Headsets

The Headset Guide by etree: Perfect Sound and Clear Communication

Headsets have become indispensable in modern communication and entertainment. Whether in the office for conference calls, in the home office for undisturbed meetings, or during gaming for immersive experiences – the combination of headphones and a microphone offers invaluable advantages.

However, the market is vast and confusing: Over-ear, on-ear, in-ear? Wired or wireless via Bluetooth, RF, or DECT? With noise cancelling or without? Which headset is best suited for which purpose?

Our guide sheds light on the matter. We explain the different types, technologies, and connection options, clarify the crucial quality features, and provide advice on what to look out for depending on the application.

1. What is a Headset? Structure and Basic Function

At its core, a headset is a combination of two components in one device:

• Headphones: For reproducing audio signals (music, speech, game sound, etc.) directly to the wearer's ears.
  

• Microphone: For capturing the wearer's voice for communication or recording.

This fusion allows for simultaneous listening and speaking without needing to position a separate microphone. The microphone is usually attached to a movable arm (boom arm) or discreetly integrated into the housing or cable. The main purpose is efficient, hands-free communication and undisturbed listening to audio content.

2. Types by Form Factor and Ear Coupling

The way a headset is worn significantly influences comfort, sound quality, and isolation from external noise. The following variants are available:

• 2.1 Over-Ear (Circumaural): These headsets have large earcups that enclose the entire ear and rest on the head with their pads.
  

• Advantages: Very high wearing comfort even during long use, good passive noise isolation (especially with closed-back design), potential for large audio drivers and thus good sound.
  

• Disadvantages: Usually larger, heavier, and warmer than other headset types.
  

• Designs: A distinction is made between Closed-Back and Open-Back. Closed-back offers maximum isolation from/to the outside, while open-back partially lets ambient sounds through. This leads to a more open soundstage but also leaks sound outwards.
  

• Use Case: Mostly for gaming, Hi-Fi enjoyment, or focused work.
  

• 2.2 On-Ear (Supra-aural): The pads of these headsets rest directly on the earlobes without completely enclosing them.
  

• Advantages: More compact and lighter than over-ear models, offer a compromise between sound quality and awareness of the surroundings.
  

• Disadvantages: Can exert pressure on the ears during prolonged wear and offer less passive noise isolation than over-ear.
  

• Use Case: Often used for mobile headphones and lightweight office headsets.
  

• 2.3 In-Ear: Small earbuds inserted directly into the ear canal or the outer ear.
  

• Advantages: Very small, light, and portable, good passive noise isolation by sealing the ear canal.
  

• Disadvantages: Wearing comfort is a matter of personal preference, sound quality can be limited in cheap models, microphone quality often very restricted.
• Use Case: Ideal for on-the-go or sports.
  

• 2.4 Monaural vs. Binaural: One or Two Ears?
  

• Binaural (Stereo): Headsets with two earcups/earbuds. Standard for music, gaming, and immersive communication. Enables spatial hearing and better concentration by shielding both ears.
  

• Monaural (Mono): Headsets with only one earcup/earbud. The other ear remains free to better perceive ambient sounds.
  
  
  

3. Connection: Wired or Wireless – What's Better?

The connection type affects compatibility, sound quality, latency, and freedom of movement.

• 3.1 Wired Headsets: Offer a stable, latency-free connection and require no batteries. Depending on the model, the following connection options are available:
  

• 3.5mm Jack Plug: The classic analog connection.
  

• Dual 3-pole (TRS): Separate plugs for headphones (green) and microphone (pink). Common on desktop PCs.
  

• Single 4-pole (TRRS): Combined plug for headphones and microphone in one. Common on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and console controllers. Adapters are available.
  

• Quality: Sound quality heavily depends on the sound card or Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) of the end device.
  

• USB (Type-A or Type-C): The digital connection type.
  

• Advantages: An integrated sound card in the headset ensures consistent sound quality regardless of the end device, enables additional functions like software control, surround sound processing, or RGB lighting.
  

• Disadvantages: Occupies a USB port and is not universally compatible with all devices (e.g., older consoles or pure audio devices).
  

• 3.2 Wireless Headsets: Offer maximum freedom of movement but require batteries and can exhibit latency. These wireless standards exist:
  

• Bluetooth: The universal standard for wireless connections with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and many other devices.
  

• Advantages: High compatibility, no dongle needed for Bluetooth-enabled devices, multi-device capable headsets can even connect to two devices simultaneously.
  

• Disadvantages: Range is limited to approx. 20-30 meters depending on the headset, potential latency is possible, and sound quality can be affected by compression. Battery life also needs consideration.
  

• RF via USB Dongle (2.4 GHz): Uses a dedicated USB transmitter/receiver for a proprietary radio connection.
  

• Advantages: Very low latency (often comparable to wired), more stable connection, less compression than standard Bluetooth.
  

• Disadvantages: Always requires the USB dongle and therefore cannot be used directly with smartphones/tablets.
  

• DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications): The standard for professional cordless telephony, especially in office and call center environments. The headset connects to a base station connected to the desk phone and/or PC.
  

• Advantages: Very long range, sometimes 100 meters or more, excellent connection stability even with high user density, optimized for voice quality.
  

• Disadvantages: Not optimized for music playback or gaming, requires a base station, typically cannot be paired directly with mobile devices.
  
  
  

4. Sound Worlds: Audio Quality in Headphones and Microphones

A headset must convince in both directions: listening and speaking.

• 4.1 Headphone Sound Quality: What to Look For? While a headset's sound signature is subjective, some criteria can be objectively assessed. Independent test magazines provide a clear overview of the following factors:
  

• Clarity & Detail Resolution: Are sounds reproduced distinctly and clearly?
  

• Frequency Response (Balance): Are bass, mids, and highs balanced? Many gaming headsets have a "bathtub curve" with emphasized bass and highs for effects, which sounds less neutral for music. Studio or Hi-Fi oriented headsets are often tuned more neutrally.
  

• Bass Response: Is the bass precise and punchy, or muddy and overemphasized?
  

• Soundstage: How spatial does the sound feel? Does it seem wide and airy (more common with open-back design) or rather direct and in-your-head (more common with closed-back design)?
  

• Distortion (THD): How clean does the sound remain even at higher volumes? A low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.1%) is a good sign.
  

• 4.2 Surround Sound: Immersive or Marketing? Gaming headsets, in particular, often advertise surround sound (5.1, 7.1) intended to enable better localization of sounds in the game. What's the reality?
  

• Virtual Surround Sound: The most common method. Software in the headset or operating system simulates spatial sound. Instead of 5-7 built-in speaker drivers, the brain is tricked into perceiving surround sound with only two physically present drivers. This can work well, but the quality varies greatly depending on the implementation.
  

• True Surround Sound: This refers to a rarer type of headset with multiple small speaker drivers in each earcup. However, the actual benefit still depends on the quality of the installed technology and software. A reasonable virtual sound headset can sometimes sound better than a true surround headset of mediocre quality.
  

• 4.3 Microphone Quality: Essential for communication:
  

• Clarity & Naturalness: Does your voice sound clear, distinct, and as natural as possible?
  

• ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation: Very important, especially in noisy environments like offices. This feature filters out background noises such as keyboard clatter or conversations, making your voice stand out.
  

• Sensitivity & Level: Is the microphone loud enough without needing to be overdriven?
  

• Positioning: A flexible microphone boom arm allows optimal alignment in front of the mouth.
  

• Pop Filter: A small foam cover can dampen distracting plosive sounds (P, B).
  
  
  

5. Important Features and Comfort Aspects

Besides sound, operation and wearing comfort are crucial.

• 5.1 Wearing Comfort: A headset that pinches or is uncomfortable quickly becomes a nuisance. Pay attention to:
  

• Weight: Lighter headsets are often more comfortable for long wearing periods.
  

• Clamping Force: How tightly does the headset press on the head and ears? Should be firm enough for a secure fit, but not uncomfortable.
  

• Earpads: Materials like synthetic leather can get warm; velour/fabric is more breathable. Ensure sufficient space for the ears.
  

• Headband: Good padding, flexible size adjustment. Some headsets use a suspension band for weight distribution.
  

• Ergonomics & Adjustment: Joints on the earcups for adapting to head shape. Important for glasses wearers: Soft pads and not too high clamping force are crucial here.
  

• 5.2 Noise Cancelling & Isolation: Peace for Your Ears
  

• Passive Noise Isolation: Achieved through the design (closed-back over-ear or in-ear headsets seal well).
  

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Electronic technology that actively reduces ambient noise using counter-sound. Ideal for noisy offices or travel.
  

• 5.3 Controls: Volume, Mute & Co. Quickly accessible controls are practical:
  

• Inline Remote (on the cable): Often for volume and microphone mute.
  

• On-Headset Controls (on the earcup): Volume wheel, mute button, play/pause, call answer, etc. (especially on wireless models).
  

• 5.4 Microphone Handling:
  

• Mute Function: An easily accessible mute function is important. Flip-to-mute, where the microphone is muted by flipping it up, is popular.
  

• Flexibility: Is the microphone boom arm flexibly positionable?
  

• Detachable/Retractable: Convenient if you also want to use the headset just for listening to music.
  

• 5.5 Wireless Features:
  

• Battery Life: How many hours does the battery last under typical use? Also, check user reviews and tests, which usually offer more realistic results.
  

• Range: How far can you move away from the transmitter (PC, dongle, base station)?
  

• Charging Options: Usually via USB, ideally USB-C. Some headsets come with a convenient charging station/stand.
  
  
  

6. The Right Headset for Your Purpose: Buying Advice

Depending on what you primarily use the headset for, priorities shift:

• 6.1 Gaming Headsets:
  

• Priorities: Good surround sound for localization, clear microphone quality with noise cancelling, low latency, high wearing comfort for long sessions, robust construction.
  

• Typical Features: Often over-ear (closed-back), striking design (RGB), good software customization.
  

• 6.2 Office & Business Headsets:
  

• Priorities: Excellent microphone quality with strong noise cancelling, high wearing comfort for all-day use, ease of use, reliability.
  

• Typical Features: Often lightweight (on-ear), professional design, good connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, DECT), possibly certifications for UC platforms (Teams, Zoom).
  

• 6.3 Call Center Headsets:
  

• Priorities: Extremely high wearing comfort and low weight, robustness for continuous use, outstanding microphone noise cancelling, often monaural, DECT for freedom of movement and high density.
  

• Typical Features: Lightweight construction, replaceable pads, possibly special connectors for telephone systems.
  

• 6.4 Mobile & Bluetooth Headsets:
  

• Priorities: Good Bluetooth connectivity, portability (on-ear, in-ear), good battery life, easy media/call control, optional ANC for travel.
  

• Typical Features: Compact design, integrated microphone, charging case.
  

• 6.5 Sports Headsets:
  

• Priorities: Secure and stable fit during movement, sweat and water resistance (IP rating), easy operation during activity, wireless (Bluetooth).
  

• Typical Features: Mostly in-ear with ear hooks or neckband, robust materials.
  
  
  

7. Conclusion: Finding the Right Headset – A Matter of Priorities

The world of headsets is diverse and offers specialized solutions for almost every application. The key to the right choice lies in clearly defining your priorities. What is most important to you? Is it outstanding sound quality, crystal-clear microphone transmission, all-day wearing comfort, or maximum freedom of movement?

Consider the primary use case, preferred wearing style (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear), required connection type (wired, Bluetooth, RF, DECT), and the additional features relevant to you. Pay attention to quality in both headphones and microphone, as well as high wearing comfort, especially if you plan to use the headset for extended periods.

Take your time for research and compare models based on your criteria. A well-chosen headset can significantly improve your communication, entertainment, or productivity and bring you joy for a long time.