A To Z Headsets Guide: What's the Best Headset for You?
From listening to music to official meetings and video conferences, headsets have become essential in today's connected world. Discover everything you need to know to choose the perfect headset for your needs.
Welcome to the new iworld of technology! In the era of many choices, applications, plug-ins, adapters, and options for the iworld, headsets have become an indispensable need. Once limited to only a tool for enjoying music, they have matured into wearable devices that augment your smartphone experience, especially after the coronavirus pandemic.
What is a Headset?
A headset is an audio device that enables you to listen and speak at the same time without the need for an additional microphone. In simple words, it is a headset with a built-in microphone that does not limit your productivity to hearing only.
The headsets provide you with the best sound quality by cancelling out the background noises, even if you are working in a crowd. You will sound clear to the attendants in the virtual meetings, even if your dog is barking behind your back.
Is Investing in a Headset Worth it?
Investing in a headset is really worth it when you have to stay connected on calls and meetings for long hours. Thanks to the potential benefits of headsets, which make investing in a headset really worth it:
The headsets or headphones reduce neck or shoulder pain up to 41%. Otherwise, without these hearing devices, your comfort will be compromised, which leads to health issues.
You enjoy the best sound quality because of the latest acoustic technologies used in the headsets. Your productivity increases when there is no limit to communication.
The headsets reduce the chances of mistakes by ensuring smooth communication. Therefore, your daily work efficiency and productivity increase by up to 43%.
Types of Headsets Based on Connection
The wired headsets are physically connected to the device through USB (USB-A & USB-C), JACK, RJ (RJ9 or RJ11) and QD sockets. They are best for those who want to spend most of their time in front of a screen. Check our compatibility guide to ensure your headset works with your phone system.
Wireless headphones refer to hearing devices that are not physically connected to the device. They are connected and paired wirelessly through Bluetooth and DECT technology to your computer, phone, or tablet. They allow you to move freely during calls and virtual meetings without being disconnected. Explore our full range of wireless headsets.
Headset Wearing Styles
This wearing style covers your ears completely and feels like diving into a sound bubble. It is best for keeping you focused in noisy workplaces, and providing optimal comfort for long sessions at home. It's also best for audiophiles who pay attention to sound details.
This wearing style is basically a headband that rests on your ears but does not cover them. This is a versatile and lightweight headband that is best for on-the-go, official use and short sessions (may be uncomfortable for long periods).
These are in-ear earpieces that fit into your ear canals directly. In fact, you can call them "earplugs with sounds". They can accompany you in all situations, whether you are on the go, in a call meeting, or even travelling.
This is the best wearing style where comfort meets support. The neckband rests on your neck and over the ear, which gives you comfort during travelling and sports.
When you want flexibility with adaptability, there comes the convertible style of headsets. It can transform into different wearing styles to provide comfort in all ways. This style is best for those who love to try different styles of headphones, but without investing in separate ear devices.
Mono vs Duo: Which One Should You Choose?
| Parameters | Mono | Duo |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The mono headset is a single earpiece that is widely used in telephony. | Duo headphones are also known as a stereo that has two earpieces that keep you focused by blocking the surrounding noises. |
| Number of Headphones | 1 earpiece | 2 earpieces |
| Engagement or Immersion | Partial engagement, which means you will always know what's happening behind your back. You will not be completely focused on your call. | Full engagement, which means you will be focused during the call and will not be aware of what's happening in your surroundings. |
| Sound Quality | Sound quality is less rich as you are partially immersed in the sound. | You enjoy the best sound quality without any background noise. |
| Recommended | During traffic and when you are outside. | When you are in a virtual meeting or official call. |
| Not Recommended | For audiophiles and music lovers, mono headphones are not recommended. | During traffic and interaction with the outside world. |
Open vs Closed Headphones
| Parameters | Open Headphones | Closed Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | These are the headphones that give you the ultimate listening experience. Using them feels like reaching a sound nirvana as they have ventilated external shells. These shells let the air and sound circulate freely. | The closed headphones have sealed shells with no openings to the outside. They isolate the background noise and make you lose yourself in the sound bubble, fading the outside world. |
| Sound Isolation | The factor of sound isolation is almost zero. | The sound isolation is passive. |
| Sound Quality | Rich sound quality in mid-high frequencies and transient processing. | Rich sound quality in mid-low frequencies. |
| Usage | Best in a Quiet environment, without noise pollution | Best for the environment with a moderate noise level |
Types of Headsets Based on Needs
These are the headphones that are physically connected to the telephones. They are connected through amplifiers, a modular headset port and a 2.5 mm jack.
Examples: Jabra Evolve2 30, Jabra Evolve2 40, Poly Blackwire 3210 USB, Plantronics HW530 EncorePro and Yealink UH34 Lite USB Headset Wired. Browse all corded headsets.
These are the headsets that do not require to be wired directly to the devices. You just have to plug the wireless base/charger into your telephone's handset port.
Examples: Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex Stereo, Jabra Evolve2 75 Wireless, Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC Bluetooth, Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2.
These are the headphones that offer you a hands-free experience at home. They include telephone headset systems, either cordless or corded systems.
Examples: Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony WH-1000XM6, Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex Bluetooth, Plantronics Voyager 5200 and EPOS Impact 1000.
With the growing trend of mobile phones, mobile headsets were also introduced to keep pace. These hearing devices are connected to different mobiles via a 2.5mm headset jack.
Examples: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, Sony WH-1000XM5, Sony WH-1000XM4, Beats Studio Pro and Sennheiser Momentum 4. Discover our Bluetooth headsets collection.
These headphones are also known as USB headsets that are connected to computers. Different plug-in options are used: USB-A port for computers, USB-C port for slim laptops.
Examples: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, Turtle Beach Atlas Air, and Audeze Maxwell Wireless.
Gen Z is crazy about online gaming, and they love live streaming of playing games. For this, they need gaming headsets that keep the game audio and video in sync.
Examples: Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, Audeze Maxwell Wireless, HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, Turtle Beach Atlas Air and Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless.
If you are a music enthusiast or podcaster who loves to mix music and create podcasts, these headphones are for you. They are specially designed for professional use.
Examples: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, Sony MDR 7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and Audio Technica ATH-M20x.
Technical Characteristics of Headsets
Before choosing a headphone, you must have knowledge about the technical characteristics in addition to specifications and features.
Understanding Frequency Response
Frequency response is the aspect that affects how sound is distinguished by our ears, which ranges from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. You can understand its role by the following analogy:
"The bass is the drums, the mids are the singer's voice, and the treble is the cymbals."
It means that the headphone will produce a more balanced sound in the case of wider frequencies.
- Flat: Frequencies are reproduced in the same ratio as the raw sound broadcast.
- In "V": The voice is more dynamic and punchier because the bass and treble make the voice more noticeable.
- Emphasized Bass: The headphones provide a punchier listening experience when low frequencies are emphasized.
- High-Enhanced: The high-frequency vocals are made clearer and detailed with the emphasized highs.
The impedance refers to the resistance of a headphone to the passing of alternating current. It is expressed in ohms, which directly influences the sound quality.
Low Impedance (≤50 Ohms): Most consumer models use low impedance for satisfactory volume on mobile devices.
High Impedance (>75 Ohms): Used only with high-quality audio systems with sound professionals.
Sensitivity refers to the volume level that is produced by a device at a certain power, and it is measured in decibels (dB). It is also expressed as 1 milliwatt (mW) of power.
If a headphone has high sensitivity but low impedance, it will be compatible with any device. But a model that has low sensitivity but high impedance will need an amplifier to perform best.
Noise reduction is an essential feature of any headphone that prevents the surrounding or background noises from disrupting the listening experience.
Active Noise Reduction: Uses electronic circuits and microphones to capture noise and produces sound that is without any noise.
Passive Noise Reduction: Uses the ear cushions or other headphone materials to block the noise.
Harmonic distortion is the addition of unwanted sounds to the original audio signal. The headphone components, including diaphragms, magnets and other components and the high volume may increase distortion.
Features of Headsets Everyone is Looking for
Whether you are a customer service representative, a team lead, a music enthusiast, a gamer or a podcaster, you need headsets. Some common features of headsets that everyone looks for:
Background and surrounding noises can disrupt the normal flow of communication. The headphones mute the background noise and deliver clear sounds during calls and meetings. You sound like a pro, even though a dog is barking behind your back.
Distortion and breaking voices ruin the overall communication experience. The headphones make sure your voice is audible clearly throughout the meeting.
Our headphones are equipped with the latest technologies, Bluetooth and DECT, that let you move freely during calls and meetings. You don't have to stick to the system continuously to stay connected.
Wearing headsets or headphones all day long, especially when you are a sales representative or customer care specialist, ends up tiring you. But a headphone with an ergonomic design can relieve neck and shoulder pain and reduce it by up to 41%.
Wireless headsets have a long battery life that supports you throughout your working hours. It keeps you charged and does not let down your productivity.
The headphones must be compatible with unified communication platforms, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business and Google Meet. They are also compatible with operating systems with plug-and-play functionality.
The headphones have a stereo sound system that does not limit you to just dialling calls. You can enjoy a list of Spotify songs using stereo sound for music and media.
The headsets have easy-to-use controls and indicators that save you time. You directly mute/unmute, volume up/down, play/pause, and call answer/end from the headphone instead of going to the PC.
Not all, but headphones for workouts have water-resistance properties and ingress protection (IP) rating. The athletes can wear them during workouts and exercise, and the dust or sweat will not damage them.
How to Choose the Best Headset for Your Needs?
Prioritize Your Comfort by Choosing the Right Shape & Type of Headset
Your comfort matters a lot when you have to work for long hours. The specific shape, wearing style and design have the potential to increase or reduce your productivity. Choose wisely between mono and duo headsets in wearing styles, including over-ear, in-ear, over-the-ear, neckband and even convertible.
Keep in Mind Your Working Environment and Use
Consider the work environment and choose the headphones accordingly. Is your workplace sedentary or semi-sedentary? If sedentary, then choose a style that makes you comfortable.
Do you work in a quiet environment or a noisy environment? Choose headphones with active noise cancellation for a noisy environment.
If you are working outside or in a remote environment, choose Headsets with multi-connectivity. The professionals working outside or in harsh environments, like construction sites or warehouses, should use Rugged headphones with active and passive noise reduction.
Take into Account Your Technical Needs
Understand the technical needs of the headphone, including frequency response, impedance, sensitivity, noise reduction, and harmonic distortion.
Popular Manufacturer Brands for Headsets
What are the reputable brands you must give a try? The following is a list of brands whose headphones are worth it to purchase. View all headset brands.
Plantronics was the first brand who introduced the first lightweight alternative to heavy headsets.
Known for its top-notch wireless headsets, best for professional use.
Award-winning brand for gaming headsets with multi-platform compatibility.
Chinese company globally popular for its IP phones and headsets.
Famous for consumer to professional-level audio equipment.
Designs and distributes groundbreaking audio products.
Reputable for high-end consumer electronics and audio devices.
German audio equipment manufacturer for professionals.
Famous for premium consumer headphones and earphones.
Our Top 10 Recommendations for Gaming Headsets
Still confused about which headsets you must definitely give a try? Let's reduce your research time by providing you with the top 10 recommendations:
Astro A50 X
Its base station is compatible with Xbox Series S|X, PS5, and PC all at the same time. You can use this headphone for multiple platforms and enjoy simultaneous Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. Its clear mic surpasses both the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and the HyperX Cloud III with EQ technology. The A50 X does not lose detail over 40mm graphene drivers and has a more satisfying bass than other gaming headsets.
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro
These wired headphones have an open back design that widens their soundstage, but they pair perfectly with 45 mm dynamic drivers inside. It's the best headphone for pinpointing the exact location of footsteps in chaotic environments. It comes with a 3.5mm cable for wired connection. It has thick metal adjustment forks and velour ear cushions.
AceZone A-Spire
This headset is the jack of all trades as it can work with 2.4GHz wireless, 3.5 mm wired and Bluetooth. It is comfortable to wear as its ear pads are made of 289-gram weight pleather material. It has prominent EQ technology that lets you adjust the sound to different values of frequencies. It is one of the headsets with legitimate active noise cancellation.
Audeze Maxwell
Audeze Maxwell is unmatchable for reproducing the highs, mids, and bass, and even subbass all at once. It has spring steel construction and large pleather ear cushions. The Xbox version of this headset is compatible with Xbox, PS5, and PC. You can use this with 2.4GHz for wireless (Bluetooth) and up to 3.5 mm for wired connection.
Logitech G Pro X 2
It's a versatile and hybrid headset that can be used with both connections: wired and wireless connections. It is compatible with the range of 3.5 mm for wired connection and can work wirelessly with a 2.4 GHz dongle and Bluetooth. This headphone has a durable aluminium construction and is available in two variants of ear pads: pleather or velour.
RazerBlack Shark V3 Pro
RazerBlack Shark V3 Pro is an upper mid-range, eSports-oriented headphone that has a sleek and aviation-inspired style. It has an ultra-low wireless latency of 13 ms with active noise cancellation. Their battery life is 69.7 hours of continuous use, which is quite impressive.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless is a mid-range gaming headphone that comes with a wireless USB dongle. This dongle provides low latency to keep the game audio and video in sync. They have a rough battery of life of 50 hours with a slightly better microphone. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity and a USB dongle to connect to PlayStation devices.
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3)
Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) is the best headset for gaming on a mid-range budget. Low-latency connection, 85.7 hours of battery life, and simultaneous Bluetooth and dongle connection are some main benefits of this headphone.
Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless
Logitech G435 Lightspeed wireless is an affordable gaming headset with satisfactory performance. It has low latency over both Bluetooth and a wireless USB Dongle. It has a battery time of 20 hours and also has poor passive noise reduction but still, it gives satisfactory performance for the price. It does not have EQ technology for sound adjustment at different frequency levels. If you don't have a good budget but you are still crazy about having a gaming headset, choose Logitech.
Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X
This headset is worth buying if you want a headphone competitive to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless but with an open-back design. This is a wired headset with a boom mic that is comfortable to wear due to its velour and microfiber ear cup padding. Their open designs make a wider soundstage, and they are best for use in a controlled environment. But they are not recommended for long game sessions.
Common Concerns When Choosing a Headset
It's not as simple as it seems to choose a headset when you are investing your budget. Let's address these common concerns to help you choose a better headset for your needs:
How to Maximize the Performance of Headsets?
When you invest in a headset, you expect it to be long-lasting. But if you want to maximize their performance, you are also responsible for keeping them updated and taking care of them.
If you want your headphones to perform optimally, you need to continuously update their firmware. Different brands have different applications:
- Plantronics/Poly: Use Poly Desktop App or Plantronics Hub Software
- Jabra: Use Jabra Direct Application for personal devices
- Yealink: Use Yealink USB Connect (YUC) application
- SteelSeries: Use SteelSeries GG Desktop application
Using multipoint functionality can cause connectivity clashes for multiple devices. Therefore, it is recommended to use the multipoints wisely only for devices you need to connect simultaneously.
Wearing headphones all day may cause you discomfort, and you will wear and remove them more often. This can damage the headsets. Therefore, adjust the ear cushions and bands to reduce fatigue during long use.
No matter if you travel often while carrying your headphones or simply put them in the drawer, you need a sturdy case. The sturdy case will keep them safe from external factors (dust, moisture, sunlight and wind), breakage and bending.
If you start noticing issues like buzzing, sound loss on one side and worn-out cushions, it's time to replace the faulty parts. Replace the faulty parts instead of getting a new headset, which is more economical.
Your ear cushions of headphones deserve a brisk clean after every use. Just remove any accumulated layer of perspiration or dirt on the ear cushions. It is recommended to wipe cushions with a warm, soapy and moist cloth once a week.
To maintain the protein leather coating on the ear cushions, you need to apply a specific leather conditioner. Do this twice a year, as it is enough to preserve their coating.
For a better sound experience, experiment with the ANC level for different values. Set the level according to the environment and your personal comfort.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Headset?
If you are looking for a reliable platform from where you can purchase headsets from the top brands, visit FindHeadsets. It is an all-in-one platform for Plantronics, Poly, Jabra, Yealink and SteelSeries headsets according to your needs.
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