Many educators around the world were thrown into virtual teaching during the pandemic that developed in 2020. If you were like me, you didn’t have the tools necessary to teach online right from the start.
Teaching online has a learning curve that takes some getting used to. The equipment required is a huge factor since you can’t teach without it!
And because of that…
I want to find the best headsets for online teaching because I share an office with another teacher, and I need a way to communicate with my students without being disruptive. Continue reading to learn more about the best headsets for teaching online.
Here’s the deal:
After reviewing multiple products, I determined that the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset is the best headset for online teaching.
The Top 5 Best Headsets for Teaching Online Reviewed
There is a wide variety of headsets on the market today, and it is important to compare each and every feature in order to find which headphone is most suitable for you.
1. SteelSeries Lossless Wireless Headset – Best Overall
With a 4.5 rating on Amazon and over 35,000 reviews, I couldn’t help but agree that the SteelSeries Lossless headset is the best option for educators. Designed for gamers, this model is made from elastic fabric and materials for comfortable long-term wear that we teachers would surely find suitable for teaching online.
Because teachers are often moving around, the wireless feature makes life so much easier when trying to teach remotely.
Not only is this headset wireless, but it also has comfort in mind which is important for educators. At an affordable price, you can use the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Headset for Zoom teaching, virtual meetings, webinars, and more!
Pros
- Wireless
- Comfortable headphone
- Bestseller
Cons
- Not Bluetooth Compatible
Takeaway
The Steelseries Lossless Wireless Headset is the best headphone for virtual teaching. This award-winning gaming headset comes in black or white and is reasonably priced.
If you are teaching virtually on a regular basis, you want a USB headset that gives you quality sound and an adjustable microphone. This pair offers surround sound and active noise cancellation for maximum clarity.
2. Sennheiser OfficeRunner Convertible Wireless – Top Of The Line
The Sennheiser OfficeRunner Convertible Wireless is the premium pick of headphones on this review listing at around the $500 price point. This wireless headset is also considered the best headset for teaching online because of the features it has to offer.
Compatible with office phones, you can easily switch back and forth from a telephone call to your computer with the press of a button.
The Sennheiser OfficeRunner Convertible Wireless headset provides up to 400ft. Of wireless range. If you need to run to gather materials mid-conversation, you can easily do so. You can purchase a lifter if your phone does not support external headsets in order to take calls.
Pros
- Wireless
- Lightweight design
- Phone compatible
Cons
- More expensive headphone
Takeaway
This is a top-of-the-line headset that allows users to answer calls as well as connect to a computer for online teaching. This handy device also comes with three different sizes of ear loops for adjustable comfort.
3. TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds – Most Compact
If you do not like bulky headphones or would prefer to wear a more discrete USB headset, the TOZO T6 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are for you!
You can communicate with your students and carry on instruction and answer another call simultaneously.
These earbuds are small and compact making them easily portable. They also come with a variety of different-sized earbud covers so you can customize the fit. Wireless charging is fast at under 2 hours, and you can get up to thirty hours of use from one charge!
Pros
- Wireless
- Bluetooth Compatible
- Waterproof/sweatproof
Cons
- Poor fit
- Requires charging
Takeaway
The TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds come in six different color options and a small storage case. These wireless earbuds feature easy-to-use touch controls for answering calls or volume control. It’s a very affordable option compared to other headphones.
4. BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset – Most Versatile
The BENGOO G9000 Headset is considered the most versatile because you can use them for just about anything! If you or a family member wants to use them for gaming or you have a Zoom meeting to attend, this headset is multi-compatible.
The USB cable powers a fun LED light-up option, and the headset itself is made from soft, breathable material.
A flexible microphone, adjustable headphone strap, and inline controller give these headphones plenty of versatility. Plus, your students might just think you are a gamer in your spare time!
Pros
- Affordable
- Multi-device compatible
- Noise-isolating microphone
- Surround sound
Cons
- Not UBS compatible (except for the LED lights)
- Not wireless
Takeaway
The BENGOO G9000 Headset is an excellent wired headset option for virtual teaching that requires no charging or batteries. This headset also has a noise-isolating microphone which will allow your students to hear more of your instruction and less background noise.
5. Logitech Wired Headset H390 Noise Cancelling – Best for Beginners
The Logitech Wired Headset H390 is very comparable to the one I use at school and similar to the headsets my students use for online assessments and internet-based learning programs.
This easy-to-use wired model simply plugs right into your USB port. The headphone comes with cushioned ear pads and a unidirectional microphone built-in. This set is also lightweight and offers in-line volume controls and a mute button so you can minimize unnecessary noise.
Pros
- Noise cancellation
- No charging or batteries
- USB compatible
Cons
- Not wireless
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Takeaway
If you are looking for a basic, grab-and-go pair headset and microphone, the Logitech Wired Headset H390 is definitely worth looking into. With over 30,000 reviews, this product is highly rated and is very budget-friendly.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Headset For Online Teaching
In this digital age, it is imperative for educators to have access to a useful headset for virtual instruction. Many professional development classes are also offered remotely, and meetings and parent conferences often use Zoom, Skype or Google Meets.
There are several factors you must consider when looking to purchase the best headsets for virtual teaching. What features will you need? Will you stay connected to your computer with a wired headset? Would you prefer to teach with a wireless or hands-free headset?
Features
You may like the wireless headsets because it allows you to roam more freely while teaching. Be sure they have a long-lasting battery life before purchasing.
If you need a USB port for charging or for a wired headset, ensure the device you choose will be compatible. You may be looking for the best wireless headset with a mic for online teaching. A Bluetooth headphone also gives you the ability to pair your cell phone, iPad, or another device.
If you are looking for a headset you can connect to Bluetooth or use for gaming those options are also available. Eliminating background noise is critical when trying to teach from home.
Comfort
If you plan on standing up most of the day, you may want a wireless headset to use while teaching. If you teach mainly seated from your desk, wired headphones would work well. The best headset for Zoom teaching will allow you to wear it for lengths of time without discomfort.
Many of the options on this list include adjustable headbands and attachments for comfort. If you still can’t find what you are looking for, check out the Jabra and Jabra Evolve line of headphones. The Jabra Evolve models are wireless headphone products that limit background noise.
Sound Quality
When thinking about the best wireless headset with a mic for online teaching, sound quality is a major factor. If the students cannot hear you clearly, or you are unable to hear your students then your efforts would surely be futile.
Keep in mind, while you want to ensure that your students can hear you clearly, you also need to be able to hear them as well. Students may be working from home or in other noisy environments, and they may not have any headphones or noise-reducing features.
Price
Consider your use and how much you can afford to spend. It may be worth it to pay more for a higher-end set of headphones, or you may prefer to buy a budget headset that you can easily replace when needed.
You can find basic headsets for around $30, but the higher-end models can run up $500 or more.
What Is The Difference Between Headsets and Headphones?
The difference between a headset and headphones is quite simple. Headphones provide audio sound only, and a headset provides the audio sound as well as a microphone for talking. For online teaching, you definitely need a headset, unless you have a separate microphone to use.
Is A USB Microphone Better Than A Headset?
In some cases, people prefer to use a separate USB microphone instead of a headset with a mic built-in. For online instruction and virtual teaching, there is no reason why you couldn’t use a headset.
If your students have difficulty hearing you, you may want to look into a USB mic and separate headphone setup. The best headset for Zoom teaching is primarily a wireless option because it allows you to move around as needed and it keeps your hands free to read, write, and instruct!
Do You Need A Headset To Teach English Online?
Virtual learning is an increasingly popular method of teaching and learning today, but educators need the right tools for the job.
If you plan to teach English online or any subject area for that matter, you will probably want a headset that provides clear audio and has a built-in microphone. You can use a separate headphone with a detached microphone, but an all-in-one headset is more convenient.
When teaching English, or another language, clarity of sound is extremely important. You need to ensure that your students understand you and can replicate the sounds that you produce. The best headsets for virtual teaching will provide noise-canceling interference and audio clarity.
What Headphones Are Best For Ears?
Think about the length of time you plan to wear your headphones, headset, or earbuds. Will you be moving around a lot? Do you prefer small earbuds to go inside your ear, or would you feel more comfortable with a cushioned ear pad that covers the outer ear?
When it comes to your ears, you know best! What feels the most comfortable to you? One nice feature of many headsets today is the adjustable headbands and alternate cushions or earpads that come in multiple sizes.
If any earpiece is causing your pain or is not fitting correctly, you certainly should look to replace them as soon as possible in order to prevent any damage to your ear or ear canal. You may need to seek the help of a medical professional for further examination.
Listening to loud music or keeping the volume too loud on your headset can also harm your hearing. Use the adjustable volume controls on your headphones or computer to ensure you are not damaging your eardrum or hearing in any way.
Once you are ready to teach online, here are some tips for you and your students:
The Bottom Line
Based on my review, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset meets all the criteria that I look for when buying a headset.
A reinforced steel headphone band gives support while making this headset durable for many hours of use, and the efficient battery life supports wireless usage for up to twenty-four hours.
Great sound quality, the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Headset can make life easier when trying to present lessons and communicate through virtual meetings.
Give these wireless headphones a try for your next virtual teaching session, Zoom meeting, or webinar and you will find the best headset for teachers!
Last Updated on January 21, 2022 by Emily
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