How to Choose a Headset for Calls & Video Meetings (2026 Guide)

Video meetings, webinars and online classes have become part of everyday life, and so has the moment when someone says, "Sorry, I can't hear you." Laptop speakers sound thin, built-in microphones pick up every keyboard clack, and a cheap pair of earbuds can leave you fiddling with settings before every call. A proper computer headset fixes most of that in one step.

But the choices are confusing. USB or 3.5mm? Mono or stereo? Does "noise cancelling" mean the headphones or the microphone? Is a gaming headset worth it for work? This guide answers those questions in plain English so you can pick the right headset for how you actually use your computer.

We cover what a headset does, the specs that matter, a simple step-by-step way to choose, and a comparison of four headsets from our range, from a budget 3.5mm model to a USB-C office headset with a busy light.

What is a computer headset and why it matters

A computer headset combines headphones and a microphone on a boom arm in one device. Because the microphone sits close to your mouth, it captures your voice clearly and picks up less of the room. That is the main reason a headset beats a laptop microphone on calls: distance matters more than almost any spec on a data sheet.

Why it matters for calls

Clear audio reduces repeated questions, shortens meetings and makes you sound more professional. If you work from home or in a shared office, a headset also keeps your calls private and keeps other people's conversations out of your ears.

USB versus 3.5mm connections

Headsets connect in two main ways:

• USB headsets have their own small sound card built in. They are plug-and-play on Windows, macOS and Chrome OS, use a single cable, and often add handy controls. They suit desktops and laptops.
• 3.5mm headsets plug into the headphone and microphone sockets. They also work with tablets and phones that have a headphone jack. Some PCs have separate sockets for headphones and microphone, so check your machine before you buy.
• USB-C headsets work the same way as USB-A models but plug into the newer, smaller port found on many modern laptops.

Key specs explained

Here are the real specifications for our pick, the Logitech H390 USB Headset, and why each one matters in practice.

Spec	Logitech H390	Why it matters
Connection	USB-A, plug and play	No drivers or sound-card settings; works on Windows, macOS and Chrome OS with a Type-A port or adapter.
Microphone	Bi-directional, rigid left-sided boom that can be repositioned	Placing the mic near your mouth gives clearer voice capture on calls.
Microphone response	100 Hz to 10 kHz	Covers the range of the human voice for clear speech.
Headset frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz	The standard range of human hearing, suitable for voice, music and video.
Impedance	32 Ohm	A typical value, easy for computers to drive without extra amplification.
Controls	In-line volume and mute on the cord	Mute or adjust volume in a second without hunting for on-screen controls.
Cable length	1.9 m	Enough to reach a desktop tower or a laptop on a stand without stretching.
Weight	0.197 kg	Lighter headsets are easier to wear through long meetings.
Warranty	24 months	Two years of hardware coverage for everyday office use.

The descriptions above come from the product listing. Where a spec is not listed, we have not guessed it.

How to choose a headset

Work through these steps in order and the decision usually becomes obvious.

1. Check your ports. Look at your laptop or PC. If you have a USB-A port, any USB-A headset will work. If you only have USB-C, choose a USB-C headset or use an adapter. If you want to use the headset with a phone or tablet, a 3.5mm model is the simplest choice.
2. Decide what you do most. Mostly calls and meetings? Prioritise the microphone and in-line mute. Mostly music and video? Stereo comfort and sound matter more. Mostly gaming? Look at a gaming model with a proper boom mic and a comfortable headband.
3. Choose mono or stereo. A mono headset has one ear cup so you stay aware of the room around you. Stereo covers both ears and blocks more distraction. Office workers who take frequent calls often prefer mono; people who also listen to music usually prefer stereo.
4. Think about comfort. You may wear it for hours. Check the weight, headband adjustment and ear cushions. A heavier headset is fine for gaming sessions but tiring on a full day of meetings.
5. Look at the microphone. A boom that you can position near your mouth beats a mic hanging near your chin. Noise-cancelling microphones reduce background sound such as fans and keyboards, but no microphone removes all noise, so a quiet room still helps.
6. Set a realistic budget. A basic 3.5mm headset is perfectly fine for occasional calls. If you are on calls most days, spend a bit more for a USB headset with better controls and warranty.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming every 3.5mm headset works on every PC. Some desktops use separate sockets for headphones and microphone, so a single-plug headset may need a splitter.
• Buying a headset for its sound alone when most of your use is calls. The microphone and controls matter more.
• Ignoring comfort. A headset you take off after an hour is not a good headset.
• Forgetting to select the headset as the default input and output device in your computer or calling app.

Our pick: Logitech H390 USB Headset

The Logitech H390 USB Headset is a straightforward, reliable headset for people who spend a lot of time on calls. It is currently $129.99.

What it does well

• True plug and play. The USB-A connection works with any PC or Mac with a Type-A port or adapter, with no driver fuss.
• Simple controls. In-line volume and mute on the cord let you handle a call without touching the screen.
• Positionable microphone. The rigid left-sided boom can be moved closer to your mouth for clearer voice capture.
• Stereo headphones for everything else. The laser-tuned drivers handle music, video and the occasional game as well as calls.
• Solid warranty. It carries a 24-month warranty.

Limits and who should not buy it

• It is wired, so it is not for people who want to walk around while on a call. A wireless headset is a better fit for that.
• It connects over USB-A. If your laptop only has USB-C ports, you will need an adapter, or you may prefer the USB-C Yealink UH37 below.
• It has no busy light or dedicated Teams button. If your office relies on those, look at the Yealink option.
• If you only need a headset for the occasional call, the lower-priced Logitech H151 will do the job for less.

Alternatives in our range

If the H390 is not quite right, here are three other headsets we stock, compared side by side. Prices are current at the time of writing.

Headset	Connection	Key points	Price	Best for
Logitech H151 Stereo Headset	3.5mm single jack	Lightweight, in-line controls, noise-cancelling mic you can wear on either side, works with computers, tablets and phones, 1-year warranty	$59.99	Budget buyers and anyone using a phone or tablet
Logitech H390 USB Headset (our pick)	USB-A	Plug and play, bi-directional boom mic, in-line controls, 24-month warranty	$129.99	Daily calls and meetings on a PC or Mac
Yealink UH37 Mono USB Headset	USB-C	Mono, two noise-cancelling microphones, busy light, leather ear cushion, lift-to-mute mic arm, Teams and UC compatible, 24-month warranty	$108.99	Office and call-centre work, especially on USB-C laptops
Logitech G335 Wired Gaming Headset	3.5mm with PC splitter included	40 mm drivers, cardioid boom mic, suspension headband, built-in controls, 24-month warranty	$159.99	Gaming and entertainment with the occasional call

Which one should you pick?

Choose the H151 if you want a simple, affordable headset. Choose the H390 if you are on calls daily and want USB convenience. Choose the Yealink UH37 if you work in an office where a busy light helps and you have a USB-C port. Choose the G335 if gaming is your main use.

Setup and usage tips

1. Select the headset in your settings. After plugging in, open your sound settings or calling app and choose the headset as both the speaker and the microphone.
2. Position the boom properly. Place the microphone roughly a couple of finger-widths from the corner of your mouth, not directly in front of it, to reduce breathing and popping sounds.
3. Run a test call. Most calling apps have a test option. Check your voice level and listen for background noise before an important meeting.
4. Use the in-line mute. Get into the habit of muting when you are not speaking, especially in larger meetings.
5. Manage the cable. Clip the cable to your desk or shirt so movement does not tug the headset or create rustling noise.
6. Adjust the headband. Set the headband so the ear cups rest comfortably without pressing on your glasses or ears.
7. Keep it clean. Wipe the ear cushions occasionally and store the headset where the cable will not be crushed.
8. Use a USB port directly. Where possible, plug into a port on your computer rather than a crowded hub to avoid audio glitches.

Who is it for

• Remote workers who join video calls every day.
• Small business owners who take customer calls from a computer.
• Students attending online classes and webinars.
• Office teams kitting out desks with a dependable, plug-and-play headset.
• Anyone sharing a home or office who needs to keep calls private and avoid disturbing others.
• Casual gamers and media fans who want one headset for work and downtime.

FAQ

Do I need a USB headset or a 3.5mm headset?

A USB headset is the easiest choice for a desktop or laptop because it needs no sound-card setup. A 3.5mm headset is better if you also want to use it with a phone or tablet.

Will the Logitech H390 work on a Mac?

Yes. The listing states it is plug and play with any PC or Mac, and system requirements include Windows, macOS or Chrome OS and a USB port. A Type-A port or adapter is needed.

Is a mono or stereo headset better for calls?

Mono keeps one ear free so you can hear the room around you, which many office workers prefer. Stereo is more immersive and better for music and video. Choose based on how much you need to stay aware of your surroundings.

Does noise cancelling remove all background noise?

No. A noise-cancelling microphone reduces background sound so the person on the other end hears you more clearly, but it cannot remove everything. A quieter room still gives the best result.

Can I use a gaming headset for work calls?

Yes. Many gaming headsets have good boom microphones and comfortable headbands. They can be bulkier than office headsets, and some lack a mute button or busy light, so check the features that matter to you.

How long should I expect a headset to last?

That depends on use and care. Handle the cable gently, avoid folding it sharply and store the headset carefully. The H390 comes with a 24-month warranty.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes. We sell and ship within Australia from Australian warehouses. If you have questions about a particular headset, reach out through our contact page.

Ready to choose your headset?

If you want a dependable USB headset for everyday calls, take a look at the Logitech H390 USB Headset. To compare more options, browse our Audio and Headsets collection. Office and call-centre buyers can also see our VoIP phones and headsets page. Not sure which headset suits your setup? Contact us and we will help you choose.