Nov 2019 Updated: Cheap headsets versus high end
Cheap headsets versus high end - it’s always a problem in any office budget. Do you go for cheap and cheerful headsets with a sub £30 price tag and replace regularly ("buy cheap, buy twice" and all that!) or go for the proven high end and yes!, more expensive counterparts with all the bells and whistles or....something in between?
The truth is that all manufacturers of headsets have models in both camps, Why, I hear you cry!, because it makes perfect sense from a business point of view. There will always be a market for less and always a market for more. You have to decide which one is best for you but let me help you:
Telephone compatibility
Before you make that important decision, you have to make sure that which ever headset you choose, wireless, wired, USB etc will actually work on your business phone or PC if you are using IP telephony. This sounds obvious but people will often be swayed by looks before practicality. Don’t worry, there will always be a choice regardless of your telephone system you are using.
Who is wearing it
The first thing to look at is how long will the headset be worn, all day, once a day or a few times a day? This can make a big difference to what you spend. In my experience, really cheap headsets (less than £50) are not well made enough to be worn for long periods. Who will be wearing the headsets, front of house reception or back office?
Aesthetics are very important to some people especially for the like of estate agents, travel agents and anyone else who are meeting the public on a daily basis. You tend to find these people will go for stylish, often wireless headsets because they look good and present an important image that is portrayed to the customer.
Wired or wireless?
This is an easy one really, if you need to move around a lot in your workplace and are forever making calls, then get a wireless headset. The price starts around "£140 plus" but you will save that by the extra efficiency of using your wireless headset.
Our best selling wireless hasnt changed in the last few years because it does what it says on the tin without fuss and does it really well, it costs £166 + VAT Its the Sennheiser / EPOS DW Office and comes in several flavours, like desk top phone only, PC only and desk & PC with free delivery
Wired headsets
Wired headsets are fine for anyone tied to a desk (not literally) like call centre staff, back end office staff etc, they are still the main market in headsets and will be for quite a while.
They are well made from good materials and offer good value for money backed up by manufacturers who are constantly adding design and technology features to make your day better, rather than cheap headsets which don’t have your comfort and productivity in mind, rather your budget.
Don’t get me wrong, if you want a cheap headset to use every once in a while, then get one. It is not worth spending the extra money!
Which make and model do I go for?
There are 4 brands that we stock and prices are from £59 up to £200, you may have noticed by now that “cheap headsets" are not our business, the brands we stock are: Streamline Pro series Sennheiser / EPOS, Plantronics, Jabra GN Netcom, Our best selling wired hasnt changed either (for the same reasons above with the wireless) Quality is quality!
Its the Streamline Pro series - This nowcomes in 3 flavours, they are:
The ProV (mid range light to all day use) from £59+VAT
The ProVX (Professional Contact Centre all day use) ProVX from £71+VAT
The best advice on which brand and even model you need is easily sorted by a quick phone call to us on 0800 644 0424 tell us your phone model e.g. Cisco 7960G IP phone and we will give you a selection of headsets that are compatible.