Our Guide to the Best Wired Office Headsets
February 14, 2023
Even with the rise of wireless headsets, wired office headsets are still just as relevant today as ever before. For one, they are more budget friendly than wireless headsets, since you are not having to pay for wireless or Bluetooth technology, so the savings get passed on to you. Also, since wired office headsets still rely on analog signals via their wire connections, they have a more reliable and consistent sound quality than wireless office headsets. Most offices nowadays still use wired headsets since employees might not need to leave their workstations that much. Wired headsets are also a great choice for those of you who work from home with a dedicated workstation setup.
In this guide, you will discover why people still stick to wired microphone headsets despite the existence of the more portable wireless headsets. You will also discover the best wired office headsets on the market today that you can consider buying. If you are excited to get your hands on a great wired office headset, reach out to our headset specialists on 1300 889 728 and we will happily talk you through which wired office headset with mic in our online store best suits your needs. If you prefer to absorb as much information as you can on your own before making a decision, then read on to see the best wired office headsets in 2024.
Post Contents [hide]
- What is a Wired Office Headset?
- Why are people still using Wired Office Headsets in 2024?
- Are Wired Office Headsets better than Wireless?
- What features to look for in a Wired Office Headset?
- What are the Best Wired Office Headsets to buy in 2024?
- Why you should invest in a quality Wired Office Headset for work
- Check out our full range of Wired Office Headsets today!
- FAQ
What is a Wired Office Headset?
A headset means that the mic is already integrated into a single device unit together with the headphones. While headphones are simply a pair of earphones connected by a band meant to be worn over the head. Without a built-in mic, a pair of headphones is not really ideal for communication purposes unless you use a separate audio input device. This makes wired office headsets the perfect solution for working from home and working in the office, where you need to answer calls and join video conferencing meetings.
A wired headset uses a headphone jack or USB plug to physically connect to a computer, mobile phone, and other communication devices. It can also come in varying wearing styles such as looping it around the ears or wearing it around the nape.
Why are people still using Wired Office Headsets in 2024?
In general, Wireless and Bluetooth headsets are already a winner when it comes to portability. But why do some people prefer wired office headsets over wireless ones?
Ease of Use
Plug-and-play is a major convenience that wired headsets are known for. They do not need batteries and you don’t have to worry about charging them overnight. We’ve all had that one wireless device that we forgot to charge and was out of battery in the morning. You might already have your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or other gadgets that require charging. Having one less gadget to charge is a bonus in our books.
Audio Quality
You will not experience any latency with wired office headsets, meaning you will hear your audio in real time with no delays. Since wired headsets connect directly to your device, there is no other sound interference that can sometimes be an issue with wireless headsets. As a result, a wired headset can give you consistent sound quality. And we could all use a little consistency in our lives, am I right?
Price
Since the components of a wireless headset are compressed into a single unit and also require wireless technology, they are more expensive to make than a wired headset. If you have a tight budget or need to purchase a large order of headsets for the office, then wired headsets can save you a lot of money.
Are Wired Office Headsets better than Wireless?
Depending on your personal needs, you might find a wired office headset more favourable for your use than a wireless headset, or vice versa. If you are on a budget and want a headset that is quick and easy to set up, opt for a wired headset. But if you are constantly on the go or bothered by wires, then get a wireless headset.
In some industries like defence that deal with highly sensitive information, using a wired office headset with mic is actually a legal requirement. There are hackers who can exploit wireless connections to eavesdrop on sensitive calls, so having a wired headset can prevent this from happening.
What features to look for in a Wired Office Headset?
Noise Cancelling
The past couple of years has seen most people working from home. Even so, we still need to stay connected with our clients or staff. Unlike offices that are designed to minimise unnecessary ambient noises (well, not all offices), homes have plenty of sounds that can get distracting such as barking dogs, crying children, and more. This can lead to poor concentration and can negatively affect your job performance.
Wired office headsets with noise cancellation features can greatly reduce ambient room noises. This way, the user will understand better what his or her caller is saying and the caller won’t have to hear your background noise either. In a call centre setting, the environment can get noisy, too, so companies might opt for noise-cancelling wired office headsets.
Microsoft Teams Certified
Some wired office headsets are officially Microsoft certified, which means that they have a button that directly launches the MS Teams app. If you are someone who uses Teams a lot, it may be worth buying a Microsoft Teams-certified headset.
Wearing Style
Do you want to be aware of your surroundings or still appear approachable even while receiving calls? Opt for an over-the-head mono-wired headset which you will wear over your head. This will only cover one ear, allowing you to hear with your other one (handy!). With a mono headset you can comfortably keep the headset on all day and don’t have to constantly put it around your neck when you need to talk to someone in person.
If you want to minimise distractions due to a noisy background, use an over-the-head stereo headset. This style is meant to be worn over the head and covers both ears, so it offers the most noise suppression.
If you find the wires of a headset can become bothersome, then use an over-the-ear headset. You will wear this around your ear. Depending on the design, an over-the-ear wired headset has a speaker that will either go into your ear or rest against it.
You can also buy a convertible wired headset, which can be worn in any of the wearing styles mentioned above, depending on what you currently need for the situation.
What are the Best Wired Office Headsets to buy in 2024?
Here are five of the best wired office headsets to consider buying in 2024.
- Jabra Evolve 40
- Jabra Evolve2 40
- Jabra Biz 2300
- Plantronics Blackwire 5220
- Plantronics Blackwire 8225
Jabra Evolve 40
From:
$108
inc GST
- Works With - Mobile phone/tablet + PC
- Popular headset
- Leatherette ear cushions
- In-line audio controls
This corded office headset comes with a 3.5mm and USB connection which you can plug into your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you connect this via a USB connection, you can utilise the headset controls to answer and drop calls as well as adjust or mute the volume. What’s more, when the user is on a call, a light indicator will glow to inform colleagues that he or she is busy. We call this a busy light in the headset world. You can also activate this feature manually if you simply do not want to be bothered. Suitable with softphones, Jabra Evolve 40 is Avaya, Microsoft, Cisco, Skype for Business, and Microsoft Lync certified. It also comes in mono and stereo configurations.
Jabra Evolve2 40
22%
Off
The Jabra Evolve2 40 is the upgraded model of the iconic Evolve 40. Designed for seamless compatibility with both PC and Mac , it comes in two convenient USB variants: A and C. The Evolve2 40 MS, a Microsoft Teams certified headset, boasts a dedicated Teams launch button for effortless communication. To spot a Teams-certified headset, simply look for the MS or M suffix in the product name.
Audio quality is second to none in the Evolve2 40, with a fit that blocks out most ambient noise through passive noise cancelling, while the microphone also boasts noise cancelling, so you always sound your best on calls.
And here's a little extra that'll make your day-to-day easier: a busy light on the front and back of the Evolve 2 40 lets those around you know, from all angles, that you're on a call and not to be disturbed.
Jabra Biz 2300
23%
Off
RRP: $169
Now:
$130
inc GST
Save: $39
- Designed for contact centres
- Air shock mic - reduces breathing noise
- Wideband audio
- Noise cancelling microphone
- Flexible microphone arm rotates 360
This wired office headset is created with the demands of call centres in mind, but home users can also take advantage of this tech. With high-quality sound output and noise-cancelling features, Jabra Biz 2300 has an air-shock mic that can eliminate most noises, including your breathing. With a durable build consisting of soft, large ear cushions and an adjustable headband, Jabra Biz 2300 is comfortable for all-day use. What’s more, its PeakStop™ technology protects your hearing by keeping sounds within a safe range. With a 360-degree rotation, the mic boom can be moved in a direction that is comfortable to the user. This means you can have the mic on your left or right side, or you can even mix it up and try a different position each day!
Poly Plantronics Blackwire 5220
34%
Off
RRP: $204
Now:
$134
inc GST
Save: $70
- WORKS WITH - PC (USB-A) + Mobile
- Folds flat with travel pouch
- Skype & MS Teams Certified
- Great for music and voice calls
This mid-range USB headset includes a 3.5mm jack which you can connect to a tablet or smartphone. If you have iPhone 7 models and above, you will need to purchase a 3.5mm adapter. The Poly Plantronics Blackwire 5220 is Microsoft Teams certified and has a Dynamic EQ feature that will optimise audio output quality from calls or multimedia. Many headsets cannot adjust well to switching from music to voice call, but you won’t have this problem with the Poly Plantronics Blackwire 5220. Although this headset has soft ear cushions that can help block out background noise, note that it is not an active noise-cancelling headset. Do not worry if you are going to use this all day, as this has a lightweight headband that will fit comfortably and securely on your head.
Plantronics Blackwire 8225
14%
Off
RRP: $320
Now:
$274
inc GST
Save: $46
- WORKS WITH - PC/ MAC (USB)
- ACTIVE Noise Cancelling
- Premium sound
- Plug and Play Solution
If you're in the market for a headset that'll help you take control of your noisy work environment, look no further than the Plantronics 8225. With active noise cancelling in both the earcups and microphone, these headphones are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to stay focused, even in the midst of chaos.
So, let's see if this headset is right for you. Do you work in a noisy environment and need to block out distractions? Do you want a headset that's comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time? Are you looking for good-quality sound so you can enjoy your music to the fullest? Do you want something simple and easy to use, without the hassle of charging or pairing? If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, then YES, you've made an excellent choice - go ahead and add the 8225s to your cart with confidence.
Why you should invest in a quality Wired Office Headset for work
Reliability is the top reason why you should invest in a quality PC wired headset with mic. This is especially ideal for those who constantly communicate with people over the phone. You won’t encounter audio-quality interference which is sometimes an issue with wireless headsets.
Noise cancelling is one of the features of a good wired office headset. It prevents background noises from distracting your work. It can also improve your productivity as you can easily understand what your caller is saying and not have to tell them to repeat themselves just because some noise prevented you from hearing them.
At Simply Headsets, the headsets in our online store follow the Industry Guideline G616 which aims to protect customers against hearing loss due to acoustic shock. Specifically, they have an inbuilt limiter that will prevent sounds from reaching a decibel level that can damage your hearing. There are a lot of junk headsets out there that can damage your hearing and will make you end up spending more on medical costs. Ask anyone who has to deal with angry customers on the phone and they will tell you that you want a headset with acoustic shock protection! We only carry reputable brands in our product catalogue so all of our headsets have this protection, so you can have peace of mind.
We have the focus, experience, and expertise to guide you with your wired headset needs. If you are still not decided on which wired office headset to get, give us a call on 1300 889 728 and we will gladly assist you.
Check out our full range of Wired Office Headsets today!
Check out our range of wired headsets for smartphones, computers, desk phones, and other devices:
Wired USB Headsets for Computers
3.5mm Corded Headsets for Mobile Phones
Corded Headsets for Desk Phone
Computer + Mobile Headsets - Corded
FAQ
Why are wired headsets ideal for your office?
Wired headsets are plug-and-play, so they reduce setup time and you don’t need to drag IT out as anyone can get them working. They are affordable and offer great sound quality and features for the price. Wired headsets are ubiquitous in offices around the world for these reasons.
Do all wired office headsets come with a microphone
Yes, all corded headsets come with a microphone. The term “headphone” simply refers to a device with a pair of audio-output devices joined by a band that is worn over the head. Headphones do not come with a built-in microphone. If you buy or own a pair of headphones and would like to use it to communicate over the phone or on video conferencing calls such as Zoom, then you will need to purchase an external microphone. You do not need to purchase an external microphone with a headset as they have one built in already.
How to keep headset wires from tangling?
Proper storage is key to keeping your wired headset from tangling. It’s best to have a stand or hook where you can habitually place your headset after use. You can also use a cable velcro strap to keep your cord organised. If you need to bring your headset somewhere or won’t be using it for a while, keep it in its own carry bag or dedicated case.
What's the best wired office headset?
The Poly Plantronics Blackwire 8225 is our recommendation for the best wired headset with mic currently. This high-end stereo USB-only headset features Active Noise Cancelling so you can have clear audio both ways on your calls and video meetings. Not only that, it has three different active noise cancelling settings to choose from, so you'll be able to block out distractions and stay focused, no matter where you are. And if you need to speak to someone quickly, the talk-through option amplifies background noise over your music, so you don't miss a beat.
The Poly Plantronics Blackwire 8225 can be used with most softphones on Windows and Mac computers and comes with your choice of either a USB A or USB C connection. You can also purchase a Microsoft Teams certified version if you want the dedicated Teams button, but the non Teams certified version will still work with Microsoft Teams.
What’s more, its Acoustic Fence Technology blocks out all the noise around you so that only your voice registers in the mic. And it features a busy light that lets people know that you are currently on a call. You can save your colleagues the awkward hassle of quietly asking if you’re on a call. And if you need some ‘me’ time, just keep it on even if you’re not on a call! But you didn’t hear that from us. If you are listening to music but someone comes over to talk to you, you can turn off active noise cancelling to amplify background noise over your music. It’s a very cool and useful feature.
How to connect your wired office headset to PC?
First, check the audio port of your device and make sure it matches your headset cord connector. The common audio ports are a 3.5mm jack and USB. If your connector matches the port of your computer or smartphone, simply plug the connector into the port. Your computer or mobile phone should instantly detect the headset and you are good to go. You can readily use your headset this way. But if you need to configure the sound output, do it through your device’s audio settings. Most of the wired headsets we sell on our store feature a small device on the wire that allows you to manually adjust the volume or mute and unmute yourself.