With so much remote work now, a professional headset has become an everyday necessity.
If you’ve been shopping for headsets lately, you will no doubt have seen headsets labelled “ Microsoft Teams Certified Headset”.
For example, the brand new Poly Blackwire 8225 comes in four versions distinguished by connectivity (USB-A or USB-C) and whether or not it is a Microsoft Certified headset.
It’s easy to figure out the difference between USB-A and USB-C.
But what does certified for Microsoft Teams actually mean?
The Difference Between UC And MS Headset Versions
First, let’s start with what the Microsoft Teams versions are not by looking at what non-Microsoft Teams headsets are.
Often, these headsets are labelled “UC” for Unified Communications.
They are designed for plug and play compatibility with a broad range of audio communications and video conferencing services, like Zoom, 8x8 or GoToMeeting.
However, Microsoft demands more of headsets for better integration with their services to achieve certification.
Microsoft Teams Certified Headsets
There are several advantages to buying a Microsoft certified headset.
First and foremost, they are USB headsets that are guaranteed to be plug and play — no configuration required.
Additionally, they provide call control with Microsoft Teams, which makes using Teams as a softphone much simpler.
Microsoft requires a dedicated Teams button for launching the service or answering a call. The button must have an LED light to indicate status and notifications. (This is a change from Skype For Business headsets, which don’t require a dedicated button.)
The Teams button simplifies your workflow, especially when you use Teams as a softphone. You can answer a Teams call with the click of a button.
Having a light improves accessibility and means you don’t need to have your headset on or have a ringer set to see when you have a call or other notification.
Using a Teams Certified headset greatly reduces administrative requirements.
The headset will automatically register with the Teams client and doesn’t require any provisioning.
You will be able to update the firmware to improve performance and enable new features. Microsoft works with the manufacturers to improve the value of your headset over time.
Microsoft Teams Open Office Standard
On top of these requirements, Microsoft also has a further designation for use in open-plan offices. These headsets are also excellent for home workers who have children, dogs or just live in a space with many distractions.
Microsoft Teams Open Office headsets are required to have premium noise cancellation. The user’s voice must be picked up clearly while close neighbors’ voices must be eliminated.
For example, Jabra Evolve2 65 meets the Open Office standards. It uses a three-microphone design with instant noise isolation. Visit our blog 5 Best Wireless Headsets Certified for Microsoft Teams for a look at some other great headsets for MS Teams.
If you’re using Microsoft Teams for work, look for a Microsoft Teams certified headset.