What Is a UC Headset? | Features, Benefits, and Compatibility

Before we understand a UC headset, we need to know what Unified Communications means. UC (Unified Communications) refers to a phone system that integrates or unifies multiple communication methods within a business to be more efficient.

UC is an all in one solution for your voice, video and messaging. Whether you're using a mobile phone, computer or desk phone, a UC application can adapt with your needs (phone system, voicemail, instant message, chat, fax conference calls etc). 

Unified Communications Headset Features

Connectivity: UC headsets come in various connectivity options. Some connect to a desk phone only operating on DECT 6.0, whereas other solutions operate on Bluetooth and are more mobile, for mobile and computer connection.

Call Control: Not all UC applications through the computer allow you to answer/end calls away from your desk on a wireless headset. If the softphone provider and headset manufacture have an integration for this feature, then this feature will be available.

If not, you'll have to answer/end calls at the computer. If this feature is important, ask your phone system provider if this integration is available before making a decision.

If connecting to a desk phone, all wireless headset models will require a Handset Lifter or EHS (Electronic Hook Switch Cable) to go with the headset for remote call answering.

Talk time: Depending on the model you choose, battery talk times can vary from 6 hours to unlimited.

Call quality: Invest in a professional quality UC headset for crystal clear sound quality that a cheap consumer grade headset won't offer.

Wearing style: Depending which UC headset you choose, you'll be able to select between a wide variety of wearing styles based on your preferred comfort. Some models are other the head covering one ear, others cover both ears and some are an earpiece design.

Noise cancellation: Most UC headsets will come standard with a noise canceling microphone to help reduce unwanted background noises. If you're in a loud working environment that's distracting, investing in a UC headset with dual speakers to fully enclose your ears will help you focus.

Replaceable battery: Not all wireless models have a replaceable battery. This is one area that gets overlooked before a decision is made when purchasing a new UC headset. On average customers replace their batteries every 2 years. That means models without a replaceable battery may need to be replaced about every 2 years, which can add up.

Certified UC Headsets and Speakerphones

Each headset below will work with most UC applications like Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya, Unify, 3CX, Alcatel, Mitel, Snom, Yealink and more. For questions, contact us today for help.

For desk phone

Discover Adapt 30 (wireless)

Discover D904 (wireless)

Discover D700 series (wired)

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For computer

Discover D700U series (wired, USB plug and play)

Plantronics Savi W440 (Wireless, USB plug and play)

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For mobile

Blueparrott B450-XT (best noise canceling microphone, performs the way it looks!)

Aftershokz OpenComm (sleek and low profile design)

Plantronics C215 (wired, plug and play to 3.5mm)

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For mobile and computer

Plantronics Voyager Legend UC (sleek and low profile for mobile and computer apps)

Bose 700 UC (best noise cancellation Bluetooth headset)

Plantronics Blackwire C720 (wired headset with USB and Bluetooth)

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Speakerphones

Plantronics Calisto P7200 Jabra Speak 710 UC Konftel Ego

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UC vs MS Headset

UC and MS headsets are almost identical with SLIGHT differences. UC stands for Unified Communications and will work on just about any program on your computer with USB.

Choosing the MS variant is optimized for Microsoft, so programs like Microsoft Teams and Skype For Business will always default to the MS headset first to cause less IT support work.

In addition, if you select an MS variant headset and you plug into a softphone client like Cisco, you won't have call control. If you don't have a Microsoft computer application, always choose the UC variant

UC headsets make voice and video communication easy

Having a UC compatible headset that integrates with your phone system technology will make your experience using a headset seamless! This way you can focus on what you do best, without worrying about a headset that's not built for your needs.

 

How to tell the difference of an MS and UC headset

Wherever you're ordering from, pay attention to the title being advertised because the images are going to look identical. For example you'll see:

• UC certified: Sennheiser MB 660 UC Wireless Headset
• Microsoft certified: Sennheiser MB 660 MS Wireless Headset

Leading UCaaS Providers

Based on Software Advice (leading online service for businesses navigating the software selection process), these are the top UCaaS Providers.

• Jive
• RingCentral
• 8x8
• Vonage Business
• Business Voice
• DialPad
• Ooma Office
• net2phone
• Twilio
• Nextiva
• Five9