If you’re making calls—especially if you’re in sales—you need the right equipment.
Have you ever tried having an important phone call in a busy or noisy environment? It’s awful. And for situations like sales talks, you don’t want a buggy headset or poor connectivity to be the reason you lost a deal.
A wireless headset can make your work life much easier. But what is the best Bluetooth headset on the market? In this post, you’ll learn what to look for.
- Overall best headset: Poly Voyager Voyager 5200
- Best budget headset: Mpow 071 USB
- Best headset for being discreet: Apple AirPods
- Best noise-cancelling headset: BlueParrott B550-XT
- Best range: BlueParrott B550-XT… again
- Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3
- Lightest headset: Jabra Talk 55
- Best stylish headset: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen
- Best headset for jumping between devices: EPOS ADAPT Presence UC
- Best battery life: Poly BackBeat PRO 2
- Best headset for an open office: Jabra Evolve 75
- Best value headset: Poly Voyager Focus UC B825M
🎧 How do you know if you’re buying the right conference call headset? Download this step-by-step buyer’s checklist to find out.
But first, why Bluetooth?
Why do you need a Bluetooth headset?
If you’re not familiar with Bluetooth headsets (no judgment!), they’re a type of wireless communication tool. The technology lets you communicate between both fixed and mobile devices. Like regular wired headphones, Bluetooth headsets have earphones and mics so you can carry on a conversation.
Wireless headsets are convenient for everyone, especially salespeople. If you’re in sales you probably travel a lot, and more often than not, you have to work on the go. Communication tools that let you dial numbers from multiple devices are especially convenient. For instance, you can dial from your phone, desktop computer, laptop, and tablet.
The ideal situation? Bluetooth headsets that are compatible with the #saleslife and softphone technology like RingCentral. Compatibility with both of these things can make a huge difference to how you work in terms of efficiency and convenience.
If you’re curious, you can book a quick demo to see how RingCentral technology works.
🕹️ Curious about how to sync up a sales outreach platform with your headset and an app to work more efficiently? Get a hands-on look at how RingCentral lets you do precisely this—book a product tour!
💰 You can also use this calculator to see roughly how much your business could save by using RingCentral to support your team’s communication with each other, clients, freelancers, and more.
Wait, what’s a softphone?
Softphone technology is software that lets you make telephone calls over the internet. A softphone can live on various devices including smartphones, desktop computers, and laptops. It replaces the traditional desktop phone and gives you all the functions of a traditional phone. These include muting, holding, redialing, and transferring calls.
Softphones are especially great for sales. Why? Because they offer interactive and adaptive user interfaces. That technology lets you handle calls seamlessly on multiple devices, have video calls, and instant message, too.
These days, the market is full of Bluetooth headsets with all sorts of features, capabilities, and bells and whistles. The price range is pretty impressive, with some going for under $40 and others over $400.
How to find the right Bluetooth headset
With so many devices on the market, finding the right headset can be intimidating. For example, as a salesperson, you don’t want to end up with a headset better suited for truckers such as the BlueParrott B450-XT. Or a gaming headset that doesn’t have the features you require.
Before delving into the world of Bluetooth headsets, take a minute and make a list of what you actually need.
Do you work in a busy office with lots of background noise? You’ll want first-rate noise-cancelling headphones.
Just getting started and trying to keep costs low? Look for something that’s budget-friendly but still high-quality (and expect that you’ll have to sacrifice certain features).
If you’re constantly receiving and transferring calls, you’ll want something that allows you to do that seamlessly.
Also, think about what sales apps you’ll be using with your wireless headset. If you’re using a communications tool that has a calling feature like RingCentral, make sure you get a headset that’s compatible.
Now, let’s get into the best Bluetooth headsets for sales teams.
The best Bluetooth headsets for sale teams: Our picks
For this list, we’re evaluating headsets on audio and mic quality, noise cancellation, range, battery life, comfort, style, and price. You know, everything a rockstar sales team needs.
Note: In recent years, there have been mergers and rebrands of some previously well-known enterprises. In 2018, Plantronics acquired Polycom and rebranded to Poly, meaning “many.” And in 2020, Sennheiser Communications rebranded to EPOS. For example, the Sennheiser Presence UC is now the EPOS ADAPT Presence UC.
1. Overall best headset: Poly Voyager 5200
Why we love it: This sleek beauty covers all of our bases. An extensive voice command menu lets you answer calls, check battery life, and redial—hands-free from your iPhone or Android. It connects to all devices including your phone, computer, and tablet. And it works seamlessly with softphone technology. The Bluetooth range is 30 meters, and the battery life is seven hours. Oh, and there are six layers of wind protection if you’re taking a sales call while out and about.
Why you need it: It’s got great noise-cancelling technology, with four microphones to minimize background sounds. And voice-activated controls let you call and answer without lifting a finger. The mono headset has an ear hook design and is comfortable and functional, even for glasses-wearers. And it comes with silicone ear tips and foam ear tip covers. If you’re busy, work in a noisy environment, and need a premium device to close deals, this headset is for you.
Why you don’t need it: The micro-USB charging is a bit short. And you may not require the Voyager 5200 if you’re not using softphone technology and don’t need the extensive list of features it offers. And if you prefer a neckband-style, you may be better suited to the Voyager 6200 UC.
Pricing: From $119.99
2. Best budget headset: Mpow 071 USB
Why we love it: This high-definition option costs a mere $32.99 and holds up well next to headsets in the $300 and $400 ranges. Features include a built-in omnidirectional microphone that’ll make your life as a salesperson easier. There’s also built-in noise reduction. You can buy these babies on Amazon if they fit the bill.
Why you need it: We can’t get over how cheap this device is, without sacrificing quality. It boasts simple but effective construction and memory foam ear cushions for comfort. Plus a 3.5-millimeter jack for tablet and phone connection alongside a USB plug to connect to your computer.
Why you don’t need it: The fit may be tight depending on your head size and ear shape.
Pricing: From $32.99
3. Best headset for being discreet: Apple AirPods
Why we love it: It’s no secret that everyone loves AirPods (and their copycats), so much so that the possession of AirPods has become its own meme genre. Jokes aside, these things are popular for a reason. Compact and convenient, they let you take calls anywhere you go: no cords, no clunky (and dorky) headset. They’re also sweat—and water—resistant for those super stressful end-of-the-month calls.
Why you need it: If you’re after discretion and don’t want to look like a salesperson, this Bluetooth headset is for you. These are also great for day-to-day life or if you don’t want to invest in a fancy headset right away. Fully charged AirPods will give you five hours of listening and three hours of talking, so these are great if you’re making short calls. And for all you Apple device users, set up with Mac, iPhone, and all other iOS driven devices is speedy, easy, and intuitive.
Why you don’t need it: The noise-cancelling is non-existent for the basic Airpods. And if you’re always making sales calls in a noisy environment, they won’t be much help. The relatively short battery life means you should look elsewhere if you tend to have long calls. Also, the individual wireless pods are just begging to get lost somewhere.
If your other tech tools aren’t from Apple or compatible with Apple, these may be a little bit more difficult to set up.
Oh, and if you’re concerned about your EMF exposure, you’ll want to have a long, hard think. You can do some more in-depth reading about the AirPods’ EMF output here.
Pricing: AirPods with a charging case start at $159. AirPods Pro start at $249.
4. Best noise-cancelling headset: BlueParrott B550-XT
Why we love it: Simply put, this is a hardcore headband-style headset boasting superior noise cancellation and 24 hours of talk time. It’s also compatible with voice recognition technology to smooth out any bumps. Hello Siri! And there’s a 100-meter range and compatibility with the Parrott Button app for additional features. It even stands up to dust and moisture and is NFC (near-field communication)-ready. Oh, and the mono, over-ear headset is super comfortable with extra padding all around.
Why you need it: The range is impressive, and you can be truly hands-free. But the big one is that the microphone blocks out an impressive 96% of ambient noise—this headset can get you through even the noisiest of offices.
Why you don’t need it: It’s not particularly good-looking, and it’ll take up a lot of space at your workstation (and maybe mess up your hair).
Pricing: From $199.99
5. Best range: BlueParrott B550-XT… again
We know, we know, we listed the same product twice. But it deserves a second shout-out for its incredible range of 100 meters or 328 feet.
6. Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3
Why we love it: Small but mighty, these are true wireless earbuds. They offer industry-leading noise cancellation, dual microphones, and high-quality sound. They’re NFC-ready and Siri- and Google Assistant-compatible. These Bluetooth earbuds also have a wireless range of 30 feet.
Why you need it: Enjoy an ergonomic fit and noise-free conversations for those all-important sales meetings. They come in three earpiece sizes and are super sleek and convenient.
Why you don’t need it: These earbuds won’t provide wearers with the same isolation as over-ear headsets.
Pricing: From $179.99
7. Lightest headset: Jabra Talk 55
Why we love it: This nifty bit of kit is just 5.5 grams. By comparison, the Jabra Steel is 45 grams. It also has two microphones, exceptional noise-cancelling, and an impressive range.
Why you need it: Want to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all?
This device is minuscule but loaded with plenty of cool and useful features. Impressively, it adjusts to the volume of your environment so you can always hear your caller. And the range is up to 30 meters, so feel free to wander all over while talking.
Why you don’t need it: The battery life is a little disappointing, clocking in at about three hours.
Pricing: From $99.99
8. Best stylish headset: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd gen
Why we love it: Style is in the eye of the beholder, right? It’s hard to argue with these beauties. They come in super stylish colorways such as matte black, peony, and grey mist. Plus the gorgeous soft pink pictured above. You will not look like a salesperson in these.
Why you need it: If aesthetics and luxury are as important to you as your bottom line, these are the Bluetooth headphones for you. You’ll get top-notch sound quality, touch controls, and active noise-cancelling. As well as integrated voice assist and the ability to answer calls without touching your phone. Soft lambskin and memory foam make this dreamy device a joy to wear.
Why you don’t need it: These wireless headphones are expensive. And we mean expensive.
Pricing: From $500
9. Best headset for jumping between devices: EPOS ADAPT Presence UC
Why we love it: Multi-connectivity, voice control, and serious mic engineering make these a strong contender. Oh, and a single charge gives you 10 hours of talk time.
Why you need it: The EPOS ADAPT Presence (formerly Sennheiser Presence UC) has plenty of advanced features. You can hop nimbly from one device to the next: switch easily between your softphone, computer, and mobile. It’s also got three microphones to give you better audio quality, excellent noise cancellation, and even filters out noisy wind.
Why you don’t need it: If you’re only making calls from one device, the added features aren’t necessary.
Pricing: From $95.98
10. Best battery life: Poly BackBeat PRO 2
Why we love it: This offering from Poly boasts an impressively long battery life of 24 hours, in case you have a very demanding prospect. Plus on-demand active noise-cancelling capabilities and tasteful design.
Why you need it: Do you often find yourself on marathon phone calls? Does a good chunk of your day include conference calls and non-stop sales pitches? Do you hate having to pause your business to charge your devices? You’re gonna like this one. It’s also super comfortable, so you won’t mind wearing it for long periods of time.
Why you don’t need it: A little pricey, and not necessary if your calls are on the shorter side and you don’t mind charging your device more often.
Pricing: From $199.99
11. Best headset for an open office: Jabra Evolve 75
Why we love it: The Jabra Evolve 75 is perfect for open offices that use cloud-based softphones like RingCentral. It boasts excellent noise cancellation, mic and audio quality, and a comfortable fit. There’s also a super cool listen-in feature. Simply press the left ear cup to lower the volume, so you can hear what’s going on around you.
Why you need it: High-end design with all the features you need, specifically designed for open offices. Plus talk time of up to 18 hours.
Why you don’t need it: The listen-in feature won’t be very useful if the background noise in your office is truly just noise you don’t want to tune into. Hey, not everyone’s into office gossip. It’s also on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Pricing: From $293
12. Best value headset: Poly Voyager Focus UC B825M
Why we love it: Previously known as the Plantronics Voyager Focus, this headset has active noise cancellation. The over-ear headband is padded, making it comfortable to wear, and it features a stylish faux leather design. This model is available at the click of a button from Walmart.
Why you need it: It’s easy to use, lightweight, and compatible with phones, laptops, mobiles, tablets, and smartwatches. The headset features an intelligent microphone arm, can pair to two devices, and you can answer calls by simply putting on the headset.
Why you don’t need it: The headset doesn’t plug into most PBX landline systems, meaning it’s not truly universal.
Pricing: From $184.99
Which Bluetooth headset is the best for sales?
It all comes down to 1) what you can afford and 2) what you need out of your Bluetooth headset.
It’s easy to get swept up in all the shiny toys with cool features, but make sure you’re selecting the best device for your requirements.
And remember, the best Bluetooth headset should help boost your sales, so consider investing in a high-quality device.
Originally published Jan 31, 2021, updated Sep 23, 2024
