Best VoIP Headsets

VoIP headsets allow you to communicate through your computer and the Internet to friends, family, customers, and vendors.  If you’re using VoIP to make phone calls, then you know how important it is to have a good quality, reliable headset.

Time and time again, our customers come to us asking which brand of headset is best.  There are hundreds of headset manufacturers and models available, and we understand that it can be a little overwhelming. We haven’t tested every possible headset, but we have compiled a list of our favorite headsets in hopes that the list will help you find a VoIP headset you like.

Wireless v. Wired Headset
Wireless headsets connect to your computer or phone via Bluetooth technology or indirectly via a USB receiver that uses some other RF (Radio Frequency) technology. The most reliable wireless headset connections use the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony) wireless technology, and are typically used to connect to desktop phones.  However, they often have a USB connection to enable them to connect to a computer, to be used with a softphone application, such as Bria. Their receivers are typically large and designed to sit on a desk. There are also wireless headsets that have tiny USB receivers that are designed for mobile computing. Wireless headsets tend to cost a little more than wired headsets, but allow you to move around as you talk, and help you avoid tangled cables.

Wireless headsets can occasionally suffer interference from other RF (Radio Frequency) devices, and are designed as a Personal Area Network (PAN) communications protocol.  Wireless headsets are not designed to let you work a long distance from your computer.  Most wireless headsets will work up to 10 meters from the paired device (your computer or phone).  As you are considering which wireless headset to choose, keep i mind that soft phones do not work well with Bluetooth devices, unless they have a USB receiver that plugs into the computer. Bluetooth technology is a wireless communications system intended to replace the cables connecting many types of devices, but it doesn’t maintain the persistent connection that most soft phones require. 

Wired headsets are physically connected to your PC by a USB cable. Unlike wireless headsets, wired headsets do not require a battery.  Because you’re physically connected to your computer or phone, your mobility is limited and there is a cord to deal with, but the sound quality may be superior to a wireless connection in some cases.

Our Favorite Headsets

Plantronics Blackwire 700

The Plantronics Blackwire 700 is a wireless headset with the ability to connect to your PC and mobile phone. This headset sports the first Smart Sensor technology that lets you answer a call by simply putting on the headset. You can even pause media playback by taking it off. With a PC wide band, noise-canceling microphone, and hi-fi stereo sound, this headset provides exceptional sound clarity.

Operating System: Windows and Mac
Talk Time: 10 hours
Price: $125.00+

Jabra Pro 9470 

The Jabra Pro 9470 is a wireless headset that enables you to take calls from your mobile, desk, or softphone all with one headset. The headset is fully adjustable and can be worn behind the neck or over the head. The dual microphone features Noise Blackout technology, which helps filter out background noise.
With an interactive control center, you can manage all of your devices directly from the Jabra PC Suite on your computer. 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows
Talk Time: Up to 9 hours
Price: $200.00+

Jawbone Era

The Jawbone Era is a wireless headset renowned for its NoiseAssassin Cancellation technology. This headset is a very small piece of hardware, measuring a whopping 2 inches long and weighing only 10 grams. But don’t let its size fool you, it’s one of the most sophisticated headsets available today.

The Jawbone comes with a unique, Shakeshake feature, which is enabled by a built-in motion sensor that allows you to communicate to the headset with a simple touch or shake. For example, you can shake it twice to answer a call, or shake it four times to put it into pairing mode.

Operating System: Windows, Mac OS, MyTALK Applications
Talk Time: 4.5 hours
Price: $99.00+

Sennheiser PC 36

The Sennheiser PC 36 is a wired headset that is lightweight and easy to use. The USB plug and play enables you to plug it into your computer’s USB port for instant action. It features an in-line control that allows you to easily adjust the volume or mute a call. Although the output volume is a little low, the sound quality is excellent. The flexible microphone arm lets you adjust the position to wherever you’d like. Noise isolation is very good because the ear pieces have a hard outer shell, as opposed to foam shell common to other lightweight headsets.

Operating System:N/A
Price: $59.95

Microsoft LifeChat LX-6000

The Microsoft LifeChat LX-6000 is a wired headset “that offers plug and play simplicity” according to its product writeup.  Fortunately there’s is no software required. Just plug it in to your computer and you’re ready to start making phone calls. This headset has comfortable earpieces that are “ergonomically designed”, meaning the earpieces fit reasonably well over your ears. The sound quality is outstanding for the price, and the microphone has some noise cancellation capabilities.  If you’re looking for good value, this headset offers good sound quality at a very reasonable price.

Operating System: Windows
Price: $40.00 – $75.00