Headsets vs. Headphones: What’s the Difference?
April 25, 2023
A lot of people are unaware there is any difference at all between headsets and headphones and use the two terms interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between them and that difference comes down to whether or not they have an integrated microphone. In this post we will break down all the essential differences between headsets vs headphones and outline which one is right for you based on your communication needs. By the end of reading this article you will be an expert on the differences between headsets and headphones and will know what situations headsets are the best and in what situations headphones come out on top. We'll also share with you the best office headsets to buy in 2024 to wrap things up so you know exactly what to get.
Post Contents [hide]
- What is a Headset?
- What are Headphones?
- What are the core differences between Headsets and Headphones?
- When is it better to use a Office Headset?
- Should I use a Headset or Headphones with a Mic?
- What are the best office headsets to buy in 2024?
- Check out our Headset Finder to choose the best office headset for you!
What is a Headset?
Headsets are similar to headphones in that they both feature two speaker drivers attached to a headband that goes around your head, the main difference is that headsets include an in-built microphone. This microphone is typically located on a boom that can be moved and repositioned at will, or it can feature an in-line microphone in which the microphone is inbuilt into the cable or the headset itself. No matter how the mic is integrated, the addition of a microphone makes the device a headset. Office headsets with microphones on boom arms usually have better voice audio quality than headsets with an in-line microphone. Some headsets even have retractable boom arm microphones so you can only take it out when you need to use it. It is also common to find office headsets made in mono versions so you can hear others in the room without needing to take your headset off.
Headsets are essential if you need to be able to communicate often and are the perfect companion for video conferencing services such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, both in the office and whilst working from home. They are also the go to choice for clear communications in podcasting, streaming and gaming.
What are Headphones?
Headphones are basically two speaker drivers attached to a headband that is designed to sit on your head. They do not have an integrated microphone and are therefore used less for communication and more for listening to audio. Compared to headsets, headphones are more ubiquitous in the casual listening, audio engineering and audio production industries. Unlike headsets, headphones generally only come in stereo (two ear cups) and not in mono (single ear cup) varieties. That’s because headphones are used to focus on listening and require a stereo sound. Headphones also often feature noise cancelling to help facilitate creating an immersive listening experience.
What are the core differences between Headsets and Headphones?
As we’ve explained above, the primary difference when it comes to headsets vs headphones is the inclusion of an integrated microphone. Apart from that there are a few other key differences when it comes to headsets vs headphones. For one, office headsets are designed to work directly with desk phones while headphones do not. Some office headsets may require an adaptor to connect to a desk phone, but once they’re connected you can take calls directly. You cannot do this with headphones as they are not designed to be used for desk phone compatibility or taking phone calls as they don’t feature a microphone.
Headsets also can have additional features that you won’t find on headphones. For example, some headset models allow you to mute your microphone by simply raising the mic arm and unmute it by extending it. Some models also allow you to answer calls directly by extending the mic arm. Headsets that are Microsoft Teams compatible also feature a button that opens up Microsoft Teams on your computer.
Office headsets also come in mono (one ear cup) and stereo (two ear cups) designs, whereas headphones typically only come in stereo configurations. Mono headsets allow you to hear and communicate with others without needing to take your headset off, while if you’re wearing headphones you will need to take them off to talk to people around you. Some headsets also feature a busy light that lights up when you’re on a call, so others in the office can see that you’re busy.
When is it better to use a Office Headset?
If you need to communicate often and you want to do it clearly, then an office headset is the best choice for you. If you work in an office environment or work from home and spend a lot of time in video conferences or on phone calls then an office headset gives you the benefit of an inbuilt microphone. Another situation where it's better to use a headset is if you like to play video games and need to communicate with your friends and teammates. The voice quality on office headset microphones are typically of a very high quality and often feature noise cancelling technology so that people on your call won’t hear your background noise. These are some of the main things to consider when it comes to choosing headsets vs headphones.
Should I use a Headset or Headphones with a Mic?
It's personal preference when it comes to using headsets vs headphones with a mic, but if communication is important then in most cases an office headset is preferable to a pair of headphones with an external microphone. That is due to the convenience of the mic being built into the headset as well as the cost, as it’s usually more expensive to buy a pair of headphones and a microphone rather than a headset. Headsets also often have noise cancelling microphones, while that is less common in external microphones. The microphone in an office headset is also closer to your lips so it produces a more natural and clearer sound, whereas an external mic won’t be close enough to your mouth unless you invest in a microphone stand and arm, which ends up costing even more money, takes a lot of space, and isn’t very portable. The only use case in which we would recommend a headphone and microphone combo over a headset is if you are either a music producer or audio engineer. In most use cases, an office headset will produce much better results and audio quality than headphones with an external mic.
What are the best office headsets to buy in 2024?
There are plenty of quality wired and wireless office headsets available in 2024, here are our top three picks.
Wired: 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
The Poly Plantronics Blackwire 5220 is a stereo headset designed for use with mobile phones and computers, it also comes in a mono variant, as well as both USB A and USB C configurations. Both models feature a dual USB and 3.5mm connection so they are able to connect to mobile devices as well as computers. It features a noise cancelling mic so no one can hear any background noise craziness, as well as wideband audio so your voice sounds the best it can.
Bluetooth: Jabra Evolve2 65
3%
Off
RRP: $454
Now:
$438
inc GST
Save: $16
- WORKS WITH - PC + MOBILE
- 360* Busylight
- Premium headset
The Jabra Evolve2 65 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! These have an amazing long battery life of 37 hours when fully charged, a generous amount of wireless range, and a busy light that lights up when you're on a call so others know you're busy. The Evolve2 65 also supports multi-device pairing, so you can listen to your favourite music on your mobile phone at the same time you are working on your computer. Nifty! To top it off it has a noise cancelling microphone with incredible clarity, and it looks pretty sharp too.
DECT: Jabra Engage 75
24%
Off
RRP: $659
Now:
$498
inc GST
Save: $161
- WORKS WITH - Desk Phone + PC + Mobile (2)
- Headband style - 2 earcups
- Easy Mute Buttons
- 13 hour talk time
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 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.
Noise Cancelling: Jabra Evolve2 75
23%
Off
RRP: $608
Now:
$470
inc GST
Save: $138
- WORKS WITH - Mobile + PC/Mac
- Dongle and charge via - USB-A
- Advanced Active Noise Cancelling
- Hide-Away Mic Boom
If you're seeking some peace and quiet in the workplace, the Evolve2 75 headphones are the perfect solution. Equipped with Active Noise Cancelling technology, they can effortlessly eliminate the distracting sounds of children, dogs, and chatty colleagues. Additionally, with eight precision noise-cancelling microphones strategically placed, your voice will come through crystal clear during video conferences with clients and co-workers. Fully charged, the headphones provide up to 24 hours of talk time, ensuring they won't die in the middle of an important meeting. Combining exceptional inbound and outbound audio, these headphones are an excellent choice for any noisy office.
Check out our Headset Finder to choose the best office headset for you!
If after reading our article on headsets vs headphones you’ve decided that an office headset is what you need to help you communicate better but you’re unsure on what headset is best for you, then take advantage of our handy Headset Finder that makes finding the right office headset for you a breeze. Simply tell it whether you want a wired or wireless headset, what devices you want to connect it to and what wearing style you prefer and our headset wizards will instantly work their magic and conjure up an office headset that gets our stamp of approval. So you can take out the guesswork and get on with your work!