Best Headset for VOIP Office Use: Australia's Top Picks for Call Quality and Comfort (2026)

For all-day call use in an Australian VOIP office, the Jabra Evolve2 40 is the top pick. The noise-cancelling microphone handles open-plan offices well, the build quality holds up to full-day wear. It connects to a computer through either USB-A or USB-C; it does not connect directly to an RJ9 desk-phone port. Below: five more picks ranked by use case, connection type, and budget.

What Makes a Good VOIP Headset for an Australian Office?

If your team is on a cloud phone system and still using cheap consumer headsets or a standard desk phone handset, those devices may contribute to call quality issues. A headset suited to your setup can help address device-related audio problems. It is worth sorting before you start blaming the phone system.

Most SIP desk phones (the physical phones used with cloud phone systems) accept standard headsets with an RJ9, 3.5mm, or USB connection. RJ9 headset compatibility is phone-model-specific; verify the manufacturer's compatibility list and any required cable or adapter before purchase. You do not need an IT company to set this up. If you're not sure what connection your phone has, the port is usually labelled on the back of the handset.

A headset that works well on a casual video call at home may fall apart in a busy Australian SMB environment. The demands are different: longer wear times, louder background noise, compatibility with desk phones or cloud phone systems, and sometimes a mix of both desk and softphone use depending on whether your team is in the office or working from home.

The key factors to evaluate are: microphone noise cancellation, connection type compatibility, audio quality on both ends of the call, comfort for all-day wear, and whether the headset is certified for the platform your business uses (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or standard SIP).

Connection Types Explained

Getting the connection type wrong is one of the most common purchasing mistakes. Here is what each type means for your setup:

• RJ9 (4P4C): The small square plug on the handset cord of most physical desk phones. The Yealink T31P supports an RJ9 headset interface, while the Grandstream GXP2160 also supports Bluetooth headsets; verify the connection options and compatibility list for your exact phone model. The Yealink YHS36 E2 is a classic example, it plugs directly into the desk phone headset port with no computer required.
• USB-A or USB-C: For softphones, VOIP apps running on a computer (Zoiper, 3CX softphone, Microsoft Teams, Zoom). The Jabra Evolve2 40, Sennheiser PC 8.2, and Logitech H390 all use USB. Direct USB-headset support is phone-model-specific: some SIP desk phones accept wired USB headsets directly, while others require RJ9 or an adapter.
• 3.5 mm TRRS compatibility and audio performance depend on the headset, device and pinout standard; verify CTIA/OMTP compatibility before purchase. Suitable for budget setups where both devices provide a compatible 3.5 mm TRRS headset socket and pinout; otherwise an appropriate adapter is required. Do not infer microphone background-noise performance from connector type alone; check model-specific specifications and independent tests.
• Bluetooth: Wireless, wide range, Some Bluetooth headsets support simultaneous mobile and computer connections; verify multipoint support and the permitted device combination for the exact model. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is the standout here. Some VOIP desk phones do not support Bluetooth pairing, so confirm compatibility before buying.
• DECT wireless: Dedicated wireless standard for office phones. Longer range than Bluetooth (up to 150m line of sight), dedicated base station, no interference from Wi-Fi. The Jabra Engage 75 uses DECT. Best for high-call-volume environments where the user needs to move around the office while on calls.

Noise-Cancelling Microphones: Why They Matter in Australian Offices

Australian offices have increasingly moved to open-plan layouts. What sounds fine to you in the room sounds terrible to the caller on the other end. A headset with a mediocre microphone will pick up keyboard noise, nearby conversations, air conditioning, and street noise from nearby windows.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) refers to the technology that reduces background noise coming in through the ear cups, relevant for how well you can hear the caller. Noise-cancelling microphones are a separate feature, they reduce background noise picked up by the mic that goes out to the caller. Both matter, but model-specific microphone background-noise performance is one important factor in whether callers hear you clearly.

If your team makes high-volume outbound calls or works in a noisy environment, do not compromise on this feature. Microphone performance and background-noise handling vary by model and cannot be inferred from price alone.

Teams and Zoom Certification: Does It Matter for VOIP?

Microsoft Teams-certified and Zoom-certified headsets have been tested by the platform vendor to confirm their audio profiles, button mappings, and call management features (answer, end, mute, volume) work correctly with those apps. For businesses using Microsoft Teams Calling or Zoom Phone as their cloud phone system, certification is a useful quality signal.

However, if your business uses a standard SIP-based cloud phone system platform (Maxotel, VoIPLine, etc.) with a softphone client like Zoiper or 3CX, certification to Teams or Zoom is largely irrelevant. The headset will work as a standard USB audio device. The mute and call-control buttons may or may not function in a third-party softphone, this varies by softphone and headset brand, not by Teams certification.

The practical advice: buy based on microphone quality and comfort first. If you use Teams or Zoom specifically, certification adds peace of mind but is not a substitute for choosing a quality headset.

Top Picks: Full Reviews

1. Jabra Evolve2 40 SE, Best Overall for All-Day Call Centre Use (the original Evolve2 40 is discontinued)

Price: about $171 (wired USB, middle of current Australian retailer prices)

The Jabra Evolve2 40 is the standout wired headset for businesses where call quality is non-negotiable. It is available in Teams-certified and UC variants (both work equally well on standard SIP softphones). The microphone uses a three-microphone array with professional-grade noise cancellation that genuinely blocks open-plan office noise.

The ear cushions are made from a memory foam material that holds up well over eight-hour shifts. The headband is adjustable and light enough that most users forget they are wearing it. It is sold in separate USB-A and USB-C variants and does not include a 3.5 mm connection.

Who it is for: Reception staff, customer service teams, and anyone making or receiving calls for more than two hours per day. This is the headset we recommend when a business asks us what to buy without a budget ceiling for their primary call staff.

Limitation: Wired only. If your staff need to move around the office during calls, consider the wireless options below.

2. Poly Voyager Focus 2, Best Wireless for Hybrid Workers (previous-generation model; compare the current HP Poly Focus 6 Series before bulk purchase)

Price: about $249 without the charging stand (middle of current Australian retailer prices; the version with a stand costs more)

The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is the best wireless headset for businesses with staff who split their time between the office and working from home. It connects via Bluetooth to a mobile and simultaneously via a USB-A dongle to a computer, meaning the headset stays connected to both devices and automatically routes audio to whichever one is active.

Its Acoustic Fence transmit-microphone system uses four microphones; two additional microphones support active noise cancellation. In practical terms, it blocks wind noise (relevant for staff who take calls while moving between buildings) and keyboard/office noise effectively. The over-ear ANC on the listening side is also strong, you can have a clear conversation even in a noisy open-plan environment.

Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours of talk time with ANC on under the default online-indicator setting. That covers a full working day without charging. The USB-C charging base doubles as the computer dongle storage.

Who it is for: Hybrid workers, managers who take calls throughout the day, and anyone who needs to move between a desk and other areas of the office while on calls.

Limitation: At $280, it is a significant investment for a single headset. For businesses fitting out a whole team, consider whether all staff genuinely need wireless or whether a subset of heavy call-users justifies the premium.

3. Jabra Engage 75 SE Stereo, Best for High-Volume Call Environments

Price: Engage 75 SE Stereo: about $537; Engage 75 SE (mono and other variants): about $479 (middle of current Australian retailer prices)

Jabra now sells the Engage 75 SE: the first-generation Engage 75 shows as sold out on Jabra's Australian site, and Jabra says the second edition updates the charging port to USB-C. The notes below apply to the SE.

The Jabra Engage 75 SE is the top-end option for businesses running high call volume environments, contact centres, busy reception desks handling dozens of calls per day, or teams where a dropped call or poor audio quality has a direct revenue consequence.

It uses DECT wireless, which provides up to 150 metres of range from the base station (line of sight), significantly more than Bluetooth. It can connect to up to five devices simultaneously: two USB devices, two Bluetooth devices and one analogue desk phone. That is useful for supervisors who need to monitor or join calls.

The microphone quality is exceptional. Jabra describes the Engage 75 as having an advanced noise-cancelling microphone, and it is noticeable in environments with significant background noise. The ear cushions are replaceable, important for hygiene in shared-headset environments and longevity in high-use settings.

Who it is for: Businesses with dedicated call teams or reception staff who are on the phone for most of the working day.

Limitation: Requires a DECT base station (included), so it is not completely portable. The base station must be compatible with your desk phone if you want to use it with a physical handset, confirm compatibility with your Yealink or Grandstream model before purchasing.

4. Yealink YHS36 E2, Best Budget Option for Desk Phones (the original YHS36 is end of life)

Price: about $93 (middle of current Australian retailer prices across the mono and dual versions; the dual costs a little more)

Yealink lists the original YHS36 on its end-of-life products page. The YHS36 E2 is the version Yealink currently sells, with the same QD-to-RJ connection, so buy the E2 for new desks.

For compatible Yealink IP desk phones with an RJ9 headset interface, the YHS36 E2 is a budget wired option; verify other phone brands and models separately. It requires no software, no drivers, no configuration, plug it in and it works.

The monaural design (one ear cup) allows the user to remain aware of the surrounding environment, which is preferred by many reception and admin staff. The microphone is boom-style with a flexible arm, which gets it close enough to the mouth to produce acceptable call quality in a moderately quiet environment.

The YHS36 is not a premium headset. The YHS36 uses bio-mimetic protein-based leather ear cushions. However, for staff making occasional calls or for businesses that need to fit out multiple desks at low cost, it is reliable and durable.

Who it is for: Reception staff with physical desk phones, businesses fitting out multiple desks at low cost, or as a backup headset for a phone model explicitly confirmed compatible with the YHS36 and its supplied cable.

Limitation: The YHS36 will not work directly with a computer softphone. If your business has moved to a fully softphone-based setup (no physical desk phones), you need a USB headset instead. See our guide on best SIP desk phones for Australia for context on the full hardware picture.

5. Sennheiser PC 8.2, Best Budget USB Option for Softphones

Price: ~$60 AUD (check current price at Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, or Amazon AU)

The Sennheiser PC 8.2 is the most reliable budget USB headset for softphone use in an Australian office setting. It connects via USB-A and provides plug-and-play PC and Mac audio; verify application-specific compatibility and call-control behaviour for the chosen softphone.

The microphone is a noise-cancelling boom mic that performs noticeably better than built-in laptop microphones or cheap 3.5mm headsets. It is not at the level of the Jabra Evolve2 40, but for staff who take calls infrequently or who primarily use the headset for internal meetings and occasional customer calls, it is more than adequate.

The PC 8.2 USB is an on-ear headset. Audio quality for listening is clear and balanced. At $60, it is a strong value proposition for businesses equipping admin, finance, or support staff who are not primarily call workers.

Who it is for: Softphone users who make and receive calls but are not primarily call-based workers. Good for equipping a full team at low cost where not every staff member needs a premium headset.

Limitation: No microphone noise cancellation at the level of premium headsets. In very noisy environments, callers may hear background noise. Not suitable for open-plan call-centre environments.

6. Logitech H390, Best for Occasional Call Use

Price: about $72 (middle of current Australian retailer prices; it varies widely between shops, so compare a few)

The Logitech H390 is a USB-A plug-and-play headset that suits businesses where most staff take calls occasionally, a meeting here, a supplier call there, rather than as a core part of their role. It is widely available across major Australian retailers, which matters if you need to replace a headset urgently.

The audio quality is functional rather than exceptional. The microphone has basic noise filtering but is not in the same class as Jabra or Poly products. The over-ear cushions are foam and comfortable for sessions up to two or three hours, though extended wear over a full day can become uncomfortable.

The H390 supports in-line volume and mute controls, which is a useful practical feature. Setup is truly zero-configuration, plug into USB and Windows or macOS recognises it immediately.

Who it is for: Staff who primarily work at a desk but take occasional calls, administration, accounting, operations roles. Also a reasonable choice as a universal spare headset kept at a desk for visitors or temporary workers.

Limitation: Not recommended as a primary headset for staff whose core role involves customer calls. If call quality is a business requirement, invest in a Jabra Evolve2 40 or better.

What Most Businesses Get Wrong When Buying VOIP Headsets

After seeing how Australian SMBs approach headset purchasing, the same mistakes come up repeatedly. Here are the three that cause the most regret.

Mistake 1: Prioritising Ear Comfort Over Microphone Quality

Buyers who have never done high-volume call work tend to focus on comfort reviews first. Comfort matters, but it is easy to return a headset that is uncomfortable in the first week. It is much harder to recover from the business cost of customers repeatedly asking your staff to repeat themselves, or of your team coming across as unprofessional because background noise is bleeding through every call.

The rule: buy the best microphone your budget allows, then look at comfort within that tier. The Jabra Evolve2 40 and Poly Voyager Focus 2 are both comfortable and have excellent microphones. Budget headsets that are comfortable tend to have mediocre mics. Choose the microphone first.

Mistake 2: Buying a USB Headset for a Desk Phone, or an RJ9 Headset for a Softphone

USB-headset support is phone-model-specific: many current SIP desk phones support USB headsets directly, while other models require RJ9 or an adapter. RJ9 headsets do not work with softphones. If your business has both physical desk phones and softphone users, you either need different headsets for each setup, or a headset with both an RJ9 QD (quick disconnect) adapter and a USB connection, some premium Jabra and Poly models support this.

Before purchasing, confirm for each staff member: are they using a physical desk phone, a softphone on a computer, or both? Match the connection type to the actual device being used. See our NBN VOIP setup guide for a full explanation of how VOIP hardware connects in an Australian office environment.

Mistake 3: Buying One Type of Headset for an Entire Team With Different Use Cases

A Jabra Evolve2 40 (about $171) is the right choice for a receptionist who is on the phone for six hours a day. The same headset is overkill for an accountant who takes two calls a week. Conversely, putting a budget Logitech H390 (about $72) on a customer-facing call team is a false economy, the audio quality penalty is immediately noticeable to customers.

The practical approach: segment your team by call volume and use case. Heavy call users (customer service, reception, sales) get premium headsets. Moderate users (team leads, admin) get mid-range. Occasional users get budget options. This approach can cost less than buying everyone the same headset, depending on the team's role mix, selected models and replacement costs.

Australian Businesses: What You Need to Know

NBN Call Quality and Headset Choice

VOIP delivered over an NBN connection is sensitive to packet-network factors such as jitter, packet loss and contention. Jitter, packet loss, and contention on NBN connections can affect how audio is transmitted and reconstructed. A premium headset cannot fix a poor NBN connection, but a poor headset can make an already-marginal connection sound worse.

If your business is experiencing call quality issues, the first step is to diagnose whether the problem is in the network or the headset. Run a VoIP quality test during the period when the call-quality problem occurs. If network metrics are good, investigate endpoint, compute, application, USB-path and audio-device factors before attributing the problem to the headset microphone. See our VOIP call quality guide for Australia for a full troubleshooting framework.

Open-Plan Offices and Noise-Cancelling Microphones

Australian businesses have widely adopted open-plan office layouts. Open-plan offices can contain conversations, keyboard noise and HVAC noise that some microphones may not reject adequately; test shortlisted models in the intended environment. If your team works in an open-plan environment, a noise-cancelling microphone is not optional, it is a basic requirement for professional call quality.

This is why we recommend the Jabra Evolve2 40 as the minimum standard for any customer-facing call role in an open-plan office. The audible benefit varies by model and environment; compare model-specific microphone tests rather than assuming a result from price alone.

DECT Wireless Headsets and Yealink/Grandstream Desk Phone Compatibility

If you are using a DECT wireless headset with a physical SIP desk phone, compatibility between the headset base station and the phone is critical. Yealink phones use an EHS (Electronic Hook Switch) system, a specific cable that connects the headset base station to the desk phone's EHS port, allowing the headset's answer/end button to control the desk phone's off-hook/on-hook state.

Jabra and Poly both make EHS cables for Yealink, Grandstream, and other common AU-market SIP phones. However, the correct cable must be purchased separately, and not all phone models are supported. Confirm EHS compatibility with your specific phone model before purchasing a DECT wireless headset.

For more on physical desk phone compatibility, see our guide to the best SIP desk phones for Australia.

Pricing and Where to Buy in Australia

Australian retail pricing for headsets varies significantly between channels. Jabra and Poly products are available through Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon AU, and specialist business technology resellers. Yealink accessories (like the YHS36 E2) are typically purchased through Yealink AU distributors or VOIP hardware suppliers.

All prices quoted in this guide are approximate AUD prices and should be verified at the time of purchase. Pricing varies substantially by seller and product variant, so compare like-for-like listings across online and physical retailers. For the Yealink YHS36 E2, check with your business phone company, many cloud phone system companies in Australia bundle compatible headsets with hardware packages. See our VOIP cost guide for Australia for context on total hardware and service costs.

Our equipment store separates desk phone headsets from computer headsets, so you can check which kind you are buying.

Your Next Steps: Choosing and Deploying Headsets for Your VOIP Office

Use this checklist to move from reading to action:

• Step 1: Map your team by call volume. Heavy call users (customer service, reception, sales) need a premium headset with a quality noise-cancelling microphone. Moderate and occasional users can use budget options.
• Step 2: Confirm your connection type. Physical desk-phone users need a headset connection supported by their exact phone model, commonly RJ9, USB, Bluetooth or a model-specific adapter/base. Softphone (computer-based) users need USB. Hybrid users need a headset that supports both (or two separate headsets).
• Step 3: Check your environment. Open-plan offices require noise-cancelling microphones. If you are not sure whether your office qualifies, assume it does.
• Step 4: Shortlist by use case. Use the comparison table and per-headset reviews above to shortlist two or three candidates per role type.
• Step 5: Verify compatibility before bulk purchase. For DECT wireless headsets used with desk phones, confirm EHS cable compatibility with your specific phone model before ordering multiple units.
• Step 6: Order one unit of each shortlisted model first. Have the primary user wear it for a full working week before committing to a full team order. Comfort is subjective and return policies vary.
• Step 7: Test call quality with a real customer call. Record a test call or ask a colleague to rate the audio quality from the caller's perspective. This is the only meaningful audio quality test for a real-world environment.

USB and Bluetooth headsets used with softphone apps have their own compatibility considerations, codec support, audio routing, and platform SDK integration all vary by model. Our Phone Compatibility Checker covers common office headsets and identifies any known compatibility issues.

What is the best headset for a VOIP office in Australia?

For all-day call centre or customer service use, the Jabra Evolve2 40 (about $171) is the best overall pick. It has a professional-grade three-microphone noise-cancelling array, all-day comfort, and works as a USB audio device with supported softphones or, for the USB-C variant, compatible USB-C-audio mobile devices. For wireless flexibility, the Poly Voyager Focus 2 (about $249) is the best option for hybrid workers who split time between office and home.

Do I need a Teams-certified headset for my VOIP phone system?

No, not necessarily. Teams certification means the headset has been tested to work correctly with Microsoft Teams specifically, including call control buttons (answer, end, mute). If your business uses Microsoft Teams Calling or Zoom Phone, certification adds a useful quality guarantee. However, if you use a standard SIP-based cloud phone system platform (Maxotel, VoIPLine, or similar), the headset will work as a standard USB audio device regardless of Teams certification. Buy based on microphone quality and comfort first.

What is the difference between RJ9, USB, and 3.5mm headset connections?

RJ9 is the small square 4-pin plug that connects to the headset port on most physical SIP desk phones (Yealink, Grandstream, Polycom). USB headsets connect to a computer for use with softphone applications. 3.5mm TRRS compatibility depends on the device jack and CTIA/OMTP pinout, while microphone quality is model-specific. USB and RJ9 are not interchangeable without adapters. If you have desk phones, check each model's supported headset interfaces and compatibility list before choosing RJ9, USB, Bluetooth or an adapter-based option. If you use a softphone on a computer, you need USB.

Can I use a Bluetooth headset with a VOIP desk phone?

Bluetooth support is phone-model-specific: some SIP desk phones, including Bluetooth-equipped Yealink T-series models, support direct pairing, while others require a dongle or do not support Bluetooth headsets. For wireless connectivity with a physical desk phone, DECT wireless is the standard approach (using a base station connected to the phone's EHS port). For wireless use with a softphone on a computer, Bluetooth is fully supported. Check your specific phone model's specifications before purchasing a wireless headset.

How do I stop background office noise from going through to callers?

You need a headset with a noise-cancelling microphone. This is different from active noise cancellation (ANC) in the earcups. The Jabra Evolve2 40 and Poly Voyager Focus 2 both have strong microphone noise cancellation and are suitable for open-plan offices. Lower-priced headsets vary in microphone noise handling; compare model-specific evidence and test shortlisted models in the intended office environment. If your current headset is causing complaints, upgrading the microphone quality is the most effective fix.

What headset works with Yealink desk phones in Australia?

The YHS36 connects via RJ9 to compatible Yealink IP desk phones with an RJ9 headset interface; common W-series handsets such as the W56H and W73H instead use 3.5 mm headset jacks. The YHS36 E2 (the current version; the original YHS36 is end of life) is the most common budget-friendly option. For premium wired use, verify the exact headset, QD-to-RJ9 cable and Yealink phone model in the manufacturer's compatibility database before purchase. For DECT wireless, the Jabra Engage 75 SE and Poly headsets with EHS cables support Yealink phones, but you must purchase the correct EHS cable for your specific phone model separately.

How much should an Australian business spend on VOIP headsets?

The right investment depends on how much of your staff member's role involves phone calls. For customer-facing call roles (reception, customer service, sales), budget at least $150-$200 per headset, the Jabra Evolve2 40 (about $171) is the benchmark. For moderate call users, $60-$100 is a reasonable range. For staff who take occasional calls, a budget USB headset such as the Logitech H390 (about $72) will suffice; its price varies widely between retailers, so shop around. Buying budget headsets for high-call-volume roles is a false economy, callers may notice model-specific audio differences, while durability and replacement frequency vary by product and usage.

Can one headset work with both my desk phone and my computer?

Some premium headsets support both connections. Poly (Plantronics) makes headsets with a QD (quick disconnect) cord that can be swapped between an RJ9 desk phone adapter and a USB computer adapter. The Poly Savi series, for example, supports simultaneous connection to a desk phone and a computer. These cost more but eliminate the need for two separate headsets for staff who use both. Check the product specifications for 'unified communications' or 'multi-device' support before purchasing.

Not sure which headset matches your phone system after reading this? Tell us what platform you're on (Yealink, 3CX, Microsoft Teams, or a standard cloud phone system) and how many people need headsets. We'll give you a specific recommendation for your situation. We reply personally, usually within one business day.