How to choose the right headset?

Hey there, all you headset lovers — both current and future ones!

A great pair of headphones should be as essential as coffee at the office — but let’s be honest, that’s not always the case. In today’s hybrid workplaces, where digital meetings rule, there are no excuses left for using crusty old headsets.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right one.

Why a good headset really matters

Poor sound quality and leaky microphones have no place in a professional environment (or your home office).

How important is it, then? In one word: very.

Here are just a few reasons to invest in proper headsets for your team:

Sound quality

Crystal-clear sound is essential — not just so you can understand others, but also so they can clearly understand you.

Concentration

The right headset can create your own little oasis in a noisy office or home. Noise cancellation and comfortable ear cushions help you focus and cut out distractions.

Flexibility

In a world where your workspace can be anywhere, you need gear that keeps up. A good headset lets you adapt instantly — whether you’re joining a video call or zoning in with music while you work.

The main headset types

Just like most things, there’s a sea of options — here’s a quick overview to help you find your perfect match:

Over-Ear

Large, cushioned headphones that cover your ears completely. Great for sound isolation and high-quality audio — perfect if you spend long hours in calls and want maximum comfort.

On-Ear

Smaller models that rest on your ears instead of surrounding them. More compact, but they don’t block out sound as well.

In-Ear

The classic earbuds. Compact, great for people on the move, but not ideal for long use or high noise levels.

Wireless or Wired?

• Wireless = Freedom and flexibility (but keep an eye on battery life).
• Wired = Reliable and consistent — no batteries to worry about, but less mobility.

Bluetooth or DECT?

Both are encrypted wireless technologies — but they have different strengths:

• DECT offers longer range, ideal if you want to move freely around the office.
• Bluetooth is more flexible, letting you connect multiple devices (like your laptop, phone, and tablet) to the same headset.

DECT usually needs a base station or USB dongle, while Bluetooth connects directly.

Must-have features

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Actively blocks out background noise so you can focus or enjoy music without distractions.

Hear-through / Transparency mode

The opposite of ANC — it picks up surrounding sounds (like a colleague talking or a kid yelling “I’m hungry!”) so you don’t need to remove your headset. Super handy for quick interactions.

Tips for choosing the right model

Start by defining your needs:

1. Where do you work most?
   • Office with many digital meetings?
   • Mostly from home?
   • Always on the move?
2. What do you do between meetings?
   • Listen to music to focus?
   • Take off your headset regularly?

Once you’ve identified your habits, narrowing down the options becomes easier.

• If you move around a lot — avoid bulky over-ear models.
• If you want to block out everything and enjoy great sound — go for over-ear instead of in-ear.

Then look closer at:

Sound quality

Make sure both the microphone and speakers deliver clear, natural sound.

Battery life

Choose a model that lasts at least a full workday — longer if you travel often.

Budget

Good options exist at every price point, but investing a bit more often pays off in comfort, durability, and longevity.

UC or MS?

They’re basically the same hardware.

• MS (Microsoft Teams) models auto-select in Microsoft apps.
• UC (Unified Communications) works perfectly with most platforms — including lynes.
• Both are optimized for use with softphones (desktop clients).

Ready to choose?

Now’s the time to pick which headset suits you and your colleagues best.

A great approach is to select three models for different needs — then let people test them.

(And yes, if several people test in-ear models, it’s worth sterilizing them between rounds!)

Headsets integrated with lynes

If you’re using lynes as your company communication platform, we recommend Poly (formerly Plantronics) or Jabra.

Both are fully integrated with lynes for complete functionality and flexibility — so you can enjoy seamless audio, easy controls, and a smooth experience across all your calls and meetings.

In short:

Good sound makes good communication.

So ditch the cheap earbuds, grab a real headset, and make every meeting — digital or not — sound amazing.

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