10 Best Headsets for Online Teaching (2024)

If you’re looking for the best headsets for online teaching, then you’ve come to the right place!

Between the online language learning boom and the pandemic, remote learning has become the new normal in many ways.

At the Tutor Resource, we’ve been at the head of the boom because we’ve been part of the online teaching community since well before the pandemic began. Since the early 2010s in fact!

Whether you’re new to online teaching or you’ve been doing it for years, an online teacher needs three things: a computer, stable internet, and an excellent set of headphones.

Let’s discuss the best headsets for online teaching as well as how to choose what’s best for your needs.

Best Headsets for Online Teaching: Why You Need One

With online learning so commonplace, good headphones are no longer a desirable luxury. Rather, online teachers now need a quality headset in order to deliver lessons clearly.

This is especially true for teachers in topics that require sound accuracies, such as language learning and music.

Pro Tip: DON’T just go out shopping for headphones without knowing what features you need. That’ll just waste your time and money.

If you want to ensure that you can easily hear your students and that they can easily hear you, without them hearing your dog barking behind you, then do your research!

Ensure you know exactly what you need and what will be compatible with your work device, before investing any money.

Best Headsets for Online Teaching at a Glance
These are our top recommended headsets for teaching online.
👉 Best Overall: ASUS ROG Strix Go Wireless Headset
👉 Best Budget: Logitech H390 USB Headset

The following factors are what we used in reviewing the best headsets for online teaching in this blog post. Only you can decide which combination of factors best suits your teaching needs.

Most headsets are made for PCs and aren’t necessarily compatible with MAC computers. The same goes for headsets made for MACs not being compatible with PCs.

If you’re in doubt about the best headsets for online teaching on your computer, choose a headset that is marketed as “universal.” This means it should be compatible with most devices.

There are three main ear styles for headsets: over the ear, on the ear, and in the ear. Each does exactly what it sounds like.

✔️ Over-the-ear cups fully enclose your ear and often provide a better noise-canceling experience.
✔️ On-the-ear pads sit on top of your ear, so they’re often a bit smaller and easier to store when not in use.
✔️ In-the-ear styles are basically earbuds and sit inside your ear.

The best headsets for online teaching each connect to the computer through either wireless (Bluetooth) or wired technology.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to each headset type. Neither style is inherently better than the other. The right choice ultimately depends on your teaching style and personal needs.

Wired headsets last all day without needing to charge. They are also cheaper so you can get other important features, including noise cancellation, for less money.

Wireless headsets allow for more flexibility while you’re talking or teaching since you can get up and move around while wearing them. However, since they run on battery power, the charge might not last long enough to handle a full day of classes. You also have to remember to charge them after each use.

Your headset’s microphone type will determine how audible and clear your voice is for your students. Whether it’s an in-line or a boom microphone also impacts how well it isolates your voice from ambient noise where you’re sitting.

In-line microphones are built into the headset cable, between your chin and chest. This is typically included on cheaper headphones because it’s less costly to make. However, this type of microphone also often struggles to pick up your voice if your head is turned. It’s also more likely to pick up the background noise in addition to your voice.

Boom microphones attach directly to the headphones and sit in a specific position in front of your mouth. This allows them to move when your head does and provides better sound quality to your students. Boom mics are better than in-line microphones but are also more expensive.

Microphone quality is one of the top factors in choosing the best headset for online teaching. In a remote environment, your voice isn’t always clear. This means, your headset needs a high quality mic so your students can hear you clearly.

Microphone quality can be determined by considering sensitivity and frequency response.

Sensitivity is how easily the mic pics up your voice. Microphone sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB), which is depicted in negative values. Higher sensitivity are closer to 0; however, the ideal range for online teachers is between -30dB and -45dB. Many of the best headsets for online teaching have adjustable sensitivity.

Frequency Response is the range of frequencies (highest to lowest) that a microphone can reproduce. It’s measured in hertz. Vocal frequencies range from 80Hz to 15kHz and most headset mics are range from 100Hz to 10kHz.

The polar pattern of a microphone is the space around it where it has the most sound sensitivity. Understanding the polar pattern of your mic is important in knowing how to position yourself when using it.

✔️ Omnidirectional – The microphone receives sound equally from all directions.
✔️ Cardioid – The microphone receives most sound from the front, and a little from the sides.
✔️ Super Cardiod – The microphone receives most sound from the front, and a little from the sides, as well as a bit from the back.
✔️ Figure 8 – Sound is most sensitive from the front and back of the mic.

In the best headsets for online teaching, a microphone needs to reject noises coming from other directions. Cardioid mics are best for online teaching and tutoring because the microphone will focus only primarily on your voice.

Noise-cancelling technology basically eliminates background noise so that your student can’t hear what’s going on in the room with you. This way if someone is speaking, or you have traffic noise outside your window, students in your online classes won’t be distracted by it.

Noise reduction is done in one of two ways, active noise cancelling (ANC) and clear voice capture (CVC).
✔️ ANC means there is hardware installed in the headphone speakers to ‘cancel’ external noise so you can hear better
✔️ CVC is software that reduces the amount of external noise entering the microphone so your student can hear you better.

Pro Tip: Beware companies who market their products with a “noise cancelling feature” without explaining how it is cancelled.

Just like some web conferencing apps, like ClassIn and Zoom, offer built-in mute features so do some headset microphones.

Usually, built-in mute features on headsets can be manually accessed through a designated in-line button. However, other headsets for online teaching will automatically mute the microphone any time the teacher rotates the boom mic to an upwards angle.

Most online teachers and tutors wear their headsets for hours at a time. This means that the best headsets for online teaching will be comfortable to wear for long periods.

When shopping online, focus on Adjustabilty, Padding and Materials, and Weight. The best headset for online teaching will be adjustable to different settings, have extra padding on the ear pads, be made of soft materials, and not weigh very much.

Simple headphones will be less distracting for students. While some online teachers for smaller kids like the cat ear headphones, most people will want to find a less obtrusive headset for daily use.

Regardless of the style you choose, ensure that the headset is durable. It does no good to buy a cheap one for less than $50 only to have to replace it a year later, every year. Your headset needs to be durable enough to survive accidental drops and the pads can’t tear after a month of daily on-and-offs.

The right price point is something only you can decide is best. You probably don’t need the top-of-the-line $800+ headset.

However, the cheapest headset you find on Amazon might also not be the best fit. Those are typically made with flimsy materials, which will result in issues. This could include them breaking easily or the microphone being low quality.

A middle-of-the-road headset, cost-wise, is likely going to be a solid bet for your best headset for teaching online.

Both wired and wireless headsets provide a set distance that you can be from your computer before the headset won’t work.

Wired headsets are limited by cord length, which typically ranges from 3 ft to 9 ft. Some are less than 3 ft though, so check the specs before buying.

Wireless headsets should always list their wireless range in the description. It can be as little as 6 ft to as big as 100 ft.

To teach English in Korea online, you need to commit to a weekly hours minimum with some companies. — The best headphones for remote learning online learning will depend on your personal preferences.

What are the Best Headsets for Online Teaching?

The best headset for online teaching is going to differ for everyone.

However, there are a few features in a headset for online classes that every online teacher and tutor should have: noise-canceling technology of some sort, a reasonable price point, and a built-in mute feature.

1. ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 GHz

ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 Wireless Gaming Headset with USB-C 2.4 GHz Adapter | Ai Powered Noise-Cancelling Microphone | Over-ear Headphones for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and PS5/4

This is the best wireless headset with mic for online teaching. It a top notch noise cancelling headset with mic for online teaching that has both a noise-cancelling microphone (CVC) and noise-cancelling headphones (ANC).

In addition, the over-the-ear headphones on this wireless microphone headset for teaching are comfortable enough to wear for several hours of teaching.

What We Like

🟢 available in wired and wireless versions to suit diverse budgets
🟢 wireless headset lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge
🟢 in-line mute button and volume control
🟢 lightweight
🟢 foldable for travel
🟢 CVC and ANC noise cancellation features
🟢 universal compatibility with any device
🟢 wireless headset also works wired with a 3.5mm adaptor cable

What We Don’t Like

🔴 settings to optimize noise cancellation require separate software
🔴 ANC noise cancellation only works on wireless when Bluetooth is activated

Fun Fact: We tested the claim the ANC is so good that someone can vacuum in the room with you and your student won’t hear it. It’s true!

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

2. Logitech USB Headset H390

Logitech New h390 USB Headset with noisecanceling Microphone Bulk Packaging, 5.8 Ounce

These are the cheapest headphones online you can buy without risking feeling like you wasted your money.

There aren’t many bells and whistles but they are well-reviewed and will usually get the [teaching] job done. So they’re really the best headphones for teaching online for those on a tight budget.

What We Like

🟢 lightweight
🟢 comfortable ear pads
🟢 built-in mute button
🟢 very low cost

What We Don’t Like

🔴 some reviewers complain it only lasts about a year
🔴 no CVC noise reduction

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

3. Cyber Acoustics Stereo USB Headset

Cyber Acoustics Stereo USB Headset (AC-5008A), in-line Controls for Volume & Mic Mute, Adjustable Mic Boom for PC & Mac, Perfect for Classroom or Home

This entry-level price point headset microphone for teaching offers several key benefits for its lower cost.

These include in-line volume and mute, an active noise cancellation mic, and an adjustable mic boom. Plus it’s compatible with both PC and Mac.

It’s the cheapest headset on our list but it also has the most challenges. We only recommend this option for people on a very strict budget.

What We Like

🟢 very low cost
🟢 adjustable, flexible headband to fit most head sizes
🟢 boom mic can be worn on the left or right side
🟢 lightweight
🟢 in-line mute button

What We Don’t Like

🔴 unidirectional microphone
🔴 awkward USB-to-computer connector
🔴 mute button is awkwardly placed

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

4. Jabra Evolve2 65 UC

Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Wireless Headphones with Link380a, Stereo, Black – Wireless Bluetooth Headset for Calls and Music, 37 Hours of Battery Life, Passive Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Jabra is one of the higher-end headsets for online teaching on this list. It has a lot of extra features that make online teaching easier.

However, they do come with a price tag that matches that title.

Some reviewers described it as one of the best Bluetooth headphones for online teaching since 15 minutes of charge gives you 8 hours of use.

What We Like

🟢 padded memory foam headphones offer some ANC noise cancellation
🟢 37 hours of battery life
🟢 adjustable boom mic
🟢 pairable with a mobile device
🟢 busy light shows when the headset is in use

What We Don’t Like

🔴 expensive
🔴 on-ear headset design gets uncomfortable after 30-60 minutes
🔴 headband isn’t adjustable

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

5. Plantronics C5220 Wired Headset

Plantronics – Blackwire C5220 – Wired, Dual-Ear (Stereo) Headset with Boom Mic – USB-A, 3.5 mm to connect to your PC, Mac, Tablet and/or Cell Phone

This is a quality mid-range noise-cancelling headset with mic for online teaching. When people recommend the Plantronics ESL headset, this is it.

However, it does work for all online teaching, not just ESL. The headset plugs into any standard USB port on any type of device so it’s definitely the best USB headset with microphone.

What We Like

🟢 USB universal adaptability with any device
🟢 noise cancelling ANC microphone
🟢 lightweight
🟢 designed to work well with videoconferencing software

What We Don’t Like

🔴 on the ear pads aren’t comfortable to wear for long periods
🔴 spring-loaded headband can fit too tight
🔴 durability reviews are mixed

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

6. Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds

Soundcore Anker Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds – Clear Sound, 40H Playtime, IPX7 Waterproof, Earpods for Phone Calls, Daily Use, Listening to Music, Work, Home Office

These earbuds have 4 microphones (2 per earbud) to enhance voice pick up and remove background noises.

Their Bluetooth connectivity feature allows them to connect to any device: PC, MAC, phone, or tablet.

The earbuds include a portable storage case that also acts as an on-the-go charger so they’re great for teaching while you travel.

What We Like

🟢 waterproof
🟢 CVC noise reduction
🟢 7 hours of use per charge and 7 hours to a full recharge
🟢 10 minutes charge gets 1 hour of use

What We Don’t Like

🔴 microphone isn’t noise cancelling
🔴 not all tutoring companies allow earbuds

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

7. Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000

Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000, Black

This is a solid, mid-range over-the-ear headset that offers the essentials one needs in a headset for online teaching. Its ergonomic design provides comfort for its users.

Plus, it has a boom microphone with a noise cancellation feature.

What We Like

🟢 noise-cancelling microphone blocks most background noise
🟢 boom mic is adjustable to 180 degrees
🟢 extra-long, six-foot cord
🟢 in-line mute button and volume control
🟢 over-the-ear headphones are comfortable for long teaching periods

What We Don’t Like

🔴 microphone may stop working after 6-12 months
🔴 headband is ideal for those with smaller head circumferences

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

8. Nulaxy USB Headset

Nulaxy Computer Headset with Microphone, Wired USB Headset for Laptop PC, 3.5mm Jack Inline Control Headphone with Noise Cancelling Mic, Business Call Center Headset for Skype, Office, Classroom, Home

This headset is unique with its built-in sound card to provide crystal clear sound quality.

It also has a unidirectional noise-cancelling microphone and a choice of USB or 3.5mm jack wired plugins. For budget-friendly headphones, there are some really nice bonus features.

What We Like

🟢 versatile wired plugin options for mobile devices and PCs
🟢 lightweight
🟢 budget-friendly
🟢 inline volume and mute controls
🟢 cord is over six feet long

What We Don’t Like

🔴 Not MAC compatible
🔴 on-the-ear pads can get uncomfortable

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

9. Corsair HS50 Pro

Corsair HS50 Pro – Stereo Gaming Headset – Discord Certified Headphones – Works with PC, Mac, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android – Carbon

This headset delivers both comfort and quality with memory foam earpads and custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers built to last thanks to its lightweight and durable construction.

A detachable noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone helps your voice come through loud and clear and a 3 5mm audio connector offers universal compatibility.

What We Like

🟢 over-the-ear pads are lined with memory foam
🟢 customized audio drivers improve sound
🟢 lightweight aluminum frame
🟢 universal compatibility with PCs, mobile devices, and even gaming systems

What We Don’t Like

🔴 mute and volume controls are awkwardly placed

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

10. YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones

YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth, Wireless Open-Ear Headset with Microphones,Titanium Lightweight Sweat Resistant, Answer Phone Call Sports Earphones for Running Hiking Bicycling

Bone conduction headphones use an entirely new kind of technology. They deliver sound through your cheekbone instead of your eardrum.

The headphones don’t need to cover your ears at all. Instead, they sit next to the Tragus. This unique wireless design helps protect your hearing, and it makes it much easier to move around.

What We Like

🟢 lightweight
🟢 eight hours of use per charge
🟢 adjustable microphone
🟢 waterproof
🟢 33-foot wireless range
🟢 compatible with hearing aids

What We Don’t Like

🔴 a full charge takes two hours
🔴 headphones occupy the same area as eyeglasses behind the ear
🔴 allows all ambient noise into the ears while teaching

👉 Check Prices & Availability on Amazon

Best Headsets for Online Teaching: FAQs

As you read our summaries as well as the longer descriptions on Amazon, you may have some clarifying questions arise. Hopefully, these answers will help you determine the best headsets for online teaching that suit your needs most effectively.

❓ What is the difference between monaural and binaural headsets?

Monaural headsets cover one ear while binaural headsets cover both ears. Often, monaural headsets are used in call center environments because you can hear the customer as well as what’s going on around you.

We don’t recommend using monaural headsets for online teaching. Having both ears receiving sound allows you to better focus on your student and what they are saying to you. Every one of our ten best headsets for online teaching is binaural.

The best headsets for online taching have over-the-ear pads for maximum comfort.

❓ USB or 3.5mm jack: Which input is on the best headsets for online teaching?

Both USB and 3.5mm jack cables will allow you to hear your student effectively in an online teaching environment. However, each option has its own benefits.

A USB headset will provide the same quality audio output regardless of what type of computer you use or the hardware that it possesses.

However, sometimes USB headsets can have latency issues. This means there is a delay between the entering time of the sound and the exit time of the sound.

It's debatable whether the best headsets for online teaching have a USB or 3.5mm plug.

Most older computers do not have a USB port, so an analog mic can be used by connecting to the 3.5 mm headphone jack. An audio interface is usually already built into the jacks that are inside these computers.

The quality of a 3.5 mm headset is often better than in USB devices so your voice will sound crisp and clear.

❓ Are wired or wireless the best headsets for online teaching?

Some online teachers stick to tried-and-true wired headsets for their convenience and sound quality. Others prefer the mobility and freedom offered by wireless headsets. Both types of headsets have their advantages and disadvantages.

Although wired headsets keep the price down by using older technology, the sound quality matches and even exceeds some wireless sets. Wired headsets also generally are more universally compatible with various devices.

Alternately, wired headsets can suffer cable damage. Wireless headsets also have built-in technology to provide better audio reception.

It's debatable whether the best headsets for online teaching are wired or wireless.

Conclusion: Best Headsets for Online Teaching

Investing in a high-quality headset helps online teachers communicate and understand their students better. The different models of headsets we have included in this list all have an excellent sound quality and fairly reasonable prices.

Summary: Best Headsets for Online Teaching at a Glance
We think these are the best headphones for online classes.
👉 Best Overall: ASUS ROG Strix Go Wireless Headset
👉 Best Budget: Logitech H390 USB Headset

For best results, choose the best headphones for online teaching that fit your teaching needs, lifestyle, and budget.

The ideal is to get noise cancelling headphones for online teaching with an ANC noise-canceling microphone for superior performance. CVC noise-canceling headphones are nice but less essential.

The best headsets for online teaching are the ones that are most comfortable on your head.

Also, consider whether you want a wireless or wired system. Then look at whether you have a Mac or a PC. Do you need any extra features like noise cancellation?

The most important aspect of an online teaching headset is that you and your students can communicate clearly.

The more clearly you speak, the better they’ll understand their lessons.

And the more clearly you can hear, the more efficiently you can answer questions, correct pronunciation, etc. Seek out models that will prevent hearing distractions around you while amplifying your voice.

Are you seeking certification for teaching English?

If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.

👉 We recommend this TEFL course! They even offer post-completion job support and resources.

Best Headsets for Online Teaching: Why You Need One

What are the Best Headsets for Online Teaching?

1. ASUS ROG Strix Go 2.4 GHz

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

2. Logitech USB Headset H390

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

3. Cyber Acoustics Stereo USB Headset

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

4. Jabra Evolve2 65 UC

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

5. Plantronics C5220 Wired Headset

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

6. Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

7. Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

8. Nulaxy USB Headset

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

9. Corsair HS50 Pro

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

10. YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Best Headsets for Online Teaching: FAQs

❓ What is the difference between monaural and binaural headsets?

❓ USB or 3.5mm jack: Which input is on the best headsets for online teaching?

❓ Are wired or wireless the best headsets for online teaching?

Conclusion: Best Headsets for Online Teaching

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