How to select the Best Headset for VoIP Calls

Whether you’re using a physical telephone on your desk or you have a softphone installed on your computer, using a headset makes your work life a lot easier. And what if you’re using a VoIP calling service? Does it make a difference? What is the best headset for VoIP calls?

I know that when I’m on the phone a lot, it’s so much easier if I can click the “hook-switch” on my headset to make and receive calls. I have complete handsfree access to continue my work which may mean I’m taking notes from my call or scheduling an appointment with my customer.

Common mistakes when looking for the Best Headset for VoIP

There are a lot of options in the market for headsets. Different brands, wireless or wired, dual or mono sound, noise canceling, and more.

So what mistakes are too easy to make:

1. Don’t pay too much. If you’re working from home and you’re not on the phone too much, then a simple, low-cost wired headset can work for you. So don’t feel compelled to go out and buy the most expensive headset, thinking it will change your life. 
2. Noise is a productivity killer. A busy office comes with noisy people. The same can be said when working from home. Dogs? Kids? Neighbors? Consider getting a noise-canceling headset.
3. Wired wins every time. Suppose you’re in a space that has interference from the likes of a microwave or other radio signals. The interference can potentially reduce the connection quality to the call when using wireless. Consider using a wired headset instead of Bluetooth.
4. Electronic Hook Switch. You’ve bought a headset, but it doesn’t have an electronic hook switch, so to make or cancel a call, you have to use the calling device itself, e.g. the phone. Check when you purchase the headset, whether it comes with an EHS or is this purchased separately. The EHS makes life simpler for those who spend a lot of time making calls.
5. The headset is not compatible with calling devices. You buy your headset and set it to use it, but it doesn’t work with your phone. Make sure you check the make and model of the handset to ensure your headset is compatible. 

 Generic or Branded Headset

There is a lot of great technology available within the headset space. Do you have to buy a headset that matches the make and model of your phone, or can you buy a generic brand like Jabra or Plantronics?

Factor in how you will use the headset, which will help you decide.

1. How many hours per day will you use the headset? 
2. Do I need wired or wireless? 
3. How much do I move away from my desk?
4. Will noise canceling features be worth the money?
5. Do I need stereo sound?
6. How much battery life will I need?

Once you have a good idea of your use for the headset, you can start looking at some of the great brands available.

• Jabra
• Plantronics
• Yealink
• Grandstream
• Snom
• Cisco

Our recommended Best Headset for VoIP

We have a diverse selection of headsets that our team uses. The most popular by far is the Yealink WH62 Mono, a single earpiece, over-the-head, wireless headset.

Ultimately, whichever headset you select, you can rest assured this will work with Vaitel’s VoIP service, regardless of whether it’s with a phone or a softphone device.

Please take a look at our VoIP Calling Plans and Pricing, and feel free to get in touch and let us know which you think is the best headset for VoIP.