When should you use a VoIP phone handset vs a VoIP phone headset? Should you always use your phone’s handset or always use a headset?
Fundamentally, the answer is a matter of preference. But there are definite reasons why people choose one or the other.
In this blog, we compare and contrast the advantages of using a handset vs using a headset with your VoIP phone.
When to use a VoIP phone handset
Handsets have several advantages over headsets:
- Price. For one thing, a handset comes with the phone. A headset doesn’t. Therefore, a headset is more expensive. If you don’t use your phone much, why pay for more?
- Simplicity. You never need to worry about compatibility or plugging in anything.
- Familiarity. For many workers, especially older workers, the familiar sequence of hearing the ringer and reaching to pick up the handset are close to instinctual. Why change?
- Clutter-free. Using the handset is one less device that you need to find space for on the desk.
- Keeps an ear free. When you use a stereo headset, both your ears are covered, which many people don’t like, because it makes it difficult to hear yourself talk. A handset doesn’t. (A mono or single-ear headset also doesn’t cover both of your ears.)
Those are some of the reasons why people use a handset. So why do people use a headset?
When to use a headset for your VoIP phone
Headsets have several advantages over handsets:
- Free up your hands. Headsets don’t require you to hold anything in your hands while you talk.
- Noise cancellation. Because a headset sits directly on your ear and has padding to help block noise, it naturally offers passive noise cancellation. Many headsets also offer active noise cancellation to help you hear better.
- Clearer voice quality. Many headsets offer better audio quality for your voice than the typical handset with features like advanced background noise reduction. (Many handsets now offer advanced noise reduction, too.)
- Wireless options. If you use a Bluetooth or DECT headset, you can wander around while you talk. Pacers will love it. (Yealink offers a few desk phones with wireless Bluetooth handsets.)
- Portability. If you get a headset, you will be able to carry it around with you to get the excellent audio quality wherever you go.
- Ergonomics. You never have to worry about your neck cramping up from pinching the handset between your ear and shoulder.
Those are some of the reasons why people choose a handset.
…or use both!
Of course, no one is saying that you have to always use one or always use the other! If you have both, you can use whichever one works best for you for the specific situation.