Headsets for Working on the Go: What to Look For?
Employees who travel for work will often find themselves making calls and attending meetings while on the go. Having a headset that goes where they go and performs reliably under any conditions can have a huge impact on their productivity.
But picking the right work-on-the-go headset isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few key factors to consider.
Level of noise cancellation
Being on the move typically entails some surrounding noise. Traveling workers may find themselves working from a busy cafe, airport, or even public transport.
As such, it’s a good idea to prioritize a headset with built-in noise cancellation. There are headsets that offer ergonomic ear pads with passive noise dampening. For especially noisy environments, it pays to look for headsets with active noise cancellation (ANC). The ADAPT 660 Series offers ANC with four adaptive microphones that effectively reduces ambient distractions and can even handle wind noise when outdoors.
Microphone quality
This factor is somewhat related to the above. Noise-canceling headsets help the wearer hear, but they don’t do much for the person on the other side of the call. That’s where noise-canceling microphones come into play.
The best on-the-go headsets will have high-quality microphones that capture the speaker’s voice while filtering out background noise. The ADAPT 500 Series, for instance, features two advanced microphones combined with a sleek, foldable boom arm that brings them close to the user’s mouth when on a call, ensuring optimal voice pickup.
For traveling workers who want to take client calls or join remote meetings with colleagues, noise-canceling microphones are a must-have feature.
Portability
Working on the go means bringing your headset with you. That’s why a good work-on-the-go headset should also be portable and easy to store.
It’s best to look for headsets with a lightweight, foldable design like the ADAPT 300 Series. Being able to fold the headset after a call and tuck it neatly away ensures that it takes up less space and fits easily into something like a travel suitcase. Certain headsets even come with a convenient carry case like the ADAPT 500, that not only makes them portable but also protects them from knocks and bumps.
Comfort
Headsets for working on the go are often worn for prolonged periods. This makes factors like fit and comfort more than mere nice-to-haves.
Great on-the-go headsets can be worn all day without causing fatigue or discomfort. Look for headsets with adjustable headbands and soft, breathable materials. The ADAPT 500 Series comes with a whole range of features that guarantee long-term wearing comfort. This includes a low-impact headband, soft earpads, and high-friction textured fabric that improves ear fit.
Wireless connectivity
One other consideration is whether to go for a wired or wireless headset. While it’s certainly possible to use a wired headset while traveling or commuting, it can lead to some inconvenience. Wires make the headset less portable and can end up getting in the way, especially if workers are constantly in motion or switching between locations.
So for frequent travelers, a wireless headset is preferable. Many Bluetooth® headsets offer wireless multipoint connectivity to two devices at the same time, letting on-the-go workers switch seamlessly between joining video meetings on their laptop to taking calls on their smartphone.
Best-in-class work-on-the-go headsets like the IMPACT 1000 Series might just accomodate your needs: They can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth® up to three devices at the same time so you can always stay connected.
Battery life
When using a wireless headset, battery life is an obvious element to think about. On-the-go workers need a headset that can last through an entire day of calls and meetings.
Fortunately, many professional wireless headsets can last well above that benchmark. In the case of the ADAPT 600 Series, the battery life is 30 hours, even with the ANC feature turned on. Plus, with a relatively short charging time of about 3 hours, the headset can be quickly made ready for another busy day.