bandwidth required for your calls as they reduce interference from other devices on the same frequency, and improve call quality.
3. Range
If you choose a wireless headset, make sure it has a good range. It is recommended to go for options with a wireless range of at least 30 feet, so you can move around your office without losing the connection.
Now that you know what to consider and the features to look for, it’s time to choose the perfect VoIP headset for your needs. So, let’s dive in.
Top 3 VoIP Headsets
Yealink BH72
Yealink prides itself on providing not only one of the most reliable headsets, but also one of the best price points on the market. Yealink BH72 is a perfect opportunity to boost the comfort of your agents without taking a hit on your pocket.
Reasons to Buy
There’s no need to choose between comfort, aesthetics and convenience thanks to Yealink BH72. Stylish design meets convenience, as the VoIP headset combines a number of latest innovations to ensure the best quality of every call. The wireless headset includes Acoustic Shield Technology that eliminates background noise from both microphones. Plus, with an adjustable and retractable hidden microphone, that you can use to easily achieve professional sound quality regardless of where you are working from. Yealink BH72 also supports dynamic EQ to ensure you can smoothly shift between call and music modes.
Drawbacks
The mechanics of a movable microphone may degrade over time especially during heavy usage over a prolonged period of time.
Logitech H390
The Logitech H390 is a wired VoIP headphone that offers clear sound quality and all-day comfort at an affordable price.
Reasons to Buy
The H390 has a noise-canceling microphone that ensures your voice will be heard loud and clear, even in busy environments. It’s lightweight at just five ounces, making it comfortable to wear for long periods. The Logitech H390 is available in both single and bulk purchases, so you can get the quantity you need. It also has super soft and comfortable ear cups, inline volume controls to change the volume, an adjustable band to fit it to different head sizes, and the single plug-and-play USB-A connector makes all of it easy to set up.
Drawbacks
The Logitech H390 is a decent headset, but it’s not without its flaws. Its short 5-hour talk time means that you’ll have to recharge it frequently if you use it regularly, and it’s a wired hardware device, so the eight-foot cord doesn’t provide enough convenience to move around without disconnecting.
Plantronics Voyager Stereo 4220 UC
The Voyager 4220 UC is one headphone that’s neck and neck with the Jabra in terms of features.
Reasons to Buy
With an impressive range of up to 98 feet, this Bluetooth headset is perfect for remote employees who are always on the go, so you can get in contact with the office or jump on calls with customers without being tied down by wires. The noise-canceling microphone produces excellent sound even in noisy environments. The Voyager 4220 device has a 90-minute charge time, the shortest in this review. The comfortable cushioning on the headband and ear cups make it perfect for long wear, and the average talk time of 13 hours makes it easy to stay connected. It also features a red LED indicator light to let others know you’re on a call, and the iOS and Android mobile apps to control everything from call volume to battery life round out this must-have headset.
Drawbacks
The Voyager Stereo 4220 UC is expensive, costing nearly twice as much as some competing products, it is also heavy, and doesn’t come with a hard carry-on bag making it difficult to carry around.
Final Words
So there you have it! The best VoIP headsets on the market today, compatible with many VoIP providers. Whether you’re looking for comfort, portability, or sound quality, there’s something in this post that fits your needs.
Haven’t found what you are looking for? Check out VoIP-info.org for more information about VoIP hardware and providers.
April 7, 2023
Phone System 