When it comes to teaching and attending online classes, using a pair of headphones or headsets is a necessity. So, which headsets are ideal for online classes? The best headsets for online classes are those that are compact and preferably have an attached microphone in an over-the-ear style.
Avoid oversized headsets designed for gamers, as they may distract students from focusing on the lesson. Opt for minimalist headphones to maintain a professional appearance during online classes. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing headsets for teaching online:
Compact Design
While large headphones with excellent audio quality are suitable for general music listening or gaming, they may not be ideal for online teaching. Choose a pair of headsets that are not too bulky to minimize distractions for your students.
Good Audio Quality
For online classes, it’s crucial to have headsets that provide good audio quality. While top-of-the-line headphones are not necessary, avoid extremely cheap ones that may break easily, leaving you with audio only on one side.
Integrated Microphone or USB Mic
Audio is essential for online teaching, so make sure to select headsets with an included microphone that has noise-canceling features. Alternatively, you can use a USB microphone for better audio quality if you prefer a headset without an integrated mic.
The Importance of Noise Canceling
Noise canceling is vital for teachers who can’t always control their external environment. To minimize distractions such as barking dogs or background conversations, opt for headsets with noise-canceling microphones. If a pair doesn’t include a microphone, it’s recommended to use a quality USB mic.
Affordable Options
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good pair of headsets for online teaching. There are affordable options available that can get the job done effectively. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, higher-priced headphones usually offer better build quality and durability.
Comfort
Since you’ll be wearing your headsets for hours every day during online teaching, prioritize comfort. Consider choosing “on-the-ear” style headphones rather than “over-the-ear” ones. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference.
The Best Headsets for Online Classes
If you’re in need of headphones for online teaching or attending online classes, here are the top 6 recommendations:
- Jaba Nectar
- Jabra Evolve
- Logitech H390
- Plantronics Blackwire
- Jabra Evolve Wired Headsets
- Cyber Acoustic
- Dechoyecho Bluetooth Headset
- Marshall Major III
- Sony Noise Cancelling
- AirPod Max
Jaba Nectar – Similar to the discontinued Mpow series
The Jaba Nectar headphones offer excellent audio quality and a noise-canceling microphone, similar to the discontinued Mpow series that was popular among online teachers. They are affordable, well-built, and perfect for online teaching.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good build quality
- Surprisingly good audio
- Noise-canceling microphone
Cons:
- Mainly designed for work purposes, not suitable for multimedia use
Jabra Evolve Wired Headsets – The Professional Choice
The Jabra Evolve 40 headsets are known for their high-quality sound and effective noise-canceling microphone. They come in a stylish design and offer both voice and music audio, making them suitable for online teaching.
Pros:
- Excellent design, audio, and microphone
- Stylish and reliable with a wired connection
- Available in stereo or mono versions
Cons:
- Relatively more expensive, not ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option
Logitch H390 – Best Affordable Headset
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Logitech H390 headsets are a reliable choice. They offer good audio and come with an attached microphone and a mute button, making them ideal for online teaching.
Pros:
- Good audio and reliable microphone
- Compact design, minimizes distractions in the online class
Cons:
- Suitable only for video calls
- May become uncomfortable when worn for extended periods
- Mediocre overall sound quality
- Tend to have poor build quality and durability
Plantronics Blackwire – A Mid-range Option
The Plantronics Blackwire headsets offer a compact and stylish design with a portable noise-canceling microphone. They also come with a wired connection for reliable use during online teaching.
Pros:
- Very comfortable to wear
- Excellent sound for various purposes
- Effective noise canceling
Cons:
- The microphone audio is suitable for chat but not for other types of voice work
Cyber Acoustic – Affordable Noise Cancelling Option
The Cyber Acoustic headphones offer a built-in microphone and excellent noise-canceling capabilities at an affordable price. They are designed specifically for online teaching, providing durability, comfort, and a plug-and-play design.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight design
- Comfortable with good audio quality
- Noise-canceling microphone for clear audio
Cons:
- Not suitable for listening to music or YouTube due to tinny sound without bass
Dechoyecho Bluetooth Headset – The Minimalist Choice
The Dechoyecho Bluetooth headset features a simple design with a noise-canceling microphone and a charging port similar to Apple AirPods. The unique “one ear” design allows you to listen to ambient noises while using your other ear for online classes.
Pros:
- Minimalistic design
- Effective noise-canceling microphone
- Strong Bluetooth connection
Cons:
- The design may not appeal to some teachers
Marshall Major III – Small, Stylish Over-the-Ear Headphones
The Marshall Major III headphones are known for their small and stylish design, along with excellent sound quality. They offer both a wired connection and Bluetooth capability, making them versatile for online teaching.
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality suitable for various purposes
- Compact design without looking bulky or nerdy
- Easy to pack up
- Connects via Bluetooth or a wired connection to your laptop
Cons:
- The built-in microphone is located on the included wire and is acceptable for casual use, but it doesn’t replace a proper USB microphone
Sony WH-1000XMS Cancelling Headphones – The Best Noise Cancelling
The Sony WH-1000XMS headphones provide the most effective noise-canceling capabilities. While they offer a sleek and modern design, their noise cancellation is so powerful that it may make it difficult to hear yourself talk. For quality audio, it’s recommended to use a USB microphone alongside these headphones.
Pros:
- Top-notch noise cancellation
- Sleek and modern design
- Fast charging feature
- Excellent audio quality, voice pickup, and hands-free calling
Cons:
- The audio quality for the voice could be better, so relying on the built-in microphone may not provide optimal results
- It may be challenging to hear yourself talk
Sony ZX – Best Cheap Headphones for Teachers
If you’re on a tight budget and only need headphones for online work or listening during a Zoom class while using an external USB mic, the Sony ZX is a great option. These lightweight, wired, on-ear headsets provide impressive sound quality at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality for affordable headphones
- Subtle black design that doesn’t stand out
- Comfortable padding with on-ear design
Cons:
- No built-in microphone, so a USB mic is required
- Only wired connectivity, no Bluetooth option
AirPod Max – The Best Headphones for Consumers
The AirPod Max headphones offer an exceptional audio experience and are considered the best headphones for general consumer use. However, they are relatively expensive and lack a high-quality microphone, so a USB mic is recommended for online teaching. One notable feature is the “transparency” mode, allowing noise cancellation for ambient sounds while still enabling you to hear your own voice.
Pros:
- Small, foldable, and expandable design
- Surprisingly high-quality audio
- Multiple colors available
Cons:
- The built-in microphone is average and falls short compared to a dedicated USB microphone
- Considerably expensive for online teaching professionals
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these are some of the best headsets for online classes. If you opt for a headset without a microphone, be sure to check out our guide on the best USB microphones for teachers. Otherwise, many find the Jaba Nectar headsets to be perfect for their online teaching needs.
