VoIP headsets can be used to enhance your VoIP experience with greater ease of use and increased productivity. While it is possible to use a computer microphone and speakers or computer headset and a computer softphone with VoIP, there are some more specialized devices available that are designed specifically to work with VoIP. This article will discuss the different types of USB headset devices available and features to look for when choosing the best device for you.

For the purposes of this article, a VoIP headset is one that is optimized for telephone use, plugs into the USB port of your PC and provides VoIP capability in conjunction with a softphone running on the PC. This headset differs from a normal one in that it incorporates the circuitry for converting voice signals to and from digital form, instead of using the PC sound card to accomplish this.

While it is possible to use a regular computer microphone and speakers or a regular computer headset with VoIP, they are not optimized for this purpose. The microphone and speakers are treated independently by the computer sound card, and feedback and background noise can occur. For this reason, it is probably best to use one of the devices that has been optimized for telephone use. These devices incorporate circuitry which filters background noise and reduces feedback between the microphone and speakers.

Due to their small size and weight, these headsets do not include the keypad that is necessary for placing calls. They require use of a softphone to allow for dialing and to handle the VoIP protocol necessary for sending voice signals over the Internet. However, most do include some controls to increase ease of use.

VoIP headsets usually incorporate a volume control. This volume control is digital, which means that, over time, you will not experience the “scratchy” sound associated with analog volume controls. The volume control is usually incorporated into the cord going from headset to computer.

Another feature to look for is a switch of some type that allows you to answer calls and to hang up when they are completed. This can help to free you from the computer keyboard or mouse when receiving calls. You will still need to dial calls using the keyboard or mouse and on-screen keypad. Also, some headsets have an indicator light that blinks to signal an incoming call or lights steadily to indicate that the phone is “off hook”.

VoIP headsets are available as either binaural or monaural. Binaural simply means two speakers, one over each ear. Similarly, a monaural headset has only one speaker that fits over one ear. This difference is a personal one for most people, but should still be considered. If you need to be aware of background conversations while using the phone, a monaural headset is probably best. On the other hand, if you want to filter out as much background conversation or noise as possible, then a binaural headset would be more effective for this.

One other feature to look for is a mute button, which allows you to disable the microphone. With the microphone muted, you can carry on a conversation with other people in your office without the caller being able to hear that conversation. Look for some type of indicator that tells you when the phone is muted - this might save you some embarrassment.

VoIP headsets, just as regular telephone headsets, are also available in wireless form. This eliminates the need for a cord running from the headset to the PC. The headset will incorporate a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, which usually communicates with a USB Bluetooth dongle plugged into the PC. These units are a good deal more expensive, but the convenience of being ”cord-free” may be well worth the price.

If you are currently using VoIP, or thinking about giving this new technology a try, consider using a VoIP headset to enhance your convenience and productivity. You might also experience some cost savings with these devices, as they can replace both an ATA and an analog telephone device.

This article "VoIP Headsets " is Copyright 2006 Compare-VoIP.net and may not be reproduced.

Read More VoIP Tutorials and Articles

Read Our VoIP Service Provider Reviews

Compare VoIP Headsets of:

We Recommend:  ViaTalk  VoIP.com  Vonage  Packet8   Vonics