Simple enough question. I'm about to start a remote position and I'm looking for good suggestions for a clear, comfortable, and hopefully non-intrusive headphone/mic combo for video calls. Preferably, something wireless would be even better. Interested to hear what others are using
Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
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Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#2Apple headphones that comes with iPhone, the sound quality is really good and portable to carry.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#3I use the EarPods that came with my old iPhone 6. Any reason that wouldn't work for you? Planning to get AirPods for the wireless-ness once they hit the stores.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#4I tried to find a good wireless headset for my remote meetings. My discovery was:
- Bluetooth microphones are of general terrible quality. After recording and playing back my different attempts at a nice wireless mic, the build in omni directional mic on my MBP always shockingly came out ahead. It really didn't make any sense to me. - Long pair programming or brainstorming sessions with co-workers can outlast the headsets.
In the end, I just plug in my earbuds that came with my phone, which give me audio, and the built-in mic pics up my voice.
That being said, appreciate this question, maybe someone else has found something better.
I tried various Logitech and other bluetooth headsets made for cell phones, I also tried Beats Powerbeats. So maybe I was just going in the wrong direction.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#5I just use my laptop built in mic (hp 6470b). Headphones are Sennheiser hd 380 pro or Panasonic RP-HJE125-K.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#6Apple headphones that comes with iPhone, the sound quality is really good and portable to carry.
Same here.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#7I went to a brick-and-mortar and tried on several. I went with skull candy aviators. Comfortable for hours. Has a cable, which is a downside. I can't do the Apple ear buds, they ache after half an hour or so.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#8I use this: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/stereo-headset-h390?cr... (Logitech H390). It's quite good.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#9I had a plantronic C210 for a while. It was getting worn (After 4 years), so I've recently upgraded to a Plantronic C310.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007JURP2A
Can't recommend it highly enough, and I spend at least an hour a day speaking on it. Some days I forget to take it off. For phone calls, Monoaural is fine sound wise, and it's IMO more comfortable for long stretches of use.
Re: Ask HN: Remote workers, what headphone/mic combo do you use for video calls?
#10As others have said, Bluetooth headsets are generally bad for consistent quality in my experience. I tend towards a wired gaming headset (turtle Beach) with a long cable just because it is simple and works with my phone or laptop. Of course most of the quality is dependent on the conferencing solutions your company uses.