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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
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
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!
2. Logitech USB Headset H390
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
3. Cyber Acoustics Stereo USB Headset
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
4. Jabra Evolve2 65 UC
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
5. Plantronics C5220 Wired Headset
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
6. Anker Soundcore Life P2 Earbuds
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
7. Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000
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
8. Nulaxy USB Headset
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
9. Corsair HS50 Pro
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
10. YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
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
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.
❓ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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If you are or want to be an online ESL tutor, then certification is required by many companies & desired by many private clients.
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