Does your typical workday include conference calls? Do you often need to loop multiple coworkers in on a phone conversation? Do you answer calls from multiple devices in your workspace? If so, you may have had a hard time finding a headset with all the conferencing functionality that you need.
Luckily, we’re here to help you find the right headset for all of your conference call needs. Here, we’ll explain the basics of conferencing functionality and call merging, and we’ll give you our top recommendations for conference headsets that’ll do the trick.
This article is perfect for the person who takes conference calls throughout the day and also relies on the immersive sound quality of a headset. If your office communication happens via headset already, and you’re interested in upgrading your technology, the following recommendations for the best conference call headsets could be perfect for you.
The conference calling basics
Call merging can totally transform your day-to-day productivity in the office, and it can take multiple forms. The first is connecting multiple calls that come in on the same device. Say you want to chat with Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 at the same time. Coworker #1 calls you first. Coworker #2 calls five minutes later. With call merging capabilities, you won’t have to end that first phone call. You’ll just loop Coworker #2 into the existing call and chat away. You may have used this functionality on your smartphone outside of a work setting, too.
Another type of call merging happens across different devices. If you’re talking to someone on your desk phone, and someone else calls you via Zoom on your computer, with the proper technology, you can join those two calls together. No need to hang up and start a new group call with all three of you.
Unlike the same-device call merging mentioned above, multiple-device merging requires special software. Your computer needs to be able to talk to your desk phone, your desk phone needs to talk to your smartphone, etc., etc. A softphone system is an example of software that can allow you to merge your calls across devices. For this system, you’d have a supported desk phone and an app to use on any other devices you’d want to use call merging with.
Where headsets come in
Headsets can work with and supplement other devices' abilities to carry out conference calls. For instance, some conference headset systems allow you to connect multiple headsets to the same base. Rather than merging multiple phones into one call, you can connect multiple people through a headset base to one phone. It’s the same effect, but it’s exclusively available to conference headset wearers.
Other headsets have the ability to connect with multiple devices in your office, so you can take a softphone call and integrate it into your desk phone call with the touch of a button. No matter what kind of conferencing functionality you’re going for, there’s probably a headset that will do the trick.
It can be tricky to find a conference headset that supports the type of call merging you need. However, if your goal is to join calls together, whether from the same or different devices, you don’t need to remove headsets from your work setup equation.
Our recommendations for the best headsets for conference calls
For merging calls from multiple devices:
Leitner LH270 and LH380
We’ll cover our first and second conference headset recommendations in one bullet, because they utilize the same technology that allows for seamless call merging across devices. With the Leitner LH270 and LH380, you’ll be able to take calls from different devices and patch them together with minimal effort. This is thanks to Leitner’s patented UniBase technology.
If a headset is compatible with multiple types of devices, it generally needs to switch into different modes for each one. That is to say, to connect your headset to a computer, the base needs to be in computer mode, a desk phone requires desk phone mode, yada yada.
UniBase lets you activate a new mode while you’re already in another. By just holding down a button, you can activate computer mode to take that incoming Zoom call even when you’re already in desk phone mode. It means much less hassle and much easier communication.
There are lots of reasons that you’ll love your Leitner headset in addition to the call merging UniBase technology. For example, both of these models allow you to walk up to 350 feet away from your base without losing the connection to your call. They’re both equipped with a 5-year full replacement warranty - yes, you read that right - so you can rest assured that your device is reliable and will stay in tip-top shape. They’re also ultra noise-canceling, so whoever you’re on the phone with won’t be disturbed by commotion going on around you. The LH270 and 380 also have up to eight hours of talk time per charge.
But don’t be mistaken. The LH270 and LH380 have their own unique characteristics as well. Here are some of the things that make each one stand out.
LH270:
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Top-notch comfort: There’s no need to worry about an uncomfortable headband or awkwardly-sitting ear cushion when you’re using the LH270. The headband is fully adjustable which means that you can mold it to the shape of your head. No more obnoxious poking and prodding throughout the day. The ear cushion is ultra soft, and it’ll sit lightly on your ear all day. It’s also situated on a swivel, so as you move your head, the headset will move with you. This technology is designed to help you forget you’re wearing a headset at all.
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User-friendly design: The buttons on the earpiece of this headset are easy to use and keep you in control of your calls. No matter where in the office you are, you can adjust the volume, mute yourself, or power your device on and off using the on-ear control buttons. The layout is intuitive, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally muting or turning your device off mid-conversation.
LH380:
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Bluetooth connectivity: Since this device has Bluetooth capabilities, you can hook it up to pretty much any new device in your office. Use it with your Bluetooth-enabled computer, cell phone, tablet… The choice is yours. It makes for even more opportunities to merge calls using UniBase technology.
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Discrete design: This on-the-ear model is super compact. If you’re not keen on the over-the-head headset look, this could be the perfect device for you. It gives you all the best functionality without drawing attention.
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Customizable wear: If you’ve ever had trouble getting earbuds to stay in, you can set those worries aside. Your LH380 comes with three different sizes of interchangeable ear tips, so all ears big and small will be accommodated for. We’ve got you covered, Dumbo.
For connecting multiple headsets to one base:
Sennheiser OfficeRunner
Next, let’s dive into some conference headset options that allow you to connect multiple devices to one base. For this functionality, we recommend a Sennheiser headset. Specifically, we’ll be checking out the OfficeRunner.
This device will make conference calling easier within your office because you can pair up to four wearable devices to one base. You won't need to deal with the hassle of having each person dial in from their own phone. 1 phone, 4 headsets, 0 unnecessary complications.
This model has a range of up to 400 feet, so everyone on the call will have plenty of mobility. This also means that, because people can be more spread out, you won’t have to worry about the headsets' connections interfering with each other.
The OfficeRunner is a single ear device that can be converted to an over-the-head or an on-the-ear configuration depending on your preferred wearing style. Customers love the adjustable functionality, and lightweight comfortable design. Overall, if you’re looking for the best headset for conference calls, this is a great headset to go with if you care about the overall ‘wearability’.
Configurations aside, this headset has a lot of useful features that might make it right for you. Here are some of the highlights:
- Battery life: Chat all day without having to worry about recharging your headset. Both of these devices can get up to 12 hours of talk time on a single charge, so low battery won’t interrupt your workday.
- Hearing protection: Sennheiser headsets use ActiveGard technology to prevent sudden spikes in volume from ever reaching your ears. You won’t have to stress about damaging your eardrums, or just being annoyed when someone sneezes into the microphone while they’re talking to you.
- Compatibility: No matter what type of technology you use in your office already, this Sennheiser headset will more than likely have you covered. It is compatible with 98% of all corded office phones, and nearly 100% of Mac and PC computers. The headset is also certified with multiple soft phone brands and VoIP services, so rest assured that it will support whatever communication method you use.
- Comfort: This headset was designed with the user in mind. The plush ear cushions and dynamic headbands were made for all day wear to match that 12 hour battery life.
Wrapping it up
With the right headset, conference calling can be seamless. We want to make sure that you get the best conference call headset for your work set up. If you’d like to chat one on one about your options, our Headset Advisors are always happy to help. Just call 1-800-HEADSETS (432-3738) or email info@headsets.com.
