When shopping for VoIP headsets, you’re going to encounter a lot of unfamiliar words and terms. We’re here to help.
In recent blogs, we’ve covered a lot of Headset for VoIP terms:
But we’re still missing a lot.
One puzzling term you’ll come across is “convertible headset.” Is it a headset for your rag-top? Is it a headset for Optimus Prime? No and no.
A convertible headset is a headset that lets you select the wearing style. Rather than being a dedicated over-the-head headset or in-ear headset, a convertible headset comes with a variety of wearing options.
But there’s more to know than just that.
Let’s get into it!
An Introduction to Convertible Headsets
A convertible headset is a convenient solution for hands-free communications that lets you select how to wear it. It comes with a variety of wearing options that you can switch between.
Sometimes it will come with all the wearing options in the box, but sometimes certain options are available separately. For example, Yealink WH63 Portable comes with an earhook and eartips, but the headband and neckband are available separately. On the other hand, Poly Savi 8445 Convertible comes with all three wearing options — headband, neckband, and earhook.
Always make sure before purchase that you’re getting your preferred wearing style.
To the best of our knowledge, all convertible headsets are single-ear headsets (mono/monaural headsets). This makes sense: It would be hard to design a stereo headset with two earphones that’s still simple for switching wearing styles.
What are the advantages of convertible headsets?
Why are convertible headsets popular?
One word: Choice.
You’re not forced into a single wearing a headset in a particular way. You can also change the headset to suit different use-cases. For example, you might use the headband at your desk for comfort, then switch to an earhook when you take the bus home for a lighter, more discreet wearing style.
What are the advantages of the different wearing styles? Let’s explore this question.
What are the wearing options for convertible headsets?
The wearing options for convertible headsets are:
- Headband. The familiar over-the-head wearing style: stable and comfortable.
- Neckband. A band that goes behind your neck: useful for protecting a hairdo.
- Earhook. Hooks over your ear: discreet, ultra-lightweight, and highly portable.
- Eartip. Sits in your ear like a standard in-ear headset: the lightest option.
Different convertible headsets offer different wearing options, and not every headset will offer all four wearing styles.
About eartips: You’ll often get a selection of eartip sizes to fit the size of your ear canal. Sometimes the package includes an eartip to let you wear the headset with just an eartip. Sometimes, however, the package includes an eartip for use with another wearing option (earhook or neckband).
How do you switch between wearing styles with a convertible headset?
It’s easy to switch between wearing styles with convertible headsets, though the process will be slightly different for different models.
You’ll find instructions in the headset’s quick start guide or user guide.
Poly Voyager 4245 Office is a good example: All you need to do is put, for example, the neckband element and headset together, then twist to lock them into place. Other headsets might have elements that snap into place.
No screwdrivers will be needed.
What are the disadvantages of convertible headsets?
There are a few drawbacks to convertible headsets.
First, if you know how you want to wear your headset and that’s going to be consistent, why pay for the extra wearing styles? Get the headset with the wearing style you want.
Second, if you want a stereo headset… well, you won’t find a convertible option.
Third, because they’re made with parts that are interchangeable, the individual wearing styles will not be as well-designed as you would find on a headset with a dedicated wearing style.
For example, the headbands of many modern VoIP headsets are positively luxurious with ultra-soft memory foam, supple leatherette covers, angled earcups to sit better on your ears, and so on.
Convertible headsets have a more workmanlike construction, built to be easy to switch and to be very lightweight.
So if you want the most comfortable headset experience possible, don’t get a convertible headset.