I was selecting the telephone equipment for my home office as I knew I would be spending a lot of time on the telephone and would need a headset to keep my hands free to work on the computer. But didn’t know how thought had to go into buying a headset.
So, how do you select a headset for your home office? Headsets have to provide great sound experience for you and anyone you’re talking too. They need to be comfortable, reliable, and sturdy while allowing you to work. Prices start at $10 and go to over $300 depending on the connection required. Headsets can connect to your devices via wireless, USB, Apple lightning, and traditional cable, so know your mobility needs and what connection best fits.
Headsets may be determined by the company employing you. Some companies require specific types of headsets, while other companies allow you to choose a headset that works best for you.
At first, it seemed all headsets are alike. But as I soon discovered, there is a drastic difference between headphones and which would be suitable. Making the wrong choice might impact an employer’s decision to hire me or a customer decides to buy from me. Headsets need to be selected using the following four factors.
4 Factors to consider when buying a headset:
- What will you be using the headset for?
- Do you need to buy anything in addition to the headset?
- Where will you be using the headset?
- How much will a good reliable headset cost?
What will You be Using the Headset For?
The particular jobs you work on will help determine which type of headset you can use. Many of today’s telephone headsets have a microphone attached, which is very convenient. This will be a necessity if you want to be able to move around and are not forced to be constantly in front of the computer screen. Another benefit of the newest technology is the increasingly large selection of wireless headsets, which are perhaps the greatest advance as they allow you to move around. Most of the newer headsets are also much lighter.
If you work for a company at home, they frequently provide specific specs and features they want in your headset. Most employers will require features such as:
- Noise-canceling to improve the caller’s ability to hear you clearly;
- Attached microphone to ensure uninterrupted speech;
- Corded microphone to eliminate static,
You may prefer a corded headset, but keep in mind that this restricts your movement. Sometimes you can limit this problem by purchasing corded headsets that have what is known as a “quick-disconnect” feature. This connection allows you to leave your headset on at all times and quickly disconnect from the amplifier, or bottom cable when you need to walk away from your desk. This feature is only available on commercial-grade headsets.
Your employer may require a corded connection to either a hardwired telephone or a computer with a landline internet connection. Many employers also use Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology. This includes “video chat.” Although there are now many VOIP providers, such a Skype and Zoom, who have introduced technology this technology to the mass market. This requires a camera as well as a headset which most laptops and phones have as a standard feature.
Regardless of what type of headset must be used, you will always want a comfortable headset. In addition to the fit and the padding, a headset’s weight becomes very important, especially if your job requires you to wear them over an extended period of time.
Do I Need to Buy Anything Besides the Headset Itself?
- If you plan on using wireless technology to connect to your mobile phone or laptop, then no additional equipment is needed.
- If you plan to connect a headset to your laptop, a USB headset will provide enhanced sound experience and no additional equipment is needed. If you have an apple product, keep in mind that Apple has eliminated USB connections. You will need to purchase an adapter.
- If you are planning to connect a headset directly your phone, you will also need an amplifier or bottom cable, depending on your phone.
An amplifier is a piece of equipment that sits between the headset and the phone. On older phones, the amplifier plugs into the phone jack where your telephone handset currently plugs in. Your handset then plugs into the amplifier so when the amplifier is on, your headset is active. When the amplifier is off, your handset (receiver) is active. Newer phones will have a headset port to plug into and a “Headset“ or “speaker” button. This lets you use the phone without having to remove the handset each time you call. for on-hook dialing so you don’t have to remove your telephone handset for each call.
Another potential solution for many newer phones is the use of a Direct Connect cable to plug into a headset port. This is less expensive than an amplifier, but it limits your volume and sound quality. With a Direct Connect cable, you are relying on your telephone to provide an adequate speaker and microphone volume. Approximately 60-75% of the time a Direct Connect cable will work satisfactorily, but an amplifier will always be satisfactory. This is because an amplifier has microphone and speaker controls.
Where will You be Using the Headset?
When it comes to selecting a headset, your environment can be critically important. If you’re working in an environment where there could be a significant amount of background noise, you will need a noise-canceling headset. The microphone on a noise-canceling headset makes your voice clearer to the caller.
A noise-canceling headset also has a microphone boom that extends near your mouth. The front side of the microphone targets your voice, and the back side of the microphone picks up and dampens any background noise. The headset helps emphasize your voice and reduces the background noise.
Although a noise-canceling headset will reduce your background noise by up to 75%, it will not remove background noise entirely. It will not hide the dog barking or baby crying in the background, just make the sound softer. If you are in a quieter location and do not need noise reduction, a voice-tube headset will work better, giving your caller the crispest, clear audio quality available. Most headsets come in both noise-canceling and voice-tube models.
If you’re unsure if you need noise reduction, there is a couple of simple free tests you can try to measure background noise.
- Test call into the location where you plan to use them and have the person on the other end remain silent while you listen for noise and conversations in the background.
- Record a few minutes of sound on your cell phone and listen back to the recording.
If you hear background noise, you need noise canceling. If you hear no noise, you can get a cheaper and much more effective voice-tube headset.
How Much Will A Good and Reliable Headset Cost?
The price of a telephone headset can vary greatly, depending on the quality and features. You can find good and reliable headsets for as little as $20, but the best can go for as much as $350. How much you spend depends on what you want. (and can afford)
Related Questions:
Do I Need A Headset for My Home Office?
Yes, you will need a telephone headset for your home office. To provide the best call experience for you and your employer, having a headset that enhances a call experience may separate you from the competition. Also, consider a headset that connects to your phone and laptop/computer as video calls are growing in popularity.
Can I Use Earbuds for My Home Office?
Yes, you can, and your hands will be free, they provide mobility and are multipurpose. But consider the listening experience for you and whoever you are talking too. The reception earbuds provide can be a lower quality than a product that was specifically designed for a professional’s home office.