Headset vs Headphones: Which is Best For Office!

 Trying to figure out whether you buy a headset or headphones! 

Or probably searching the difference between both!

Well, people get confused with these two terms. They think both products are used to listen to music and watch TV. Some of them try to examine the differences and similarities between them in order to make an informed decision. 

But, it is also true that both headphones and headsets are ideal for the working environment whether you need to attend business phone calls or block out the background noises. 

So, where the difference lies?

Each person has his own preferences for using headphones and headsets. Some of them prefer to listen to music through different devices, some require complete isolation from external sounds while others like to simultaneously hear what is happening around and keep a conversation with friends. Therefore, manufacturers are constantly improving various models with different features like headphones and headsets.

So, how can you differentiate them? Let’s have a closer look.

Table Of Content

What Are Headphones?

What Are Headsets?

Headphones VS Headsets - General Difference

Headphones VS Headsets  - Physical Difference

So, Which is Best for Office?

What Are Headphones?

A headphone is designed using two manageable speakers that are connected to a band. When the user wears headphones, the speaker covers the ears. The main purpose of buying this accessory is listening to music and watching movies. Such a device is also universal and can be suitable for the phone, computer, tablet, and TV. 

Headphones transfer small amounts of air around the listeners’ ears. This accommodates to create a personalized and confined soundstage experience for the listener. You will be able to hear the finest frequency range with headphones. 

Its peculiarity is in the position of the contacts on the plug. The cost may depend on the quality of playback. The price may increase depending on the functionality like control panel, water protection system, noise reduction system, sound insulation, wireless connection, etc.

What Are Headsets?

This device is an accessory that combines the microphone with the speakers of the phone. It transmits and plays sound through the internal system. It also has the ability to make or receive calls without affecting the phone buttons. 

These office headsets can be connected to a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop. There are some wireless headsets available in the market that come with Bluetooth technology. 

Headsets have ear-worn speakers that are coupled with a microphone and availed to provide an interactive sound experience. The headset is also recognized as head-worn audio equipment with a Mic.

Headphones VS Headsets - General Difference

	Headphones	Headsets
Sound Quality	The sound quality of the headphones is Superior. Headphones featured with noise-cancelling can block out the background noises. Such headphones are categorized into  - active noise cancelling and passive noise cancelling. It provides great-sounding music. Such headphones have a dedicated Soundstage feature.	Headsets offer great audio quality.  Has better frequency in mid-range. Headsets featured with Mic produce amazing sound quality. These devices are perfect for the gaming experience. Headsets have excellent drivers that can maintain their portable form factor.  The device offers an immersive Soundstage and is used for attending video conferencing calls.
Performance	Performance-wise headphones scores high. People can use it anywhere. Due to wireless Bluetooth Technology, you can connect it to different devices in order to hear music on-the-go. It is an ideal choice for people who go on walks daily. Some headphones are also integrated with Mic in order to enjoy talking.  It also serves the purpose of calls.	Headsets featured with a Mic can easily cancel the background noises. The devices can be used in text-to-speech or calling.  Having a good quality headset will provide optimized performance in sound. The sound is perfect, and you can talk without any issue. Most call centre executives use headsets for taking calls.
Comfort & Convenience	Headphones are comfortable to use as they fit right on your ear. They have an exceptional audio output. Headphones are light-weighted so you can wear them for a longer time. Headphones are convenient to use.	Headsets are more convenient as compared to headphones due to the attached Mic. They produce a qualitative sound. Headsets have both removable Mic and fixed Mic. A headset with a removable Mic can be used as headphones and for attending calls.  Headsets are comfortable and provide a great room for hearing.  There is no added pressure around your ears while using the headset, which is an advantage.

Headphones VS Headsets  - Physical Difference

Headphones

As mentioned above, headphones are attached to two cushioned earpieces and a band. Some headphones are equipped with spacious and comfortable that does not let you feel pressure around the ears. The headphones are equipped with different sizes and colours. This means you can pick any one according to your choices.

Generally, headphones have large drivers that provide perfect sound quality. Additionally, such devices are wider as compared to the headset. There are two types of headphones  - open-back and closed-back. Open-back headphones are the best choices for mixing the music. Whereas, the closed-back headphones are encountered for travellers and music lovers.

Headsets

Headsets have built-in speakers that are attached to the band and Mic. These devices have a big Mic. These are basically used by call centres or calling executives. Headsets produce a mono sound or a stereo sound but this depends on the type and brand you choose. 

So, Which is Best for Office?

Well, headsets are ideal for gaming purposes and attending business calls whether it is a customer call or video conferencing calls. The headsets are featured with immersive sound quality along with the greatest feature of active-noise cancellation. It means you can attend calls even in noisy environments. In addition, the devices also have microphones, which means a clear and crisp sound will always be there. Various brands are Avaya, Jabra, Plantronics, and SENNHEISER headsets. 

But, if your purpose is to listen to music or watch your favourite show on TV or tablet, then you must go with headphones. 

Both headphones and headsets are available in the wired and wireless forms, so you can pick according to your requirements.

Hope you enjoy the article!

Thanks for reading!