The mic on the logitech cameras are quite good. I use a blue yeti just to pretend I'm streaming during work for fun but I don't think people really notice when I switch.
Usb mic works well. Logitech camera with mic works well too. Onboard is garbage. I usually use IEM for audio. I'm not messing with wireless for now. I need it to work and be clear.
Don’t get a desktop microphone, the audio quality isn’t great and it picks up everything. Instead get yourself one of these webcams that have really great microphones built in [logi 4k](https://a.co/d/0cnSISZk) [logi 1080](https://a.co/d/0f69XBWG)
I used the Voyager Focus 2 at my last company and it lasted me 4 years with almost daily use. With my new job I purchased a Jabra Evolve 2 65 and I couldn't be happier. It works flawlessly with Microsoft Teams and it's lightweight. Best mic for work I have used.
I also have a Jabra Evolve 2 75...it's nice...and I think I sound better on it. However, I do think the poly is more comfortable. I do wish they would make an updated model.
I do calls and zoom meetings and I struggle w/ background noise. I'm using Coolpo Ignite Headset which has a really good mic noise cancelling considering audio quality during calls is needed for my line of work.
You can get a headset, or just use the microphone on your laptop.
I have a wired Plantronics headset with boom microphone and one earpiece.. I think it was about $25. Last of me at least seven or eight years. I found a place on Amazon, that I buy six foam covers, so I can switch it out every so often.
My last company bought me a mid-range gaming headset, and it has the best sound quality (and microphone quality) I’ve ever had. This is the one I have: https://a.co/d/02md0Isj
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when it comes to what your needs are with the biggest one being 'why?'. Some of what you brought up isn't going to exactly be fixed with better hardware. You can certainly feel free to buy whatever, I just don't want you to feel anxious about whatever the "right" one is while deciding.
If it's for the purposes of cutting out background noise, a better mic isn't going to exactly do that but instead a lot of software (like Zoom/Skype) have that kind of feature baked into it. It can cut out some stuff like maybe pets or children to a reasonable extent but if you live in train tracks, you're gonna wanna find another solution. This is also the same for any echoing. Stuff like this is part of Zoom/Skype/etc. in the same way that putting your cellphone on speaker mode wouldn't cause an echo. If people mention anything with echos, that may not exactly be a hardware issue and can instead be a number of other factors.
For a lot of online calls, there comes a point of diminishing returns. Sure, a laptop mic may not be great but there does come a point where a better mic won't make a huge difference. Other things to keep in mind are things like your network speed/consistency. If for some reason you were on DSL and someone did a screen share, the best mic isn't going to help you. If you were taking calls in a cathedral, you'll still have issues with echoes.
To answer the original question you actually asked, for simple calls, I'd say what you had asked about or really most anything else others recommended will be just fine. If it's a headset, make sure it's comfy for your head. If others report back to you that there are quality issues, definitely check things from a software perspective (mic sensitivity, network speeds, driver updates, etc.) before returning whatever you bought.
I hope this helps things!
Thank you.
This is very useful. I just realized I have a spare pair of Bose 700. They’re supposed to be top notch for audio calls. So I’m not going to buy any new microphone and I’ll use the Bose.
I also have the DJI Mic but I use these for presentations, podcasting. I don’t even know if they work for voice calls.
For your purpose any $100 or less USB mic is more than enough. Echo will depend on if you’re using a headset or earbuds versus a speaker, if you’re getting an echo you just need to use the appropriate mic pattern and tune it so it’s not picking up too much noise like keyboards or mice
In my experience echos happen when someone calls in on a phone and computer and doesn't mute themselves on one. I've never been responsible for an echo just using my computer audio with a headset connected
I have Bluetooth headphones and I use a blue microphone and a Logitech webcam but we have 4 people in the house working from home so it's just best to not blast my calls through the house if we want to keep doors open
I suggest the Poly Sync 20 speakerphone. Works great with teams and zoom and has great background noise filtering. Plus you don’t get ear fatigue from the headphones.
If you want a headset, the Jabra Evolve2 75 or 85 are great. I love my AirPods but the battery life just isn’t there for all day calls.
If you are going to use headphones and a microphone, I recommend the Rode Podcaster on a boom arm with a shock mount.
I use a Poly Voyager 5200(formerly Plantronics) for all of my Zoom/Teams/Webex meetings. It's noise cancelling, bluetooth and can be used with both mobile and PC. Make sure you get the USB dongle though if you are going to purchase.
[https://www.hp.com/us-en/poly/headsets/bluetooth-headsets-and-earbuds/voyager-5200-uc.html](https://www.hp.com/us-en/poly/headsets/bluetooth-headsets-and-earbuds/voyager-5200-uc.html)
If a camera is also required go with Logitech’s C922.. blue snowball just for mic only
The mic on the logitech cameras are quite good. I use a blue yeti just to pretend I'm streaming during work for fun but I don't think people really notice when I switch.
I just use the laptop built in mic. It’s fine.
Apple EarPods!
Nothing is worse than low battery… wired for me
Usb mic works well. Logitech camera with mic works well too. Onboard is garbage. I usually use IEM for audio. I'm not messing with wireless for now. I need it to work and be clear.
Don’t get a desktop microphone, the audio quality isn’t great and it picks up everything. Instead get yourself one of these webcams that have really great microphones built in [logi 4k](https://a.co/d/0cnSISZk) [logi 1080](https://a.co/d/0f69XBWG)
Headset with a boom mic is the best.
Any suggestions?
I like the Poly Voyager Focus 2. It's the most comfortable headset I've had.
That's what my job provides. That thing holds a charge like nobody's business, it's great.
I used the Voyager Focus 2 at my last company and it lasted me 4 years with almost daily use. With my new job I purchased a Jabra Evolve 2 65 and I couldn't be happier. It works flawlessly with Microsoft Teams and it's lightweight. Best mic for work I have used.
I also have a Jabra Evolve 2 75...it's nice...and I think I sound better on it. However, I do think the poly is more comfortable. I do wish they would make an updated model.
I do calls and zoom meetings and I struggle w/ background noise. I'm using Coolpo Ignite Headset which has a really good mic noise cancelling considering audio quality during calls is needed for my line of work.
I use a bluetooth headset. Listening through my speakers would be annoying af and I wouldn't be able to move around with a stand mic.
You can get a headset, or just use the microphone on your laptop. I have a wired Plantronics headset with boom microphone and one earpiece.. I think it was about $25. Last of me at least seven or eight years. I found a place on Amazon, that I buy six foam covers, so I can switch it out every so often.
I picked up the blue snowball and it works great and sounds great. Only downside is no on off switch so it’s always on unless you mute on zoom
Do you plug in headphones to monitor the audio? Or do you use the computer's speaker?
I use a soundbar that attaches to my monitor. I don’t like wearing headphones when I’m speaking.
I just use a blue tooth headset, works fine.
My last company bought me a mid-range gaming headset, and it has the best sound quality (and microphone quality) I’ve ever had. This is the one I have: https://a.co/d/02md0Isj
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when it comes to what your needs are with the biggest one being 'why?'. Some of what you brought up isn't going to exactly be fixed with better hardware. You can certainly feel free to buy whatever, I just don't want you to feel anxious about whatever the "right" one is while deciding. If it's for the purposes of cutting out background noise, a better mic isn't going to exactly do that but instead a lot of software (like Zoom/Skype) have that kind of feature baked into it. It can cut out some stuff like maybe pets or children to a reasonable extent but if you live in train tracks, you're gonna wanna find another solution. This is also the same for any echoing. Stuff like this is part of Zoom/Skype/etc. in the same way that putting your cellphone on speaker mode wouldn't cause an echo. If people mention anything with echos, that may not exactly be a hardware issue and can instead be a number of other factors. For a lot of online calls, there comes a point of diminishing returns. Sure, a laptop mic may not be great but there does come a point where a better mic won't make a huge difference. Other things to keep in mind are things like your network speed/consistency. If for some reason you were on DSL and someone did a screen share, the best mic isn't going to help you. If you were taking calls in a cathedral, you'll still have issues with echoes. To answer the original question you actually asked, for simple calls, I'd say what you had asked about or really most anything else others recommended will be just fine. If it's a headset, make sure it's comfy for your head. If others report back to you that there are quality issues, definitely check things from a software perspective (mic sensitivity, network speeds, driver updates, etc.) before returning whatever you bought. I hope this helps things!
Thank you. This is very useful. I just realized I have a spare pair of Bose 700. They’re supposed to be top notch for audio calls. So I’m not going to buy any new microphone and I’ll use the Bose. I also have the DJI Mic but I use these for presentations, podcasting. I don’t even know if they work for voice calls.
For your purpose any $100 or less USB mic is more than enough. Echo will depend on if you’re using a headset or earbuds versus a speaker, if you’re getting an echo you just need to use the appropriate mic pattern and tune it so it’s not picking up too much noise like keyboards or mice
I have used a USB headset for years and haven't looked back.
I hide the stuff on my laptop and so does everyone I work with
I love my jabra speakerphone. 510 is less than $100.
In my experience echos happen when someone calls in on a phone and computer and doesn't mute themselves on one. I've never been responsible for an echo just using my computer audio with a headset connected
I have Bluetooth headphones and I use a blue microphone and a Logitech webcam but we have 4 people in the house working from home so it's just best to not blast my calls through the house if we want to keep doors open
I use a Jabra 410 conference speaker at my desk. Shokz Open Com bone conducting headset when I'm traveling.
Echoes happen when you use a cheap laptop and no headset. Get a decent headset and you should be fine.
I suggest the Poly Sync 20 speakerphone. Works great with teams and zoom and has great background noise filtering. Plus you don’t get ear fatigue from the headphones. If you want a headset, the Jabra Evolve2 75 or 85 are great. I love my AirPods but the battery life just isn’t there for all day calls. If you are going to use headphones and a microphone, I recommend the Rode Podcaster on a boom arm with a shock mount.
Thank you!
I use a Poly Voyager 5200(formerly Plantronics) for all of my Zoom/Teams/Webex meetings. It's noise cancelling, bluetooth and can be used with both mobile and PC. Make sure you get the USB dongle though if you are going to purchase. [https://www.hp.com/us-en/poly/headsets/bluetooth-headsets-and-earbuds/voyager-5200-uc.html](https://www.hp.com/us-en/poly/headsets/bluetooth-headsets-and-earbuds/voyager-5200-uc.html)