Has your company implemented a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy and you’re not sure what type of audio and video product to purchase? Our team has put together a few suggestions at a variety of price points, for typical BYOD scenarios. These products will beat the audio and video quality found in a standard laptop or computer. Each individual environment and preference may require a modification, and our team is ready to provide specialized suggestions for your unique work space and situation. Call us at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now for help.

Quiet work spaces

If you are working in a private home office, private office, or in a hotel room, and you are able to close the door on noise, we suggest these devices:

A speakerphone with extra features, such as the Poly Sync 20+: This USB-A with BT600 USB dongle speakerphone connects to computers and mobile phones. When you're not on a call or in a video conference, you can use the Sync 20 to play music. It's simple to connect and portable for use anywhere. The programmable Rocket Button can bring up a Voice Assistant, play music, and more. Customize this in the Hub Desktop software, a free download.

If you'd rather use a headset with your computer, the Poly Blackwire 5210 is a corded headset with call controls at your fingertips for call answer and end, volume adjustments, and mute. The lightweight headset has a large ultrasoft leatherette ear cushion, and it offers connection both via USB and 3.5mm; however, for best performance, it is recommended to connect to computers via USB. A noise-canceling microphone is integrated in the bendable mic boom so that your voice comes through loud and clear.

Other great options for a single-ear corded headset include the Jabra Evolve II 30 which offers USB and 3.5mm connections; Poly Blackwire 3310-M which has a USB connection, and Blackwire 3315-M, which is a dual connection to USB and 3.5mm. All three of these headsets are Certified for Microsoft Teams, which means that when you connect this headset to your computer and you're logged into your Teams account, Teams will immediately recognize the device as the default sound device.

If you would prefer a wireless headset for computer only, the Poly Savi 8200 UC has wearing style options (mono, duo or convertible), ANC in the duo variant, and unlimited talk time in the Savi 8245 UC. For a wireless Bluetooth headset with dual connectivity for both mobile phone and computer, we recommend the Jabra Evolve2 65 which seamlessly transitions between the two connections so you're always on.

Noisy work spaces

If you are working in a space with one (or more) family members, such as at the kitchen table, we recommend an Active Noise Canceling headset that will block background noise so that you are able to concentrate on your work. EPOS Adapt 660 has adaptive Active Noise Canceling that monitors your working environment and adjusts noise reduction accordingly. Talk Through technology for listening to colleagues without removing the headset, for a quick check-in to your environment. These ear speakers completely surround the ears.

Jabra Evolve 80 has large ear speakers that completely surround the ear, and bright Busylights on the ear cups that provide a visual notification if you are on a call or do not want to be disturbed. This connects via both USB and 3.5mm jack for mobile phones equipped with that port.

For a wireless ANC headset option from Jabra, the Evolve2 85 has an advanced digital chipset for the clearest calls, a microphone boom that can be folded up and stored away when not in use, and Busylights that are more visible than ever, allowing you to be seen from every angle, for even fewer interruptions. These headsets have a "Listen In" feature for when you need to check in on your surroundings without taking off your headset.

A corded USB headset with advanced Active Noise Cancellation, the Poly Blackwire 8225 has three settings for optimal productivity. Acoustic Fence Technology in the noise-canceling microphone keeps calls free from background noise, and improves vocal clarity for clear conversations.

A standard recommendation in noisy environments is to wear a duo headset with both ears covered, which helps to block ambient noise, for passive noise cancellation. The Jabra Biz 2400 II Duo USB headset has a Kevlar cord for durability, luxury leatherette ear cushions, an unbreakable 360° FreeSpin boom arm and call controls at your fingertips, thanks to the in-line call controller.


Poly Blackwire 5220 has a sling headband design in this dual ear headset, and connects via USB or 3.5mm. The in-line call controls are a handy feature, and let you answer/end calls, adjust volume and mute. The corresponding LED lights on the call controller provide a great visual reminder: Triple flash green=Incoming call; Double flash green=Call on hold; Solid green=On a call; Solid red=Headset is muted.

The Poly EncorePro 320 is a lower cost option that plugs into your computer (either USB-A or USB-C), with in-line call controls for volume and mute.

For personalized recommendations, contact our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us and they will find the best solutions for your unique requirements.

Poly's new white paper brings together thought leadership for what it calls the "Next Normal," which puts people first, to empower them in productive work environments — wherever the physical space may be. According to Poly, "2020 will be the catalyst for hybrid working, offering employees flexibility and choice, driving productivity through collaboration and communication." Basically, creating environments that foster productivity, collaboration, innovation and safety.

The digital transformation ensures consistent work experiences that will react to the crisis and mitigate any harm to the business.

Policies and procedures that support both the business and individual, in a "People First" culture as Poly calls it, will prove to be mutually beneficial.


Interestingly, Poly found that 85% of businesses surveyed believe that greater location flexibility has lead to an increase in productivity.

What can we expect in the "Next Normal?"

• Home office spaces built into residences
• Increased flexible work across locations
• Recruitment over larger demographic (and perhaps geographic) areas
• Work from home, meet in the office, bringing everyone together virtually
• Smaller company footprints over more dispersed locations
• Seamless work flows between home and office
• Technology designed for ease of use with personal devices
• Necessary business travel only

The only certainty? The core components of any organization: practices, workspace, and culture, will change as we transition into the "next normal." This won't be easy, but evolving to suit the needs of people and organizations will be worth it.

For more information about Hybrid Working, read Hybrid Working: Creating the "Next Normal" in Work Practices, Spaces and Culture, a resource from Poly.

If you need communication tools to support your work style, reach out to our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

We are moving to a work-from-home situation across the world. For those who haven't set up a home office yet, here are our suggestions for a productive space to work during this modern-day pandemic.

The best option for home work is to close yourself off in a dedicated office space, or a quiet out-of-the-way bedroom. If you have younger children who need you near, you may be working in the middle of the family at the kitchen table. In either situation, a headset with a noise-canceling microphone is a must! We offer headsets with both noise-canceling and ultra noise-canceling microphones, for extreme noise cancellation.

We recommend an Active Noise Canceling headset for complete concentration, and with a variety of wearing styles and connection types, there's guaranteed to be a headset that works for you. The Jabra Evolve 80, pictured above, is a USB and 3.5mm headset with large ear cushions that completely surround the ear; and with ANC, and Busylights on the ear cups, it's a great choice for productive working and clear calls.

Other work at home tips:

•Don't sit in the same place all day. Get up and move! Wireless headsets let you walk and talk.
•Take a lunch break ... but don't extend it to all-day grazing. No need to gain weight in your comfies while you enjoy unlimited snacks from the pantry.
•Speaking of comfies, you may find that you accomplish more when you're not wearing pajamas or sweats. That's something you'll have to test for yourself.
•Take breaks ... but not too many. Turn off notifications for any non-essential tasks (such as social media) so you can focus on what needs to be done.
•When it's time to take a break, walk around outside for a few minutes. Get a change of scenery and clear your thoughts.
•Take advantage of collaboration tools and communicate with your co-workers regularly. A quick conversation can go a long way to building relationship, and don't forget to have team meetings to keep everyone connected and informed.

Take heart! This quarantine cannot last forever, and may provide you the time necessary for personal reflection and family connection that we typically don't get in our usual daily lives. And, once we get the "all-clear" to return to our work spaces, we go with the knowledge that we can conquer anything! (And now have a GREAT headset to work with!)

Call or Chat us now for recommendations! We are your Headset Experts.