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Which headset should you choose? This headset guide will show you some of the questions you need to ask yourself to help you make the right decision when buying a headset. Call us for advice!
HEADSET BUYING GUIDE:
LET ONEDIRECT HELP YOU CHOOSE YOUR HEADSET
There are two types of headsets you can choose from. These include mono headsets (one earphone) or duo headsets (two earphones). Both types will have an adjustable microphone boom attached to them.
Headsets are compatible with desk phones, DECT phones, mobiles or your PC/Mac desktop computer or laptop.
The key benefit of using a headset is that you can stay hands-free whilst working. This leaves you free to perform other tasks such as writing, moving around or simply making a cup of coffee.
Why invest in a headset?
To relieve your back
Keep your spine straight with a headset
When using a traditional handset, many professionals speak on the phone by hooking the handset between their ear and their shoulder. If this is done for prolonged periods during the day, this position places pressure on your spine, causing tension, blockage, torticollis, tendonitis, etc.
For comfortable, hands-free telephony
Take notes, type on the computer or grab a file, all whilst you're on the phone
Not only does the use of a handset keep your back straight, it also leaves you free to perform other various office tasks. In addition, you are able you hang up calls remotely, adjust the volume or turn off the microphone directly from your headset.
For better sound quality
Headsets are equipped with some of the most advanced acoustic technologies available
The majority of professional headsets come equipped with acoustic protection. This preserves your hearing by removing the effect of echoes and sudden, loud sounds. Furthermore, headsets with noise-cancelling microphones eliminate background noise.
How to choose the right headset?
Do I Need a Corded or Cordless Headset?
Corded Headsets
The best option for professionals who will not usually need to move from their workstation. Corded technology also offers the best sound quality. These headsets would be best for a sedentary salesman, reception workers, call centre workers or administrative staff.
Cordless Headsets
The best option for professionals who depend on the freedom to move in order to carry out their job. Depending on the specifications of your headset, there are some cordless headsets on the market that can achieve a range of 180m from your phone. In addition, you are able to pick up, or hang up a call from your headset.
Monaural or Binaural Headsets?
Monaural Headsets
The best option for professionals who work in relatively quiet environments. Additionally, they are appropriate for those who need to remain attentive to their surroundings whilst they are working.
Binaural Headsets
Ideal for those working in an open space or a noisy environment. A binaural headset minimises noise in your surroundings, therefore leaving you to be focused on your phone conversation.
Which Device Do You Communicate With?
Desktop Phone
Most corded and cordless headsets are compatible with desktop phones. For a corded headset, you will need a to ensure your desktop phone has the appropriate headset jack (usually 2.5mm on most phones, however some may have 3.5mm jack). Adapters are available from major headset manufacturers if compatibility is an issue.
Wireless DECT Phone
Only DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Technology) compatible cordless headsets are compatible with Wireless DECT phones. Please read the specifications before purchasing a headset carefully if you require this sort of connection. Corded headsets however should be easily connectable to a DECT base station through a headset jack.
Mobile Phone
Cordless headsets which are Bluetooth enabled should have no issue connecting to modern mobile phones and smartphones. Neither should corded headsets. Although, please check the jack size as most mobile phones nowadays come with a 3.5mm jack.
Want to connect your headset to multiple devices?
Desktop Phone & PC/MAC
For cordless headsets, there are models available which have base stations that are easily connected to both desktop phones and computers.
For corded headsets, a Quick Disconnect (QD) cable enables you to connect to a desktop phone.
Desktop Phone & Mobile Phone
Your desktop phone and mobile handset cannot both be connected to a corded headset simultaneously. You will need a cordless Bluetooth headset in this instance, with a base station. Both your desktop phone and mobile can connect to the base station via Bluetooth (for the mobile) and a wired connection (for the desktop phone).
PC/Mac & Mobile Phone
Simply connect your cordless Bluetooth headset to a PC/Mac via a USB dongle (available with the headset or separately). For a mobile phone, your Bluetooth headset will pair directly with it. There are however some corded headsets available with dual connection to PC and mobile, via USB and jack. Some may come with a Bluetooth function on the volume rocker keys.
Desktop Phone, PC/Mac & Mobile Phone
There is no corded solution to connect to all three different devices to a headset.
In order to connect to all three, you will need a cordless Bluetooth headset with a base station that is compatible with all three devices.
How frequently do you use a headset?
Intensive Use
(4+ hours per day)
Onedirect recommends a robust headset that will stand the test of time even with heavy usage.
Mono
• EPOS | Sennheiser DW Pro 1 ML
• Plantronics CS540
• Jabra PRO 9450 Mono Flex
Duo
• EPOS | Sennheiser IMPACT DW Pro 2 ML
• Plantronics Savi 7220 Office Duo
• Jabra Engage 65 Stereo
For Daily Use
(2-4 hours per day)
Onedirect recommends a strong, lightweight model with a good battery life.
Mono
• Sennheiser Century SC 630
• Plantronics EncorePro HW510
• Jabra BIZ 2400-II
Duo
• Sennheiser Century SC 660
• Plantronics EncorePro HW520
• Jabra BIZ 2400-II Duo
For Occasional Use
(2 hours per day or less)
Entry level models of headsets are the appropriate and economical choice for non-intensive use.
Mono
• Sennheiser SC 230
• Poly Blackwire C3210 USB
• Jabra BIZ 2300
Duo
• Sennheiser SC 262
• Poly Blackwire C5220 USB
• Jabra BIZ 2300
What are the three leading headset brands?
Plantronics
Plantronics is an American company founded in 1961 and initially dedicated themselves to the manufacture of electronic products for the aerospace industry, including NASA. Today, Plantronics is a world leader in lightweight headsets for telecommunications.
Jabra
Jabra, GN Netcom formerly, is a Danish company founded in 1869 as Telegraph Company .
Since 1986, the company has sold headsets around the world. It has been considered a world leader in this field ever since.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a German company founded in 1945, initially known for its expertise and for the quality of its microphones. Their innovative work on sound communications naturally led him to build high-performance headsets for telephony.
Accessories
Some headset accessories are essential in order to pick up and hang up remotely. Other accessories allow you to make better use of your professional telephony.
Corded headsets:
Connection cables
To connect the headset to your phone or PC or mobile phone, you need a cord.
Cordless headsets:
Handset Lifters
Handset lifters enable you to answer the phone using a cordless headset while away from your desk.
Cordless headsets:
EHS Cables
Electronic hook switch cables enable the base station of your headset to answer or hang up a call from your desktop phone, on your command.