The stigma of long distance relationships never lasting is taking a huge blow with the advances in VoIP technology. Now, more than ever, significant others, friends and families who are apart needn’t miss that critical communication time that strengthens crucial connections. VoIP headsets and wireless Bluetooth headsets make this digital interaction even more convenient and enjoyable. With noise cancelling microphones, audio adjustment controls right on the headset and built-in technology for protection from sound spikes, there’s no reason not to add one to your shopping list. We’ve researched the best USB, wireless and Bluetooth VoIP headsets and narrowed down the wide selection to the top 10.
Performance
Whether you’re a gamer, an overseas family member, a music connoisseur or a business person on the go, performance is the most important aspect when looking for VoIP headsets. You want a headset that is equipped with good noise cancelling microphones and maybe even gaming specific capabilities. Adjustable booms that mute automatically when lifted are a nice touch. Also, having a certification for a program like Skype is great to have and will have you chatting with your long lost cousin in Budapest, Hungry in no time. All these things can be found in our top products, the Logitech ClearChat Wireless and the Plantronics .Audio 955.
Functionality
USB headsets and wireless headsets function differently. With a USB VoIP headset, you are physically wired to the computer. With a wireless headset you are free to wander whilst wearing them. However, besides the freedom associated with a wireless VoIP headset, the only other difference you may find between headsets is the number of earpieces. Some will have one and others will have two. The headphone style itself varies from being like a headband, to being a neckband or an earpiece. We placed all types in our matrix because, although different in functionality, similar performance and features are available for each one.
Features
When you get past the functionality of the headsets, your eyes are opened to the array of features that add to your VoIP experience. Some of the most desirable ones are pivoting ear cushions, audio adjustments right on the headset, a flexible boom and also voice recognition. Then there are also usually some proprietary features like our favorite, the PeakStop/Sound Guard technology that comes with the .Audio 655. This feature prevents sound spikes from disrupting your chat and possibly harming your ears. It also is ideal to avoid adjusting the sound each time you switch from one audio source like chatting, to another like music stored on your computer.
Help & Support
The best way to receive support if you’re having a problem with your headset is to visit the manufacturer’s website. Each product we reviewed has several different resources like live chat, phone and email support available to assist with any problem you may have. We especially enjoyed the support communities on many of the websites, which included information submitted by current users of the product. The users had insights and information that a product manual would never have. We also looked for a good warranty that will protect the buyer should something go wrong and not work how it is supposed to.
If you’re tired of background noise interfering with your online chats, purchasing a good VoIP headset is necessary. You’ll be able to communicate more efficiently and your overall experience will be better. The VoIP headset market is quite large so we have compared the best VoIP headsets for you. Also be sure to read our articles on VoIP headsets. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
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Logitech ClearChat™ PC Wireless | .Audio 955 Stereo Headset | .Audio 655 Stereo Headset | Jabra M5390 USB | Sennheiser PC 146 USB | Logitech USB Headset H530 | Freetalk Everyman Wireless | Blackwire C610 | Freetalk Everyman Headset | Alienware TactX Headset |
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Lowest Price |
$78.99 |
$74.49 |
$28.46 |
$119.00 |
$74.90 |
$49.99 |
$69.99 |
$69.14 |
$29.88 |
$59.99 |
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| Performance | ||||||||||
| Ideal for Gaming | ||||||||||
| Mute | ||||||||||
| Noise Cancelling Microphone | ||||||||||
| Skype Certified | ||||||||||
| Other VoIP Services | ||||||||||
| Laser Tuned Audio | ||||||||||
| Optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 | ||||||||||
| Functionality | ||||||||||
| Biaural | ||||||||||
| 3.5mm Jack | ||||||||||
| Headband | ||||||||||
| Recharegable | ||||||||||
| USB | ||||||||||
| Wireless | ||||||||||
| Battery Operated | ||||||||||
| Neckband | ||||||||||
| Monaural | ||||||||||
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| Adjustable Headband | ||||||||||
| Flexible Boom | ||||||||||
| Headset Audio Adjustments | ||||||||||
| PeakStop/Sound Guard | ||||||||||
| Pivoting Ear Cushions | ||||||||||
| Voice Recognition | ||||||||||
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