Buying Headsets? How to Choose Between Bluetooth and DECT
Shopping for a headset to use with your business phone is like walking down the cereal aisle at the grocery store—the options are endless! It can be overwhelming.
Before jumping into specifics like whether you want the headset to cover one ear (mono) or both (binaural), there’s an easy decision to make. It’s similar to knowing whether you want hot or cold cereal. Headsets fall into two major categories – Bluetooth or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT). You need to determine which technology you want to use before looking at the devices you can wear.
Differences between Bluetooth and DECT
There are two significant differences between Bluetooth and DECT headsets: 1) the wireless technology used for connectivity and 2) the distance you can travel from the connection point (e.g., the phone or a base station). The most common Bluetooth headsets offer a range of about 30 feet, while you can exceed approximately 300 feet with a DECT option.
Which headset you need largely depends on your work environment and whether your business phones support Bluetooth or DECT technology.
Bluetooth Headsets
Bluetooth is the primary wireless technology for linking headsets with communication devices, such as smartphones, hosted Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, tablets, or laptops. Bluetooth headsets can pair with any Bluetooth-enabled business phone, whether the technology is built into the device or provided via a Bluetooth dongle. Many options are available at relatively low prices, making them attractive for most businesses.
If you already have a Bluetooth headset or earbuds you love using with your smartphone, it will likely pair with your VoIP desk phone. This “bring your own device” approach makes Bluetooth headsets an overwhelming favorite in most offices where the wireless range isn’t an issue.
DECT Headsets
DECT headsets have almost ten times the range of their Bluetooth counterparts. They’re ideal for large environments such as factories, hospitals, or hotels. They must connect to a DECT-enabled device, like a base station with DECT technology built-in, or a phone using a DECT USB dongle. Unlike Bluetooth, most devices don’t inherently support DECT technology, so businesses often use them as part of their enterprise-wide communication system.
Choosing between Bluetooth and DECT
Choosing between a Bluetooth or DECT headset depends on your business needs and whether your existing phones support the technology. While Bluetooth headsets are generally more affordable and widely compatible, DECT headsets offer an extended range and may be more suitable for larger workspaces. When deciding, consider important factors such as your work environment and the type of devices you need to connect with. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose a headset that will help you and your team work more efficiently and effectively.
Your Business Headset and Phone System Provider – Lafayette, Indiana
If you need help deciding which headset option is the best fit for you, contact UpLync Communications, a business phone service provider in Lafayette, IN. We offer both Bluetooth and DECT VoIP devices to support every work environment.