Headset Recommendations for softphone
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Does anyone have a recommendation for either a usb or wireless headset option for a softphone? Pricewise I would like to be under $100. I know once you go wireless prices jump to the $100-$250 range.
Thanks
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Is the softphone only going to operate from a computer? Or are you including a mobile phone as something that would operate the softphone app?
What softphone are you using?
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@DustinB3403 - Just from the computer. I was thinking Zoiper but if you have other recommendations I'd be interested.
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While it is $150-200, I can highly recommend the Jabra Biz 2400 I have. USB, good sound quality, durable, etc. I have the dual and use it strictly for music listening at work. They make a mono one also $150 ish, less that $100 if you get a refurb).
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Zoiper works well, and a lot of people use it.
Are you looking for a over the ear, or both ears?
There are a lot of options to consider. What style are you looking for? @RojoLoco made a solid recommendation, but its above what you want to spend.
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@DustinB3403 - Most likely over the ear. I don't think I want both ears because I want to hear someone sneaking up behind me. Do you guys typically recommend usb for reliability or are there good wireless/bluetooth sets?
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@syko24 said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
@DustinB3403 - Most likely over the ear. I don't think I want both ears because I want to hear someone sneaking up behind me. Do you guys typically recommend usb for reliability or are there good wireless/bluetooth sets?
Well if you want over the ear, that helps to sort out the options a bit.
For bluetooth, you either need one that comes with a receiver, or have bluetooth built into your system.
I prefer no cables if I can avoid it, or wireless USB / bluetooth.
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Thanks for the info! I think I might look at the Jabra line but maybe something a little less than the $150. At that price I feel like I'd be better off with a yealink desk phone.
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@syko24 said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
Thanks for the info! I think I might look at the Jabra line but maybe something a little less than the $150. At that price I feel like I'd be better off with a yealink desk phone.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0028RCZZG/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all
Top item is a refurb one, not sure how the quality or warranty would be, but $69.95 is a decent price, and they have active reps on Spiceworks (Karl is very helpful, great vendor rep).
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@RojoLoco said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
@syko24 said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
Thanks for the info! I think I might look at the Jabra line but maybe something a little less than the $150. At that price I feel like I'd be better off with a yealink desk phone.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0028RCZZG/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all
Top item is a refurb one, not sure how the quality or warranty would be, but $69.95 is a decent price, and they have active reps on Spiceworks (Karl is very helpful, great vendor rep).
Cool Thanks!!
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I've been using a Plantronics Voyager Legend UC B235-M for around 18 months, and I've been satisfied with the sound quality.
Price for a new one is only slightly above your desired range.
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@Danp - Do the Bluetooth models have decent battery life? If the battery runs out is there an option to charge while using it?
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@syko24 It should give 6-7 hours of talk time. I don't believe it supports charging while in use.
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@Danp Thanks, I appreciate the recommendation
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What features are you looking for? Are you looking for something to leave attached to the computer? Are you looking for something that can work with multiple platforms, like bluetooth?
I am a diehard advocate of Plantronics products. As @Minion-Queen can confirm, Jabra has good prices, but they are basically Plantronics Lite in many ways, and without the durability of Plantronics.
If you want something quick and easy, @Danp had a great suggestion with the B235M, which is the Voyager Legend with their bluetooth adapter. The limit is range though, as it uses bluetooth, so your effective range is 20-30 feet, tops. Now, if you don't mind spending some extra money, look at the Savi 700 series. It can work with mobile, PC AND deskphone, all at once. It will detect what interface is receiving the call (although for PC it doesn't interface with Zoiper, just Lync/Skype and a couple of the other big softphones, like Cisco and Avaya), so you have to manually answer the call on the PC. However, the base is USB and bluetooth for maximum compatibility, and the headset uses DECT for a range of 3-400 ft. I once went out of my basement, up to the first floor, and out to the street, which meant it was transmitting through underground, and I still had signal 150ft from the base with clear quality.
The 700 series only varies by headset style. My personal favorite is the W730: https://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Savi-Office-W730-Headset/dp/B005G50IA6
However, any of the 700 series works. For PC, you're either looking at a Savi or a bluetooth, which can be much more finicky, ESPECIALLY if you try to double it for use with your cell.
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@thanksajdotcom - Really just something that is comfortable and over the ear. Being able to walk away from my desk while on the phone would be nice as I am a pacer when I talk.
I assume that wireless models actually connect to the wifi network or are they all just Bluetooth with some kind of base station/usb module.
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@syko24 said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
@thanksajdotcom - Really just something that is comfortable and over the ear. Being able to walk away from my desk while on the phone would be nice as I am a pacer when I talk.
I assume that wireless models actually connect to the wifi network or are they all just Bluetooth with some kind of base station/usb module.
It depends on the model. The Savi series has a base that has USB to the PC, a connection for a deskphone, and bluetooth for a cellphone. However, the base to the headset is DECT, which gives you the range. That's why I'm such a big fan of them. They combine the best of everything into one unit. You have the range because of DECT, and you have compatibility because of the USB and bluetooth. And you manage it all from one headset.
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@syko24 said in Headset Recommendations for softphone:
@thanksajdotcom - Really just something that is comfortable and over the ear. Being able to walk away from my desk while on the phone would be nice as I am a pacer when I talk.
I assume that wireless models actually connect to the wifi network or are they all just Bluetooth with some kind of base station/usb module.
Also, I prefer over-the-ear, which is why I like the W730. If you see an M after it, all that means is that the specific model is Microsoft certified, but the ones without it work just as well. Also, Plantronics has some awesome software you can use to help manage it, that is very nice and powerful. It's free too.
aka no extra licensing or fees to get it or use it
