If you’re managing a call center or have transitioned to working a call center job in light of the recent pandemic – you might be looking to purchase a headset, more specifically a headset for calls. The best call center headsets don’t come for free, but there are some good wideband audio options to make talk time less strenuous after long hours on the phone.
Whilst it’s true that many telecommunication centers provide their own staff with equipment, it’s not unheard of for these employers to consider cutting costs when issuing this equipment out to their call center agents.
If you’re lucky enough to be provided with a contact center headset, you might notice its lacking in one or more departments when it comes to noise cancellation, audio quality or build quality.
With the aim of making your work day considerably less challenging with unwanted background sounds, we’ve compiled a list of the best telemarketing headsets for call centers you can buy in 2021. If you don’t see any you’d like on the list, we’ve also crafted a buyers guide to help you source the best headset for you (or your employees).
Top 10 Best Call Center Headsets
#1 – Jabra Engage 50 Wired Headset (Overall winner)
Possibly the best call center headset under 150 dollars with a noise cancellation microphone and considered to be the best wireless headset option here without a doubt!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â Yes
- Type:Â Mono/Stereo/Convertible (Multiple choice)
- Enclosure:Â Over Ear/On Ear
- Wireless:Â Yes
- Noise Canceling:Â Headsets design exclusively
- Charging:Â Fast Charge (90 minutes)
- Mic and Controls: HD Mic, Intuitive control panel
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not Present
- Weight:Â 2.89 Oz
- Battery time:Â 9-13 hours (active use)
- Price: Under 150$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
The Jabra Engage is an awesome wired headset that’s purpose built for both comfort and quality. It’s also designed from the ground up to be used in a busy environment with a lot of calls being placed at one time.
This is why it features unique status light indicators on both sides of your head (to minimize real world interruptions). This is also why it features excellent acoustic noise cancellation and, unlike other competitors in this price bracket, has a native suite for live call and microphone analytics.
It may be a LOT more expensive than immediate competitors such as the TECKNET trucker style headset, but the gain in quality and ease of use makes it worth it.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Live mic monitoring
- In depth call analytics
- Intuitive controls
- Status lights on headset (great for busy office)
- Available in mono OR stereo
- Long range
- hd voice with smart headset features for answering calls
- convertible headset
Cons
- Headset sometimes desynchronizes
- Requires app install to change settings
- Not as much mobility as a wireless headset
Our Rating:
9.7 / 10
This lightweight and highly ergonomic headset ships with a whole array of features that make it uniquely attractive to anyone involved in call center work. If you have the budget, this is unbeatable.
#2 – TECKNET Hands Free Wireless Headset (Runner-up)
Close second as one of the best headsets and an excellent choice for anyone looking for call center headphones under $60!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â Yes
- Type:Â Mono
- Enclosure:Â Over Ear
- Wireless:Â Fully Wireless
- Noise Canceling:Â Microphone + Acoustic Protection
- Charging:Â 1.5 hours
- Mic and Controls:Â HD mic, MFB/Volume/Mute controls present (On ear controls)
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not Present
- Weight:Â 4.9 oz
- Battery time:Â 32-36 Hours
- Price: Under 60$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
This call center agents headset packs an impressive punch considering it exists in a mid-range sort of price bracket. For no more than 60 dollars, you’re given access to unique features such as live AI noise canceling that can be used to wipe out ambient call center noises or other generic background noise during your call. This isn’t even the only noise reduction feature present – noise canceling acoustic foam is also used.
For reference, the Jabra evolve 40 is actually more expensive than this headset, and doesn’t make use of active noise cancellation in this manner. In fact, it doesn’t have a noise canceling microphone at all.
So in terms of functionality, you’re getting more than what you pay for with the TECKNET hands free headset.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Very long battery life (2 days)
- Ultra soft leather earmuffs
- Highly ergonomic and adjustable
- Can be worn ambidextrously (rotational mic)
- Impressive ANC
- Lightweight (Under 5.0 Oz)
- Decent wireless range
- Tend to not find audio spikes with this headset
Cons
- Fairly bulky
- Requires occasional restart
Our Rating:
9.4 / 10
If you’re looking for a mid range mono style headset with impressive battery life and a highly comfortable design, you won’t need to look any further than here.
#3 – Logitech USB Headset H390 with Noise Canceling Microphone
An excellent budget wireless headset for customer calls that don’t break the bank
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â None
- Type:Â Stereo
- Enclosure:Â Over Ear
- Wireless:Â Not Present
- Noise Cancelling:Â Present
- Charging:Â Not Necessary (USB)
- Mic and Controls:Â Adjustable boom mic, external controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not Present
- Weight:Â 7.05 Oz
- Battery time:Â Infinite (USB Powered)
- Price: Under 50$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
This is probably one of the most astonishingly cheap headsets on the market that actually retains some level of functionality. Despite the low pricing point and the ability to buy these headsets in multipacks – they still manage to output high quality sound and are perfect for skype calls or interfacing with similar call center software.
They’re exclusively USB operated, unlike models such as the TECKNET listed above – which can more easily be paired with mobile phones (via Bluetooth) to make cell phone calls. The audio output isn’t exactly spectacular either.
As long as you keep this setback in mind you should be perfectly fine to conduct basic call center work with this headset.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Incredibly inexpensive
- Can be bought in multipacks
- Adjustable noise canceling microphone present
- Relatively comfortable
- Basic warranty normally present
- Best USB call center headset option
Cons
- Cheap materials can break easily
- Moving parts are also more prone to breaking
Our Rating:
8.3/ 10
An inexpensive solution to conducting call center work without forking out a huge lump sum up front. An excellent starter headset.
#4 – Jabra Evolve 40 Professional Wired Headset
Great wired headsets from Jabra that’s built with the express purpose of call center work.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â None
- Type:Â Stereo
- Enclosure:Â On-ear
- Wireless:Â None
- Noise Cancelling:Â Acoustic
- Charging:Â Not necessary
- Mic and Controls:Â HD mic, simple controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black and red
- Waterproof:Â Not present
- Weight:Â 6 Oz
- Battery time:Â Infinite (mains powered)
- Price: Under 115$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
Whilst the Jabra evolve 40 sits on the pricier side of the spectrum, it’s an excellent purchase for anyone who anticipates that they’ll be conducting a considerable amount of business via calls at a contact center. It features similar functionality to the Jabra engage 50 such as status lights on the headset and a uniquely ergonomic over-ear stereo design.
But unlike the Engage 50, it’s fully wired. This has resulted in a slightly lower pricing point and has completely eliminated the risk of latency or wireless interference. You can also opt between MS Teams/UC optimized versions of the headset, which is a nice touch.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Fully wired for low latency
- Cheaper than the Engage 50
- Excellent voice clarity
- Clear audio quality
- Smart sensor technology
Cons
- No wireless functionality
- Fairly bulky in size
Our Rating:
9.7 / 10
The perfect wired alternative to the Jabra Engage 50 – with a cheaper price to match.
#5 – OvisLink Noise Canceling Call Center Wireless headset
A highly reliable AND comfortable headset under 70 dollars in price offers excellent HD voice clarity which in busy contact centers makes all the difference!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â None
- Type:Â Mono
- Enclosure:Â On ear
- Wireless:Â None
- Noise Cancelling:Â Uses noise canceling microphone
- Charging:Â Not necessary
- Mic and Controls:Â HD mic, basic controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not present
- Weight: 11.2 Oz
- Battery time:Â Infinite
- Price: Under 70$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
Our initial impressions with this product were that it was surprisingly lightweight. We then discovered it was incredibly quick & easy to set up. The generic appearance was a little worrying – but our worries quickly dissuaded when we realized how excellent the sound quality from both the microphone and the speakers were.
This tiny and relatively well priced mono headset is perfectly capable of competing with some of the higher end, more expensive wireless headsets you’re likely to stumble across when browsing (such as the TECKNET hands free).
The noise canceling microphone presently installed even has its own acoustic shock protection and RF shielding to ensure crystal clear quality all the time.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Great value for money
- One of the few good mono noise cancelling headsets
- One of the more reliable headsets (less prone to breakages)
- 2 year warranty despite this
- Comfortable ear cushions
Cons
- The connector can’t handle a lot of movement
- No mobility compared to wireless headset
Our Rating:
8.4/ 10
No fancy additional features. Just a high quality headset that’ll withstand heavy use and keep you comfortable whilst doing so.
#6 – xMpow HC5 Pro V5.0 Wireless Headset
A call center headset under 100 dollars that ticks all the boxes when it comes to functionality.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â 5.0
- Type:Â Stereo
- Enclosure:Â On-Ear
- Wireless:Â Hybrid with 3.5mm Jack
- Noise Cancelling:Â Present
- Charging:Â 4+ Hours
- Mic and Controls:Â HD Mic, Integrated Controls
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not Present
- Weight:Â 1.63lbs
- Battery time:Â 22 Hours Active Use
- Price: Under 100$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
The xMpow HC5 Pro is an excellent headset because it integrates all of the features you’d expect from a high end headset and builds upon them to ensure each function and feature of your device is refined and hassle free.
Unlike other wireless headsets (such as the TECKNET) this makes full use of Bluetooth 5.0. This has some considerable advantages over older models of Bluetooth call center headsets, namely in signal quality, wireless range and latency reduction.
The down side to this is slightly faster power consumption. Unlike the TECKNETs 32 hour battery life, this only has a 22 hr battery life. This is still more battery than you’re ever going to need for one sitting, though. So you need not worry on that front.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0 Tech (Fast)
- Easy control interface
- Comfortable
- Noise canceling microphone (No background noise)
- Great wireless range
Cons
- Headband can be a little tight
- Adjustable components can be prone to breaking
- On-ear design doesn’t filter as much background noise
Our Rating:
8.8 / 10
A well priced, well put together and highly reliable piece of kit. With long lasting batteries and outstanding audio quality.
#7 – AGPtek Call Center Dialpad Headset Telephone
A Handy Little Call Center Dialpad Headset under $30
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth:Â Not present
- Type:Â Mono
- Enclosure:Â On Ear
- Wireless:Â Not Present
- Noise Cancelling:Â Present
- Charging:Â Not necessary
- Mic and Controls:Â Basic mic, massive control surface
- Transducer:Â Dynamic
- Colors:Â Black
- Waterproof:Â Not Present
- Weight:Â 0.8 lbs
- Battery time:Â Infinite (mains operated)
- Price: Under 30$? although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked June 5, 2021
Our take:
This was the cheapest functional headset we felt we should include on our list. There are definitely other headsets in the same price range (and lower) – but a lot of them are prone to breaking and suffer from glaring problems with audio and mic quality. This headset retains most of the quality features you’d expect from pricier models such as the Jabra Engage 50.
Possibly the most unique thing about this headset is that it has a functional dial pad. This might seem a little bit retro, but the presence of a digital screen allows you to more effectively screen calls. It also has a fairly large call memory bank, which allows you to record a multitude of previous incoming and outgoing numbers.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Display screen allows for more intuitive call screening
- Noise canceling microphone present (HD/Adjustable Mic)
- Soft ergonomic ear cups for comfort
- Plugs straight into your telephone line (easy set up)
- Memory bank of numbers
- Desk phone options, specially for those looking for this type of call center phone to answer calls with
Cons
- Only compatible with a telephone line
- Can’t be used to record calls
Our Rating:
6.7 / 10
If you’re not able to place calls over the internet and are looking for a quick/cheap solution to old school telecommunication, this is a safe choice.
Considerations Choosing headsets for call centers
If you’re looking to score your own headset for call center work, there’s a few key factors you’ll have to keep your eyes out for. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider when you’re shopping around.
Wireless range
This isn’t really a major factor. Unless your work set up requires you to move a reasonable distance away from your work station to obtain data or interact with other devices – you probably won’t have to worry about range.
Good range can be an indicator of good quality, though. Especially in close proximity to your transmitter. Take note of the range but do not let it be a deciding factor.
Battery Life
This can be a deal breaker for a lot of people. If you’re working full shifts and aren’t just picking up the occasional part time work, you’re going to need a headset that can survive a full shift. It’s also going to need to be able to survive a full shift of active usage since you don’t know what percentage of your work day will be spent in calls vs waiting for calls to come through. As long as a headset has 6-8 hours of active usage and can be easily charged over night, you should consider purchasing it. Anything worse than that should be discarded.
Duo or Mono?
This is personal preference, but most call centers provide their staff with mono headsets. This is because mono headsets allow people to be immediately aware of their surroundings (which is handy in a busy office environment) and can also discourage people from shouting the way they tend to when they can’t hear how loud they’re being.
If you’re working alone at home, nothing is physically stopping you from picking up a dual channel headset. They’re just less commonly used in this line of work because so much of it takes place in an office environment.
Active Noise canceling microphone
Active noise cancellation headphones isn’t a feature you would normally need working from home. If you’re working in a busy office environment and you’re worried that the ambient sounds could become an issue, then it may be worth considering sourcing a device with this feature.
But for the average employee we would say this should largely be regarded as a “bonus” feature – and not a “must have”.
Controls
Intuitive call controls are always a massive plus when it comes to call center headsets. A mute/hold button and some basic volume control can make a world of difference when it comes to how comfortable you are in processing a large volume of calls. The good news it that even inexpensive headsets can harbor good controls.
Voice-call quality
Crystal clear sound and voice clarity aren’t always going to be achievable. Phone calls are a two-way street, so you’re always going to be reliant on a customer/client’s own microphone and signal strength.
With that in mind, it’s important to ensure you know the problem is never coming from your end. The only way to do this is by selecting a microphone you know will consistently deliver high quality audio.
If it’s possible to test out a microphone beforehand, test it. Or listen to audio that’s been recorded using the microphone in question.
Comfortable Fit
Call center work can be fairly relaxed – until it isn’t.
An easy shift can quickly turn into a nightmare when you’re on the phone with the same customer for over an hour helping them troubleshoot an important issue.
It’s important that wearing your headset for these long lengths of time doesn’t physically hurt you. Make sure ergonomic design is emphasized when selecting a headset. Also pay close attention to customer reviews and how they relate to comfort.
Enclosure Types
There are 3 main enclosure types when it comes to wireless call center headsets.
There’s the classic in-ear enclosure that was popularized with early Bluetooth headsets in the mid 2000s. These are compact but can sometimes lead to chaffing over long term use.
There’s also over ear designs. These are the best for people looking to prevent sound leakage. They effectively seal the space around your ear in a vacuum, ensuring sound can’t leak out (and sound can’t get in).
On-ear designs are among the most common. These are ear cups that sit ‘on’ your ear, rather than wrapping around them. They don’t have the same level of protection against sound leakage, but they are highly comfortable and are often more than enough to get the job done.
Phone calls and Sound Quality
Headsets for call centers need to provide you with audio quality that’s workable and free from audio interference/annoying distractions. Make sure the sound driver in your ear piece is of an acceptable standard. Anyone can slap a “high quality audio” sticker on a headset, so make sure you verify the hardware is actually up to the task via user reviews, YouTube reviews and any other informational resources you have available.
This same principle also applies to your microphone – although it’s easier to identify poor quality microphones as you can normally look up recordings that have been made using your specific model.
Build Quality
10 years ago, the presence of a “made in China” sticker would be a glaring indicator of poor build quality. But this simply isn’t the case anymore, with many manufacturers abroad tightening up their processes to stay competitive.
Poor build quality is normally pretty apparent at first glance. It can be identified fairly quickly by the use of cheap plastics, poor connectors and generally flimsy looking components.
Nicer looking models can start to fall apart fairly quickly too, though. So the only real objective measure of build quality is user reviews. Generally speaking, if 9 out of every 10 people are saying the headset is sturdy, it’s probably sturdy.
Call Center Phones and Headsets FAQs
What headsets do call centers use?
This honestly depends on the call center in question. Some call centers are happy to provide high quality call center headsets. These headsets can include features such as active noise canceling and ambient noise reduction – making them perfect for an endless stream of phone calls.
Other call centers like to cut costs. They’ll happily send you out the cheapest headset they can find and will act bewildered when it breaks after a couple of uses.
What’s the best call center headset?
Choosing the best call center phones with headsets boils down to the individual. If you’re operating out of a busy office with lots of calls going on around you at all times – you’re going to need a mono headset that still has a reasonable level of noise reduction and high volume.
If you’re working alone at home, you can theoretically take calls with a gaming headset – if you so please. Just remember that it’s easier to find yourself shouting when both of your ears are covered and you can’t tell how loud you’re being.
Should my employer be paying for this?
Depending on company policy, your employer may be willing to pay for your headset.
If you’d prefer to use a specialized/more expensive headset, it might also be possible to invoice your employer for a portion of the cost.
If your employer is in the habit of providing employees with a generic headset, you should consider asking if they’d be interesting in covering some of the costs of your higher quality headset. You can always explain that more efficient equipment certainly couldn’t hurt your ability to handle larger workloads/busier call times.
Note: not all employers will be willing to cover the costs. Some may even require that you only use equipment provided by them – no matter how bad it is.
