


You can connect it to a device over Bluetooth, or plug a USB receiver into your computer. If you do prefer walking around to reduce stress on calls, you’ll appreciate the fact that the Voyager Focus UC is totally wireless. The extra weight is negligible in that case. It’s heavier than a mono headset, but we recommend getting a stereo pair like the Voyager if you’ll be wearing your headset when sitting down. The headset weighs 5.5 ounces, which puts it in the middle of the pack weight wise. Plantronics’ Voyager Focus UC is a pair of Bluetooth on-ear headphones with a noise cancelling microphone built in. The controller also has a mute button, which you can press if you need to cough, or address someone in the same room without interrupting your call. The NC-181VM also has an in-line volume controller, so you don’t have to touch the headset, or look down at your computer to turn sound up and down. The headset’s microphone has a windstock, which will reduce the amount of popping noises you make while speaking (pops generally occur when you say words with the letter “p”, which sounds unpleasant to the people you’re on a call with). That’s important because the NC-181VM’s headphone does cancel noise. This design decision reduced the headset’s weight to 3.9 ounces, and allows you to hear ambient sounds in the room more easily.

The headset has an on-ear style, with a single mono headphone that can be reversed so it sits on your right or left ear. If you’re looking for a simple, traditional-looking headset for video chats and teleconferencing, we highly recommend the NC-181VM from Andrea Communications. On the bright side, this headset can also be used for gaming when you’re done with work, which can’t be said for the other headsets we’ve chosen. Over-ear headphones are larger and heavier than on-ear headphones and earbuds in general, so it’s just a trade-off to consider. At 10.9 ounces, it’s the heaviest option in our guide, which isn’t Amazon’s fault. One factor to consider is this headset’s weight. You can subtly change the volume on Amazon’s headset without having to even look down at your computer’s screen. Some headsets have volume buttons on one of the earcups, so they’re awkward to use, especially on a video chat.

One nice feature is this headset’s in-line volume controller, which is located on its cable. Its unidirectional microphone is highly flexible, so you can find the right distance from your mouth to sound clear but not too loud. Its over-ear style will prevent outside sound from leaking in, which helps make up for the headset’s lack of noise-cancelling. The headset can be connected to your computer’s headphone jack, so it’s compatible with any device you have. Amazon Basics’ headset was designed for gaming, but it has all the same features you’d need for a successful teleconference or video chat.
