Good headsets last for years. If yours just broke, though, and you’re shopping around for a new pair, there are plenty of considerations you’ll want to keep front-and-center. Staying on top of these considerations will make it easier for you to filter through your options.
Usage
Think About what you’ll use that headset for. If you’re getting a pair that you need for work, what about call center headsets? Plenty of these options come with a ton of features that prove useful for you and that support call center operations. With a headset designed for specific tasks, you’ll be much more efficient at your job. So, if you need a new unit and you’re looking around, don’t just buy more or less the same headset that you had before. Explore different models based on what you need.
Sensitivity
Do you plan to listen to some music with that headset? If you like it loud, then you’ll want to look for a unit with high sensitivity. That sensitivity determines how loud your headset can get. If you want excellent audio quality, though, be sure to steer clear of any options that are lower than 85 dB/mW. Most headphones, on average, are around 110 dB/mW.
Design
The most common design for headsets comes with a band that connects two ear pads placed over your ears. Some come with an adjustable band, though, which makes it easier for users to wear it according to the fit that’s comfortable for them. Some like it a bit tight while others want little to no pressure on their ears.
Wired or Not
Most people pick wired headsets for work. That’s because they’re convenient and easy to use, especially if you spend most of your time at your desk throughout your shift. You wouldn’t have to worry about battery life. That was a major issue with wireless headsets. With a short battery life, you’d need to spend a lot of time charging the unit. Wired options work just fine, though. Plug them and they’re good. The emergence of wireless headsets with longer battery lives changed all that. Now, if you’re shopping around for wireless units, you could end models with significantly longer battery life.
Size
Bigger headsets often have sizable ear pads that deliver better sound quality. That makes for a more comfortable experience for the user. Aside from excellent comfort, bigger models of wireless headsets have batteries that last longer, too. If that’s a consideration, then go big with your headset. However, if you prioritize portability, smaller headsets are easier to bring along everywhere, especially if you don’t like earphones.
Frequency Response
Don’t forget to check the frequency response. It’s essentially the range of sound that the headset can generate. For human hearing, the accepted range is 20Hz to 20kHz. That’s also why that’s the average range for headsets. However, you should look for a platonic neutral or flat frequency response. That’s ideal since it generates all the notes but the loudness level are equal for every single one.