Looking for a good VoIP headset?
If you have a VoIP phone and are looking for a headset you may be thinking about whether you want corded, wireless or Bluetooth, one that goes over your head or over your ears and where you should position the microphone.
Corded and wireless headsets
Corded headsets connect via a lead directly into your phone. This is ideal if you do not need to be able to move more than a few meters away from your desk whilst on the phone. If you do require movement, you may need to consider a wireless headset as an alternative.
Bluetooth headsets
Bluetooth technology runs on 2.4GHz RF. Most Bluetooth headsets run with Class 2 Bluetooth, which provide a range of up to 33 feet. There are a couple of Class 1 Bluetooth headsets that have ranges up to 300 feet. Bluetooth headsets are generally small and worn on or in the ear. They do work well with mobile devices.
Over the head versus over the ear
When choosing how you want the headset to fit, your personal preference is key, but your environment will also play a part in the decision. If you're in a louder environment an over-the-head headset will perform better because the full-sized ear cushion against your ear helps block out noise around you from what you're hearing in the headset. In extremely loud environments, covering up both ears is best. Also consider how you interact with co-workers. If you need to talk, interact, and hear what's going on in your office, a single-ear (monaural) or over-the-ear headset is best, leaving one ear open. If you need to completely focus on your caller, covering up both ears (binaural) is optimal to block out noise around you. Over-the-ear headsets are much smaller, lighter weight and more discrete than over-the-head headsets.
Where should you position your microphone?
Approximately 1/4 of an inch away from the edge of your mouth for best results. If you are using a voice-tube model, Plantronics recommends replacing your voice-tube every six months to ensure the best possible sound quality to your callers. This is a good rule of thumb, but it really depends on how well you take care of your headset. At the end of a voice tube is a very fine, wire screen that keeps the tube clear from obstruction.
Jola
Jola supplies leading hosted telephony solutions to UK SMEs via a channel of IT Support and telecoms companies.
We favour the Plantronics Encore Pro HW291N Headset at £75, described as a top of the line headset and praised for outstanding comfort and design. It has wideband audio for clearer conversations, an ultra-noise-cancelling microphone to filter out background noise and a low-sitting extendable microphone for optimal mic positioning. It is lightweight, comfortable for all day usage and has a quick disconnect cord so you don’t get tied to your desk.
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