Finding what’s best for work: Headphones vs. headset

If you spend the workday fielding phone calls, chatting on video conferences, and talking to clients, a pair of work noise cancelling headphones is essential. The right headphones will keep you comfortable — and productive — throughout the workday, but you might be wondering whether headphones or a headset is better for your needs.

As you compare the two styles of audio devices, here’s what you need to know about headphones vs. headsets and how to pick the right option for your job.

Headsets are a type of specialty headphones that have a protruding microphone. Headsets are typically an over-the-ear or on-ear style that connects to your computer or telephone via a plug-in cable, and certain models only have one earcup, leaving your other ear free to hear what’s going on around you. Headsets are commonly used in workplaces, especially in customer service or other call centres, but they’re also popular for remote working.

The key feature that sets headsets apart from regular headphones is their microphone, which extends out in front of your face on an arm called a “boom,” putting the mic closer to your mouth. The boom is generally adjustable, and there’s often a cover on the tip of the microphone that acts as a windshield.

The main benefit of headsets is clear audio input, which is why they’re commonly used for phone calls or videoconferencing. In work settings, headsets also save you from having to hold a phone up to your ear, leaving your hands free for typing or other tasks.

Headphones, on the other hand, are a more versatile option that generally offer better audio quality than headsets. The term headphones is typically used to describe over-the-ear styles, which feature earcups connected by a band that stretches over your head. This style of headphones is the most comfortable to wear for long periods, and the cups create a seal around your ears to help block out ambient noise. However, there are also earbuds, which include two individual earpieces that are inserted directly in your ear, as well as open-ear headphones, which have a cuff-style design that rests on the outer edge of your ear.

While headsets are predominantly used just for work purposes, headphones and earbuds can be used for both work and entertainment — sometimes at the same time. Bluetooth® headphones, which have a wireless design, can be connected to your phone, computer, or other source device, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts, as well as make and receive phone calls, virtually anywhere.

If you’re debating between headphones vs. a headset for work purposes, headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the more versatile option. These over-ear headphones have a revolutionary mic system that rivals even the best headsets, and they’re able to filter out ambient noise while you’re speaking, ensuring your audio comes across crisp and clear to whoever is on the other end of the line.

Wireless headphones offer a number of other benefits over headsets, as well. Bose headphones offer best-in-class immersive audio that’s ideal for making phone calls and listening to your favourite content, and their wireless design gives you more flexibility as you work, since you’re not tethered to your computer. Bose noise cancelling headphones are also equipped with world-class active noise cancellation, making it easy to tune out everything going on around you, whether you’re working from home, a busy call centre, or a noisy coffee shop. Plus, with multiple source connections, you can easily connect to a work computer for calls and switch over to your phone to listen to music when you’re off the clock.

Not a fan of over-the-ear headphones? Bose offers many different headphone styles with all the same benefits. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have the same great noise cancellation in a compact, easy-to-carry form, while the new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are comfortable to wear for long hours and leave your ears open to hear questions from your colleagues or family.

When it comes to sound quality, comfort, and versatility, Bluetooth headphones are the clear winner — for both work and entertainment purposes. The right pair of headphones will help you stay productive throughout the day, even when making phone calls, but they’re also ideal for listening to music, podcasts, and more during your downtime.