Anytime you’re on a voice or video call, it’s more efficient if you use a headset. A headset allows you to be hands free, and you’re wire free if you use a wireless model.
However, sometimes you might prefer to use a hands free speakerphone instead of a headset. Using a speakerphone instead of a headset would allow you to bring other participants into your call.
A headset, short of using the conference feature, isn’t really capable of doing that. And even if you do use the headset conference feature, the other participants are required to also be on a compatible headset which is different from what you can do with a speakerphone.
So if you’re looking for a hands free, portable speakerphone for use with your computer or mobile device, then today’s blog should be of interest to you because I’ll be talking about a new model that was recently introduced by Jabra. You know, the company that has a great reputation for making professional grade audio and video gear.
Difference between Speak 710 and Speak 750
To begin, the Speak 750 is an upgraded version of the former model, the Speak 710. When you compare both models side-by-side, they look pretty much the same, but there are a few differences. The biggest single difference between the Speak 710 and the Speak 750 is in the audio characteristics. This is something that I’ll discuss a bit later on.
Battery life
The Speak 750 allows you to connect to computers and mobile devices wirelessly. This means that the Speakerphone contains a battery capable of providing a certain amount of talk time, and also requires a certain amount of time to recharge.
The Jabra Speak 750 provides you with up to 11 hours of continuous talk time. This is down slightly from the former model, but I suspect it’s due to the audio enhancements on the 750 that weren’t found on the 710. Still, when you think about it, having 11 hours of continuous talk time is plenty of power to get you through even the busiest of days.
And, In terms of the length of time required to recharge the battery, it recharges in about 3 hours, which is the same as the former 710 model.
What about connectivity?
The Speak 750 connects to computers and mobile devices in three different ways.
- First, you can connect to computers via the built-in USB cable. The cable stows on the speakerphone itself as it wraps around the unit in a small grove that helps to keep it out of the way, but accessible when needed.
- You can also connect to computers using the included Link 370 USB Adapter, or dongle as it’s often referred to as. You’ll be happy to know that this Adapter comes pre-paired so all you need to do is charge the Speak 750 battery, plug the Link 370 Adapter into the USB port, and you’re ready to go. No software to download, and no complicated set-up instructions to follow.
- And finally, you can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. The Speak 750 uses Bluetooth version 4.2, BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
Wireless Range
When you’re on a call, the Jabra Speak 750 is designed to give you up to 10 feet of wireless talk distance. This means that you can be up to 10 from the speakerphone, and your callers will be able to hear you loud and clear.
We tested the wireless talk range on the Speak 750, and it held great audio at the 10 foot mark. And in my opinion, I suspect that you could step even further away than 10 feet without compromising the sound quality all that much.
However, this is something that Jabra wouldn’t stand behind as it’s just speculation. But, based on how good it sounded at 10 feet, I do believe it’s capable of more.
In terms of how far the device itself can be from the audio source (computer, or mobile device), it varies by device. For example:
- With computers, and when using the Link 370 Adapter, you can use the Speak 750 up to 100 feet away.
- When connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth, it’s rated up to about 30 feet.
Something you’ll want to keep in mind is most wireless devices won’t give you the full estimated wireless range stated in their product information. Just like with wireless headsets, it’s a good idea to plan on about half of the stated range.
In this particular case, this means that you should expect to receive about 50 feet of wireless range when connecting to computers using the Link 370 Adapter, and about half of the estimated range when connecting via Bluetooth.
The things that contribute to reduced range include obstructions, which most of us have in our work environments. These obstructions can be things like walls, doors, windows, elevators and more.F
The wireless signal, when met with obstructions, needs to penetrate those obstructions. And, when it does, it weakens the signal that results in shortened wireless range.
How much wireless range you can expect really comes down to your specific work environment, and the number, and types, of obstructions you might have. Your work area may be void of any obstructions, such as like in an open office area for example. If that describes where you work, then you may very well get the full wireless range.
How many people can you have on a call?
The Speak 750 allows you to have up to 6 people on a call. Even though this is a small, very portable device, you can quickly initiate a call and have 5 additional people join you. This is great for anyone who works on a team, and needs to collaborate with others.
Best of all, this is an easy device to transport. So if you have need to collaborate with a team in an office, need to work solo on the road, or if you’re a hybrid worker who works part time at home, and part time in an office, then the Jabra Speak 750 is a great travel companion. Place it, and the Link 370 Adapter, into the included soft carry pouch, zip it up, and you’re ready to go.
Expandability (you can connect a second unit wirelessly)
If 6 people on a call just isn’t enough, because your team is larger than 6 people, well, I have good news for you. The Speak 750 allows you to wirelessly add a second speakerphone, or daisychain a second unit.
Doing this essentially doubles your coverage area, and in the process, allows you to double how many people you can have on a call. Instead of being limited to 6 people, with the second unit paired up, you can have up to 12 people on your calls. And you won’t be burdened, or annoyed, with any wires either, because this second unit pairs up to the main unit wirelessly.
There may be times when you need to be on a call by yourself. No problem, the Speak 750 is there for you. Or, there might be times when you need a few other people to join you on a call. Assuming a few other people
refers to no more than 5 more, then the Speak 750 has you covered. Even if you need more than 6 people, you still have the option available to you by wirelessly connecting that second unit. It’s nice to have this second unit option, because it’s not a feature that you find on most portable Bluetooth speakerphones. Typically, portable speakerphones like the 750 are single units only, which makes this device a more attractive option to consider.
So what’s the single biggest difference between the Jabra Speak 750, and the former model, the Speak 710?
The single biggest improvement on the Speak 750 over the previous 710 model is:
- Full duplex audio. This is a feature that allows for a naturally occurring, two way conversation. Just like when two people talk face to face, either person can interject comments, even when the other person is talking. The Jabra Speak 750 gives you this ability, which lends itself to a more natural conversation.
- Noise Reduction. Nobody likes being on a call with someone with distracting noise going on in the background. Jabra engineered noise reduction into the Speak 750, along the lines of what you’ll find on their professional line of wired and wireless headsets. With noise going on in your background, the Jabra Speak 750 goes to work to help remove it. In the end, your callers are given a clear, distraction free call void of distracting sounds.
- Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC). Keep in mind that the Speak 750 is a small device, and one that locates a microphone in close proximity to a speaker. This is a known recipe for feedback, echo, and overall bad audio quality. With AEC on board, the Speak 750 helps to smooth out sound, and prevent echo from finding its way into your important calls.
What about compatibility with the popular UC Applications?
Well, given that the Speak 750 comes from Jabra, a well connected, well respected company that places high value on systems integration, means it will work great if you’re using applications such as:
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- RingCentral
- And others
What buttons are found on the Jabra Speak 750?
You have several things you can control right from the surface control panel on the Speak 750. Below are the button found on this device:
- Power on/off
- Call Answer
- Call End
- Link Button (to connect a second 750, up to 13 feet away)
- Smart Button (for voice assistant or speed dial)
- Volume up
- Volume down
- Bluetooth pairing button
- Mute
- Battery status LED (view only)
- Teams button (if the Teams version is ordered)
So what can you do with the Teams version, that you can’t do with the non-teams, or standard UC version? Well, the Teams variant comes with a dedicated Microsoft Teams button, and an adjacent LED light next to it. When using Teams, the Teams button lights up purple, and the adjacent LED is for notifications.
By tapping the Microsoft Teams button, you can join a meeting at the touch of a button, or see when you have a meeting, even see your missed calls and voice messages. So if a portable, wireless speakerphone is in your future, and you use Microsoft Teams, then the Speak 750 Teams variant would be a great way to go.
How much does this speakerphone cost?
That’s one of those bottom line questions. You know, “sounds great an all, but how much does it cost”?
The Jabra Speak 750 is a premium wireless Speakerphone that carries with it the premium price of $362.00. Clearly this is more than some other speakerphones, even in the Jabra line. But you’ll want to keep reading because in a few minutes, I’ll share with you a way you can get a better price on a Speak 750.
And, if that $362.00 price tag is far more than you were planning on, then Jabra does offer some other models that are more affordable. You can consider the Jabra 410 or 510 speakerphones for example if a lower priced option is what you’re after.
What’s my overall thoughts on the Speak 750?
I’m a sucker for great sounding, portable devices, especially those that have expansion capability which gives you more use options. And clearly that describes this speakerphone.
I like how the Speak 750 looks because it has a nice modern appearance with its use of metal on the speaker and shiny black pastic accents. It has that small form factor too which makes it easy to use, handle and transport.
It has a handy built-in stand that helps to prop it up for those times when you need it facing a particular way, and direction. No need to find something to hold it up, because the stand pops out of it handy storage area when it’s needed, and stows away when it’s not needed. So a little added convenience.
The sound quality is very good, and will have you sounding great on your voice and video calls. Even if you have distractions going on around you, the noise reduction feature will help tame that too. This is very important, especially if you work from home and have small children and pets.
I find the buttons that are located on the face of the 750 to be convenient. The icons are easy to decipher, and the buttons are easily accessible which makes using it very simple and not confusing at all.
I also like the fact that you can include up to 6 people on a call, with the added flexibility of being able to pair up a second speakerphone to double the coverage area, and number of people for a call. This isn’t a feature you typically find on portable speakerphones which makes this somewhat unique.
I also like that you have three different ways to connect to your devices. You can connect to your computer wirelessly using the included Link 370 USB Adapter. Or, you can unwind the hardwired USB cable found on this device to plug directly into a computer USB port. You can also connect to your devices wirelessly via Bluetooth. Having so many ways to connect, I feel, only adds to this device’s appeal.
Special price discount
Earlier I mentioned that I have a suggestion on how you can get a better price on the Jabra Speak 750. Well, here it is.
When you shop on Headset Advisor make sure to use coupon code BLOG when checking out. If you do, you’ll get a nice discount on your order. And who doesn’t like getting a discount? I know I do.
So make sure to use coupon code BLOG when you check out so you can save some money.
Still have questions, or need some help?
Maybe the Jabra Speak 750 just isn’t the right solution for you. If that’s the case, then make sure to reach out to us here at Headset Advisor. We have Advisors that are available to help answer your questions, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST.
Finding the right solution can be a challenge, and we’d love to assist you. Best of all, our help is absolutely free. And you know, free is a beautiful thing.
And when you contact us, you won’t end up in some phone tree, pressing one for this, and two for that. Instead, you’ll talk to a real human being located in sunny Northern California.
So let us know if you have any questions, or just need some help getting your equipment set up and running.