HP Poly Mission Headsets: 400, 600 & 800 Compared

400, 600 or 800?

All three series share the basics: super wideband audio, 32mm speakers, Microsoft Teams and UC compatibility, and a USB-C connection with a USB-A adapter. The differences come down to microphone performance, comfort and how well each model handles background noise.

• 400 series (415 and 425): the most affordable option, for a dependable headset without added complexity. The ear cushions are smaller and less padded and the microphone setup is simpler, so it suits quieter rooms, lighter call volume and tight budgets.
• 600 series (615 and 625): noticeable improvements in comfort and microphone performance, with dual microphones, AI noise reduction, larger and more cushioned ear pads and a built-in busy light. It suits call-heavy roles in offices with moderate noise.
• 800 series (815 and 825): the premium option, with more microphones, AI noise filtering and active noise cancelling (ANC) in the speakers, so you hear less of the room too. It stands out most in challenging, noisy environments.

In a quiet room the differences are small, apart from comfort. In a noisy room they become much more noticeable, so match the headset to your environment rather than simply buying the most expensive model.

Mono or stereo

A mono headset (415, 615, 815) covers one ear and leaves the other open, so you can hear coworkers and stay aware of what is going on around you. It is a good fit for collaborative offices and for roles that involve a lot of multitasking.

A stereo headset (425, 625, 825) covers both ears and blocks out more background noise, which helps you concentrate for long periods in a noisy office or at home. It is also the better choice if you listen to music between calls, and users in call-heavy roles often prefer stereo for all-day wear. Microphone quality depends on the model, not on mono or stereo, although the 825 adds one more microphone than the 815.

ANC and microphone noise cancelling

They are not the same thing. Microphone noise cancelling helps the person on the other end hear less of your background noise; every Mission headset has a noise-cancelling microphone with AI noise reduction. Active noise cancelling (ANC) helps you hear less of the noise around you. Only the 800 series has ANC, on both the mono 815 and the stereo 825, with a button to turn it on or off.

Foam or leatherette cushions (400 series)

The 415 and 425 come with foam cushions (HP calls these Classic) or leatherette cushions. Foam is the more affordable to replace, but it tends to break down, absorb sweat and lose its shape over time, and it lets in more outside noise. Leatherette over memory foam lasts longer, is easier to clean and isolates noise better, though some people find it makes them sweat more. The 600 and 800 series come with leatherette and memory foam.

Office or call center

In a traditional office, where you need to stay aware and accessible, a mono 615 or 815 works well. In a call center or any busy, noisy room, a stereo 625 or 825 makes it easier to stay focused, and the 825 adds ANC. For lighter call volume in a quiet space, the 400 series does the job for less.

Wired or wireless

Every Mission headset is wired: there are no batteries to charge, no wireless connection to drop, and setup is plug and play. The trade-off is that you stay at your desk. If you walk around while on calls, look at a Bluetooth headset such as our Poly Voyager headsets instead.