The EPOS Impact 860 is an excellent corded USB-A/C headset featuring Hybrid Adaptive ANC. This product works great for hybrid workers who find themselves in distracting work environents while at home and in the office.



What's Hybrid Adaptive ANC you might ask?  It means that the built-in Active Noise Cancellation will adapt to the surrounding noise level and only use as much ANC as needed at any given time. This reduces the feeling of occlusion in situations where a high level of ANC is not required.

The IMPACT 860 uses industry-leading microphone technology powered by EPOS AI™. It relies on a noise canceling algorithm that intelligently identifies the noise around you.  The microphone uses beamforming technology to scan the surrounding environment 32,000 times per second, which allows it to effectively identify and shut down sources of noise.

If you're looking for a high quality corded USB headset with Active Noise Canceling, we recommend you give this one a try!  It's also offered without ANC.  Click here for that model.

Tune out of a distracting environment, and tune into your work, with these headsets from Poly. Active Noise Canceling technology has crossed over to the business professional world, due to demand from professionals who require a space to concentrate, as well as headsets with noise-canceling microphones for premium call quality. The Active Noise Canceling (ANC) helps block out distracting sounds, creating a “quiet zone” to enhance productivity, no matter the environment.

According to Poly, a study out of the University of California shows that it takes an employee 23 minutes to recover from a distraction and get back to the task at hand, and that a majority of employees get distracted at least once a day.

Overview of Poly headsets with ANC:

Savi 8220 Office

• Use with Desk Phones, PCs, and smartphones/tablets
• Headband
• Wireless
• Noise-canceling mic with close conversation limiting
• Up to 13 hours talk time
• Conference in 4 additional Savi headsets
• UC and Microsoft Teams-certified versions
• MSRP: $459.95

Savi 8220 UC

• Use with computers only
• Headband
• Charge stand included
• Wireless
• Noise-canceling mic with close conversation limiting
• Up to 13 hours talk time
• Conference in 4 additional Savi headsets
• UC and Microsoft Teams-Certified versions
• USB-A and USB-C variants
• MSRP: $339.95

Blackwire 8225

• USB-A or USB-C
• Headband
• Busylights in ear speakers
• Hybrid ANC with 3 user selectable options
• Inline call controls
• UC or Microsoft Teams Certified versions
• Microsoft versions have dedicated Teams button
• MSRP: $209.95

Blackwire 7225

• USB-A or USB-C
• Boomless mic design
• Four microphones detect noise from all directions and separate noise from the speaker’s voice
• Call controls on the headset
• Voice alerts
• Choice of color: Black or White
• MSRP: $179.95

Voyager Focus UC

• Bluetooth and USB (with included dongle)
• Comfort headband
• UC and Microsoft-certified versions
• Smart mic boom: wear boom on either side and maintain right/left stereo performance and locations of volume/track buttons
• Oversized soft leatherette ear cushions
• Headset and Charging Stand available: UC or Microsoft
• MSRP: $279.95

Voyager Focus 2 UC

• Bluetooth and USB (with included BT700 dongle)
• 3 levels of Advanced Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling
• Dynamic Mute Alert senses and tells you when talking while muted
• Acoustic Fence Technology in noise-canceling mic
• 19 hours talk time
• UC, Microsoft Certified variants available
• Choose between USB-A and USB-C
• MSRP: $329.95
• MSRP with charge stand: $349.95

Voyager Focus 2 Office

• Connects to computer, mobile phone and desk phone
• 3 levels of Advanced Digital Hybrid Active Noise Canceling
• Up to 300 feet of wireless range
• Smart sensors for answering calls, pausing music and instantly muting calls.
• Online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call
• Acoustic Fence Technology in noise-canceling mic
• UC or Microsoft Certified variants
• MSRP: $459.95

Voyager 6200 UC

• Bluetooth and USB (with included dongle)
• Neckband vibrates to signal an incoming call.
• Ear buds
• Intuitive controls
• MSRP: $299.95

Voyager 8200 UC

• Bluetooth and USB (with included dongle)
• No microphone design features a 4-mic array for voice pick-up
• Large ear cushions completely surround the ear
• Choice of color: Black or White
• MSRP: $379.95





All of these headsets, with the exception of the Savi 8220 Office, come with carrying cases to protect the headsets in and out of the office.

If you’re not sure which Poly ANC headset is right for you, give us a call at 1-866-998-9991, and our headset experts can help!

Jabra Evolve2 30 headsets at $99 ($89 for single-ear models) provide the right amount of comfort and user-friendly features that keep you working, whether it's at home or in the office. Collaboration and concentration are the two key pillars of effective work, according to Jabra, and these headsets help you with both.

The headband is cushioned in ultra soft foam covered in color-matched leatherette. The ear cushion is soft audio foam covered in leatherette with a stainless steel slider arm. While wearing the headset, adjust the headband so that it fits your head comfortably.

When using the microphone, it should be positioned close to your mouth. You can gently bend the mic boom above the tip of the boom, where there's a little bit of flexibility. Do not bend the boom arm where it meets the ear speaker; the boom arm could break off. Mute the mic by pushing the mute button at the front of the speaker. If you have voice alerts activated, you will hear that you are "Muted." To turn the voice notifications off or on, you can change the setting in Jabra Direct, or by pressing and holding the Mute and Volume Up buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. You'll find the Volume buttons on the back side of the ear speaker. We recommend that you download Jabra Direct once you get this headset; it will keep your headset updated with all of the latest firmware, and allow you to change a variety of settings.

There is an integrated busylight at the back of the ear cushion, and an LED light on the USB plug, to alert you of your mute status.

The cord length is approximately 5'. This is a great length for a laptop configuration; if you are connecting to a desktop computer tower, you may need a longer length cable; we have plenty of other headsets that fit the bill.

Taking collaboration one step further, the Jabra Evolve2 30 meets the Microsoft Open Office requirements (Teams Certified variants, naturally) – which is a strict test of how effective a headset microphone is at suppressing surrounding noise and office talk. The Teams button on the middle of the ear speaker will invoke Teams with a quick tap.




It's easy to take the headset with you and keep it protected, in the included felt carry pouch. Rotate the ear cushions flat and slide it into the pouch; the flap tucks under the elastic for security.

It may be possible to use the USB-C variant of this headset to mobile phones; however, we don't recommend it for primary use, as not all USB-C devices or apps support an audio connection to the Jabra Evolve2 30.

Our Headset Experts can recommend the best variant for your unique work needs at 866-998-9991 or you can Chat us now.

Working from home can be a challenge: maybe you have a spouse or roommates who also work from home; children at home doing on-line schooling; perhaps your pets are noisy. Whatever environment you have been working in, we know it can be a challenge to concentrate and focus on work tasks. That's why we suggest a high quality, professional headset designed specifically for workers who need to be on calls or in meetings using their computer, and require a distraction-free environment.

The Poly Blackwire 8225 meets these needs, and brings some hard-hitting technology to the table:

• Advanced Hybrid ANC using four digital microphones with three user selectable options (Off - Mid - High)
• Noise canceling microphone with Acoustic Fence technology (using 2 microphones) that meets Microsoft Teams Open Office-certification levels
• Hearing protection: SoundGuard DIGITAL: Acoustic limiting for protection against sounds above 118 dBA. G616 anti-startle protection limits the noise level to 102 dBSPL; Time-Weighted Average prevents average daily noise exposure from exceeding 80 or 85 dBA (enabled by Plantronics Hub software)

Other features we really like:

• 32mm speakers with large memory foam leatherette ear cushions

• Padded headband

• Two LED indicators on speaker housing show online/in a call status

• Call controller for volume maximum/minimum, mute on/mute off, answer/end call, noise canceling off/mid/high

• 7.2 ft cable

The included carry case protects your headset while you're transitioning from home to office, and everywhere in between.

There are four options to choose from, either USB-A or USB-C, and UC or Certified for Microsoft Teams variants. To decide which variant you need, read this blog post.

Blackwire 8225 USB-A
Blackwire 8225-M USB-A certified for Microsoft Teams
Blackwire 8225 USB-C
Blackwire 8225-M USB-C certified for Microsoft Teams

Call our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991, or Chat us now, to purchase a Blackwire 8225 headset, and watch our overview of the Blackwire 8225, including a side-by-side Acoustic Fence Technology audio test at 1:31.

When the Pandemic caused businesses to close last spring, many employees were sent home with a computer, a few office supplies, and no idea of when they would be able to return to the building. Communication devices such as headsets, speakers, and cameras (if they were even considered) were haphazardly ordered, or employees were left to use their personal ear buds and the built-in cameras in laptops.

Now that we've had some time to work through these issues and many employees remain in their home work spaces, they most likely are continuing to use the same thrown-together set-ups that they were sent home with in the spring. With the benefit of this past year as a teacher, we have a better idea of what works at home, and find many companies and individuals are starting to think of ways to enhance their WFH experience. We’ve put together some products for you to consider that will surely improve your work from home setup.

Wireless Headset

To experience complete silence while working, we recommend the Jabra Evolve 75 headset with Active Noise Canceling. It connects to both computers (with the included Link 370 USB adapter) and mobile phones via Bluetooth. The hear through feature lets you listen in to your surroundings, without removing the headset. We like the option to walk and talk, so you're able to take your calls on the go (up to 100 feet), whether it's to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, or to answer the front door to accept your FedEx package. The large, cushioned leatherette ear cushions rest comfortably on your ears for even the longest of calls and Zoom meetings. When you need to work in a new location, the included hard-sided zippered carry case will protect the Evolve 75 on the go. Available in both UC and Microsoft variants, you can also purchase the headset with a charging stand, if you would like to have a convenient place to store and charge the headset on a desk, when not in use.

Corded Headset

Jabra Engage 50 mono, or Engage 50 duo, and the optional Link call control take communication to a new level. The Engage 50 is a digital headset with a powerful processing chip in the ear cup that delivers advanced functionality including call analytic data. The 3-microphone system with intelligent noise-cancelation blocks out background noise and breathing sounds, so customers hear only the agents voice thereby delivering a superior call experience, whether you work from home or a physical contact center. The call control unit accessory enables agents to adjust volume levels and mute, speed dial, answer and end calls, and update their status lights at the touch of a button. The control unit is easy to use and designed to stay in place. Two programmable buttons can be customized in Jabra Direct; out of the box they are programmed for Speed Dial and Busylight (green: available; red; busy). The volume dial, and mute and answer/end buttons are intuitively placed and easy to use at a touch. There are Microsoft Teams-certified and UC variants in both USB-A and USB-C options. The Engage 50 headset ends in a USB-C connection, so if you are using these headsets in a computer with USB-A sockets only, you will need to purchase a Link unit.

We recommend the Engage 50 if you take calls and participate in team meetings primarily from your computer, and do not use a desk or mobile phone.

Speakerphone

If you're working in a private space, you will be able to use a speakerphone. We recommend the Poly Sync 40 or Sync 40+ models and you can find all of the Sync 40 variants, here: Poly Sync 40 Speakerphones.

Turn smaller or flexible spaces into powerful conference rooms; the Sync 40 provides premium sound. The multi-microphone array focuses on what’s being said and helps keep echo and noise out of meetings. And, full duplex audio lets conversations flow naturally, even when users talk over each other.

We like the flexibility that the Sync 40 offers. You can connect to either USB-A or USB-C computers with the same unit, thanks to the integrated cable that has both connections included. The Sync 40+ models include the BT600 USB dongle and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. When you go into the office, you can wirelessly pair two units together for larger meeting space needs.

It is certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams, for seamless experiences, as well as other major UC communication platforms.

Camera

For a clear picture on all of your Teams and Zoom calls, we recommend the JPL Vision Mini camera, which is a diminutive device with some great features, including automatic low light correction, integrated privacy cover and 2-year warranty. The Field of View is 67° and you have full 360° camera rotation including 90° tilt for over-desk viewing.

The plug-and-play Vision Mini is designed to suit the way you like to make a video call, whether it’s one to one or conference, you can place the Vision Mini webcam where you want it - on a computer monitor, desktop or tripod. It is compatible with all major platforms and the price is pretty nice: $49.95 MSRP.

Busylight

Use this at home now, and in the office when/if you return. The design of the Omega Kuando Busylight makes it highly visible from across a room and is an instant notification of your status: Red for Busy; Green for Available; and other colors that can be programmed to suit your work style. It will also: Ring and flash on incoming calls; Beep & flash – Indication for IMs; and there's a Flash notification for missed calls/IMs. Everyone can benefit from an Omega Busylight at their work space.

We have become quite adept at collaborating with colleagues, customers, and students from a distance, and these products will raise your communications game — whether you remain at home, or return to the office building. Contact our team for personalized recommendations to elevate your communication devices at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now.