Which Wireless Headset is the Best?

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Which Wireless Headset is the Best? I get this question A LOT! The answer is, “It depends”.

There are multiple variables to consider. What are those variables?

  • What are you connecting to?
    • Desk Phone
      • For Remote Answer/Hang Up does your phone support:
        • Handset Lifter or EHS (Electronic Hook Switch) Cable
      • PC/Laptop
        • Which softphone/UC platform?
        • Firmware upgradeable options available via software downloads (typically free)
          • Corporate software downloads available that supports the ability to push out updates company-wide remotely
            • Makes large deployments easier
          • Mobile device (Smartphone/Tablet)
            • Bluetooth
            • NFC
          • Combination? Which combination?
            • Desk Phone, PC & Mobile
            • Desk Phone & PC
            • Desk Phone & Mobile
            • PC & Mobile
            • Microsoft Lync Optimized

  • Which wearing style do you prefer?
    • Headband
      • Single ear
      • Dual ear
    • Neckband
    • Over the ear
    • Convertible

  • Wireless Frequency and Range
    • Wireless frequency
      • 9GHz DECT
      • Bluetooth
      • 900 MHz
      • A mix based on need and density concerns
    • Wireless range
      • Up to 33ft all the way up to 450ft
      • When it comes to wireless range – there are factors to consider
        • Building material, furniture, floor layout, density, other wireless interferences, etc.

Which Wireless Headset is the Best

  • Talk Time – most folks want a “full 8hrs” however the reality is, most normal office workers only spend 30min – 3hrs actually engaged in phone calls. Of course there are exceptions.
    • Talk times vary from model to model
    • Anywhere from up to 6hrs to infinite talk time (with hot swappable battery option)
  • Field Replaceable Battery
    • We have many “Do it Yourself” types that like the ability to order replacement batteries
  • Warranty
    • Industry standard is 1 year warranty for wireless headsets
    • Some brands offer 2 year warranty on their wireless
  • Multi-Shift?
    • Is there a need to support multiple shifts and/or desk sharing (hot desking)
  • Price
    • MSRP range from $149.95 – $449.95 per wireless headset

Which Wireless Headset is the Best

As you can see, there are many variables to consider when selecting a wireless headset. What is the “best” for one person may not necessarily be for another.

It’s important to work with a headset vendor with experience and knowledge in all these variables to help you find the right wireless headset for you.

 

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

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Is there a difference between Plantronics CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries? YES! Quick blog to help customers see the differences between the CS540, CS540 XD and Savi W740 headset batteries. At first glance, the three models look similar if not identical. However there are some subtle differences in CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries.

CS540 vs SaviW740 BatteriesCS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

The CS540 and CS540 XD models both have a black boom mic, chrome/silver answer/hang up button and black volume/mute switch. The Savi W740 has a chrome/silver boom mic and volume/mute switch. Upon closer inspection, the CS540 XD has “CS500XD” stamped right below volume/mute switch:

Now for the batteries. The CS540 XD and Savi W740 use the same hot swappable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 84598-01).

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

The CS540 had field replaceable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 86180-01). You must remove the battery cover pull battery out to replace.
CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

BIZ 2300 USB Duo

BIZ 2300 USB Duo MS Review

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Unboxing: The BIZ 2300 USB Duo comes packaged in one of the space-saving Jabra boxes. The headset is inside a Styrofoam-like bag. Included is a Quick Start Guide and Warranty info.

Headset: I happen to be evaluating the dual ear version that is Microsoft Lync optimized. Automatically eyes are drawn to the ear cushions/speakers as they are different than most current headsets on market in terms of shape. The headband is also contoured and unlike most current headsets. The speakers swivel to lay flat plus they swivel up and down slightly to contour to ear. One of the coolest things is the 360-degree rotating boom.  The microphone can be easily positioned to correct spot.

BIZ 2300 USB DuoBIZ 2300 USB Duo

 

 

USB Inline Control: The USB inline control is pretty nice. Big, pronounced buttons allow you to easily control: Mute, Volume, Answer/Hang Up as well as Hold button that places call “on hold” and resumes call. My complaint with this is the same as for ALL the other USB headset manufacturers. The inline control is too far down the cable which when sitting, places the control just above my ankle. This makes it challenging to easily use. Additionally, no lapel clip so I can’t clip the cable to help keep the inline control up higher in a more manageable position. For now, I wrap cable behind my neck.

BIZ 2300 USB Duo

Comfort: it’s a really comfortable headset, fits nicely.

Set Up: Set up was fairly straight forward. I took USB cable and connected to an open USB port on my PC tower. Appropriate drivers were installed and headset becomes Audio Device you can select via Microsoft Lync client.

It also becomes a device that can be managed via Jabra PC Suite:

Audio Quality: The audio quality is very good. The speakers provide a nice clean, clear sound. The transmit levels appear to be good. I haven’t received any complaints in reference to transmit. The mic seems to be sensitive and “on” all the time because if I breathe it seems to pick it up.

Summary: I’ve only used a few days now but so far so good. I had initially received a non-Lync version (standard UC model) and I experienced issues connecting calls. Either it wouldn’t answer or I couldn’t hear the person on the other end once call did connect. I still continue to experience not being able to hear caller immediately on some calls. It seems to be a sporadic issue that is corrected by placing calls on hold and resuming the call. Other than that, BIZ 2300 USB Duo MS is working well.

Update 10/18/13: I was able to correct the issue of the lag/delay by going into my PC Control Panel –> Hardware & Sounds –> Setting BIZ 2300 as “Default” Playback and Recording. After I did that I had no further issues. I found the headset to be very comfortable enough for all-day wear. Unlike its competitors, I did enjoy the “Hold” button/feature BIZ 2300 USB offered.

 

 

VXi BlueParrott Xpress Review

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Dates: 5/22-5/23 2012

by Danny Hayasaka

Received the VXi BlueParrott Xpress, 5/22/12. It is “retail” packaged. Here is link to “unboxing” video posted on CallOneInc YouTube Channel: http://youtu.be/rYqN4SryqYE

What’s In the Box: Xpress headset with Ear Hook and Medium Eartip, Large and Small Ear Tip, USB Charging Cable, DC Car Charger.

First Impression: Larger than most “Bluetooth” headsets on the market however still pretty sleek looking. Extremely lightweight.

Wearing: Headset can be worn on the left or right ear. Easy to change ear hook. Still debating whether or not I like the ear tip.

Pairing: After charging via USB. I paired to my phone which was fairly simple to do. If headset is “off”, simply press the multi-function button (MFB) until light flashes blue rapidly. On my iPhone I navigated to Bluetooth menu and made certain iPhone Bluetooth function is “on” and “discoverable”. The option for the VXi Xpress appeared, I selected and Xpress and iPhone were paired. Fairly standard process.

Use: The headset does have voice prompt feature. For example you hear “Power On” when headset is turned on and “Discovering” when in pairing mode. “Power Off” when headset is shut off. I was eager to see how well the noise canceling mic worked. Up until now, the VXi B250-XT has the best noise canceling mic. I made a few phone calls plus left myself a message to “hear” how well the noise canceling mic worked. First I made call with car off. Next I started car and started driving. In city traffic, audio quality was great. Next I got on the highway. First I cranked up the stereo to all the way up to volume level 36 (Level 16-22 is a good strong volume level. 40 is max volume level for my car stereo). Next at speeds of 55+ MPH I lowered the windows in the car, first the driver’s side and then all four windows. Even with all the noise, the person on the other end was able to hear me just fine. They claim at they could hear that music was playing and could hear “wind” sounds however, when I spoke, they heard me just fine. I called left myself voice message. The noise canceling mic on the Xpress headset definitely works extremely well. Additionally, the speaker volume was good. I could hear the other caller fairly well in the extreme conditions.

Closing Comments: I would definitely recommend the VXi Xpress Bluetooth headset to anyone who requires a best in class noise canceling mic. I still believe the B250-XT has the best noise canceling mic however this is almost on the same level. The upside to the Xpress is that it offers a great nc mic in a much sleeker, more attractive form factor.

Plantronics Calisto P240

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Received Plantronics Calisto P240 a few days ago. Finally getting around to testing.

Unboxing: Standard Plantronics package/box. Contents included: Calisto P240 USB Handset, Plantronics Calisto P240 Quick Start Guide, Handset drawstring bag.

First Impression: Looks like a little handset. Good size, not too small, not too big. Fits nice into my hand. Lightweight. Just one connection, USB.

Connecting: Very easy to connect. Simply plug USB cord into free USB port on PC. We use Lync for Voice. The model I have is NOT Lync Optimized version, I had to “select” P240 via Lync Client.

Plantronics Calisto P240

Plantronics Calisto P240

Use: I was able to dial “extension” on Calisto P240 and it dialed and connected call. Additionally it changed my presence status to “In a call”. The sound was actually very good and clear. I am so used to using wireless. This is not a device that I would recommend for the office user. This is a good device for someone who does NOT want to use a headset. Maybe a “Road Warrior” that can connect to his laptop to make/take softphone calls. It has a cord management Velcro strap that assists in keeping cord nice and neat. Also, the included handset bag is a great way to store handset.

I didn’t use for too long. It’s just not practical for me because I receive calls via Lync softphone, Inter-Tel desk phone and iPhone. A multi-connectivity wireless headset (like the Savi 740) better suits my needs in how I operate on a daily basis.

Received VXi UC Proset 10V

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Date: 1/6/12-1/13/12

By Danny Hayasaka

The launch box I received was very cool. Included the headset, letter from Mike Ferguson (President & CEO), sell sheets, sticky note pad, a chrome-VXi-labeled yo-yo and I received a bottle of champagne which is a nice touch. You can never have enough champagne and reason to celebrate.

What’s In the Box: UC Proset 10V headset, Leatherette ear cushion on headset, spare foam ear cushion and mic screen, lapel clip and instructions.

First Impression: At first glance, I said “Wow!” This is completely different than any other VXi headset. It looks like a very cool headset. It’s very light weight. Also, the cable is different than most other corded headset cables. It appears to be  a woven fabric of some sort. Like a nylon rope.

Wearing: Okay, I get a little critical here. I know it’s “new” so there is the “new” stiffness however it seems very “tight” on my head. Additionally, it doesn’t seem to be sitting comfortably on my head. I attribute that to there not being enough mobility in ear piece (speaker). I’ve worn for about an hour now and the tightness on my head is a bit uncomfortable. We use Microsoft Lync so I’m connected to my PC via the VXi X200 USB adapter. My PC tower is located under my desk. So I have to connect the X200 USB cable basically on the floor and the X200 seems to “pull” on the headset causing discomfort. I disconnected the X200 and that appears to be a major cause to the level of wearing discomfort I was feeling.

Possible breakpoint

Sound Quality: Received call via Lync. I was able to use the X200 inline control to answer call. It also changed my presence status when I was “in a call”. The sound quality was very good. I was also able to mute using the X200 inline control. My transmission level was good according to the caller.  My receive volume was pretty good. So pretty good sound quality.

Additional Comments:  I noticed a potential break point. It’s actually already breaking a little where the headband slides in and out. There seems to be an area of stress there. There is no give at ear piece. I’ll continue wearing for at least rest of day and report in later.

End of Day: The headset does lose its “stiffness” after a couple hours of use. The sound quality has remained steady and good so far.

Day 2: Again, the initial stiffness seems to have gone away.  The mic is not like their traditional mics in terms of placement. It seems further away and I can’t seem to “move” it. It’s pretty fixed. However, I haven’t had any complaints in terms of my transmit quality and volume level.

Day 4: All is well. The sound quality is still good. The comfort level has improved  (or I’ve just gotten use to it).

Day 6: After about a week of use the headset definitely feels more comfortable. I really like the woven fabric cable and wonder if they can make other cables using that same material. The headset continued to work well with our Microsoft Lync client. Because I have grown so accustomed to wireless, I’d reach up to the ear piece to answer whenever I would get a call. Even after a week of using, I still do that. Also, it was hard for me to get use to the cord and I realized quickly why I like being wireless so much more.

Closing Comments: The VXI UC Proset should be well received in contact centers who already use corded headsets. In the office space, if there are employees using corded headsets, this may be a nice option based on its appearance. It’s going to be critical to inform customers that headset will take a few days to “loosen up”. I utilized with Microsoft Lync and it worked well. No issues with sound (Receive or Transmit). I really like the material and feel of the cable. It is a “cool” looking headset. Pricing seems to be competitive.  This product definitely needs to be sent out to customers to “try”.