How to choose the right headset?

As little as 10 years ago, the choices of headsets for your home or office were few, and vendors were limited. Now with the advent of new technology and eCommerce store fronts, the choices are great, and suppliers are plentiful. Choosing the best headset for your application, and finding a company that knows and understands the product with the ability to support your needs before and after the sale has become essential. You will need to consider the following factors and with the help of a headset expert, you will find the perfect solution the first time without the hassle of returns:

• Grade
• Wearing style
• Connectivity
• Environment

Finding the right headset can be a daunting task and you’re often left second guessing yourself with the choice you made. With the following to guide you, hopefully you will be asking the right questions for your next headset.

Consumer vs Business Grade Headsets:

The potential headset buyer first needs to recognize the difference between two distinct grades of headsets. One is tinny sounding, uncomfortable and made to be disposable after a few months of use, or sooner if anything goes wrong with it. The other sounds great, is very comfortable and built to last, which includes a warranty so if something does happen (often user caused) it can still be repaired or replaced.

Consumer Grade Headsets:

You will discover the internet filled with inexpensive (less than $25) headsets manufactured by brands you may not be familiar with. These headsets exhibit a remarkably high out-of-box failure rate, with a surge of failures in the 30-90 day window. Initially, many users may be delighted with their inexpensive purchase, as they experience normal connectivity and sound quality out of the box. However, shortly thereafter, you will come to realize the sacrifices you have made. After an hour of use, you will begin to notice their lack of bass. Cheap headsets typically only have the higher frequency range, as a broader range of highs and lows incurs higher costs. Furthermore, you will also discover the discomfort they cause. Most will have an ear cushion with minimal to no foam padding beneath the leatherette cover. It does not take long for the plastic beneath the thin leatherette cover to begin causing discomfort and irritation to your ear.

These headsets supply hands-free communication and provide a passable solution for 10 minute calls while talking to friends and family. The units will mostly offer headband wearing styles and only USB connectivity. Very few will have the capability to connect to desk phones if that’s the solution you require.

Business Grade Headsets:

Business or professional-grade headsets are available from brands like Poly, Jabra, Yealink, and EPOS. These headsets offer various upgrades and come in a price range from $50 to $250. They provide connectivity to USB and desk phone ports, significantly improving hands-free capability for multitasking when compared to a telephone handset. The durability ensures years of 24/7 use and abuse.

Numerous models will feature a Quick-Disconnect (QD) connection that allows users to easily add bottom cables or amplifiers, ensuring compatibility and ease of use with desk phones or PCs. This feature also enables y-cords and side-by-side training. Additionally, QD headsets allow users to unplug and walk away from the telephone without removing the headset. Professional models offer superior sound quality, making it easier for users to hear their callers without the need to repeat information. Noise-canceling mic models further enhance the experience by allowing callers to hear the user’s voice above background noise and other distractions.

Headset Wearing Styles:

Headband with Single Speaker Headsets

The next consideration in choosing a headset is the wearing style. Telephone headsets come in two styles: over the head or over the ear. The traditional and most popular headsets are monaural and consist of a headband over the head with a speaker on one ear. Headband models provide a secure fit, with an ear cushion resting gently against the ear and a temple pad on the opposite side. They provide excellent sound transmission and quality along with a comfortable fit.

When evaluating headband models, you will observe that they feature an adjustable headband that encircles your head and a temple pad on the opposite side for stability. This design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, as the headband remains firmly in place once positioned.

Headband with Dual Speaker Headsets

The second option to consider is a dual ear headset. When you cover up both ears, what you’re doing is making it where you, the user, can really hear better. It balances the sound with everything you have coming in on both ears. It allows you to really focus on your callers better because you’re not distracted with anything around you. The more people you have in an environment, the better this works. It’s an amazing concept that happens. If you switch everybody from single ear to dual ear in a loud environment, the noise level of the entire office will drop drastically because everyone’s not trying to talk over each other. The only negative to going this route is if you need to talk to coworkers, you have to temporarily position it behind your ear.

You can also upgrade headband headsets with circumaural ear cushions, which snap onto the speaker and go over your your entire ear. Circumaural ear cushions use a soft leather ear cushion that creates a seal to eliminate most of your background noise while still being comfortable for extended wearing.

In-Ear / Ear-Hook and Convertible Headsets

For those who want a lower-profile headset that doesn’t interfere with various hair styles, an ear model is a good choice. Lightweight and hardly noticeable, an ear model rests gently on and against your ear. An ear model, however, can be awkward to fit with eyeglasses and can feel less stable.

Ear models are lightweight, comfortable, and provide excellent sound quality, making them suitable for quieter office environments. However, their effectiveness in reducing noise and background sound diminishes as the volume increases. Some ear loops are bendable and flexible, facilitating a secure fit. Others may incorporate cushions or ear tips for added comfort. Ultimately, the choice of ear model depends on individual preferences. Nevertheless, the primary objective is to select a model that offers a comfortable and suitable fit for extended wear.

Connectivity via Corded or Wireless: Which is better?

Corded will be less expensive, but it limits you to roughly 10 to 15 feet of distance. Make sure to put thought into corded versus wireless and your budget. You don’t want to get a corded headset that you find yourself constantly needing a little bit more reach. A typical headset will have a cord that goes down to a quick disconnect. This is anywhere from 15 to 20 inches long. Then every headset always has to plug into an amplifier or bottom cable. Pictured is a typical bottom cable with the QD and RJ9 headset jack. This goes between your headset and your telephone or PC. Please note that when connecting to desk phones, you need to consult a headset expert to determine which bottom cable or amplifier is compatible with your specific phone. Every headset will work on every phone, but you need a bottom cable that’s compatible. There are many different cables that are wired differently and produce different audio volumes. It’s critical you get the right cable that properly connects your headset to the make/model of your specific telephone. (Headset Compatibility Guide)

This cable will stretch to give you about 10 feet of range or distance. With that and the headset cable, it gives you the ability to roll back in your chair or stand up, giving you about 10 to 15 feet of mobility from your phone. That works well with some applications if you spend all day at your desk. If you need a little bit more range than that, or you want the mobility of wireless, that’s where wireless really comes into play to give you more distance. Keep that in mind and make sure you’re not limiting yourself with corded and that you’re really good staying within that range of 15 feet.

The first thing to consider is corded really the best option, or do you want to spend a little bit more money and go wireless for more freedom capabilities. Second is wearing style. That really comes down to your personal preference. With the over-the-ear models, what you’re looking at considering is a headset that’s lighter weight and the important thing is nothing over your head. If you are worried about messing your hair up, or you talk to customers face to face and you don’t want something to be distracting, an over-the-ear model works really well.

How loud is your environment?

The last concept to factor in is your environment. Your environment plays a big role in deciding what headset really works well. Remember, over-the-ear works in the quieter environment. If you’re in a loud call center, and it’s already hard to hear, ear models simply don’t work well because you can’t hear your callers. It defeats the purpose of using a headset.

Voice tube models are made for a quieter environment. They’ll always give you your most crisp, clear voice going to your caller. But, they have to be used in the quieter environment because they don’t have any noise canceling capabilities. Noise canceling picks up your voice and it understands background noise. It then dampens the background noise when audio is transmitted.

In a louder environment, a noise cancelling mic will target your voice better, making it where your caller hears you above any background noise. The environment really comes into play; you want something comfortable from a personal preference point of view, but factor in your environment as you don’t want to purchase a headset that limits your capabilities to where you struggle and can’t hear very well or your caller doesn’t hear because of the background noise around you.

New to telephone headsets? 

Watch our corded headset basics in the video below to learn what will benefit you.

In Summary:

There are four key factors to consider when selecting a headset.

• What grade of headset should you consider with your budget
• What wearing style do you prefer
• What connectivity is needed
• What works best in your environment

The primary advantage of a headset is its ability to provide hands-free functionality, thereby enhancing productivity. Replacing the use of a handset avoids cradling it against your neck and shoulder, as this can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Instead, prioritize the ability to write and type freely while ensuring clear and audible communication with callers. The key to achieving this is selecting a headset that delivers exceptional audio quality while also providing comfort for extended wear.