A large part of Microsoft Teams is meetings; ideally, meeting participants communicate verbally, which is challenging without a headset. If you plan to take part in meetings, consider the headsets I’ll be discussing— I’m confident you’ll find a purchase you can comfortably make.
The best headsets for Microsoft Teams with sidetone:
| Name | Price (USD) | Speaker frequency | Microphone frequency | Connectivity | Mode | Warranty |
| Sennheiser (Epos) Impact SDW 5035 | 365.84 | 20Hz-20kHz | 150Hz-11kHz | Wireless | Mono | 2 year |
| Jabra Evolve2 65 UC | 213.14 | 20Hz-20kHz | 100Hz-8kHz | Wireless | Stereo | N/A |
| Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset | 135.17 | 100Hz-20kHz | 100Hz-10kHz | Wired | Stereo | 1 year |
| Logitech H390 | 47.12 | 20Hz-20kHz | 100Hz-10kHz | Wired | Stereo | 2 year |
I’d initially like to equip you with the required knowledge to make an informed purchase, after which I’ll be discussing headsets I recommend for Microsoft Teams (all featuring “sidetone“). You will find purchase links in each of my submissions— purchases via such links support us. Our chosen vendor offers a price match on most products: it’s a win for both of us.
You can access relevant content faster via the following links:
- Before you buy a headset
- Learn what you’re buying
- Sennheiser (Epos) Impact SDW 5035
- Author’s best pick
- Jabra Evolve2 65 UC
- A worthy alternative
- Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset
- Teams certified
- Logitech H390
- Low budget
- Blog post recap
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Before you buy a headset
A headset is a pair of headphones (often) with an attached microphone. “Sidetone” is a commonly included headset feature that allows you to hear yourself when speaking. You can take advantage of this feature when assessing the quality of your audio input.
The above information should not impact your decision; however, it should make you more confident in your purchase.
Do devices need to be certified for an application?
While your devices do not need to be certified, you should still avoid taking them lightly. Before a manufacturer can state a product is “certified” for an application, the product must undergo vigorous testing. Each test aims to assess the product’s compatibility, performance, and functionality with the program in question. In other words, you can expect scarce technical issues from certified products.
Why should I care about response frequencies?
A response frequency refers to the range of frequencies in which sound can occur. Because the average person can only perceive frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz, we don’t need to place significant value on headsets above or below the said range.
Humans can detect sounds in a frequency range from about 20 Hz to 20 kHz. (Human infants can actually hear frequencies slightly higher than 20 kHz, but lose some high-frequency sensitivity as they mature; the upper limit in average adults is often closer to 15–17 kHz.)
The Audible Spectrum – Neuroscience 2nd Edition
Complementing response frequencies are frequency sensitivities. If your headset’s speaker is sensitive to specific frequencies, it will play sounds at those frequencies with greater clarity. Your headset’s microphone may work the same way.
Adult males exhibit a fundamental frequency between 85Hz and 155Hz. In contrast, adult females have a fundamental frequency between 165Hz and 255Hz. On a side note, children possess a fundamental frequency between 265Hz and 355Hz. Keep the following values in mind, and try to find a headset sensitive to the range that applies to you. In doing so, you will have a microphone that better accommodates your voice versus background ambiance or instruments.
What is user hearing protection?
Our ears are advanced sensory machines— not of circuit or wire, but flesh and nerves; this machine allows us to hear by translating vibrations around us into electrical signals for our brain. Of course, this system is not perfect as, with most things, our ears are susceptible to wear and tear.
Humans can experience hearing impairment for several reasons, though I’ll only be discussing those relevant to headsets. By chance, humanity cannot endure the sounds we’ve learned to create— more specifically, sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB). Experiencing sounds louder than 85dB for an extended period increases the risk of developing permanent hearing loss.
Features that fall under user hearing protection aim to minimize the effects of over-exposure to loud sounds. An example of such a feature exists within a headset I’ll discuss later: the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC. The said headset detects loud audio spikes and adapts to minimize the impact. Of course, that’s not all; the headset additionally features safety restrictions on the audio volume— based on EU and US guidelines.
How is “mono” audio different from “stereo” audio?
Mono or monaural audio utilizes a single channel to convert sound frequencies to sounds. Because all the sound passes through a single channel, all sound will appear to come from the same source or direction. Some mono audio users describe feeling like the sound is played within their heads or between their ears.
Stereo audio takes advantage of multiple channels when converting sound frequencies to digital sound; this allows producers and programs to simulate sounds coming from various sources or directions. Due to the decentralization of the sounds, stereo audio can create the illusion of the sounds surrounding you.
A Teams’ user may prefer mono audio over the stereo audio type. Stereo audio splits audio between the left and right earphones, creating an immersive “surround sound” effect. In contrast, mono audio plays the same audio through both earphones— allowing you to keep one ear out for office conversation.
The best headsets for Teams: Sennheiser (Epos) Impact SDW 5035
You can purchase the Sennheiser Epos Impact SDW 5035 here for $292 at the time of writing.
Headphone overview
| Connectivity type | Wireless |
| Audio type | Mono |
| Frequency response | 20Hz—20kHz |
| Rechargeable battery | Yes |
| Run-time | 14 hours for chatting, 9 hours for audio playback |
| Standby time | 44 hours |
| Recharge time | 1.5 hours |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Software certifications | Skype for business |
| Operating range | 1.8m |
Microphone overview
| Audio type | Mono |
| Microphone type | Boom |
| Frequency response | 10Hz—11000Hz |
| Noise-canceling | Yes |
Author’s notes
Noise-canceling
Noise-canceling in microphones is supposed to significantly reduce or eliminate ambient feedback such as office chatter, a fan’s hum, or noisy traffic. From my experience, none of the headsets exhibit perfect noise-canceling microphones; however, you’ll still find most annoying sounds are quieter— albeit still heard. Generally, I find the feature a hit or miss with most headsets; it’s pretty satisfying when it works as intended.
As far as the selection for this post goes, the Sennheiser SDW 5035 possesses the second most commendable noise-canceling technology— significantly reducing feedback from nearby colleagues, but not you. The functionality places focus on your voice, allowing listeners to understand you better.
Wireless connectivity
The SDW 5035 primarily utilizes a wireless connection, despite possessing wired functionality. Although the headset is wireless, you do not gain access to a significant usage range— so don’t expect to take a stroll around the office. At best, you can move 180cm away from your computer— that’s just under 2 meters (1.8m to be specific).
Active run-time
Run-time refers to how long you can actively use the device; run time may differ when using the microphone versus not. In the SDW 5035’s case, you’re allocated 14 hours for extensive chatting and 9 hours for listening to music or other audio.
Inactive standby-time
Standby-time refers to how long the device can remain inactive. Unless you’re prone to forgetting to turn your devices off, this is not a notable feature. However, it may be of value to those who’d like their equipment ready whenever needed. Fortunately, if you’re one of those people, you can look forward to exploiting a 44 hour standby time.
The best headsets for Teams: Jabra Evolve2 65 UC
You can purchase the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC here for $213.14.
Headphone overview
| Connectivity type | Wireless |
| Audio type | Stereo |
| Frequency response | 20Hz—20kHz |
| Rechargeable battery | Yes |
| Run-time | 24 hours |
| Standby time | 1600 hours |
| Recharge time | 1.5 hours |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Software certifications | Microsoft Teams |
| Operating range | 30m |
Microphone overview
| Audio type | Mono |
| Microphone type | Boom |
| Frequency response | 100Hz—8kHz |
| Noise-canceling | Yes |
Author’s notes
Noise-cancelling
The Jabra Evolve2 65 UC possesses superior noise-canceling to our other listed headsets. In some reviewers’ recordings, the headset has brought a noisy TV to near-silence— despite being close to the reviewer. Albeit, the overall microphone sound quality could use some minor improvements. Simply put: this headset is an excellent pick for anyone that values being heard without interruption.
Wireless connectivity
The Jabra Evolve2 65 UC headset uses a wireless connection sustained up to 30 meters away. You may have noticed this far exceeds the Sennheiser Impact SDW‘s measly 1.8-meter connection— it’s to some extent overkill.
Active run-time
A person can actively use this headset for up to 24 hours— a feat beaten by a cheaper headset. Little information is provided regarding whether microphone usage will impact this information. Assuming it does, the headset’s active-run time would be a significant con.
Inactive standby-time
You can leave the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC on standby for up to 1600 hours. Albeit, at that point: you’re probably being wasteful to some degree.
The best headsets for Teams: Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset
You can purchase the Microsoft Modern Wireless Headset here for $135.57.
Headphone overview
| Connectivity type | Wireless |
| Audio type | Stereo |
| Frequency response | 100Hz — 20kHz |
| Rechargeable battery | Yes |
| Run-time | 30 hours (audio output and input) — 50 hours (audio output only) |
| Standby time | Information not provided |
| Recharge time | 2.5 hours |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Software certifications | Microsoft Teams |
| Operating range | 10m |
Microphone overview
| Audio type | Mono |
| Microphone type | Boom |
| Frequency response | 100Hz—10kHz |
| Noise-canceling | Yes |
Author’s notes
Noise-cancelling
Although the Microsoft Modern Windows Headset possesses noise-canceling technology, it often falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, this is particularly common with most budget headsets.
Wireless connectivity
The headset’s 10-meter wireless operating range is adequate for anyone looking to maintain mobility with their products. However, this is a significantly less range than the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC.
Active run-time
If you’re looking to listen to a meeting or vibe to some songs, you can enjoy up to 50 hours of active use; using the microphone will result in 30 hours of active time.
The best headsets for Teams: Logitech H390
You can purchase the Logitech H390 here for $47.12
Headset overview
| Connectivity type | Wired |
| Audio type | Stereo |
| Frequency response | 20Hz — 20kHz |
| Rechargeable battery | N/A |
| Run-time | Indefinite |
| Standby time | Indefinite |
| Recharge time | N/A |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Software certifications | |
| Operating range | 2.33m |
Microphone overview
| Audio type | Mono |
| Microphone type | Boom |
| Frequency response | 100Hz—10kHz |
| Noise-canceling | Yes |
Author’s notes
Noise-cancelling
The Logitech H390‘s noise-canceling is comparable to the Microsoft Modern Windows Headset; its overall audio quality is not. The H390 could see some improvement.
Wired connectivity
The headset is connected via a 2.4 meter capable, offering the user a 2.33-meter operating range. While wired connections are often shunned they do provide benefits— like faster data transfer speeds.
Active run-time
Being a wired headset, the active run-time is without end.
Blog post recap
Headsets allow a user to receive and (usually) transmit audio to or from a device; which you may want to use can differ depending on your circumstances and objective. For instance, a user with a low budget is more likely to consider the Logitech H390 and the Microsoft Modern Windows Headset. However, those with more significant capital can ponder the Jabra Evolve2 65 UC, and the Sennheiser (Epos) Impact SDW 5035.
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