Bluetooth vs DECT Wireless Headsets
May 30, 2024
- 13 min read
When looking to buy headsets for yourself or your company, you’ve undoubtedly come across Bluetooth headsets and DECT headsets. The terms Bluetooth headsets and wireless headsets are often used interchangeably, and the lines between Bluetooth and DECT can often seem a bit blurry. But they are basically the same thing, right? Well, not really. Both have uniquely different technologies, and the one that is right for you depends on what your specific needs are.
If that’s still as clear as mud, read on, and in the next couple of minutes, you’ll have a clear understanding of the difference between the two and, more importantly, which ones will suit you or your staff members.
Post Contents [hide]
- DECT vs Bluetooth Headsets: Which Is Right For You?
- DECT vs Bluetooth Headsets Feature Comparison
- How to Choose Between DECT or Bluetooth Headsets
- What are the best DECT office headsets to buy?
- What are the best Bluetooth Headsets to buy?
- Check out our full range of DECT wireless and Bluetooth headsets today!
DECT vs Bluetooth Headsets: Which Is Right For You?
To work out which is right for you, you’ll first need to evaluate how you are going to use your headsets. If you’re working in an office, you’ll want little interference and as much range as possible to move around the office or building without fear of being disconnected. Read our guide on reducing wireless interference to learn more about how DECT and Bluetooth headsets impact interference in busy offices.
Are you using a desk phone with Bluetooth? Then headset compatibility may be an issue for you, and you’ll need to look for the kind of headsets that are optimised for desk phones. Does your job require you to be on the road? If it does, you will need a portable headset that can connect to a range of other devices, including your smartphone, laptop and tablet.
But what is DECT technology anyway? What is a DECT headset? And what's the best choice between Bluetooth headsets vs DECT headsets? So many questions… Let’s delve into the details a bit more. We’ll try to answer your questions, while comparing the features of Bluetooth vs DECT.
DECT vs Bluetooth Headsets Feature Comparison
| Feature | DECT | Bluetooth |
| Radio frequency | 1.9 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Voice quality | Desk phone quality | Mobile phone quality |
| Use with Wi-Fi | Excellent | Limited |
| Use with mobile phones | No | Yes |
| Range | Up to 350 feet | Up to 30 feet (Class 2) Up to 330 feet (Class 1) |
| User density | Up to 1 per cubicle | 8 active users per 3000 sq. ft. |
| Talk time | Excellent | Excellent |
| Security | Excellent | Excellent |
- Connectivity. DECT headsets can only connect to a base station which provides the headsets with an internet connection. This offers limited connectivity but is perfect for a busy office environment where the user doesn’t have to leave the building while wearing them.
Bluetooth headsets can connect with up to eight other devices, making them a better option if you need to be on the move. Bluetooth headsets also offers you the flexibility of working through your PC, tablet, or phone.
- Security. DECT headsets operate on 64 bit encryption and Bluetooth headsets on 128 encryption and they both offer high protection. The chances of anyone eavesdropping on your call are virtually non-existent for both. Although, DECT headsets do provide an extra level of security that may be required for people in legal or medical settings.
Realistically though, there is very little to worry about with security for either Bluetooth headsets or DECT headsets
- Wireless Range. There’s no contest with wireless range. DECT headsets have a far greater range of 100 to 180 metres because it’s designed to connect to its base station and allow movement within its range without fear of losing connection.
The Bluetooth headset range is around 10 to 30 metres, significantly less than DECT headsets because Bluetooth headsets are portable and are designed to connect to many different devices. Realistically though, If you’re connected to your phone or tablet, you probably won’t need to be more than 30 metres away from them.
- Compatibility. Most Bluetooth headsets aren’t compatible with desk phones. If you want to connect to a desk phone, then a DECT headset will work for you as they are optimised for that purpose. Bluetooth headsets are compatible with ANY Bluetooth enabled device, and can connect to them automatically.
DECT headsets are reliant on their base station, and they have limited options to what they can pair with. They can connect to a DECT phone with Bluetooth and will still pair with your PC, but It’s slightly more complicated to do. The base station will need to be connected to your computer's USB, and you’ll have to select your headset as the default playback on your PC.
- Battery. Both commonly have batteries that can’t be replaced. Most of the early Bluetooth headset models had batteries that only allowed for talk times of 4-5 hours, but today, it’s not uncommon to get 25 or more hours of talk time.
DECT commonly gets you around 10 hours of battery life depending on the headset you buy, which means that you’ll rarely run out of charge.
- Density. When there are many headsets in an office environment or a call centre, a Bluetooth headset is much more likely to give you more interference as the headsets are competing with other Bluetooth devices on the same crowded frequency. Bluetooth headsets are designed for single-person use and are better suited to smaller offices or for people who are working from home.
DECT will be a better fit for you if you’re working in a crowded office or call centre environment as it doesn’t have the same density issues and supports much higher user densities.
- Sound Quality. When it comes to DECT headset vs Bluetooth headset sound quality, it largely boils down to which format is affected by crowding on the same frequency.
Bluetooth is prone to interference, particularly when other headsets close by can cause density issues as Bluetooth transmits data and audio, giving a range of devices more opportunities to interfere with the audio signal. DECT has incredibly high sound quality and better stability because it is specifically designed to transmit just audio.
How to Choose Between DECT or Bluetooth Headsets
Your choice hinges on how you are going to use your headsets. If you’re working in a call centre and work at your desk most of the time, then maybe a DECT headset is for you. But if there are only a couple of other people in the office with you during office hours, Bluetooth headsets could work also. If you need to use your headset to connect with your mobile phone, a Bluetooth headset will be better. Just keep the density limits in mind. If you’re working in a space with more than ten others, and they’re all using Bluetooth technology, you may have some interference and audio issues.
There are no ‘winners’ in the comparisons between DECT headsets and Bluetooth headsets. Either one (or both) might be right for you or your business depending on your circumstances.
For office or call-centre workers – go for DECT headsets.
For Hybrid or those of you who are on the road or out of the office a lot – Choose Bluetooth headsets.
What are the best DECT office headsets to buy?
There are plenty of quality DECT wireless and Bluetooth wireless office headsets available to buy today.
Here are a few of our favourites that we know you’ll love:
Jabra Engage 75
24%
Off
MSRP: $659
$498
inc GST
Save: $161
Buy Now
The Jabra Engage 75 is one of our favourites due to its flexibility to adapt to any work environment. You can connect it to multiple devices and it's super light weight. It has 13 hours of talk time when fully charged, a crystal clear noise-cancelling microphone, and a wireless connection that will never let you down. If there was ever a workhorse wireless office headset, this is it. Also, it's so comfortable that you won't even notice you're wearing it, perfect for those days when you're just on calls non stop. Jabra made these especially for people who make a lot of calls and who spend hours wearing them. The Engage 75 headsets are perfect for individuals working from home or for people working in office environments who require call privacy.
Plantronics CS540
71%
Off
MSRP: $661
$194
inc GST
Save: $467
Buy Now
The Plantronics CS540 is one of our most popular DECT headsets we sell, and for a very good reason. This wireless Plantronics headset is super lightweight, in fact it is actually the lightest DECT headsets on the market. To add to that it is also comfortable and has a sleek and stylish design. These offer great value as they allow you a choice between wearing them over the ear or over the head, which makes them very versatile. Plantronics have added an excellent noise cancelling mic on this one too, so you won't ever have to worry about background noise on calls again. If you're chasing a tried and true DECT wireless headset then you have to give these a try.
EPOS Sennheiser Impact SDW 5036
25%
Off
MSRP: $725
$544
inc GST
Save: $181
- Works With - Desk Phone + PC+ Mobile (2)
- MS Teams compatible
- Talk Time up to 14 hrs
- ULTRA noise cancelling mic
- Premium audio
- 180m wireless range
The EPOS Sennheiser IMPACT SDW 5036 is an excellent DECT wireless headset that will certainly turn a few heads thanks to its stylish German design and engineering. These beauties give you a whopping wireless range of 180 metres, so you can take it walkabout on your next long conference call meeting. The audio quality on this model is excellent, as EPOS Sennheiser are famously known for, so you can comfortably use this is your daily driver for listening to music in the office or at home. It even has 2 Bluetooth connections for your mobile or tablet. You won't be able to use it on the train though, due to it needing to be near the base station. But that's not what this headset is designed for. The EPOS Sennheiser Impacts have noise protection and an ultra-noise cancelling mic, which is seriously one of the best we've ever tested.
What are the best Bluetooth Headsets to buy?
Jabra Evolve2 55
From:
$301
inc GST
- Works With - Mobile/Tablet/BT Deskphone + PC/Mac
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Active Noise Cancelling Earcups
- Drop mic to answer/lift to mute
The Jabra Evolve2 55 is super comfortable and has a stable fit, allowing you to wear them for hours on end without ever feeling any pain or discomfort. In fact, they’re so comfortable you might even forget you’re wearing them! The rechargeable battery last up to 18 ohours when fully charged, enough to get you through the whole day, and if you forgot to charge it you can charge and use at the same time via the included USB cable. This headset also features Active Noise Cancelling in the earcups, allowing you to work in peace and quiet, no matter where you are, thanks to tis icnredible noise blocking capabilities. It also offers a generous amount of wireless range at up to 30m, as well as a busy light that lights up when you're on a call so others know you're busy. Nifty! To top it off it has a noise cancelling microphone with incredible clarity, and it looks pretty sharp too. We think the Evolve2 55 from Jabra is a great bang for buck Bluetooth headset.
EPOS Impact 1000
From:
$318
inc GST
- Works With PC/Mac + Mobile
- Connect to 3 devices concurrently
- Outstanding Sound Quality
- Ultra Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Intuitive to use
The EPOS Impact 1000 Series (1030/1060/1061) is an excellent sounding and performing Bluetooth headset. It features an ultra noise cancelling microphone that is the best one we've tested in all our years of testing headsets. It passes the strict MS Teams Open Office requirements, so if you don't want clients to hear your background noise, this is the headset for you. The top notch noise cancelling performance makes the EPOS Impact 1000 well suited for working in a noisy office or work from home setup. Or even if you're feeling adventurous and want to take a work call outside. It is a wireless headset after all! It has comfortable ear cushions and a 360 degree busy light, which lets your co-workers know that you're busy on a call, which saves everyone from those awkward hellos when you're on an important phone call.
This beauty also connects to 3 Bluetooth devices, which is the only Bluetooth headset to offer more than 2 connections. It also has an optional charge stand that we think is pretty neat, as it hangs your headset from the headband so you can say goodbye to fiddling around trying to allign the USB connection. Another bonus is the headset allows you to wear the microphone on either the left or right side of your face, which is great to have the choice as not every Bluetooth headset lets you do that. It also features an intuitive lift mic to mute function, as well as being able to answer a call by dropping the mic down to your mouth. These save so much time and once you get used to it you'll never want a headset without these features again!
Poly/Plantronics Voyager 4300
From:
$204
inc GST
- Works With - PC/MAC + Mobile
- Acoustic Fence microphone
- Adaptable for use with traditional desk phone
- Adaptive Bluetooth for dense usage offices
The Plantronics/Poly Voyager 4300 Series (4310/4320) is the perfect entry-level Bluetooth headset for office workers seeking high performance at a great value. Its versatile connectivity options allow seamless pairing with your PC/Mac via a USB dongle or your mobile phone via Bluetooth, offering the freedom to multitask without being tethered to your desk.
Equipped with an Acoustic Fence microphone that meets Microsoft's Open Office certification, this headset ensures your voice is crystal clear, blocking out background noise. Is your partner vacuuming during your Teams meeting when you're working from home? Not an issue with these bad boys. The wide padded headband and soft leatherette ear cushions provide all-day comfort, while the adaptive Bluetooth technology minimises interference, even in crowded office spaces.
The Voyager 4300 series features a convenient microphone mute button on the mic itself, ideal for quick access during a sneeze or cough. With a long battery life of up to 24 hours of talk time and 50 days on standby, you won't be caught off guard, but if you do run out of juice, simply plug into your laptop and continue using the headset while it charges.
One standout feature is the impressive Bluetooth range of up to 50 meters, allowing you to move freely around your workspace. For even greater flexibility, the optional Voyager Office Base extends the wireless range up to 91 meters. This stand also allows you to use the headset with a desk phone, making it perfect for larger office environments or hybrid workers who switch between the office and home.
The headset also remembers up to 8 devices and can connect to two simultaneously, ensuring you stay connected across all your devices.
So there you have it. I hope this insight into wireless office headsets has you fired up and ready to look into getting some for yourself or your staff members.
Check out our full range of DECT wireless and Bluetooth headsets today!
For an extensive range of wireless office headsets for ALL of your needs, including computers, mobile phones, deskphones and multiple devices, have a browse or contact our headset experts at one of Australia's leading wireless office headset providers – Simply Headsets!
At Simply Headsets, it’s not just about purchasing the best quality headsets on the market; it’s about us building a relationship with you.
That's why we offer FREE Lifetime Support for you and your staff - when you need it, for as long as you need it.
We hope we’ve helped you make your choice. If you need some more advice, you can explain your unique situation to our helpful people at Simply Headsets, and our experts will help you pick the headset that best fits your situation. In the meantime, browse our range of DECT, wireless and Bluetooth headsets.