Choosing the best headset for your business is about more than sound quality. It’s about selecting a model that aligns with your work environment and communication needs.
Whether for customer support calls, virtual meetings, or team collaboration, understanding the key features can help you make an informed decision. This guide will cover essential considerations to help you choose the right headset for your business.
Call Quality
When it comes to call quality, the best work headsets often feature wideband audio (or HD voice), ensuring crystal-clear sound that boosts communication. For businesses managing frequent phone calls, models with integrated DSP (digital signal processing) can reduce distortion and improve speech clarity.
Models with built-in equalisers provide an enhanced audio experience by allowing users to adjust sound levels for optimal clarity. This feature can be particularly useful for employees who work in busy environments or prefer customised audio settings to suit various tasks.
Microphone Quality
The microphone quality is just as important as the audio quality. Look for headsets with noise-cancelling microphones to filter out ambient sounds like keyboard clicks or office chatter. Directional microphones, which capture sound from a specific angle, are particularly effective in shared workspaces.
Some of the best office headphones with microphones also include beamforming technology, which uses multiple mics to isolate your voice from surrounding noise. For added versatility, opt for models with adjustable boom microphones, allowing precise positioning for optimal sound capture.
Connectivity
Choosing the right connectivity option depends on your office setup. The best wireless headsets with mics provide exceptional mobility and are ideal for employees who move around frequently. Bluetooth® models are perfect for phone calls on the go, while DECT headsets offer a stable connection and extended range, making them ideal for larger workspaces.
Wired headsets, while less flexible, often provide a more stable connection and exceptional audio quality because the sound travels through an analogue connection. They are also simple to set up, as they don’t require pairing or additional configuration.
That being said, many wireless headsets now deliver excellent audio quality, rivalling their wired counterparts. Keep in mind, if you’re opting for a wireless headset, ensure it’s compatible with VoIP platforms like 3CX, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is essential for employees who wear headsets for several hours a day. Look for lightweight headsets with adjustable headbands and padded earcups. Memory foam or leatherette ear pads can improve comfort during long calls, while over-ear models provide better noise isolation. For those wearing glasses, softer ear pads can alleviate pressure on the temples.
Ergonomic headsets with balanced weight distribution prevent strain and discomfort. Some models also feature built-in ventilation to keep ears cool during extended use.
Wired or Wireless?
Deciding between wired and wireless headsets depends on your team’s mobility needs.
Wireless Headsets
Wireless headsets eliminate the hassle of tangled wires, making them ideal for employees who move around frequently, like customer service representatives or those who need to switch between devices. Bluetooth® headsets offer seamless connectivity, allowing users to easily transition between their computer and mobile devices, while DECT technology delivers a stable connection with an extended range—perfect for larger office spaces.
Wired Headsets
Wired headsets, on the other hand, shine when it comes to reliability and simplicity. They provide consistent audio quality, require no pairing or charging, and are typically more affordable than wireless options. For desk-bound employees or roles involving a lot of phone calls, wired headsets could be the best choice. However, the trade-off is reduced mobility, which might not suit roles demanding frequent movement.
Battery Life and Charging
For wireless options, battery life is a critical factor. Models offering 15-20 hours of talk time on a single charge are ideal for long workdays. Quick-charging capabilities can be a lifesaver, providing several hours of use from a brief charge. Many headsets also feature energy-saving modes to maximise battery efficiency when not in use. Additionally, some advanced models allow simultaneous charging and usage, ensuring your calls are never interrupted, even during extended hours.
Noise Cancellation and Sound Isolation
In noisy offices or call centres, noise cancellation can make a significant difference. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses advanced technology to block ambient noise, ensuring clear communication during calls or meetings. This is ideal for client interactions or virtual conferences where clarity is essential.
Over-ear designs with cushioned ear cups provide passive sound isolation by creating a physical barrier against distractions like office chatter or keyboard noise. While ANC actively neutralises background sounds, passive isolation is often more affordable and doesn’t require additional power.
For the best results, headsets that combine ANC with passive isolation deliver an immersive audio experience, enhancing focus and productivity in even the busiest workplaces.
Ease of Use and Integration
The best work headsets are intuitive and user-friendly. Look for models with simple controls for adjusting volume, muting, or answering calls. Multi-device connectivity is another valuable feature, allowing seamless transitions between devices like phones and computers.
For businesses using platforms like 3CX, Microsoft Teams, or other communication software, ensure the headset is compatible. Some headsets even have built-in functionality for these platforms, such as one-touch call answering or muting when using the respective software. This eliminates the need for users to navigate between different devices and apps, simplifying their workflow.
Support and Service
Investing in headsets from reputable brands with robust customer support can save time and reduce downtime. Look for manufacturers that offer warranties with comprehensive coverage, as well as customer service teams available to assist with troubleshooting or product repairs.
Some brands also offer advanced support services like software updates and online troubleshooting guides to ensure your headset performs optimally throughout its life. A strong warranty ensures that any defects or issues with the headset can be handled promptly, minimising downtime and keeping your team productive.
Top Headset Brands in Australia
When choosing the best work headset for your business, it helps to consider reputable brands known for their innovation, comfort, and sound quality. Here are three leading brands and some features you can expect from their headsets:
1. Yealink
Yealink is a global leader in communication technology, known for developing advanced technology for modern businesses. Their headsets are highly compatible with major conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Notable features of their headsets include:
- Wide UC Compatibility: Certified for platforms like 3CX, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- Noise-Cancelling Technology: Advanced features, such as Acoustic Shield Technology, ensure clear voice transmission.
- Ergonomic Design: Lightweight with cushioned ear cups for extended comfort during long meetings.
2. Plantronics
Poly, formerly known as Plantronics, is recognised for developing high-quality, user-friendly headsets that enhance productivity and enable clear communication.
Notable features of their headsets include:
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Reduces background noise for better focus.
- All-Day Comfort: Memory foam ear pads and adjustable headbands for long-term wear.
- Smart Features: Includes sensors for auto-muting and integration with voice assistants.
3. Jabra
Jabra is renowned for durable and high-quality audio products tailored to professional and everyday use. Their headsets stand out for excellent sound quality, advanced noise isolation, and seamless integration.
Notable features of their headsets include:
- Exceptional Call Quality: HD voice and advanced microphones enhance communication clarity.
- Durable Build: Designed for high-usage settings like call centres and busy offices.
- Versatile Connectivity: Options for Bluetooth, DECT, and USB connections, catering to both wired and wireless needs.
4. EPOS
EPOS, formerly Sennheiser, delivers premium audio solutions augmented for professional use. Their headsets combine exceptional sound quality, innovative features, and smart design to improve communication in the workplace.
Notable features of their headsets include:
- Excellent Sound: Crystal-clear audio and adaptive microphones for professional calls.
- All-Day Comfort: Lightweight designs with adjustable headbands and soft ear cushions.
- Smart Integration: Compatible with platforms like Microsoft Teams and equipped with intuitive controls.
Conclusion
Selecting the best headset for your business is a tactical choice that impacts communication, comfort, and productivity. You can identify a model that meets your team’s work needs by focusing on key features such as call quality, microphone performance, connectivity, and ergonomics. Whether you opt for wired or wireless, noise-cancelling or standard models, finding the right headset will ensure clear and efficient communication for your business.
Sign up with C2 Communications for feature-rich, cutting-edge, hosted phone systems that integrate voice and audio technology from industry leaders like Jabra and Yealink. Contact C2 Communications for a free quote and upgrade your communication capabilities today.
