Finding the Perfect Remote Meeting Companion: Headphones, Headsets, Earbuds, or External Microphones?

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with my audio setup for remote meetings, mainly because I needed to replace my old over-the-ear headphones and I wondered if I should try something new. Should I go for more headphones, a headsets, earbuds, or a standing microphone? Wired or wireless? Does it make a difference, and in what way? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option and explore what to consider when making your choice. Ultimately, you want to find a setup that allows you to stay focused, communicate clearly, and be comfortable wherever you are working.

Headphones

First up, we have the classic choice: headphones. These are the go-to option for many remote workers, and for good reason. With their over or on-ear design, a decent pair of headphones should offer excellent sound quality and noise isolation, making them ideal for staying focused during meetings. They’re also generally more comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is a big plus for those marathon virtual sessions. Just make sure that the headphones you pick are Teams/Zoom etc compatible—some models really do work better than others, especially with sound quality. A pair of headphones may work great with music streaming but be atrocious when it comes to the compressed voice sound delivered on remote meeting platforms.

On the downside, headphones can be bulkier and take up extra room in your bag, which may or may not be an issue. You might also wonder to consider what they look like and how you appear on camera—do you want to be seen with a large band on your head while talking to customers, for example? It really might not matter at all, but worth thinking about depending on your role.

Headsets

Next, we have headsets, which are essentially headphones with an extendable microphone arm (called a ‘boom’ in the jargon). This is the classic ‘call centre’ option, which is clearly for business/office use. Headsets are typically great for remote meetings because they provide both good audio output and unidirectional audio input in one package. This can be especially handy if you’re working in noisy environments and need to do whatever you can to cut out those background sounds. As with headphones, pick a set that’s proven to work well with Teams, Zoom and other remote meeting platforms.

However, you might again want to consider, depending on your role and the people you are working with, whether appearing with a headset on camera is acceptable or not.

Earbuds

Moving on to earbuds, these tiny devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their compact size and portability. Earbuds are great for remote meetings on the go, as they’re small enough to slip into your pocket or bag without taking up much space. Many earbuds also come with noise-cancelling features, which can help block out distractions during meetings. The other advantage of earbuds is that they are more discrete and far less distracting of a presence on-camera than larger headsets or headphones.

On the downside, earbuds may not offer the same level of sound quality or noise isolation as headphones or headsets, especially in noisy environments. Triple check they work properly with Teams or Zoom—a pair I bought started ‘popping’ like crazy on Teams calls. You might also find earbuds less comfortable to wear for extended periods, particularly if you have sensitive ears.

Standalone Microphones

Last but not least, we have external, standalone microphones—the kind you see a podcaster using. Typically, in this setup, you will be listening to the meeting via your laptop’s built-in or external speakers, so there won’t be anything at all on your head or ears—call it the natural look for meetings. External microphones come in various forms, including USB microphones and clip-on lapel mics, and can be easily connected to your computer or mobile device for crystal-clear audio. Personally, I’ve always preferred this setup but the downside is you can’t really use it out and about—you can only use it if you have a completely private space.

Wired Wonders

Should you go with wired or wireless headphones? Does it make a difference these days? Let’s start with the tried and true: wired audio gear. When it comes to reliability, you simply cannot beat a good old-fashioned wired connection.

• Stable connection: With wired headphones (or headsets), you never have to worry about Bluetooth connectivity issues or dropped signals mid-meeting. Your audio stays uninterrupted.

• Consistent audio quality: Wired setups often provide better sound quality compared to their wireless counterparts. The difference is shrinking, but it’s often there.

• No battery anxiety: Forget about constantly checking your battery levels or rushing to charge your devices before a meeting.

However, it’s not all sunshine in the wired world:

• Tangled cables: Let’s face it, tangled cables are the bane of every wired setup. Dealing with knots and tangles can be a hassle, especially when you’re on the go.

• Limited mobility: Wired connections tether you to your device, restricting your movement during calls or virtual meetings. If you like to pace around while you talk, this might be a downside.

Cutting the Cable: Going Wireless

Now, let’s turn to wireless audio gear. Wireless headphones, earbuds, and headsets offer a lot of freedom and flexibility, and, personally, they are my pick:

• Unrestricted movement: Say goodbye to being tied down by cables. With wireless gear, you have the freedom to move around during calls or meetings.

• No tangled wires: One of the most significant perks of going wireless is eliminating the hassle of tangled cables. Enjoy a clutter-free workspace and say hello to hassle-free setup.

• Battery life: On the downside, the dreaded low battery notification can strike at the most inconvenient times. Wireless devices require regular charging, so make sure to keep an eye on your battery levels to avoid sudden dropouts during important calls.

• Bluetooth connectivity: While Bluetooth technology has come a long way, occasional connectivity issues or audio glitches can still occur, especially in crowded areas with multiple wireless devices competing for bandwidth.

What to Consider When Choosing

In summary, when choosing which audio gear to use for your remote meetings, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Audio quality: Consider the sound quality of the device you’re looking at and how it will affect your ability to hear and be heard clearly during meetings.

2. Comfort: Think about how comfortable the device will be to wear for extended periods, especially if you have long meetings or wear glasses.

3. Portability: If you work regularly from different locations, consider how portable the device is and whether it will be convenient to carry around with you.

4. Noise isolation: If you work in noisy environments, consider whether the device offers noise-cancelling features to help block out distractions during meetings.

5. Microphone quality: If you’ll be doing a lot of the talking during meetings, consider the quality of the microphone on the device and whether it will provide clear audio input.

6. Battery life: If you’re constantly on the move, opt for wireless devices with long battery life to ensure uninterrupted productivity throughout the day.

7. Budget: Finally, consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on audio gear for remote meetings. I strongly recommend going for the best you can afford—it’s an important piece of gear that will really impact the quality of your interactions.