This is a frequently asked question on our channel so we decided to reach out to Jabra, Poly and EPOS for their response. While you can pair your headset directly to your PC or Mac, the primary reason to use a dongle is call control. Using the pre-paired dongle will support the headset user the ability to answer and end calls via headset controls vs platform GUI. Other reasons to use a USB dongle versus pairing headset to Bluetooth are improved audio quality, increased roaming range, and overall user experience.
Integration with computer softphone and software support with Jabra Direct Full integration between a Jabra device and a computer softphone usually works only when combined with a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter. Connecting to a computer without a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter may provide audio capability in the device but not call control for answering and ending calls.
Bluetooth range Jabra devices obtain the best possible range when they are used with a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter and not the built-in Bluetooth in a computer. Bluetooth performance of a computer is usually limited to a range of 2-5 meters/ 6-50 feet in a typical office environment.
Factory pairing and installation The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter and Jabra device come pre-paired in the box. The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter supports plug-and-play functionality, without needing to install separate software drivers on the computer.
Identification as a soundcard When pairing with the Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter, the device is identified by the computer operating system as a soundcard and can be used for all audio purposes. If a device is paired with the built-in Bluetooth of a computer, the device is usually recognized by the computer as a headset and can only be used for communication purposes.
Poly
Why are BT600 USB bluetooth adapters needed vs. pairing the headset directly to the PC/MAC?
Poly Bluetooth UC devices are full-featured and designed for optimal user experience. To fully benefit from the advanced functionality and have the most reliable audio experience, it is required that the headset is paired via the BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter versus paired directly to the PC/MAC. Poly provides function and additional benefits through the BT600 USB adapter in the following ways:
PC/MAC Bluetooth systems can vary widely in design and capability. By providing a BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter, Poly can ensure a better experience because we control both ends of the wireless connection
The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter functions as an audio processor, which assures the best audio experience through wideband audio support—providing the highest voice quality. If connected directly to the PC/MAC, wideband audio is not possible
Without the BT600 USB adapter, PC/MAC Bluetooth systems do not typically provide capability to use the call control from the headset. Calls must be managed from the PC/MAC GUI and the buttons on the headset do not function. This eliminates mobility and provides a poor user experience
The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter supports Poly software which provides advanced features, customization, as well as firmware upgrade capability
PC/MACs typically do not support all the required Bluetooth profiles or may assign the wrong Bluetooth profile to an application. The result can be poor audio quality, loss of audio on microphone or earphone, and inconsistent operation
The BT600 USB Bluetooth adapters enumerates to the computer as an audio device and therefore cannot act as a USB storage device. That being said, BT600 adapters cannot be used to access data on the PC/MAC
EPOS | Sennheiser
It’s the same reason for us, along with being the key to Microsoft Certification. Both the headset and dongle together is what certifies the device for use with Teams, or Skype for users still using SFB. Using the dongle will give you improved audio performance and connectivity performance as opposed to pairing native to the machine which the BT chipset can vary and may not handle audio as well as other machines etc. This is why we recommend it for most users.
Summary
As you can see, through all three partners, they have similar options on using a USB Dongle versus pairing headset to Bluetooth. Having a USB dongle is critical for having a better sound, connection, and overall better experience. Want to learn more? Check out our latest video:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Dongle-Blog-graphic-V4.jpg10691900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-01-14 16:25:402021-01-14 16:25:43Why Do I Need a USB Dongle vs Pairing the Headset Directly to a Computer?
I find this article very interesting and it makes sense that the hardware provided by the manufacturer would work better…however I have a real use case where it is worse.
I have a Jabra Evolve 75 headset that worked great with my Dell Laptop for a long time via the USB Adapter. Then I purchased a Dell Ultrasharp Webcam B7022. Now I have connection issues with my headset and others tell me my audio is garbled. I’ve confirmed this with my own tests and have also proven that it is the webcam that complicates things. Immediately after I unplug the webcam the audio issues are gone.
Even more interestingly, when I use the native Bluetooth on the headset paired directly via Bluetooth to my Laptop, I have no problems. So clearly there is an issue with the signal between the USB Adapter and headset. Maybe something isn’t shielded properly?
Good article but the topic of signal conflict with other devices was not addressed. I have heard that Bluetooth headsets in a Call Center environment typically have some signal issues. I do not know if the headsets were paired directly to the PC or if a dongle was used. If I gave 20 call center agents Jabra 75 headsets and they are seated in close proximity to each other in cubicles, does using the USB dongle eliminate the risk of signal disruption between the users?
Hi Steve! Great question! I would love to take this offline to understand your use case better. Different options exist to resolve Wireless Density issues with Bluetooth and DECT wireless headsets. Feel free to email sales@calloneonline.com – Subject:Bluetooth Wireless Density. In the body of email, request email is forwarded to Danny Hayasaka
[…] to support mass deployments and extended warranty periods. Another difference is the inclusion of a Bluetooth dongle with UC Bluetooth headsets to improve connection stability, audio quality, and compatibility and […]
[…] am frequently asked, “Why do I need a USB dongle?” There are many reasons that I share in this blog post link. I have tested several Bluetooth headsets paired directly with my laptop. While most Bluetooth […]
[…] frequently asked question is, ‘Why do I need a USB Dongle?’ I answer the question in this blog and video. The dongle is a crucial difference between consumer and business Bluetooth headsets for use with a […]
[…] “Why do I need a USB dongle?” With the help of our partners, we provide reasons in this blog: “Why Do I Need a USB Dongle vs Pairing the Headset Directly to a Computer?” The primary reasons to use the dongle are compatibility, connection stability, and call control […]
I find this article very interesting and it makes sense that the hardware provided by the manufacturer would work better…however I have a real use case where it is worse.
I have a Jabra Evolve 75 headset that worked great with my Dell Laptop for a long time via the USB Adapter. Then I purchased a Dell Ultrasharp Webcam B7022. Now I have connection issues with my headset and others tell me my audio is garbled. I’ve confirmed this with my own tests and have also proven that it is the webcam that complicates things. Immediately after I unplug the webcam the audio issues are gone.
Even more interestingly, when I use the native Bluetooth on the headset paired directly via Bluetooth to my Laptop, I have no problems. So clearly there is an issue with the signal between the USB Adapter and headset. Maybe something isn’t shielded properly?
Good article but the topic of signal conflict with other devices was not addressed. I have heard that Bluetooth headsets in a Call Center environment typically have some signal issues. I do not know if the headsets were paired directly to the PC or if a dongle was used. If I gave 20 call center agents Jabra 75 headsets and they are seated in close proximity to each other in cubicles, does using the USB dongle eliminate the risk of signal disruption between the users?
Hi Steve! Great question! I would love to take this offline to understand your use case better. Different options exist to resolve Wireless Density issues with Bluetooth and DECT wireless headsets. Feel free to email sales@calloneonline.com – Subject:Bluetooth Wireless Density. In the body of email, request email is forwarded to Danny Hayasaka