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SPEAKER VS HEADPHONE: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
Good sound communication is the key to the success of a virtual meeting or multi-conference. In the office or at home, which equipment to choose? Nowadays, the battle between headphones and speakers is very close. Some opt for headphones, others for speakers. What team are you on? He is not sure? We analyze the pros and cons of each device and give you a short summary right here. ↓
We present them…
Choosing between a speaker and headphones is not an easy task. The environment, specific needs in terms of functionality, the user's personal preferences and, of course, the budget must be taken into account. Below we present a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each option:
SPEAKER
Let's get back to basics: the speaker is a small audio device for individual or group communication. Sometimes called an external speaker, it is designed for phone calls, audio or video conferencing, and online meetings. The speaker brings together several microphones to capture voices, as well as speakers to emit sound at 360 degrees.
Its advantages :
- 100% hands-free: get rid of your cables! With a speaker, you will have no direct physical connection, whether wired ( USB or Jack ), or wireless ( Bluetooth mode )! Placed on your table or desk, it leaves you complete freedom to move around as you please while actively participating in the meeting.
- Real collaboration : you and your colleagues sitting around the same device to collaborate, a bit like over an aperitif. In addition, the speaker allows you to reduce electronic waste: use a collective solution instead of several individual products. Everyone wins!
- Simply portable : thanks to its pocket format, the speaker is the audio accessory that will go with you everywhere, whether via USB, Jack or Bluetooth. Instantly transform your living room or bedroom into a home office. Travel? Throw it in your bag and go!
Its drawbacks:
- Variable audio quality : The speakers are sensitive to electromagnetic interference... which means that the sound they emit can be affected by ambient noise and echo, causing clipping or distortion, something incompatible with the clarity of your calls.
- Limited Confidentiality : Do you need to discuss confidential matters? Forget the speaker. As the sound spreads 360 degrees in the environment, everyone can hear the conversation... So for discretion and sensitive conversations, opt for headphones.
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HEADPHONES
Wired ( USB, Jack, RJ... ) or wireless ( Bluetooth, DECT... ), headphones are the portable audio device that we all know. They have very varied shapes: they can be placed inside the ear ( intra-aural ), on the ear ( supra-aural ) or cover it completely ( circum-aural ). Headphones are widely used for making phone calls, listening to music, watching videos and even for online games.
Its advantages :
- Concentration above all else : concentrate only on what is essential, the sound content! Direct contact with the ears is what allows the headphones to offer better acoustic isolation and create an immersive and calm sound ecosystem.
- Discretion guaranteed : the headphones ensure the confidentiality of all your conversations! No information escapes when you wear headphones, because the sound you hear is limited to your ears.
- Audio, nothing else : In a noisy environment, it's either high-quality headphones or nothing! Because? These products feature state-of-the-art audio drivers and advanced noise reduction technologies ( ANC is the most powerful ), producing clear, balanced sound rich in details.
Its drawbacks:
- Comfort : Although manufacturers do everything possible to alleviate the problem, the finding remains the same: when using headphones all day, you often experience headaches or earaches related to the pressure of the headphones on the ear ...But that depends on each one!
- Reduced mobility : Do you move during calls? It is possible, to a certain extent. With a Bluetooth headset, you can move more freely, that's for sure, but their limited range will quickly remind you: don't wander too far away, or you risk losing control of the call ( disconnects, etc. )
- Limited Use : Imagine you had to share a headset with multiple people during a call... While the speaker supports one-to-one communications and group sharing, the headset is generally limited to one-to-one use.
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… COMPARED…
It is easy to see that each device has its strengths and weaknesses. But to choose well, you have to compare them, and that is what we have done, based on 6 precise criteria :
Audio performance:
Speaker : In a quiet environment, the speaker offers more than decent audio quality, but in a noisy environment, things change... Due to its sensitivity to interference, its performance is lower if there is noise around, especially in terms of vocal clarity.
Headphone : In general, headphones offer better sound quality thanks to their sound isolation. Advanced audio drivers and noise-cancelling microphones, often available, reinforce the advantage of headphones in this area by reducing unwanted background noise.
Privacy :
Speaker : Again, the speaker doesn't really support sensitive conversations, probably because the sound spreads around the room and is therefore perfectly audible to everyone.
Headset : On the contrary, headphones are perfect for delicate conversations and shared or noisy environments, because the sound is confined to the ears.
Comfort :
Speaker : If you want to make calls or participate in meetings all day at home, the speaker is what you need. No need to wear it on your head = no uncomfortable feeling at the end of the day!
Headset : There is no exact science here... comfort depends largely on the quality of the helmet and its design. As we know, some models can be painful when worn all day ( and even more so for those who wear glasses ).
Versatile use:
Speaker : Perfect for group meetings, business conferences, casual conversations with colleagues or friends, and family calls at home.
Headset : Ideal for confidential business calls or in noisy environments, for listening to music in an immersive way, for streaming video content and for gaming!
Mobility and comfort:
Speaker : During calls and meetings, portable speakers offer you all the freedom of movement you want ( even in wired mode ), not least because you are not physically tied to a specific device.
Headset : Headphones are more restrictive in terms of mobility... Even if they are wireless ( Bluetooth or DECT connection ), they require you to remain close to the workplace or the device to which they are paired, otherwise disconnections may occur in calls. ...
Pricing and affordability:
Speaker : As with many products, speakers fall into 3 price ranges: budget, standard, and high-end. Logically, models with advanced features are more expensive, but they are still very affordable given their versatility of use.
Headset: Headphones are available in a wide variety of prices, thanks to their dual function of professional and personal use. From basic models to high-quality options, there is something for every price and every user. As with the speaker, the price depends on the options and features you choose.
…LET’S RECAP
After all, one is not necessarily better than the other... Choosing well means, above all, taking the time to reflect on the user's needs and preferences before purchasing any product. Here is a summary of the essential criteria to take into account:
| AURICULAR | SPEAKER | |
| Audio performance | + | - |
| Privacy | + | - |
| Comfort |
- |
+ |
| Versatility of use |
- |
+ |
| Mobility and comfort |
- |
+ |
| Pricing and affordability |
= |
= |
Still don't know which one to choose? Call us at 0333 123 3050 , or through our form . We will take care of finding the ideal product for your needs and, above all, based on your preferences!
As a Key Account Manager specialized in video conferencing solutions, I combine expertise in key account management with technological innovation. My approach is to tailor communication solutions for each client to maximize their efficiency and satisfaction. I am committed to transforming communication challenges into opportunities through sustainable partnerships and effective collaboration.