There's no denying that remote work is here to stay. According to a recent report by Owllabs, 81% of employees in the United States that worked remotely during COVID-19 expressed a desire to continue doing so. After all, most said they felt more productive working from home. While this appears to be true, remote work also comes with its fair share of distractions and – sometimes – long hours. So having the right headset for remote work is less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones for your home office, we've got you covered. Not only do we have some criteria to help you choose the perfect hardware, but we've also listed some of our personal recommendations. Enjoy!
How to Pick Your Perfect Headset for Remote Work
1) Consider the Sound Signature
If you appreciate listening to music while at work, or your job is largely audio-based, this consideration is especially important. So be sure you check the specs of each microphone you're considering in order to check if their sound signature is balanced or not. If it is, that means that the headphones will reproduce each frequency at even levels – giving you the best sound quality possible.
2) Be Sure There's Noise Cancellation
No matter where you go, there will be distractions. A noisy coffee shop, barking dogs, a babbling toddler, all these things, and more can attract your attention. Noise-canceling headphones will be a lifesaver in those situations, allowing you to fully focus on the task at hand.
3) Ensure You Can Be Heard with the Right Microphone
In-line microphones are a must for video conferencing and VoIP users. It will provide a better guarantee that your contacts will hear your voice without any interference.
4) Keep it Comfortable
Most of today's modern workforce does their job in front of a computer. And odds are, they will be wearing headphones for most of that time. It is quite important that the headphones you choose will be comfortable for long periods of time, without being too tight or too loose over your head and ears.
5) Stay True to You
Purchasing headphones that align with your personal style and comfort levels are more important than you might think. Do you need headphones that are small and easily stowed? Or do you prefer larger headphones to keep by your desk for all work calls? No matter what your answer, you'll be able to find a pair that suits your unique needs.
Our Recommendations
If you're still not sure exactly where to begin when it comes to purchasing headphones, we here at NTS Direct have compiled our own "go-to" list for your reference of various types and price points.
Wireless Headsets for Remote Work Options
Jabra Engage 75 Convertible Headset
For those who are looking for a sleek, lightweight wireless headset with advanced noise cancellation, this headset is right for you. With an integrated busy light and a battery that lasts through an entire workday, you'll be able to keep your productivity high and your interruptions low.
-
Convertible headset
-
Up to 9 hours of battery life
-
Allows up to 3 times the number of wireless users in an office space – without impacting call quality
-
Meets Skype for Business Open Office requirements and more!
Jabra PRO 920 Wireless Headset
On the more cost-effective side of Jabra headwear is the Jabra PRO, designed for use with all desk phones and all the essential features of a wireless headset. Set-up is a breeze with its intuitive call-control buttons and user-friendly voice prompts, getting you up and running in no time.
-
Includes DECT connectivity
- 325-foot talk range
- Equipped with Jabra SafeTone, cutting off all loud noises
-
Noise-canceling microphone and more!
Grandstream GUV3050 HD Bluetooth Headset
For those of you who prefer over-the-head headphones to in-the-ear devices, the GUV3050 is the right fit for you. Not only is it Bluetooth compatible, but it also comes with a USB dongle for those moments when Bluetooth might not be available. Equipped with noise-canceling ear pads and a noise-canceling microphone, the GUV3050 gives users crisp HD audio, excellent distraction avoidance, and all-day comfort.
-
Compatible with all major third-party communications platforms
-
Can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at once
-
Busy lights are embedded on both sides of the headset to indicate that a call is in progress
-
Offers an adjustable headband, in-line controls, and left or right wearing style
Yealink WH66-TEAMS
Another industry-leading DECT headset is the WH66, which comes in both Dual and Mono models. Not only does this headset work seamlessly with major UC platforms, but it also integrates with other Yealink phones. It's also equipped with a multifunctional workstation that allows users to manage phone calls, connect to multiple devices, and even charge their personal cell phones.
-
Connect all devices you want with built-in Bluetooth and USB ports
-
Expand your PC’s connectivity with 2-port USB 3.0 hub
-
Easily manage calls on the 4.0 inch (480 x 800) capacitive touch screen
-
Equipped with Yealink Acoustic Shield Technology - i.e. two built-in microphones built that automatically block background noise but ensure the users voice can be clearly heard.
Yealink WH67-TEAMS
Another convertible option is the Yealink WH67 – a DECT wireless headset that works seamlessly with most industry-leading UC platforms and all Yealink phones. Its touchscreen base allows the headset to charge wirelessly, act as a workstation, manage phone calls and even act as a speakerphone when necessary. It is also Bluetooth and USB-capable, giving you the most flexibility possible.
- Equipped with a 2-port USB hub and wireless mobile phone charger
- Compatible with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business
- Comes with Yealink Acoustic Shield Technology, i.e. two microphones built into the headset that blocks background noise automatically but ensure participant voices can be heard clearly
Quick DECT Update
Many of you may be wondering what DECT is. We'll take a moment to unpack it. DECT stands for "Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications." Unlike Bluetooth communications, it connects with a base station rather than with a Bluetooth-capable device. It utilizes a PBX and wireless LAN to let users move around a specific office space without dropping a call. If you're looking for a headset that can be taken on the road, Bluetooth is your best investment. If you'd like one specifically for your home office, consider a DECT-capable device.
Yealink WH62-DUAL-TEAMS
If you like the look of the WH67 but need a lower price point, the WH62 is right for you. Not only is it equipped with USB compatibility, busy lights, and Yealink's Acoustic Shield Technology but it is also compatible with Teams and Skype as well.
The 2x microphone design filters out background noise twice as much for a distraction-free conversation. The WH62 offers multiple device connectivity and is compatible with all major platforms.
-
Connects with multiple devices via DECT & Bluetooth
-
Allows users to talk for up to 14 hours without having to recharge the headset
-
It allows a wireless range of up to 175 feet
Yealink BH72
One of Yealink's best-selling wireless headphones, the BH72 is a stylish, on-the-go solution for any remote working professional. Equipped with an Ole Wolff diaphragm - an industry-leading audio component - the BH72 provides the clearest sound possible so users can enjoy phone conversations and even music without having to worry about garbled audio. Its noise-cancelling, fully-retractable Magic Boom mic - coupled with Yealink's Acoustic Shield Technology - make sure users are heard and understood even in the loudest of environments. Want to mute yourself for a moment? Simply push the Magic Boom back into the headset until you're ready to speak. And it's proven to be comfortable, with a design that won the 2021 IF Design Award and a 2021 Red Dot Award.
- Supports up to 40 hours of battery life on ts QI wireless charger - which covers about a week's worth of normal usage
- Universally compatible with common calling apps
- Outfitted with ultra-wide-angle busy light
- Ensures user comfort thanks to its ergonomic earphone design
- Capable of being customized to fit your needs with Yealink’s USB connect
Wired Headsets for Remote Work Options
Jabra Evolve 20 SE MS Stereo Headset
A classic wired headset, the Jabra Evolve 20 SE MS Stereo is a plug-and-play option for remote workers who prefer to work from a desk rather than on the go. It provides professional voice quality, easy call management, and naturally noise-canceling headphones with comfortable ear cushions. These headphones give you a big bang for your buck.
- Connects easily with Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams
- Provides simple call management from a centralized control unit attached to the phone
- Allows for possible softphone integrations via Jabra Xpress or Jabra Direct
Jabra Evolve2 40 UC Stereo USB Headset
On the slightly higher end of the spectrum is the Jabra Evolve2 40 – comfortable, sleek, and equipped with an advanced digital chipset and three professional-grade microphones. These additional improvements give you results you can hear, with 35% less background noise on your calls.
Grandstream GUV3000 HD USB Headset
Simple, affordable, and easy to use, the Grandstream GUV3000 is perfect for remote workers on a budget. With its convenient in-line controls and multi-device capabilities, these headphones give you the features you need at a very attractive price.
- HD Audio for crystal clear and easy communication
- Noise-canceling technology to minimize background noise
- Offers an adjustable headband, in-line controls, and left or right wearing style
- Compatible with any USB device, supports third party and Grandstream platforms, apps, and softphone
If a busy light is a must-have for you, check out Grandstream GUV3005 HD USB Headset with Busylight.
Yealink UH33 Mono
A mono-earpiece headset, the Yealink UH33 is built for the multitasker of the office, allowing them to keep one ear on the call and another ear open for any important conversations or questions. Coupled with wideband audio technology and HD voice, the UH33 delivers richer and clearer conversations, as well as reduces listening fatigue.
- USB and 3.5mm allows connectivity to laptop and smart device
- Provides simple call management via a control unit
- ActiveProtection technology safeguards users from acoustic injury
- Its 330° bendable boom arm allows for easy adjustment without the risk of breaking
If you'd rather have a dual-earpiece headset, specifically designed for Unified Communications and easily integrated with teams, check out the Yealink UH36-DUAL Headset.
Find Your Perfect Fit with NTS Direct
As an expert in VoIP hardware, we're here to be a resource for you! We've been in the business for over 20 years and look forward to providing you and your remote work teams with the hardware they need to succeed. As such, we can help you find the perfect headset for remote work! If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to our experts and we'd be more than happy to help.