What Are The Best Certified Headsets for Microsoft Teams?

Three Configurations of Microsoft Teams Headsets:

1) Native Microsoft Teams Headsets

If you’re looking for the best Microsoft Teams headset, this version will automatically detect and configure itself for Teams. 

Headsets like the Poly Mission and Focus 6 series are certified for Microsoft Teams, including Open Office certification, so Teams recognizes the device the moment it’s connected. Models with a built-in busy light — like the Mission 600 and Mission 800 series — turn that light on automatically once you join a call, giving coworkers a visual cue that you’re occupied. We cover these features, along with Poly’s other Teams-specific options, in greater detail below.

For a complete listing of options, see our wireless Microsoft Teams headsets and wired Microsoft Teams headsets.

2) Microsoft Certified with Teams Button

Most headsets that are Microsoft Certified or Optimized for Microsoft will have a designated button that activates Microsoft Teams on your PC or mobile device.

This Microsoft headset technology provides a button designated for Microsoft Teams. First, when the headset is connected to your PC, it will automatically configure it as your default audio source for Teams. Second, when the Teams button is pressed, it pops up your Microsoft Teams screen to the forefront, making it easy to access.

For a complete listing of options, see our wireless Microsoft Teams headsets and wired Microsoft Teams headsets.

3) Standard UC Headsets

This version may require you to manually configure your computer’s audio settings.

You can take any standard headset and use it with Microsoft Teams. Most computers since 2016-2017 automatically configure your standard headset when it’s plugged in and set it as your default audio device. If your PC doesn’t auto-detect the headset, you will need to spend 15 to 30 seconds going into your computer settings and selecting the headset as your audio device.

Once your standard headset is configured, it works, acts and looks just like any headset that carries the Microsoft Certified label.

In other words, a standard headset is identical to a Microsoft-certified headset externally; the only difference is the firmware. The Microsoft-certified version will auto-configure itself as your default audio device, compared to a standard headset, which you may need to configure manually.

For a complete listing of options, see our USB headsets.

Which Is the Best Teams Headset?

Now that you have an understanding of headset options for Microsoft Teams, it’s time to narrow down your choices to find the perfect headset for typical calls or the best headset for conference calls.

Corded versus Wireless headsets for Microsoft Teams

If you’re comparing wired and wireless Microsoft Teams headsets, you should be aware that:

• Corded headsets will be less expensive and are simple to set up, and the only maintenance will be an occasional ear cushion needing replacement. The comfort and quality of your audio will be top-notch if you choose guaranteed new products from leading manufacturers, such as Poly, Jabra, and EPOS (formerly Sennheiser). Straying from the big three will most likely cause more headaches than what you make up for in cost savings.
• Wireless headsets will be more expensive, require slightly more setup and need to be connected to power each night so you start your next workday with a fully charged battery. In addition, batteries typically last two to three years. Many models offer replacement batteries, allowing you to refresh your headset so it holds a charge as if new. With advances in technology, users will find the sound quality equal to that of corded headsets. Wireless has a huge advantage over corded in allowing users the freedom to roam about the office as they talk. Many models will also let you receive remote call alerts (so you don’t miss calls to voicemail and spend the day playing phone tag), and answer/hang-up calls remotely (so you don’t have to run back to your phone for every call).

In short, it comes down to the budget. If you can afford it, wireless is the obvious solution. You are simply more productive if not tied to your desk by a cord and can easily collaborate with others in your office as you take your callers with you. You will also find that the best headset for conference calls is a wireless option. This lets you get up, walk around and stretch your legs so you’re not confined to the same chair and position for hours on end.

Wearing Options for a Microsoft Headset

The best Microsoft Teams headsets offer different wearing options, including:

• Over-the-Ear/Behind-the-Ear — Choosing this wearing option will typically give you smaller, lighter-weight headsets. You will sacrifice battery size, resulting in less talk time, with most models not offering a replacement battery, as it is soldered directly to the circuit board to help reduce overall headset weight. Audio quality will be acceptable for typical business use.
• Headband with Single Ear (Mono) — Choosing this wearing option provides a very secure fit for all-day comfort. You will have a full-sized speaker, giving you slightly better audio quality than ear models. With the full-sized speaker, you also create more of a barrier to the noise around you versus what you’re trying to hear through the headset. This improves your call quality and the ability to take in more accurate information from your caller. With the other ear open, you can stay in tune with your environment and have conversations with co-workers more easily. Most monaural headsets have an adjustable headband and offer foam or leatherette cushions that will need to be replaced on occasion with heavy use.
• Headband with Dual Ear (Stereo) — Choosing this option will give you the most secure fit and best audio possible. When covering both ears, you can focus on your callers much more easily and avoid distractions from background noise. You can also slide one speaker back behind your ear on most models to converse with co-workers while maintaining a stable fit. Most binaural headsets have an adjustable headband and offer foam or leatherette cushions that will need to be replaced on occasion with heavy use.

Above all, in loud or open office environments, dual-ear headsets always perform best while reducing the overall noise level of your office, as users don’t have to try to talk over each other during calls. For quieter environments, it really comes down to personal preference. If you don’t want to mess up your hair, an ear model will work well. If you feel a more secure fit is most important, then opt for a headband model.