Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap: The New Generation of Entry-Level USB Headsets from Jabra, EPOS, and Yealink

For years, organizations have deployed entry-level USB headsets to new hires with the only requirement being that they fall within or under a certain dollar amount. Unfortunately, recipients of these low-cost, budget-friendly, and let’s face it, “cheap” headsets find them uncomfortable, unattractive, and lacking essential functionality. Many often do not use them, and they remain in their package in a desk drawer, never to see the light of day. Many employees end up buying a headset that may not be authorized, compatible, or certified with your organization’s existing collaboration platforms. That’s no longer the case.

Today’s new wave of low-cost, entry-level USB corded headsets from Jabra, EPOS, and Yealink offer vastly improved comfort, build quality, and features, delivering real value for cost-conscious organizations, new hires, and occasional headset users. Whether you’re deploying headsets to thousands or just outfitting a hybrid team, these models offer professional-grade functionality without the premium price.

Notable Improvements Over Legacy Entry-Level Models

Gone are the days of bulky, plastic headsets that scream “budget.” This new breed is:

  • Comfortable enough for long meetings
  • Stylish enough for on-camera use
  • Functional enough for enterprise deployments

And most importantly, they look and feel like higher-end models, making them ideal for mass deployment across today’s hybrid workforces.

Jabra Evolve 10

  • MSRP: $39 (Web Price $26.99)
  • Part Number: 2699-820-109
  • USB-A only, stereo model
  • Inline Controls: Volume Up/Down, Mute
  • Mute sync with Microsoft Teams & Zoom (not certified)
  • Mic can be worn on the left or right
  • Not manageable via Jabra Direct/Xpress
  • Packaging: Plastic bag
  • Sustainability: Over 50% recycled plastic, TCO certified
  • In the Box: Headset, leather-feel ear cushions, USB controller, warnings/declarations
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap

EPOS Impact 100 Series

  • MSRP: $65
  • Part Numbers: 1001419 – Mono MS (Teams), 1001420 – Stereo UC, 1001421 – Stereo MS (Teams)
  • USB-C + USB-A (adapter included)
  • Inline Controls: Volume, Mute, Answer/End, Teams button (on MS models)
  • Teams certified (MS variants)
  • Manageable via EPOS Connect and EPOS Manager
  • Packaging: 0% plastic, FSC certified, 100% recyclable
  • In the Box: Headset, carry pouch, USB-C to USB-A adapter, quick guide, safety guide, compliance sheet
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap
  • MSRP: $59 Dual / $49 Mono
  • Part Numbers: 1308218 UH42 SE Dual Teams  C/A, 1308220 UH42 SE Mono Teams C/A, 1308219 UH42 SE Dual UC  C/A, 1308221 UH42 SE Mono UC C/A
  • USB-C + USB-A adapter + 3.5mm connection
  • Inline Controls: Volume, Mute, Answer/End, Teams button (on Teams models)
  • Teams certified (Teams variants)
  • Manageable via Yealink USB Connect and Yealink Management Cloud Service (YMCS)
  • Packaging: Recyclable plain cardboard box
  • In the Box: Headset with 3.5mm jack, USB-C inline control unit, USB-A adapter, quick start guide, regulatory notice
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap

Side-by-Side Comparison Matrix

Feature

Jabra Evolve 10

EPOS Impact 100

Yealink UH42 SE

MSRP

$39

$65

$49 Mono / $59 Dual

Connectivity

USB-A

USB-C + USB-A adapter

USB-C + USB-A + 3.5mm

Inline Controls

Volume, Mute

Volume, Mute, Answer/End, Teams Button (MS Models)

Volume, Mute, Answer/End, Teams Button (Teams Models)

Teams Certified

No

Yes (MS Variants)

Yes (Teams Variants)

Mute Sync in Teams/Zoom

Yes

Yes

Yes

Device Management

Not supported

EPOS Connect, EPOS Manager

Yealink USB Connect, YMCS

Packaging

Plastic bag

0% plastic, FSC Certified, 100% Recyclable

Recyclable plain cardboard box

What’s in the Box

Headset, Leather-feel ear cushions, USB controller, Warnings/Declarations

Headset, Carry pouch, USB-C to USB-A adapter, Quick guide, Safety guide, Compliance sheet

Headset with 3.5mm jack, USB-C controller, USB-A adapter, Quick Start Guide, Regulatory Notice

Warranty

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

Device Management Capabilities

Managing headsets at scale is just as important as selecting the right model. Both EPOS and Yealink offer remote device management solutions that allow IT teams to configure, update, and maintain headset fleets from any location.

Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap

🛠️ Management Overview:

  • Jabra Evolve 10
    Not manageable via Jabra Direct or Jabra Xpress. This model is designed as a simple, reliable, plug-and-play headset.
  • EPOS Impact 100 Series
    Manageable via EPOS Connect for local settings and via EPOS Manager, a centralized solution for managing, updating, and configuring EPOS audio devices across global teams.
    🔗 eposaudio.com/software-epos-manager
  • Yealink UH42 SE Series
    Manageable via Yealink USB Connect and the Yealink Management Cloud Service (YMCS), a powerful tool that enables remote monitoring, updates, and settings configuration across multiple devices.
    🔗 Yealink Management Cloud Service
Affordable Doesn’t Mean Cheap

These platforms enable easy deployment, tracking, and support of devices across hybrid and in-office workforces.

Why Work with an Authorized Reseller Like Call One, Inc./Hello Direct?

Choosing the right headset is just the beginning. As a Yealink Certified Headset Solution Professional and trusted partner of Jabra and EPOS, we don’t just sell hardware; we help you make informed, strategic decisions.

  • Proof of Concept (POC) and Pilot Programs
  • Digital Evaluation Surveys for User Feedback
  • Pre- and Post-Sales Technical Support
  • Integration Guidance with Collaboration Platforms

Whether you’re deploying 10 or 10,000 headsets, our team is here to help streamline the process and reduce complexity.

Final Thoughts

Instead of being hidden away in a drawer, these new entry-level USB corded headsets from Jabra, EPOS, and Yealink prove that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean barebones. Solid audio performance, a comfortable fit, and platform compatibility, including Teams certification and device management on select models, make these excellent choices for organizations seeking quality at scale.

Ready to test one out or deploy across your workforce?

👉 Contact a Call One, Inc./Hello Direct team member to schedule a demo or evaluation program today.

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