Headsets

Are you considering buying a new headset? Read on to discover all you need to know about the various headsets available, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding headset purchases. We stock a great range of headsets from leading brands such as Jabra, Poly, EPOS, Sennheiser and Yealink. Offering advanced hybrid working solutions Australia can rely on to deliver excellent performance and reliability, our range includes wireless and wired headsets, as well as Bluetooth headset options, mobile headsets and MS Team certified products.

What are the different types of headsets?

At their most basic, a headset is a listening device that's worn by users to prevent the sounds from reaching others. Modern headsets usually consist of both headphones (for listening) and a microphone (for speaking). Headsets can be used to communicate with a device (such as a laptop) or to communicate directly with other people via a phone line, Bluetooth or some similar setup.

There are several characteristics that can vary between headsets. These include:

• Whether the headset is wired or wireless (for example a Bluetooth or a DECT headset).
• The type of earphones (noise-cancelling, bone conduction, ear pods, over-ear, closed-back, open-back, waterproof and semi-open, for example). Each type of earphone has a set of pros and cons that can make a significant difference to the user experience and type of application they're best suited to.
• Purpose of the headset. Headsets are made for specific applications (gaming, leisure, telecommunications, sport etc).

What is a DECT headset?

When people think of wireless communication, they tend to think of Bluetooth. An alternative to Bluetooth is DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications). DECT is used to connect a base set with a headset wirelessly. Using similar technology to that used in devices such as baby monitors, DECT can be used by private individuals or by businesses as a method of wireless communication. DECT is a secure form of communication that has a much greater range than Bluetooth.

A DECT headset is typically used in an office environment where users need to move around, but also only need to connect to one device at a time. If a connection with multiple devices simultaneously is needed, a Bluetooth headset would usually be more suitable.

What are the types of Wireless Headsets?

Wireless headsets are frequently categorized according to the type of activity they're needed for, as well as the type of headphones that are included in the headset. In addition to being available with many different earphone types (see further down the page), they also vary according to the type of communication that's needed (Bluetooth, softphone, DECT etc) and the activity they're going to be used for - such as office headsets, headsets for sports etc.

What is a wired headset?

As the name suggests, a wired headset is a headset that's connected to a device using a wire. Although many people opt for wireless headphones due to their portability and convenience, premium wired headsets offer superior sound quality. They're also very popular with gamers, as the sound reaches the ear faster and more reliably than through a wireless connection. This enables faster response and reaction times, giving players an edge.

Wired headphones are a good option if you value sound quality and are going to use them whilst sitting at a PC or desk. They're less appropriate if you wish to move about or access wireless devices.

What is a deskphone headset?

Also known as office headsets, deskphone headsets are typically used in call centres, receptions or similar facilities. They enable the user to receive calls and communicate without the need to hold a handset. Consisting of headphones and an integral microphone, deskphone headsets can be wired or wireless headsets.

These headsets are lightweight and incorporate high-quality, noise-cancelling headphones that can safely be used for longer periods of time. Comfortable and easy to use, deskphone headsets can be used in an office or home environment. If you're looking for headsets for remote work, a deskphone headset can be a good solution.

What are teams certified headsets?

These are peripherals that offer high levels of sound quality and are also configured to work seamlessly with Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. Users can "plug and play" these headsets when using Teams or Skype. Perfect for remote working, they're a good option when much of your work communication is conducted virtually.

What is a UC Headset?

A UC (Universal Communications) headset is one that's configured to work with softphones. Softphone software is frequently provided by VoIP providers to create user-friendly interphase for making and receiving calls.

What are the different wearing types in headsets?

Over-ear headphones

These completely cover the ear and provide excellent insulation against outside noise. They're frequently used for leisure, or in the sound industry.

Earbuds

Small headphones that sit just inside the ear, they're stable (ideal for people on the move), portable and lightweight. They're not recommended for wearing more than an hour or two a day, so are usually chosen for commuting, or for use whilst exercising.

Noise-cancelling headphones

These use advanced technology to pro-actively block noise from outside. Headphones that are used for protracted periods of time (such as office headsets) use noise-cancelling technology. Because noise-cancelling headphones offer such excellent acoustic insulation, users can keep the volume low, which helps to protect hearing).

Bone conductors

Rather than conducting sound through the ear, the sound is conducted through the cheekbones. These keep the ears free, so users are always aware of what's going on around them. They can also be useful for people who have outer ear problems.

Closed-back headphones

These may be located over, on or in the ear, but are characterised by having a cup that completely covers the ear. They offer excellent acoustic insulation and music lovers value the increased quality of bass tones.

Open-back headphones

These may be fully open or semi-open. Rather than a solid casing, the inner workings are protected by a wire mesh. This increases ventilation (which can make them more comfortable to wear) and also provides a more natural sound quality than closed-back headphones. As acoustic insulation is minimal, background noise is always present, which can make concentrating on the sound difficult in crowded or noisy locations.

Waterproof headphones

Specifically designed for use under or in water, these are portable headphones ideal for use in wet weather, in the pool or in the shower. They're also sweatproof and usually have high-grade sound quality that provides a good experience for music lovers.

Earphones

These classic headphones rest on the ear lobes. Although not widely used, they allow good awareness of the exterior environment and are great for phone conversations on the move.

What is a stereo headset?

A stereo headset is one where the sound is recorded on two different channels. The result of this is much better sound quality than if a mono headset is utilised.

What is a mono headset?

Mono headsets only receive sound from one channel. The advantage of this is that only one ear is covered by a headphone. This makes it easier to listen to (and interact with) your surroundings. The disadvantages of a mono headset are that sound quality is inferior (in contrast to stereo sound) and it may be difficult to listen to sound from your mono headset if there is too much background noise.