Our Complete Guide to USB-C Headsets
August 09, 2022
With Apple announcing switching to USB-C for future iPhones, we are bound to see USB-C become the standard connection type and the slower and older USB-A slink away into the shadows of outdated technology, where it will be reunited with old friends such as the floppy disk, the laser disc and the mini disc. This is a win for consumers as USB-C is faster than USB A, and having one default USB connection type will mean less reliance on adaptors and less waste as you can use one cable to connect or charge all your devices.
Switching to USB-C is also less for us to mentally process, as currently there are a seemingly endless variety of connection types to choose from.
USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm, DECT, Bluetooth, Corded and wireless. It can seem a little daunting when you delve into the connectivity aspects of headsets. But fear not, we’re here to help. This article will focus on USB-C headsets in particular and show you the benefits it can offer.
As the older USB-A connection fades away into technological obscurity, USB-C will become the standard. Reading further will help you understand the benefits of switching to USB-C, what features to look for in a headset with a USB-C connection, and why you need to consider getting one. If you’ve already got a USB-C Headset but you’re looking to upgrade, this article is for you too, so stick around for the ultimate guide to USB-C headsets.
Post Contents [hide]
- Everything You Need to Know About USB-C Headsets
- What Are USB-C Headsets?
- What Are The Benefits of a USB-C Headset?
- What Are The Key Features to Look For in a USB-C Headset?
- What Are The Best USB-C Headsets to Buy in 2024?
- Find Your USB-C Headsets at Simply Headsets!
- FAQ:
Everything You Need to Know About USB-C Headsets
Many people who bought a headset to work from home during the 2020 pandemic outbreak bought cheap USB headsets in a mad rush. This was understandable because I’d hazard a guess that no one thought that we’d be in and out of lockdown for the best part of two years, and few people envisioned the work-from-home ‘experiment’ to be so successful. Now that working from home is here to stay, it may be time to upgrade your headset.
But will USB-C headsets work on your Mac? Your PC? Can they connect to your phone? Yes, Yes, and Yes is the brief answer, but it depends on your computer, laptop or device that you use with them.
What Are USB-C Headsets?
If you’re a Mac user, you’re probably well aware of the USB-C connection, as all Macs use it. USB-C brings several enhancements to standard connections like the 3.5mm jack, and it is fast becoming the new standard. It improves functionality, connectivity, and audio quality in your headsets and will provide you with loads of options that go much further than just plugging them in. Let's find out what they are.
What Are The Benefits of a USB-C Headset?
- Because USB-C will eventually become the ‘ruling’ port, there will be no need for many connection types, e.g., One for your phone, one for your Mac, and a different one for your PC. This will eliminate messy cords everywhere.
- Durability. This connector will last longer. The old 3.5mm jack is constantly exposed when removed, and the standard USB-A connection and the older Micro-USB android connector often get damaged because they’re difficult (and annoying) when you’re trying to put them in the right way around. If you’re anything like me, you get it wrong most of the time!
- Better sound quality because of the use of USB-C digital signals. This means that not only will you be able to hear the person on the other end of the line clearly, but when you’re listening to tunes in your downtime, the music will be of the best quality possible too.
- It’s thinner, lighter and more convenient, which means no tangled mess of cords lying around, and you won’t need to think about which way to plug it in as there’s no difference between the front and back of the plug.
What Are The Key Features to Look For in a USB-C Headset?
Besides checking whether the USB-C headset will work with your PC, Mac or phone, it makes sense to consider if they have active noise cancelling (ANC). Also, if you’re a regular user of Zoom, Skype or MS Teams, most headsets will be compatible with those applications, but some headsets are Skype, Zoom, and MS Teams certified, so they will offer quick access to these app's functions.
If you’re a keen music listener, it will pay to check whether your USB-C headsets are also good for listening to music and not just taking calls. And importantly, how awesome will you look when you’re wearing your new headsets? If you wear them for long periods, they might as well be comfortable and look good too. Check out this list of the best headsets. There’s bound to be one that will tick all your boxes!
What Are The Best USB-C Headsets to Buy in 2024?
Best Wired USB-C Headsets for Your Office
Jabra Evolve 40
27%
Off
RRP: $199
Now:
$146
inc GST
Save: $53
- WORKS WITH - Mobile phone + PC (USB-C) + tablet
- USB-C Connection
- In-line audio controls
These Jabra headsets work with your mobile phone, PC, and tablet as long as they have a USB-C connection. They’re MS Teams certified, giving you access to Teams and its functions. They come with a busy light on the earcup, which is handy when you’re on a call, or you can activate it, and (fingers crossed!) you won’t be disturbed. This USB-C headset with a mic comes with a handy feature where the microphone integrates into the headband when you’re not using it, so you can hide it away when you are taking the train on the way home and listening to music. These headsets are fantastic if you travel for work and often make calls or video conferences when you’re away.
Jabra Evolve2 40
22%
Off
RRP: $254
Now:
$199
inc GST
Save: $55
- WORKS WITH - PC/MAC
- MS Teams Certified
- 360* Busylight
- Premium headset
This headset is for you if you’re looking for comfort and exceptional audio inbound and outbound. They’re made to wear all day and have a wide memory-foam headband and super-cushioned earcups. The professional-sounding audio is excellent on calls but just as good when listening to music. They’re MS Teams certified and come with a Teams button for instant access to Teams functions, and they have a busy light both front and back, too, so colleagues can see when you’re on a call and (hopefully) not disturb you. These headsets are great for working from home.
Best Wireless USB-C Headsets for Office
Plantronics B825 Voyager Focus
29%
Off
RRP: $632
Now:
$446
inc GST
Save: $186
Buy Now
These Plantronics USB-C headsets work with your Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, tablets, and PC. They have on-demand active noise cancelling, and you can control how much noise gets in, which is great if you need to listen to your surroundings. They also come with a noise-cancelling mic. The sound quality is excellent on these no matter what you’re doing, and they’re Zoom Certified and MS Teams compatible. These USB-C headsets are designed for comfort and all-day wear, and they won’t give you any discomfort and are a great headset option for your office.
Jabra Evolve2 65
17%
Off
RRP: $545
Now:
$452
inc GST
Save: $93
- WORKS WITH - PC + MOBILE
- Certified for MS Teams
- USB-C Connections
- 360* Busylight
- Premium headset
The Evolve2 65 range work with PC/Mac and Mobile phone. They connect to a computer or laptop via the included USB-C dongle and directly to your smartphone with Bluetooth. You'll get the professional sound quality both ways for your calls, and they have a busy light on the front and back of the earcup, so colleagues in front and behind can see if you're on a call. They’re comfortable to wear and have a memory foam padded headband and extra cushioning on the earcups. The larger, oval, isolating foam padded ear-cups are also angled to ensure an excellent fit and eliminate much more background noise for you.
Best Wired Noise Cancelling USB-C Headsets
Plantronics Blackwire 8225
14%
Off
RRP: $320
Now:
$276
inc GST
Save: $44
- WORKS WITH - PC/ MAC (USB-C)
- ACTIVE Noise Cancelling
- Premium sound
- Plug and Play Solution
If you want to block out the noise around you and work in a noisy environment, this Plantronics USB-C headset is perfect for you. It has ANC that will help block distractions and help you focus. You can choose a ‘talk through’ option if someone wants to ask you a quick question too, and even if there’s chaos all around you, your client will only hear your voice due to the noise-cancelling mic.
These noise-cancelling USB-C headsets are a brilliant choice: they are simple to use (plug them in and off you go!), comfortable to wear, and equipped with exceptional audio.
EPOS Sennheiser Adapt 160
12%
Off
RRP: $109
Now:
$96
inc GST
Save: $13
- WORKS WITH - PC/Mac (USB-C)
- Noise cancelling mic
- Foam ear cushions
- Discrete fold-away mic boom
The ADAPT 100 series headsets have a unique look to them. The microphone boom hides discreetly behind the headband when not in use which is handy when you’re listening to music and don’t intend on taking any calls for a while.
As is expected from EPOS, the HD quality sound is excellent for voice and music. The microphone has noise cancelling to block out most of the noise around you for the person on the other end of the call, so your most valuable client won't have to say “Can you repeat that” a dozen times and the ANC will make sure that you don’t have to deal with the next-door-neighbour mowing their lawn right in the middle of an important meeting. These USB-C headsets are a top pick that won’t break your budget.
Best Wireless Noise Cancelling USB-C Headsets
Jabra Evolve2 75
23%
Off
RRP: $608
Now:
$470
inc GST
Save: $138
- WORKS WITH - Mobile + PC/Mac
- Dongle and charge via - USB-C
- Advanced Active Noise Cancelling
- Hide-Away Mic Boom
These excellent Jabra USB-C headsets come with advanced active noise-cancelling that will give you peace and quiet in your life. You’ll no longer hear traffic noise, colleagues or kids with them, and you’ll be able to focus and be more productive. You’ll hear awesome stereo quality whether you’re on a call or listening to music, and clients will hear you loud and clear because of the noise-cancelling mic that filters out unwanted noise on their end. They’re built for all-day wear, and you’ll almost forget you have these on because the ‘dual foam technology’ that gives you extra ventilation will ensure you don’t get hot and sweaty. These are top-notch headsets if noise-cancelling is a priority for you.
Plantronics Voyager Focus 2
41%
Off
RRP: $576
Now:
$342
inc GST
Save: $234
- WORKS WITH - PC + Mobile
- USB-A Dongle
- ACTIVE Noise Cancelling
- Intuitive features
These Plantronics USB-C headsets will work on your PC and mobile and come with active noise-cancelling to block out unwanted background noise to help you focus on the important stuff. These are one of the best-performing noise-cancelling USB-C headsets around, so if that’s a key feature you’re looking for, they’d be perfect for you! You’ll also get Pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology which ensures that your client will hear you and only you. They’re Zoom certified and MS Teams compatible, have incredible sound for voice and music, and are built for comfort. What more could you ask for in a USB-C wireless headset?
Find Your USB-C Headsets at Simply Headsets!
If you don’t want to be left behind and you’d rather join the multitudes of people switching over to USB-C, it’s best to do so now before USB-A fades into obscurity and it is no longer compatible with any of your devices. It’s worth checking out our range of USB-C headsets at Simply Headsets. We stock all the best brands and would be happy to help you out. If you’re still unsure which headset is right for you, call us. Our headset experts would be more than happy to help you out.
FAQ:
What's the difference between USB-C and USB-A Headsets?
USB-C will give you better quality audio. USB-A supports 2.5 watts and 5 volts, whereas USB-C supports 100 watts and 20 volts which is much more powerful. USB-C headsets have a better connector. You’ll also get more connectivity options with USB-C, and you don’t need to worry about how you plug them in.
What's the difference between USB-C and 3.5mm Headsets?
USB-C headsets offer more connectivity options and better sound quality than 3.5mm headsets and transfer audio signals differently. USB-C headsets bypass your computer's sound card, process the sound, and filter out the ambient noise, which will give you much cleaner sounds, and if you move to USB-C, you’ll never need another adapter again.
Do USB-C Headsets have better sound quality?
Yes. Due to the USB-C connection having higher-resolution audio and digital signals, the wired USB-C connection definitely has better sound quality. So if you want to ensure you have the best possible audio and sound quality possible, you need to invest in or upgrade to a USB-C headset.