Call centers have become the backbone of customer engagement. They offer a vital link for customers seeking information about products or services and for companies aiming to gauge feedback on their offerings. Your team needs the best headsets for a call center to succeed in these endeavors. After all, call center staffers are only as good as the tools and training they receive.
Headsets Direct has the best call center headset lineup to suit your needs. Our guide will help you identify the best headset for your call center based on features like noise-canceling technology and comfort.
Table of Contents
Noise Canceling Sets Headsets Apart
Unparalleled Support
Prioritizing the Best Headsets
Guide to the Best Headsets
Which Are the Best Headsets?
Frequently Asked Questions
Noise Canceling Sets the Bar for Best Headsets for a Call Center
Call centers are bustling and often noisy, creating significant barriers for agents who need to hear and be heard clearly. The best headsets for a call center offer noise-canceling capabilities that overcome these obstacles, allowing your staff to concentrate on their calls. When considering a noise-canceling headset for your call center, you should recognize that different noise-reduction features are at work.
Noise-Canceling Microphones
A noise-canceling microphone affects how well your caller hears you during conversations. With business-grade headsets, noise-canceling microphones reduce or eliminate up to 75% of your ambient background noise, allowing your caller to hear your voice above and beyond anything happening in your background environment. These mic booms include a special directional microphone that picks up sound in a specific pattern focused toward the user’s mouth. Sounds that come from all directions, such as background noise, are picked up with less amplitude and, therefore, are heard at a reduced level by your caller.
To provide the best noise reduction, the optimum position for a noise-canceling microphone boom is directly in front of the user’s mouth. Since this can distract the user, as it’s in their sightline, a compromise is made so that the microphone boom is typically located at the corner of the mouth. The microphone booms can be bent to be in the correct position.
Newer technologies put an invisible barrier around your agent that completely blocks out background noise. This works well in loud call center environments or for users working from home with crying kids or barking dogs.
Headset Speakers
The best headsets for a call center also feature speakers that allow you to hear every call clearly and distinctly. Several different technologies help accomplish this:
Passive noise cancellation relates to how the headset is physically constructed. The larger the speaker/cushion and materials used, the greater the barrier. This separates noise around you from what your caller is saying.
Active noise cancellation typically involves internal microphones that listen for background noise. It electronically generates a reverse sound wave that is transmitted into your speaker to eliminate or cancel out the background noise. This technology does great with low, harmonic sounds like jet engines, fans, or HVAC units with a constant hum. It tends to struggle with loud, irregular office-type noises and higher frequencies.
Hybrid noise-canceling typically starts with active noise-canceling. Additional external microphones create a better understanding of the noise you’re trying to eliminate. This technology handles office noise and higher frequencies much better than active noise-cancellation alone. Business-grade headset manufacturers like Poly, Jabra, Logitech, Bose, and Sennheiser have taken the performance of standard Active Noise Canceling (ANC) technology to the next level with Hybrid ANC, which is optimized for an open office environment filled with noise and distractions.
Headset manufacturers use their office and call center knowledge to optimize the ANC performance of headsets so they sound natural and cause less fatigue when used on long business calls. For those users working in the most distracting open office environments, the benefits of Hybrid ANC technology provide the best experience to ensure agents stay focused and productive. A hybrid ANC model may be the best noise-canceling headset for your call center.
Unparalleled Support to Identify the Best Headsets for Your Call Center
Finding the best headsets for a call center can be daunting. Headsets Direct identifies the right headsets for our customers’ needs because we listen to what our customers ask for and then dig deeper to get to the important questions that reveal what they really need.
As a result, we provide our customers with high-quality call center headsets that achieve their goals. Amazon may offer the convenience of two-day shipping and value pricing. But Headsets Direct delivers unbeatable customer service with years of knowledge that other companies simply don’t have. We also provide genuine products from industry-leading manufacturers.
If you let us help with your call center headset needs, you’ll be incredibly pleased and amazed at just how easy getting the best headsets for your call center can be. Whether you manage a call center and have quotas to meet, or you’re a call center agent and want to ensure you have the best noise reduction features, we’ll get you what you need. Headsets Direct offers customer-service headsets that give you the best in technology and reliability.
Prioritizing the Best Headsets for Your Call Center
Each call center may be set up differently with cubicles or an open office floor plan, but the end goal is the same: make sure your caller hears your voice with perfect clarity and not the noise surrounding you. If you and your caller can hear each other clearly, you can service them quickly and efficiently, making their experience more pleasant. You will enjoy the confidence the best noise-canceling call center headset provides.
Considerations for the Best Call Center Headset
Call centers are not created equal. To choose the best call center headsets for your agents, prioritize your required features and functions and weigh the pros and cons. Should you choose a wireless Bluetooth headset or a corded USB headset?
You may benefit from large binaural speakers with ANC if you’re in a loud area. Having a noise-canceling microphone in a call center is certainly a must! If you choose a wireless Bluetooth or DECT headset, having remote answering ability may be critical for your business so no calls are missed. Will you have more than 38 call center agents in an area? If so, you’ll need to consider the density so there are no interference or performance issues. These are all subjects we can help you tackle so you have the best headsets for your call center to run smoothly and efficiently.
Guide to the Best Headsets for a Call Center
Recognizing that each call center is different, we’ve collected a list of several models that qualify as the best headsets for a call center. Whether you want the best headset for cold calls, telemarketing, or another activity, you’ll find something just right in this collection.
Poly EncorePro HW520 | Wired Headset (for office phone, PC)
The Poly EncorePro HW520 is a dual-ear headset that is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear. Covering both ears helps you hear better and stay focused on your caller in an environment with medium to loud noise levels.
Easily Replaced Ear Cushions
This office headset gives you great control with its bendable noise-canceling microphone and adjustable headband. It comes with soft foam cushions that are easily replaced as they wear over time. You can also purchase an upgraded leatherette cushion that will last longer, be more comfortable, and be easier to sanitize.
One of a Series
You will also need a bottom cable or adapter to connect to your office phone, PC, or mobile device. Call us for assistance in selecting a compatible bottom cable or amplifier for your needs, or visit our Headset Compatibility Guides. The HW520 is one headset within the HW500 series, the middle tier of these business-grade corded headsets. The HW300 series is the entry-level, and the HW700 is the premium.
Poly EncorePro HW720 | Wired Headsets (for office phone, PC, or mobile)
You will love the comfort of leatherette dual-ear pads against your ears. The binaural ear cushions on the Poly EncorePro HW720 really cut back on the noise around you and keep you focused on your call. This is the perfect solution for medium to loud environments where the user’s ability to collect information accurately is critical. Your brain can focus on the caller and conversation and not be pulled in different directions with sounds from your background environment competing with sounds from your caller.
Clear and Perfect Sound
With HD voice clarity, the microphone pulls out to just the right spot, and your voice will sound clear and perfect. You will need a bottom cable or amplifier to connect this headset to your office phone, PC, or mobile device. Call us for assistance or visit our Headset Compatibility Guides to find exactly what you need. With an adjustable headband and soft cushions, the HW720 is made for all-day wearing. As part of the HW700 series, it’s Poly’s premium corded headset for office and business professionals.
Jabra Biz 2400 II Mono 3-in-1| Wired Headset (for office phone, PC, or mobile)
The Jabra Biz 2400 II Mono 3-in-1 is a favorite for its comfortable and incredibly light convertible design. It has multiple wearing options and its noise-canceling microphone delivers crystal-clear conversations. The Jabra BIZ 2400 Convertible is an excellent solution for users new to headsets or large businesses that want to standardize.
Your Headset, Your Choice
Users can choose the lightweight, low-profile wearing style with the ear hook behind the ear. Others will opt for using the headband, which adds a little more weight but typically a more secure fit. Last is the neckband that balances on both ears and extends just below your hairline.
Durable and Versatile
The BIZ 2400 is one of the best headsets for a call center because of its versatility and durability. Depending on what you’re plugging into, its cable terminates in a Jabra Quick Disconnect connection that connects to a direct connect cable or amplifier. Call us to confirm compatibility and the components you need for a perfect headset solution.
Poly Savi 7220 Office | Wireless Headset (for office phone only)
If you want a well-padded headset that covers both ears completely and lets you focus on your calls, the Poly Savi 7220 Office is the headset for you. The battery life is excellent and will give you 12 hours of talking time. The incredible wireless range on this call center noise-canceling headset will allow you to roam the office up to 400 feet. Add a compatible EHS cable or Handset Lifter for remote pick up and hang up, and never miss a call!
Improved Productivity
With the Poly Savi 7220 (the best wireless headset for the office), you’re buying a headset that delivers productivity. Because it covers both ears, you can focus on your callers and hear them. The noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise, helping your callers hear you more clearly. Hearing your caller with clarity and vice versa makes for a better, more productive call without repeating information.
All-Day Comfort
The Poly 7220 is one of our picks as the best wireless headset for a call center because it’s comfortable for all-day wear with a padded headband and leatherette ear cushions. The base has a compatibility slide switch enabling it to connect to most multi-line business phones. There are also speaker volume and microphone volume adjustments. The headset offers on/off controls, a mute button, and volume up/down settings, allowing you to easily manage your call remotely.
Poly Savi 8420 Office | Wireless Headsets (office phone, PC, and mobile phone)
The Poly Savi 8420 Office‘s noise-canceling feature makes this a fantastic choice for anyone in a busy call center. Soft leatherette, dual-ear cushions help with noise reduction, and, once you switch on the ANC feature, the world around you fades away. At least, that’s what it will feel like.
Increased Focus
The Savi 8420 muffles background noise from radios, fans, co-workers, and air conditioners. You will be focused and more productive by being able to hear yourself think and strategize clearly. The noise-canceling headset microphone brings your voice front and center for your caller. You can roam up to 590 feet while on your call. With an EHS cable or Handset Lifter, you can answer and hang up calls remotely — so you won’t miss that important call.
Multi-Device Connectivity
The other productivity advantage of the Poly Savi 8420 is it connects to multiple devices. You simply put one headset on in the morning, and you’re connected to office phone calls, computer use (softphones, webinars, or training, for example), and mobile phones. The headset base has a ringer built-in for those using it as a VoIP softphone through their PC. When your softphone rings, you’ll hear it from the base and in the headset, making sure you never miss a call. The base has a compatibility slide switch, making it compatible with over 800 office phones. It also has adjustments for speaker and microphone volume settings.
Jabra Engage 65 Stereo | Wireless Headset (office phone and PC)
The Jabra Engage 65 Stereo is the headset you want when you are in a large call center or working from home. It can handle three times the wireless density in the same area without interference. The quality of your calls is vital, and you will always sound clear to your caller. The Engage 65 series is also half the weight of its competition. Jabra manages to give you a technically advanced headset that weighs next to nothing. Amazing! If you would like remote answer/hang-up ability, be sure to add a lifter or EHS cable.
Proven Comfort
With an adjustable headband, lightweight design, and leatherette cushions covering both ears, this headset is very comfortable and a huge productivity booster. It will connect to most multi-line business phones and Windows/MAC computers. With a computer connection, you can get firmware updates and customize how the product works with Jabra Direct, a free download. Using this headset as your computer speakers lets you quietly take care of business without interrupting everyone else in the office with speakers blasting away.
Jabra Evolve2 85 UC Stereo | Wireless Headsets (PC and Bluetooth mobile devices)
The Jabra Evolve2 85 UC Stereo is the company’s premium wireless hands-free headset. If you want top-of-the-line performance, style, and technology, Jabra has worked them beautifully together with this headset. Maximize productivity with ANC speakers, 10-microphone technology, and 37 hours of talk time. A busy light is visible from any angle, so co-workers can see you’re on a call. Enjoy the binaural cushions that surround your ears with velvety softness. This Evolve2 85 is one of the best call center headsets money can buy.
Better Concentration
Jabra built this headset as an excellent solution in extremely loud environments or for users wanting to concentrate completely on their caller. It uses ear cups that go around the ear, completely sealing off any noise in your immediate area. Also included is a USB dongle, making it easy for users with softphone applications to connect to their PC. It also connects via Bluetooth to most mobile devices and is great for streaming music and videos. You can download free software from Jabra to customize your headset listening experience.
Poly Focus 2 UC Noise-Canceling Headset | Wireless Headset (PC and mobile phone)
Poly blocks out background noise by building a wall around you and creating a “focus zone” with the Poly Focus 2 UC noise-canceling headset. With three levels of hybrid ANC, all you hear is your call. And all your caller hears is you with the pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology.
Full-Day Comfort
Remain at ease through an entire day of calls with an exceptionally comfortable headband featuring a sling design and soft ear cushions. Appreciate the user-friendly nature of a straightforward headset equipped with smart sensors that manage call answering, music pausing, and quick call muting with ease. Offer a clear visual sign to your surroundings that you’re engaged — a noticeable ear cup indicator lights up during calls. Experience seamless functionality with this headset; its smart microphone boom auto-adjusts audio for the left and right channels, ensuring correct sound orientation regardless of how the headset is worn.
Which Are the Best Headsets for a Call Center?
Our call center users often ask which headsets are best for their call center, and it depends on wearing style, what you want to connect to, and your environment. There isn’t one perfect solution to cover every call center. But, with our help, you can find the ideal headset solution for your call center. When you want the best headsets for a call center, essential considerations include:
- Do you want to standardize with a single style, making inventory management quick and easy?
- Do you want to offer users a convertible headset with multiple wearing options?
- Will your environment need single-ear headsets, allowing one ear to stay open for co-worker interaction, or dual-ear for better focus on callers?
- Will a less expensive corded headset be better for the budget? Or will wireless headsets provide greater value/productivity for your call center?
- If you decide on wireless, you will need to consider how many wireless headsets will be active at the same time. Headsets use different frequencies, and adjustments in distance may be necessary to avoid issues. Battery life and talk time will also be considerations. Either headsets with extended battery usage or headsets with hot-swappable batteries will be required to get your agents comfortably through their shifts.
- Do you need each individual to have their own headset, or will different shifts share the same headset?
- Will you need headsets for training? Some businesses will use training to allow new agents to listen in to agents with more experience. Managers and supervisors, on occasion, will listen in on users for coaching purposes.
Even if you have the best headsets for your call center, you should always allow for breakage with spare headsets on hand. This keeps your agents up and going while you replace lost or broken headsets as time permits. Without spares, you will find agents unable to work.
Another consideration is customization capabilities. Poly and Jabra offer free software — Lens for Poly and Direct for Jabra — with their UC headsets. You can use the software to customize your headset settings and ensure your firmware is always up to date so your headset performs its very best.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Headsets for a Call Center
Backed by years in the industry, Headsets Direct is a trusted headset provider, well-positioned to provide the information you need about the best headsets for a call center. Read the following questions to learn more.
The primary consideration between wired and wireless headsets is whether you need to roam. If you’re frequently on the go, you’ll want a wireless headset to keep you connected wherever you are.
Headsets with noise-canceling technology are crucial for busy call centers. They let your agents hear and be heard clearly by blocking out the hustle and bustle around them.
If you have a VoIP system, you need call center headsets that offer stable connectivity and crystal-clear audio.
Find the Best Headsets for a Call Center at Headsets Direct
Headsets Direct offers the best headsets for a call center. We back our outstanding inventory with unparalleled customer service, years of expertise, and the knowledge to identify the right call center headsets for your needs. Headsets Direct offers discounts on orders of 20+ units and provides same-day shipping on in-stock items. You can’t beat the level of quality and service we deliver. Shop our call center headsets now and take advantage of everything we offer.
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