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I know loads on here are working from home.
I have recently picked up a contract which involves frequent Teams conference calls.
There are hundreds out there and prices vary a lot.
Any recommendations for around £40 -£50?
I got a Logitech h600, it is very good.
It is a bit more than your budget, but worth the investment if on calls all the time.
Have had no issues with it so far.
I’ve used loads of headsets over the years, recently I’ve moved away from headsets and I’m now using a Jabra conference speaker (works with usb/Bluetooth)
It’s more than the budget you suggested but its a decent bit of kit especially if your going to be on lots of calls. Really good quality volume and microphones on it
https://www.jabra.co.uk/business/speakerphones/jabra-speak-series/jabra-speak-510
I have been issued these by work and they work really well I have to say
https://www.jabra.co.uk/business/office-headsets/jabra-evolve/jabra-evolve-40##6393-829-209
The control part is good for muting, changing volume etc
I've got a Jabra Evolve 65 which is very good - but is locked in my desk at work as we've not been let back since March.
Luckily I have a wired headset on my home phone, so I use that (mobile signal here is very poor).
I have been issued these by work
interesting -doesn't that broadcast the other peoples voices on the call back to them while you are listening and drive them mad?
thats not a sarcastic question BTW - if it doesn't then I'd be up for getting one too.
As my laptop has a 3.5mm jack I just use an old mobile phone headset. I find this more comfortable than the gamer-style headset types and as I am limited on USB ports I prefer this method. It works fine for me and I can be delivering virtual training sessions for 7 hours + per day. Its a free solution too as I already had the headset.
interesting -doesn’t that broadcast the other peoples voices on the call back to them while you are listening and drive them mad?
We use those Jabra ones, not had any problems.
Not WFH but we have all bee issued with Logitech H340 headsets in our offices (Teams instead of face to face meetings even when were on the same site).
They are pretty good, mic is sensitive enough to have folded out of the way and not cause issues at the receiving end and the sound quality is decent enough, good enough to listen to some tunes when not in a call anyway (as i am now!), a quick google suggests £30 as well so within budget.
We do have some of those Jabra speakers in our conference rooms as well, again pretty good for what it is. Depends if you can WFH without too much interference from anybody else, speakers are a bit less private/more intrusive than headphones for other members of the household.
Well, if budget no object then it has to be Chris King. Perhaps go for Hope if the CK is a bit steep..
Failing that, Jabra Evolve; works fine, although no by no means lightweight.
I just have a very basic Plantronics Blackwire C320-M that was issued by work.
Lightweight 80's style headphones with foam covers, mic on an arm, mute/call/volume controls on lead and connects via USB.
Despite the cheapy feel it actually works pretty well, has okay sound, gets recognised by Windows/Teams/Zoom/Skype etc, and I can wear it for hours without it irritating me.
I use a jabra conference speaker as above. I also have an expensive and good sennheiser headset, but prefer the speaker setup.
I've an old version of a Logitech H570. Simple, comfortable enough for long calls and easy to use. It's USB so not as slick as the bluetooth ones, but I seem to have way less connection issues as a result - especially if you're using VM's. reasonably cheap too.
I've a set of Bose QC35's headphones which I have used for VC, but the noise cancelling just means you end up shouting as you can't hear your own voice, so I tend to use the Logitech for VC's and just use the Bose for music.
Do you actually need a headset (e.g. working in a noisy environment or one where you don't want to create noise around you)? If not you're better off, in my experience, with a USB mic and either in-built speakers (if using a laptop) or cheap external speakers.
If not you’re better off, in my experience, with a USB mic and either in-built speakers
You might be better off - but everyone on the call will hate you. 😀
I just have a very basic Plantronics Blackwire C320-M that was issued by work.
I had those Plantronics for a while, they're decent for speaking audio and comfy. They broke recently (toddler chewed the mic up!) and I replaced with these which are in your budget. Not really any better for Teams calls etc but music and other audio is night and day better than the Plantronics.
We use these ones and cant really fault them
https://www.best4headsets.co.uk/jabra-evolve-20-usb-stereo-headset-all.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAkan9BRAqEiwAP9X6Uczxcpw-B1Y2Lff6vAorL40wv6DaBYvD5LFLCdAya4s_tXbw1a-YmBoCXRYQAvD_BwE
Work seem to have provided a Jabra one eared one so old or obsolete I can't see it on their website, but it looks quite like the evolve one with a usb wire. It's been fine for me with VCs up to a couple of hours and phone calls.
You might be better off – but everyone on the call will hate you
Not true at all, people have commented I sound clear and there's no speaker feedback (I use my built-in laptop speakers). Had someone comment once on background noise and realised I'd pushed the mic very close to my laptop's fan and had forgotten to move it back to it's normal position.
I'm sure there's many crap mic/speaker combos out there but it's not inherently a bad solution and not having to wear a headset for long periods or fumble about for it if I get an unexpected call is just much better for me (and I spent the first month of the first lockdown trying to make both a gaming headset and in-ear headphones with mic on the cord work).
I have a plantronics 5200 usb - they're good. Just replaced it with another one after my cat chewed through the wire. 20 quid off ebay if you look for a second hand one.
Problem with on the ear headsets is the start to ache the ear anything over 1hr. I have jabra and seinheisser sets, both ache my ear. Have just bought some Bluetooth over ear headphones, Sony wh xb900, which were a treat for me and very expensive. However they are really comfy and have noise cancellation, so don't have to listen to wife. I can also use them with phone for music etc. Big problem though, is the mic is shite with win 10. Known issue. I'm now using a separate directional mic.
I think having a decent wireless headset is essential if you spend a long time on calls. Being able to answer the door/call of nature (muted obvs) or make a drink may just keep you sane - you can also pace up and down if not on camera which makes life less sedentry.
The Jabra Evolve2 65 is where I would spend my money but it is a lot more than the stated budget.
https://www.techradar.com/uk/reviews/jabra-evolve2-65-wireless-business-headphones
The OP mentioned contracts though so it would be a business expense
If not you’re better off, in my experience, with a USB mic and either in-built speakers
What do you need a USB mic for, even?
I've been using Teams for phone calls and regular conference calls for the last two years, I can't remember the last time I used a phone. All through the laptop's built-in mic and speakers. Sounds perfectly fine to me and no-one's ever complained about my audio quality.
I use Plantronics Bluetooth headset. I prefer cordless as I tend to walk around during calls. When we were in the office they were great as would connect to mobile phone and laptop so I could listen to music on phone then it would cut across to laptop for calls.
Ears can get a bit sweaty during hot weather though. I now use these most of the time and AirPods for very long calls like workshops and presentations.
no-one’s ever complained about my audio quality.
IME there's always one guy on the conference call using built-in mic/speakers and it is notably crapper quality than the headsets. Not bad enough to comment on, but bad enough to be irritating.
Or culturally, people may not be comfortable telling you your audio is terrible. It's a bit like telling someone their flies are undone or they have bad breath. "No one's ever told me".
As for OP, whatever wired USB headset from Jabra, Plantronics/Poly, Sennheiser/EPOS that you like the look of and fits your budget. If it's on this list then all the better. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/devices/usb-devices
What do you need a USB mic for, even?
I use my laptop with the lid closed (have two external screens) and the mic on the Dell Latitude is on the lid so doesn't work well when closed. Also others in in the team who do you it with the lid open sound pretty tinny & muffled and also sometimes have feedback - that might be an issue specific to the laptop model though.
I just have a very basic Plantronics Blackwire C320-M that was issued by work.
I have the same. Surprisingly good for music but an open design. At home I use a Logitech webcam for mic and occasional camera, and a pair of Bose Companion 20 speakers. I can't abide headset hair!
If I get over 18 months out of a set I'm happy, they all break eventually, so I don't stress over picking new ones.
Currently on Sony WH-CH510. Good range, good battery, fast connect. Can occasionally have a slight echo in certain apps, not sure why, got used to it.
Has to be wireless or you are stuck to the desk
Poly (new company name for Plantronics) Blackwire 3310 (1 earpiece) or 3320 (2 earpieces) would be ideal, there's a dedicated Teams version so you get a better experience
IME there’s always one guy on the conference call using built-in mic/speakers and it is notably crapper quality than the headsets. Not bad enough to comment on, but bad enough to be irritating.
Yeah likewise, i find it annoying, esp if they lean back from their laptop or something. Generally I wouldn't say anything tho, as a) bit rude b) if they had a better option I assume they'd be using it.
I currently have a Jabra pair in my current job, they are really good as the sound quality is great and the mic flips up and down to mute which is really handy. Has lights on it which show you are in a call which is handy for the other half to see what’s going on. They are “Teams Compatible” which means they integrate with the app really well, there’s even a button on the headset that brings up Teams itself on the desktop. Sorry I don’t know the model.
My last job we had very lightweight Sennheiser phones and wow the sound quality was amazing but I looked them up and they were £150. Super comfy and great quality.
Personally I prefer the Jabra as the flip mic to mute thing is super useful. I think they are noise cancelling as well.
They certainly are better than the fancy Corsair gaming headset I bought which was too heavy, mic was rubbish and didn’t fit round my huge noggin.
If you don't need to be quiet for other people then I really recommend a speakerphone instead of a headset. I've a Jabra Speak 510 that I can connect using either USB or Bluetooth. Two big advantages: a big mute button, and nothing on my head.
If you have you're own office, a condenser mic and speakers. It's a lot less fatiguing than wearing cans all day. The conferencing software is good at cancelling out feedback now.
We went down this route for my missus as I come from a family of musicians so this seemed the most natural route, however she has been told that she is much clearer than anyone else in the company many of whom are using headsets.
I've tried a few headsets, laptop mic/speaker etc, but resorted to my apple headphones, and they're the best so far.
culturally, people may not be comfortable telling you your audio is terrible.
This is not a problem within my team, I assure you. If my audio wasn't up to snuff I'd be called a see you next tuesday for it.
Another happy Jabra Evolve 65 user here, they do a one sided and a two sided version (ears). I'm on the two sided version.
I have the Jabra 65 ones, which I use if in the office, but having not been there since March I use a Jabra 510 speaker mic, which works well at home where it’s usually just me during the day. I typically spend 4-6 hrs a day on Teams video calls.
Logitech webcam with built in mic works for me. People have commented that sound quality is better than from headset. And as others have commented it seems less fatiguing than using a headset
For the users of the Jabra Speak 510, if it's positioned near a laptop does the noise from the laptop interfere with the sound quality?
Im on calls a significant amount of time in my work, 4hrs on the trot is not unusual so I went for bone conduction headset.
https://aftershokz.co.uk/products/opencomm
I really love it and its comfy all day (although I do also use the micless version for exercise to)
Anker Soundcore Life Q20s - Bluetooth, 40hr battery life, noise cancelling / background noise removal from microphone - links straight to my laptop or phone for teams without the need for wires so I can move around / away from my desk (range is very good) - been really pleased with them so far and for me as glasses wearer very comfortable. Currently about £50.
NC technology is nowhere near the really good brands, but for Teams calls I find it ideal.
I've stopped using headsets as I found that after a day of multiple calls then it caused me to get headaches. I'm using a Kaysuda desk speaker, it's like a Jabra but doesn't have Bluetooth which suits me fine, but that was only £50 off Amazon.
For the users of the Jabra Speak 510, if it’s positioned near a laptop does the noise from the laptop interfere with the sound quality?
No one has mentioned it, but you can definitely hear the Mac fan going nuts mid call, the volume of the Jabra means I can still easily hear everyone else though.
I've been using my Apple Airpods for everything. They stay in my ears for most of the day now and with a quick lunchtime charge they're good for a long working day. It's even easier now they automatically switch between phone and mac so it doesn't matter if it's a teams/zoom/google conf i'm on or a call coming into my mobile I don't have to faff around and take them out or put them in or connect them to something else.
EDIT; ignore - replying to old post
Work recently gave me some Sennheiser MB660s which are around £300, they are awesome but not 10x better then the Amazon cheapos I had for £30