I’m not a fan of defining a single thing as “best.” Daily I get asked, “What’s the best headset?” my response is, “What is the use case? What are you trying to do? What are you connecting to? What’s your budget?” What is best for your use case may not necessarily be best for someone else. One size does NOT fit all when it comes to headsets. There are many factors to consider, including:
Connectivity (desk phone, mobile phone, PC, Mac, a combination)
Compatibility with your voice, video, and collaboration platforms (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, 8×8, etc.)
Single or multiple work environments/locations
Personal preferences (wearing styles, corded, wireless, etc.)
Organizational restrictions (i.e., some companies restrict Bluetooth headsets)
Support – Leading brands can offer global support
Budget
I have over twenty years in this industry and test models from all the leading brands of professional headsets like Jabra, Poly, EPOS, and Logitech and less-established and up-and-coming brands like JPL, Yealink, AfterShokz, and everything in between. To help people and businesses make more informed purchasing decisions, we share headset mic performance videos via the Call One, Inc. YouTube Channel. Contact an authorized reseller if you would like to discuss headset options for your business.
Please note there are more categories available depending on your industry, work style, and workspace. I want to get across key points that one size does NOT fit all, and there is no “best” headset. Your individual or team members’ work style and workspace will determine which headset is best for them. If you need help, contact an authorized reseller like Call One, Inc., who has close to 35 years of experience and is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Call-One-blog-best-UC-headsets3.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-12-06 14:02:592021-12-06 14:03:05Headsets with the best Noise Canceling Mics (For Now)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology in business headsets became increasingly popular during the global pandemic as the multitude of traditional in-office workers transitioned to work from home. The home environment introduced sources of noise not often found in offices like doorbells, barking dogs, blenders, and screaming children. Today organizations are making plans that will include the return to the office, remote work, or hybrid work.
In addition to having a strong noise-canceling microphone, headset wearers have found they want to suppress the background noise they hear so they can focus on their work.
ANC headsets used for business, need to be compatible or certified with the collaboration platforms being used like Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, Genesys, AWS, 8×8, RingCentral, and more. Leading headset manufacturers will often include a USB dongle to be used with their ANC Bluetooth headsets. Our customers and YouTube viewers frequently ask, “Why do I need a USB dongle?” With the help of our partners, we provide reasons in this blog: “Why Do I Need a USB Dongle vs Pairing the Headset Directly to a Computer?” The primary reasons to use the dongle are compatibility, connection stability, and call control (answer/end, mute, volume up/down) from the headset vs using your mouse.
Microsoft Teams certified models will work with no extra configuration required and offer call control with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. The dedicated Teams button and LED indicator light will provide user notification of events and alerts from the Teams client: Meeting starting, voicemail, or missed call. You can also activate the Teams client or respond to notification with a press of the button i.e. to join a meeting.
Wearing Styles
Today there are multiple headset wearing styles that include ANC technology to support the wide range of personal preferences. Some folks prefer having both ears completely enveloped by the speakers. Others prefer the more discreet earbud-wearing style. And, some wearers prefer a headset with a boomless mic.
DECT Wireless ANC Headsets
Savi 8220 Headset Side View
Savi 8220 Headset Rear View
The majority of headsets that offer ANC speakers are Bluetooth. If you require a DECT wireless headset with ANC speakers, the Poly Savi 8220 stereo models are a great option. The Poly Savi 8220 are available in Office and UC variants. The Savi 8220 Office series support connectivity to desk phone, computer, and mobile device. The Savi 8220 UC includes the D200 DECT Dongle for computer-only connectivity. The D200 is available in USB-A UC, USB-A Microsoft, USB-C UC, and USB-C Microsoft. I’m not aware of another business-grade DECT headset with ANC.
Corded ANC Headsets
The Poly Blackwire 8225 Series are corded USB headsets available in USB-A, USB-C, and Microsoft Teams variants. Not only do you get ANC speakers, but you also get Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology built into the microphone so the people you’re speaking with don’t hear the noise around you. If you prefer a boomless mic corded USB option, take a look at the Poly Blackwire 7225 Series. If you prefer to have your ears completely enveloped, the Jabra Evolve 80 Series may be a good choice for you. The Jabra Evolve 80 offers USB-A connectivity as well 3.5mm for select mobile devices. They are available in UC and Microsoft variants.
I test a lot of headsets. Typically I’m testing the microphones to see how well they perform in real-world environments. Take a look at this Headset Mic Test Video Playlist on our YouTube Channel. Plus, I use headsets daily for communicating and collaborating with colleagues, customers, and partners. I’ve used them in the office, on the road, in airplanes, and from my home office. Here are the variables and factors I considered when selecting my top ANC headset picks for business collaboration:
Connectivity – I need connectivity to a computer and mobile device.
Compatibility – Headset needs to be compatible with 8×8, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, and more.
Battery Life / Talk Time / Listen Time – Whenever I’m not writing blogs or filming videos, I’m in voice and video calls or streaming music. The headset should support 6hrs+ of talk/listen time. If I get back to traveling, I’ll need even longer battery life.
NC mic performance – Hybrid work means working from anywhere. The microphone needs to suppress background noise from multiple noise sources so the party on the other end can hear you.
ANC speaker performance – The key point of ANC headsets is to help you block out distracting background noises so you can focus and be more productive.
Flexibility to use as a wireless or corded USB device – On the off chance, you forget to charge your headset, having the ability to use it as a corded USB device is a great feature. Not all headsets support this option.
Comfort – Anyone who has worn headsets for extended periods knows how important comfort is.
Overall performance – Your headset is a primary collaboration tool that will be used daily. It must perform consistently every day. To ensure optimal performance, be sure to keep your headset firmware updated via the appropriate headset software or app.
Danny Hayasaka’s Top ANC Headset picks are:
These two headsets have been solid performers. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is newer but it very quickly became a favorite based on all the above factors. The Jabra Evolve 75 has been a long-time favorite of mine. Take a look at this Voyager Focus 2 vs Evolve 75 comparison video.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 – I gave the Poly Voyager Focus 2 the top spot due to additional connectivity. The Voyager Focus 2 Office UC and Microsoft Teams certified models support connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile device. And the Teams models have a dedicated Microsoft Teams button.
Jabra Evolve 75 – This has been a solid performer for years. Watch the comparison video to see the differences and similarities between these two top picks.
ANC headsets are a great option for Hybrid Work which translates to Work from Anywhere. The need to block out distractions so you can focus on work or enjoy streaming music can be satisfied with a headset with good ANC speakers. We have created a page that lists all the current ANC Headsets by Brand (Poly, Cisco, EPOS | Sennheiser, Jabra, & Logitech). If you would like guidance or need mass deployment support regarding ANC Headsets for Business Collaboration, contact us! We are more than happy to help you do your business better!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ANC-Headsets-for-Business-Collaboration-blog-header.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-07-02 10:17:182021-07-02 10:17:24ANC Headsets for Business Collaboration
Every day I hear customers requesting “ANC” or “NC” headsets. Some know the difference however many don’t. It’s kind of like “Bluetooth”. To some, “Bluetooth” simply means “wireless”. Whether it’s DECT, 2.4Ghz, 900Mhz is irrelevant to them. They want a “Bluetooth (Wireless)” headset. For this blog, I’m talking about headsets for professional use by Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra & Sennheiser.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sennheiser-MB-360-Call-One-Inc.jpg5001500Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-08-15 10:00:162021-04-19 09:20:36What’s the difference between ANC and NC?
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HeadsetColumn.jpg15121512Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-04-22 20:19:502021-09-28 11:25:56What’s The Best Headset?
Noise is a major distraction in open offices today. It becomes extremely challenging for employees to focus on their work. Plus co-worker interruption causes a decrease in productivity as it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on task.
How many times throughout the day are you interrupted or distracted?
One simple solution is to use an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headset that helps reduce or completely block out background noise (if streaming audio/music).
It’s no secret that noise and interruptions negatively impact productivity. Especially in open office environments. The chatter from neighboring colleagues can sometimes be too much when you are trying to complete a project. Enter the Jabra Evolve 75.
What’s in the box (Charging Stand Variant): Quick Start Guide, Jabra Evolve 75 headset, Jabra Link 370 USB adapter, charging stand*, protective travel case, USB cord (allowing for use while charging)
Set Up and Use on PC: Setting up the Evolve 75 was very simple. Please note microphone can only be worn on the right side. First, charge unit 2.5hrs. Download Free Jabra Direct software (Individual desktop), Jabra Suite for Mac or Jabra Xpress (mass deployment). Plug Jabra Link 370 USB dongle to a PC USB port (allow device drivers to install). Turn on the Jabra Evolve 75 headset. Should connect almost immediately. You can adjust settings via Jabra Direct:
You can also check the status of Link 370 Dongle via Jabra Direct.
To pair to a mobile device via Bluetooth. First, go to your mobile device Bluetooth menu and place into discovery mode. Slide and hold on/off/Bluetooth switch on Evolve 75 to Bluetooth symbol for 3 seconds to place Evolve 75 into pairing mode. Select Jabra Evolve 75. You should be “Connected”.
To mute Evolve 75 simply lift boom arm up. There’s a little button with microphone icon on right speaker towards the top. When I pressed this button, it activated Siri on my Apple iPhone.
Active Noise Cancellation button allows you to eliminate unwanted background noise. The Listen-in feature allows you to listen to your surroundings without taking your headset off. To activate “Listen-in”, press button on the left speaker.
There is an integrated busy light that kicks on when you are in a call. It’s important to educate employees and inform them that when lit up red, the person is “busy” and should not be disturbed. You can manually activate busy light by pressing volume up/down buttons simultaneously. If you are not on a call but need to concentrate. I’ve toured some “open office” environments and a solution like the Evolve 75 is a must in many use cases.
Every day I hear customers requesting “ANC” or “NC” headsets. Some know the difference however many don’t. It’s kind of like “Bluetooth”. To some, “Bluetooth” simply means “wireless”. Whether it’s DECT, 2.4Ghz, 900Mhz is irrelevant to them. They want a “Bluetooth (Wireless)” headset. For this blog, I’m talking about headsets for professional use by Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra & Sennheiser.
