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For work calls and virtual meetings, video conferences like Zoom, WebEx, Teams and Skype are the new norm. In other words: if you don’t have one already, you’re going to need a comfortable pair of headphones with a good mic if you want to clearly hear and be heard.
You may already be using your regular music earbuds for work communications, and they’ll get the job done. But what exactly is the difference, and advantages, of headphones over buds, and does it even matter?
Headphones vs. Earbuds for Work
First off, in order to really isolate your voice for others to clearly hear, a microphone at mouth level is a huge help, and wireless earbuds just can’t compare there. Wired earbuds with a mic that hangs down or juts out a little is a better bet, but still, nothing matches talking right into a headset-type mic.
Bigger headphones often mean bigger drivers too, which provides a wider, deeper range of sound. Even the best sounding earbuds are likely to get uncomfortable after a while, and that’s where a big, pillowy set of over-the-ear headphones boasts another benefit. They’ll also let you find the fit that’s more precise to your head’s shape, unlike buds that can’t really be adjusted much at all besides a few sizes of foam tips. Not just that, but a set with a high-functioning noise cancellation option can completely block the noise of the outside world, letting you zone in and focus on that big project you need to get done.
Wired vs. Wireless Headphones
A wired pair of headphones with an old-school 3.5mm jack connection might get you better sound quality and less lag, but it also means you’re tethered to your workstation. A set with a Bluetooth connection can let you get up, move around (sometimes up to 90 feet away), and multi-task, all while staying on the call or keeping your audio playing. If you’ll be using multiple devices that you need connected to your headset, double-check that it can handle two (or more) at once. Not all headsets have the ability to maintain connections to more than one device without having to disconnect and reconnect, which quickly becomes annoying and can drop your voice out while speaking.
What Are the Best Headphone Mics for Calls?
For calls and presentations, the mic might be the most important. A noise-cancelling mic is a must, as it blocks out any audio that’s going on around you, sending only your voice out to the others on the call. A mic that flips up and away from your mouth adds an element of privacy, but a conveniently-placed mute button is a necessity in case of any confidential info that you don’t want the other participants to overhear. Voice command confirmation helps here too, telling you clearly that the mute, or other features, are now turned on or off. Most sets feature Ambient Noise Cancellation (ANC) now too, for when you’re in a particularly noisy environment.
What is Considered Good Battery Life for Headphones?
Headsets generally should be able to go a full workday (at least 10 hours) on one charge. Other helpful extras are a battery life meter that’s represented with LED lights, and of course comfort – think: a set that’s not going to get sweaty if you know you’ll be using it for hours on end with no break. Finally, an often overlooked audience by manufacturers are those respected bespectacled people: glasses wearers. If you’ll be wearing a pair all day, big headphones can feel tight against your head, which gets irritating and even painful. The best headphones for work are likely going to be a pair with some space under the headband that creates room around the top of your ears, with enough airy cushioning on the pads to slip your glasses through without issue.
What Are the Best Headphones for Working From Home?
Looking for a great pair of work-from-home headphones? We’ve selected four of our favorites here that can handle work calls loud and clear, and then some much-needed music or gaming afterwards.
