Telephone Headsets: A Buyer's Guide

Telephone Headsets: A Buyer’s Guide

Considerations in choosing a headset

You must understand the environment in which the headset is going to be used, and any requirements the user is going to need.

The best example of this is to compare an agent in a call centre, or someone working from home or in a quiet office.

The main points to consider:

• What is the working environment?

• Will they only be on the phone or do they need to interact with colleagues around them?

• Do they need to be in front of a screen, or do they need to be mobile?

Wired Headsets

Wired Headsets• Connected to your phone or PC by a connection lead.

• Long history of availability and very common: come in all shapes and sizes

• Usually much cheaper than the wireless options

• Normally resilient, they can be treated unkindly; useful to have a few spares as they can easily be changed over.

Most of these headsets come with a Quick Disconnect (QD) plug that sits between the headset and the connection lead. This allows the user to keep the same headset all the time, as someone else can simply plug in their headset (as long as both headsets are from the same manufacturer). This is great when you operate in shifts, but has the added bonus of being much more hygienic.

Cordless Headsets

Cordless Headsets

Cordless (or wireless) headsets work by having a base unit which is wired up to your phone or PC much like your home cordless telephone.

The headset then sits on the base unit where it will charge. When you lift the headset off the unit, it connects to the call automatically.

You will not be able to make any calls when you are away from your desk, as you still need a keypad, but you are still able to answer incoming calls.

Although more expensive then corded headsets, prices have gone down over the last few years.

Pros and Cons of Corded v Cordless Headsets

Cost

Corded headsets are cheaper. There are some very cheap models on the market, but the gap between a good quality corded and the cordless has decreased significantly making cordless far more affordable than it used to be

Movement

Although you can buy extension leads for corded headsets, cordless headsets have a clear advantage here. The range you will get depends on where you are using it, but corded will only get you a few metres at best.

Security

You would think corded headsets would be more secure then cordless. The reality is there is no difference here as cordless headsets use DECT technology which is digitally encrypted, making sure it is secure

Interference

Corded will not suffer from any interference as they are wired into your phone.

Cordless technology can handle a high number of headsets before it becomes an issue. This should negate problems for most businesses.

Number of ear pieces?

Number of ear pieces?

• Headsets come with either 1 or 2 ear pieces. These are known as monaural (one eared) or binaural (two eared).

• One important consideration: if you need to work predominantly on the phone and you don't want to be distracted by things going on around you, a 2 eared headset can really make a difference.

• If you need to be on the phone, but also need to chat to people around you, a one eared headset makes things easier.

Wearing Styles

Wearing Styles

There are 3 main wearing styles available.• Over the head• Over the ear• Round the neck

The most common wearing style is the over the head. This is the most comfortable style of headset when worn

for long periods of time.

The over the ear option is more less cumbersome and preferred by those who need to be mobile on a call.

Convertible headsets can support multiple wearing styles giving you a more flexibility and options.

Connection Leads

Connection Leads

• If you buy the wrong lead, your headset will not work

• A wired headset will need a connection lead to connect the headset to the phone. There are many connection leads, and this can be quite confusing.

• One important thing to remember is that the connection lead and headset must be from the same manufacturer. You can't chop and change

Our full guide can be found at:http://www.best4systems.co.uk/headset-buyers-guide

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You can also compare using our manufacturer compatibility charts:

PlantronicsJabra

Sennheiser

Best4Systems

www.best4systems.co.uk