Within the past several years, we have noticed the increased frequency of questions about headsets with active noise cancelling. Many customers are familiar with the consumer brands out there that offer Active Noise Cancelling in headphones used for music and other media and are now asking us, “But what about for office headsets?” The pervasive noisy open office environment, as well as the continuing needs of mobile workers handling important calls on the go, provokes the question. Active noise cancelling technology (ANC) will reduce unwanted noise and eliminate distractions.

From the headset brands that we carry, there are several choices that, depending upon the connection type, may provide the ANC you need.

Bluetooth Connection

The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is our top pick for a wireless Bluetooth ANC headset. The large leatherette ear cushions are comfortable and perfect for all-day wear. The speakers rotate to lay flat in the hard-sided case (click here to see the case) that the headset comes in. The noise-cancelling microphone boom arm can be clipped to the headband when you’re not on calls – a magnet secures the boom arm until you’re ready to use it again. Integrated Busylights in the ear cups alert co-workers to your availability – at a glance. ANC is easy to turn on and off with the touch of a button on the left ear cup. The Listen-In feature allows you to keep ANC turned on – yet tuning into the conversation surrounding you – with a simple tap on the left ear cup. There are two certified versions of the Evolve 75: UC and Certified for Skype for Business. The included Link 370 dongle allows you to walk up to 100 feet away from the PC it’s connected to. Talk time is approximately 15 hours. There is an Evolve 75 UC version with the charging stand, which we recommend for those who primarily work at a desk. The stand is a great place to store and charge the headset when not in use. MSRP is $279.00 ($329.00 for the headset and stand).

The Poly Voyager 8200 UC is the newest ANC wireless headset, and has a contemporary boomless mic design: dual-paired omnidirectional mics with enhanced Digital Signal Processing. These technologies ensure your voice is picked up and background noise is not the focus of the conversation. Dual mode ANC lets you choose preferred noise-reduction level. Smart sensors allow you to answer calls by simply putting on the headset and automatically mute your calls or pause music by taking the headset off. It offers an almost-unbelievable 20 hours of talk time. A carrying pouch is included. The Voyager 8200 UC is available in two colors: Black and White and MSRP is $379.95.

Poly Voyager Focus UC is the first wireless headset offering ANC. The Focus UC is compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and PCs via Bluetooth. It offers up to 12 hours of talk time (10 with ANC on). This is another intelligent headset: Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music. First-to-market Dynamic Mute Alert feature senses and alerts users when they are trying to talk when muted. The sleek noise-cancelling mic can be worn on either side of the head by rotating the boom arm. A carrying pouch is also included with this headset; MSRP is $279.95 or 299.95 for the version with the charging stand.


Poly Voyager Focus 2 UC builds upon the success of the Focus UC, and creates a focus zone all around you — along with up to 19 hours of talk time! All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you: pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology keeps conversations clear. Dynamic Mute Alert and smart sensors are built into this headset, too. Voyager Focus 2 UC connects to both cell phones and computers, with the included BT700 USB dongle (you choose between USB-A and USB-C variants). You can buy this headset with a charge stand (as pictured), or without. MSRP is $329.95; with charge stand, $349.95.


EPOS Adapt 660 has innovative hybrid adaptive ANC that constantly monitors your background environment for noise, thus adjusting the level of noise reduction in the headset seamlessly. EPOS AI, along with 3 digital microphones, optimizes voice pickup while reducing background noise. The listening experience can be personalized with the various sound effect modes: Club, Movie, Speech, or Director (user defined). The Adapt 660 comes in a hard-sided case for travel convenience. This headset has a dedicated button that launches Microsoft Teams. It is certified for Teams, and optimized for UC platforms. MSRP is $439.00.

Powerful digital hybrid Active Noise Canceling and 37 hours of talk time give the Jabra Evolve2 85 headsets one of the longest talk times on the market. The hideaway boom arm activates 6-microphone technology to deliver outstanding call performance on the go. The ergonomic headband design has soft memory foam for all-day wearing comfort. The headset folds into a hard-sided zippered carry case for ease of travel. There are several choices within the Evolve2 85 series: black or beige; with charging stand or without; Microsoft Teams certified or UC variants; and USB-A or USB-C Link 380 dongles. MSRP is $449.00, or $499.00 for models with the charging stand.

Bose Professional is new to the office workspace, and brings us the 700 UC, a Unified Communications-certified headset with an included Bose USB-A Link dongle. Choose between silver or black. If you're familiar with Bose headphones, this may be a good option for you. Eleven levels of noise cancellation let you personalize what you hear from your surrounding environment — from virtual silence to open and ambient. An adaptive four microphone system isolates your voice from surrounding noise. MSRP is $449.95.

EPOS Adapt 560 has a discrete foldable boom arm that can be folded into the headband when not in use. MSRP is $329.00. The Adapt 563 is the same headset, without the BTD 800 USB dongle and carry case. MSRP is $269.00.

EPOS Adapt 360 offers a comfortable design and two color choices: black and white. Optimized for UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams, Adapt 360 has a dedicated Teams button (when used with the included BTD 800 USB dongle). The foldable design is convenient for travel in the included storage pouch. MSRP is $269.00.

Wireless around-the-neck earbud wearing styles are the newest addition to the professional office headset market. The Jabra Evolve 75e has an integrated Busylight and magnetic earbuds that connect to pause your music, or end your call. The neckband is silicon rubber and is sweat and water resistant, however, make no mistake: this business headset is made for work. The three-microphone technology provides crystal-clear calls and creates a unique "talk-zone," making sure you’re heard, while nearby voices are filtered out. ANC is activated by pressing a button on the neckband; to "listen in" to your environment, simply press and hold the same button. The headset comes with a USB dongle, zippered hard-sided travel case, three ear tips and three pairs of both EarGels and EarWings, and includes a desktop charging stand. MSRP is $259.00.

The Poly Voyager 6200 UC headset features Plantronics clear talk technology, four omnidirectional mics and enhanced noise cancelling, optimizing your voice and minimizing background noise. ANC can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch. Connect to PC with the included BT600 dongle. Also included: a hard-sided, zippered travel case, desktop charging stand, and 3 sizes of eartips for maximum comfort and customization.

The Voyager 6200 UC is offered in both USB-A and USB-C models. MSRP is $299.95.



Talk all day with the EPOS Adapt 460, which offers 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. Hybrid ANC reduces background noise and boosts concentration. From noisy office to airport lounge, ensure you are heard, with noise-cancelling microphones that optimize speech and reduce background noise.

If you're using a Microsoft platform, choose the Adapt 460T variant, which is Certified for Microsoft. MSRP is $329.00.

For all of these neckband earbud headsets, the neckband will vibrate when there is an incoming call, so you won't need to keep the earbuds in your ears at all times.




USB Connection

The new Poly Blackwire 8225 is packed with technology that will be a difference-maker as you move seamlessly between calls, webinars, multimedia and more. Technologies in the Blackwire 8225 include Hybrid ANC, Acoustic Fence, and Hearing Protection. Advanced hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) with three settings optimizes the users experience. The ANC switch allows the user to select between ANC Off, Mid, or High, depending upon environment.

For clear calls, Acoustic Fence technology uses two physically separated microphones and digital signal processing (DSP) to identify the users voice from the unwanted background noise and then removes it. Its lightweight design and fully adjustable headset with 180º pivoting speakers is comfortable. Choose between USB-A or USB-C variants, and UC or Microsoft-certified. MSRP is $209.95.

Blackwire 7225 features Active Noise Canceling and a boomless mic design, in a corded headset. A new twist: the headset controls are all located on the ear speakers, similar to a wireless headset. Video calls are common in work places today, and a resounding demand was for a headset without a mic boom. The technology found in the microphone design is impressive: its 4 mic design detects noise from all directions and separates noise from the speaker's voice. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) delivers a natural voice sound. USB-A and USB-C models are available in both color choices: Black and White. MSRP is $199.95 for all variants.

Also from Poly, the Savi 8220 UC is a wireless DECT headset that lets you tune out nearby noise thanks to ANC that you control with the on/off switch on the ear speaker. Conversations are secure, private, and clear because of the close conversation limiting noise cancellation in the microphone. This is a single connection headset to computers only, with the option of USB-A and USB-C models, as well as UC or Certified for Microsoft Teams variants. It comes with a carry case and USB charging cable, so that you can easily travel with the headset and leave the charge base at home. If you need freedom to roam during calls (up to 590 feet range, line of sight), this is a great choice. MSRP is $339.95.

For all of these headsets, download Plantronics Hub software to gain call control across multiple softphones. A headset control panel allows for customizing settings, including call notification.


EPOS offers the Impact SC 660 ANC USB, which adds Active Noise Canceling into the Impact SC 660 series of premium USB headsets. ANC is easily activated with the sliding switch located on the side of the in-line call controller. An ultra noise-canceling microphone ensures that your caller will hear only you — and not your background environment. Proximity Sensor Technology allows for answering, pausing, and resuming calls by simply taking the headset on and off.

The Impact SC 660 series has a solid feel, and a luxury fit, for comfortable all-day wear, and is both Microsoft-certified and optimized for UC applications. If you need to travel with your headset (or work in another location) the ear cushions rotate to lay flat for travel in the included carry pouch. The magnetic holder is a great feature, too: attach the magnet to your desk, where the call control unit will rest; the magnet on the unit will hold the call controller in place. EPOS offers its standard three-year warranty for this headset. MSRP is $249.00.


USB and 3.5mm Connection

Jabra Evolve 80 This corded headset is compatible with devices that have a 3.5mm port and PCs via USB. Oversized ear cup style cushions completely surround the ear and hug the user’s head. It is the heaviest of the choices, weighing in at 11.43 ounces – almost ¾ of a pound. The bulkiness of the headset could prove to be a deal breaker for some users; however, customers who own this headset don’t mind the heft and comment on its incredible ability to block ambient noise. There is a comfort feature to the headset: the headband has a soft rubber cushion that allows it to lightly rest on the head.

Activate ANC at the bottom of the right ear cup. A nice feature of the Evolve 80 is the “Listen In” button: when you have ANC activated, but need to “listen in” to your environment, press the button in the middle of the right ear speaker, to temporarily disable the ANC. Press the button again to resume ANC. The rechargeable battery is charged when the Evolve 80 is connected via USB port.

Other features: a neoprene zippered pouch for travel (the ear cushions rotate to lay flat) and a noise-cancelling microphone that mutes automatically when the mic boom is docked in the headband. MSRP: $329.00.

Hi-fi stereo sound and wideband audio for listening to music and multimedia applications contribute to the luxury feel of all of these headsets.

ANC Headsets for Desk Phones

The very first (and so far, only) DECT wireless headset with Active Noise Canceling is the Poly Savi 8220. This headset connects to desk phones, PCs and mobile phones. Conference two of your three devices to collaborate with colleagues or connect up to four Savi 8200 Series headsets for training or call resolution. There are 2 versions available: Microsoft Skype for Business certified, and UC. MSRP is $459.95.

Poly Voyager Focus 2 Office is recommended for professionals on calls all day in noisy office environments who are looking for connection to desk phones. The Voyager Focus 2 Office connects to PC via USB-A cable; desk phone via included cable; and smartphone via Bluetooth. The headset can also connect to PCs via the included USB cable. It offers up to 19 hours of talk time on a single charge.

Digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation has three settings: high, mid, and off so you can set the right level for your surroundings, and Acoustic Fence Technology in the noise-canceling microphone ensures clear conversations. The online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call to alert colleagues that you are unavailable. And, you can take this headset with you to work anywhere, in the included carry case. MSRP is $459.95 in both UC and Certified for Microsoft Teams variants.

At this time, ANC technology is not available in QD (quick disconnect) headset versions. We have tested a solution here at Avcomm Solutions that has proven to be successful for our customers, and lets you use an ANC headset (Bluetooth or USB) with a desk phone!

We recommend the Poly MDA220 USB, an audio switcher for PCs and desk phones, along with a USB headset of your choice, to connect your ANC headset to a desk phone. Yes, that’s right: an ANC headset CAN be used with your desk phone! And it's important to note that any brand of headset can be used with the MDA220 USB.

To learn how the MDA220 USB works alongside a desk phone and PC, along with an ANC headset, read our blog post, here: ANC Headset Compatibility with Desk Phones.

Avcomm’s 30-day money back return policy assures that you can try an ANC headset and see if it’s right for you! Call us at 1-866-998-9991 or email us to learn more about ANC headsets.

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!

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.

To sound like the professional you are, your calls deserve premium audio; something your laptop and smartphone speakers cannot deliver.

Poly has the answer: the Sync 20 speakerphone provides robust audio for conference calls and music, anywhere.

A multi-microphone array reduces both echo and unwanted background noise – keeping the focus on who’s speaking. Full duplex audio technology allows people on both ends of the call to speak simultaneously without muting each other, making conversations feel natural. You won't miss a word.

The bass reflex system with dual-passive radiators ensures high-quality, natural-sounding voice while on calls and and there's deep bass for jamming out to your favorite playlist between calls.

The best part? It's easy to set up: Take the Sync 20 out of the box, connect it to your mobile phone or computer (via Bluetooth or with the integrated USB cord on the bottom of the Sync 20), and you're ready to go.

Once you're connected, the highly visible LED light indicator lets you know the call status – even from a distance. The touch buttons on the top of the Sync 20 let you answer and end calls; increase and decrease volume; mute calls; and switch between functions – such as play or pause music, last number redial, voice assistant, and more – with the touch of the programmable Rocket button. The Microsoft Teams-Certified variant has a dedicated Teams button.

Whether you need USB-A or USB-C connection, Microsoft or UC certified, or a BT600 USB dongle (all of the "+" models), there's a speakerphone to meet everyone's requirements. You can take a look at the all of the Poly Sync 20 and 20+ variants, here: Poly Sync Speakerphones.


It's worth mentioning that the Sync 20 battery gives you up to 20 hours of talk time, and you can charge your smartphone too in the integrated USB-A charging port.
The Sync 20 has been IP64-rated for dust and water resistance, so it's safe to wipe it down with water or disinfectant to keep it clean and germ-free.


Poly is continuing the Sync series with the Sync 40 for huddle room spaces and the Sync 60 for small to mid-size conference rooms. Watch for those models in 2021. Our Customer Care Team is ready to help you determine which Sync 20 or Sync 20+ model you need. Give them a call at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now.

Learn more about the Sync 20 models, in our overview video.