Tag Archive for: HP | Poly

What’s the Best Headset? It Depends on YOUR Needs

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A question I’m frequently asked is, “What’s the best headset?” My answer is always the same: “It depends.” There’s no universal “best” headset because what’s best for one person or organization may not work for another. Factors like use case, compatibility, personal preferences, environment, and budget all play a role in determining the right headset.

Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Headset

At Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct, we’ve been in the professional headset industry since 1987, and one key lesson we’ve learned is that every client’s needs are unique. While there are many factors we consider when recommending the right headset, here are some of the most common ones we evaluate:

Use Case

What is the role of the headset user? Different roles have different environments, workflows, communications, and collaboration requirements. Below are examples of various roles. A Contact Center Agent’s headset needs will differ vastly from those of a Graphic Designer, and a Field Technician requires a mobile solution and is typically on multiple customer sites compared to a desk-centric role like an Administrative Assistant.

  • Frontline/Customer-Facing Roles, e.g., Contact Center Agent, Sales Associate, Field Technician, Healthcare Support
  • Knowledge Workers e.g. Data Analyst, Software Engineer, Financial Analyst, Marketing Specialist, Writer/Editor
  • Management/Leadership, e.g. Project Manager, Operations Manager, Executive
  • Skilled Trades, e.g. Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Mechanic
  • Service and Support, e.g. Administrative Assistant, Security Guard, Janitor/Custodian
  • Creative and Arts, e.g., Graphic Designer, Online Instructor/Teacher, Video Editor, Game Designer

Does the user need mobility or a desk-based solution? Some roles require mobility in their office or are on the go and require wireless headsets, while some roles are desk-centric, and most or all of their work is done from a dedicated workspace or workstation where a corded headset is sufficient.

Call-centric role or occasional user? Call-centric roles require lightweight, comfortable headsets with high-quality noise-canceling microphones and speakers that provide clear audio for extended periods. The headsets should also be durable, and features like quick disconnect and call controls would be beneficial. For the occasional user, comfort is nice but less critical. A standard microphone with decent audio quality is usually sufficient. The occasional user may prefer versatility like Bluetooth to pair with their mobile phones to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts.

Compatibility & Connectivity

  • What devices will the headset connect to? (e.g., desk phones, computers (Windows/Mac), mobile phones, or a combination) Connectivity is a key factor in determining what headset options are available. Today, there are simple USB corded headsets and multi-connectivity headsets that support connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile device.
  • Which collaboration platforms are being used? Most organizations today use multiple platforms as part of their daily communications needs, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Webex, RingCentral, and more.

Personal Preferences

  • What wearing style is preferred? (e.g., over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, stereo or mono options)
  • How important are comfort, portability, and aesthetics?

Required Features

  • Is Teams Certification or UC compatibility a priority?
  • Does the user need ANC (Active Noise Canceling) speakers for better focus?
  • Is security a priority? Does your company have a “No Bluetooth” policy?

Environment

  • Where will the headset be used? Today, people can work from anywhere, including corporate offices, home offices, coffee shops, airport terminals, hotel lobbies, data centers, city streets, and more. Your environment can help determine which headset is best.
  • Do you have a hybrid workforce that needs a headset that will work with devices in the office and can also be used in their home office or other locations?

Budget

What is the price range? Headsets range from budget-friendly options to premium solutions, and they can cost from $40 to $500+.

These considerations are just a starting point. Our team dives deeper into each client’s unique requirements to recommend the ideal solution for their specific situation. With the right guidance, you can find a headset that truly fits your needs.

What’s the Best Headset

My Top Picks for 2024 by Category

Best Noise-Canceling Microphone

For environments with heavy background noise, a great microphone can make all the difference. Here are my top picks for 2024:

  • EPOS Impact 1000 Series
  • EPOS Impact 800 Series

Want to hear how these headsets perform? Check out our YouTube Headset Mic Test Playlist to listen to real-world mic tests across multiple environments, including noisy open offices and even on the road.

Best ANC Speakers

For immersive sound quality, these headsets deliver in 2024:

Jabra Evolve2 85 Review What’s the Best Headset

Headphone Style

  • Jabra Evolve2 85
  • HP Poly Voyager Surround 80 UC
  • EPOS Adapt 660
  • Yealink BH76 Plus

Earbuds

  • Jabra Evolve2 Buds
  • HP Poly Voyager Free 60 UC

On-Ear Style

  • Logitech Zone Wireless 2
  • Jabra Evolve2 75
  • HP Poly Voyager Focus 2
  • EPOS Impact 1000 Series
What’s the Best Headset

While ANC can reduce background noise for a better listening experience, no headset I’ve tested blocks 100% of background sound. For a deeper understanding of ANC technology and its limitations, check out my blog Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets.

Longest Talk Time

If you need a headset that works as long as you do, here are the top picks for longest talk time in 2024:

  • Yealink BH76: Up to 35 hours
  • Yealink BH70: Up to 35 hours
  • Jabra Evolve2 65: Up to 35 hours (with busylight off)

Longest Wireless Range

For users needing mobility across large spaces, these headsets deliver the longest wireless range of up to 180 m / 590 ft in an open area and up to 55 m / 180 ft in a typical office environment:

  • EPOS Impact D, SD, and 5000 Series
  • HP Poly Savi 7400 and 8400 Series

Most Budget-Friendly

Here are the best options for value in 2024:

  • Logitech H570e (Mono): $39.99
  • Logitech Zone 305 (Teams version, native Bluetooth): $69.99
  • Logitech Zone 305 UC: $99.99 (with dongle)
Poly Solutions What’s the Best Headset

Six Key Considerations Beyond the Headset Model

Choosing the right headset model is important, but there are other factors businesses must consider to ensure they’re making an informed and sustainable investment. For a deeper dive into these considerations—like support and warranty, service and management, total cost of ownership, and sustainability—check out my blog:
➡️ Beyond the Headset: Key Considerations for Businesses

Stay Tuned for 2025’s Top Picks!

I’m currently testing new headsets that will debut in 2025, so stay tuned for updates! If you want to be the first to learn about these new products, follow me on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive demos, tests, and comparisons.

Takeaways: Don’t Go It Alone

Choosing the right headset can be challenging, especially with so many variables to consider. That’s why organizations like Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct are here to help.

  • Call One, Inc. specializes in supporting large enterprises and understanding the challenges of managing thousands of employees across various environments.
  • Hello Direct focuses on small businesses, offering expert guidance for organizations without dedicated IT resources.
What’s the Best Headset

Professional-grade headsets are designed for business use and are certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other major platforms. Whether your priority is mic performance, ANC speakers, or value, it’s important to consult experts.

Need help identifying the best headset for your organization? Contact us today.

Understanding ANC Technology in Professional-Grade Headsets: Jabra, Poly, Yealink, EPOS, and Logitech

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Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens: A Guide to Enhanced Video Conferencing

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The Poly Studio R30 video bar, designed for small meeting spaces, offers a variety of tracking modes via Poly Lens to adapt to different meeting scenarios. These modes automatically adjust the camera’s framing, ensuring that your participants are always shown in the best possible view. From Speaker Framing to People Framing, the Poly Studio R30 gives you control over how your meeting is presented.

In this article, we’ll explore each of these tracking modes and highlight how they enhance your video conferencing experience. If you’d like to see these modes in action, check out our demo video here.

Tracking Modes Available in Poly Lens for Poly Studio R30

Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens

Here’s a breakdown of the different tracking modes available through Poly Lens:

  1. Off Mode: This option disables auto-tracking and framing, allowing you to manually control the camera’s Pan, Tilt, and Zoom settings. Off Mode is ideal when you need a fixed view or want full control over the camera’s positioning for a custom framing solution.
  2. Speaker Framing: Automatically focuses on the active speaker, zooming in on them to keep them at the center of attention. Speaker Framing is perfect for presentations and one-on-one meetings, ensuring the speaker is always the primary focus.
  3. Group Framing: In Group Framing, the camera adjusts to include all participants in the room. It dynamically zooms in or out based on the number of people in the room, making it suitable for team meetings where everyone should be visible.
  4. Presenter Mode: This mode is designed for situations where a single presenter moves around the room. The camera tracks the presenter’s movements, ensuring they remain in frame as they speak and interact with others. It’s a great choice for training sessions and workshops.
  5. Conversation Mode: In small group discussions, Conversation Mode follows participants who are actively speaking. This mode is particularly useful for capturing the natural flow of conversation, ensuring that everyone who contributes is visible.
  6. People Framing: People Framing captures each individual participant in their own frame, making it ideal for interviews or panel discussions. This mode ensures that every participant’s expression and reaction is clearly visible, providing a more engaging meeting experience.
Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens
Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens
Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens

Download Poly Lens for Windows and Mac

You’ll need the Poly Lens software to use these tracking modes and access other advanced settings. Poly Lens lets you configure your Poly Studio R30’s settings, giving you full control over tracking modes and more.

Download Poly Lens here:

Watch the Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes in Action

Want to see these modes in action? Check out my demo video, which showcases each tracking mode in a real-world setting. Filmed from my home office during Hurricane Milton, I walk you through how each mode works and demonstrate its adaptability. Watch the demo here:

YouTube player

Conclusion

The Poly Studio R30’s various tracking modes offer flexibility and customization for any small meeting space. Whether you prefer auto-tracking or manual control, these options ensure you can create the best meeting setup. If you have questions or want to schedule a personalized demo, contact Call One, Inc. or Hello Direct. Call One, Inc. specializes in supporting mid-market to large enterprise clients, offering tailored solutions for complex business needs. On the other hand, Hello Direct focuses on serving small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, providing expert guidance and affordable solutions to enhance their communication and collaboration. No matter your organization’s size, our team can help you find the best video conferencing solution to meet your unique requirements.

Beyond the Headset: Key Considerations for Businesses When Choosing Communication Solutions

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As someone who has been in the business communications and collaboration industry since 1999, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of businesses find the right headsets for their needs. While the specific model of a headset is critical, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are several other essential factors businesses should consider to ensure they’re making an informed and sustainable investment.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions
Work from home worker using Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex headset

1. Support and Warranty

Headsets are vital tools in today’s hybrid and remote working environments, and any downtime due to malfunction can lead to productivity loss. That’s why it’s important to consider not only the features and price of a headset but also the support behind it. Brands like Jabra, Logitech, HP Poly, and Yealink stand out because they offer strong warranties and reliable support channels.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

You want to partner with brands that stand behind their products with multi-year warranties and hassle-free replacement processes. If a headset issue arises, how quickly can you get support? What’s the warranty coverage? These questions matter because the cost of downtime often outweighs the initial savings of a cheaper, lesser-known brand.

Logitech Zone Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

2. Service and Management

Today’s headsets are more than just communication devices—they’re part of a larger, managed ecosystem. For IT departments, the ability to centrally manage and monitor headsets can drastically reduce troubleshooting times. Solutions that allow you to deploy firmware updates, monitor device health, and even push settings across multiple devices can save hours of manual labor.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

Businesses should prioritize headset manufacturers who offer software platforms that enable this level of management. For example, brands like HP Poly, Logitech, and Jabra offer management software for IT admins, which is crucial when you’re deploying hundreds or even thousands of devices. Having visibility into each device’s status ensures you’re proactive about potential issues, reducing downtime and service calls.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

3. Research & Development (R&D) and Innovation

Technology is rapidly evolving, and businesses need to stay ahead of the curve. Partnering with brands like Logitech, Yealink, HP Poly, and Jabra ensures that your headsets will meet today’s standards and adapt to future needs. These companies invest heavily in R&D, consistently rolling out updates and innovations that push the industry forward.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

In my experience, companies that innovate are better positioned to address the evolving demands of modern workspaces, whether it’s improving noise cancellation technology, integrating with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom, or introducing AI-based features that enhance the user experience.

4. Compatibility with Collaboration Tools

Today’s hybrid work environments rely heavily on collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet. It’s not enough for headsets to simply “work” with these platforms—they need to be optimized for them. Certified devices ensure superior call quality, advanced features like voice isolation, and a seamless user experience.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

Businesses should look for headsets that are certified for the platforms they use most. Brands like Jabra, Logitech, HP Poly, and Yealink have a wide range of devices that are certified for Teams, Zoom, and other major platforms, ensuring optimal performance.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

5. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

When evaluating headset options, it’s important to look beyond the sticker price and consider the total cost of ownership. Factors such as durability, software management capabilities, support, and ongoing innovation all contribute to the long-term value of a headset. A lower upfront cost might seem appealing, but if the device lacks longevity, offers limited support, or isn’t future-proof, the overall cost of replacing and maintaining that headset will quickly outweigh the initial savings.

Considerations When Choosing Communication Solutions

6. Environmental Impact and Sustainability

More and more companies are prioritizing sustainability, and the brands you choose should align with those values. It’s important to consider whether the headsets you’re buying are manufactured with recycled materials, whether the packaging is sustainable, and what steps the brand is taking to reduce their carbon footprint. Many of the brands we partner with, such as Logitech and Jabra, are committed to sustainability, producing carbon-neutral products and using recycled materials in their designs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right headset for your business is about much more than just finding the right model. It’s about looking at the full picture: the support and warranty, the service and management capabilities, the level of R&D and innovation, the compatibility with your collaboration tools, and the total cost of ownership over time.

That’s why at Call One, Inc., we partner with industry-leading brands like Jabra, Logitech, HP Poly, and Yealink. These companies are committed to providing not just products, but solutions that help businesses improve communication, productivity, and overall efficiency in the long run. Investing in the right technology today means a more sustainable, efficient, and innovative workplace tomorrow.