When it comes to remote work, you most likely want a headset instead of headphones for taking calls and meetings. Here's why:
Headphones = no mic, for listening only
Source: themasterswitch.com
Whether it's a super cheap pair of headphones to the most high quality noise cancelling headphones, you still need a separate microphone to take calls and meetings.
Source: windowscentral.com
This probably means using your laptop or webcam's very good internal microphone. You can probably hear it now: white-noise-laden low audio quality that you have to mute (or ask someone else to mute) every second lest it make everyone's ears bleed.
So if you take calls or meetings, headphones (and their lack of microphone) are not a great option.
Headset = has a microphone
A headset implies the addition of a microphone to a pair of headphones. Generally, the quality of these mics are going to be higher than the standand built-in mic in your phone/laptop/webcam.
Headset mics are generally designed for background noise cancellation, and designed for the position that they will be located near your mouth. They often have handy features, like being retractable or removeable, and being able to mute the mic by pressing a button on the headset.
You can see why a headset makes more sense for your work-from-home needs.
If you intend to use a headset for work, especially if you are using a webcam to talk to your boss, clients, and colleagues, you want to make sure it looks professional too.
With the Arctis line of headsets, we focused on making a line of headsets that are great for PC and console gaming, but also blend right into a professional work enviornment. Yay, multi-taskers!
But which should you get? We strongly reccommend going wireless for all the freedom of movement while on your daily calls and meetings. Here are our picks for the best work-from-home headsets:
The gold standard: Arctis 7
- Wireless, ideal for PC and Mac
- Available in black or white
- Retractable microphone
- Has won more awards than any gaming headset
Not interested in wireless? Check out the Arctis 3 or Arctis 5.
On a budget: Arctis 1 Wireless
- Wireless on PC and Mac
- Also wireless on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation
- Detachable microphone
- Great for commuting and travel
Also check out: Arctis 3 Bluetooth and Arctis 1.
Need Bluetooth? Arctis 9
- Wireless on PC and PlayStation
- DTS Headphone:X v2.0
- Retractable microphone
- Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless
Thinking premium: Arctis Pro Wireless
- Wireless on PC and PlayStation
- Available in black or white
- DTS Headphone:X v2.0
- High-res speaker drivers
- Hot-swappable batteries
- Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless
Want premium wired? Check out the Arctis Pro or Arctis Pro + GameDAC.
