Headset for iPhone that doesn't make me sound like I'm in a tunnel

October 23, 2015 9:56 PM

I just started a telecommuting job, and will be using my cell phone as my office phone. I would love to find a plug-in handset to use, since I'll be having lots of phone meetings. I've tried a couple options, but both distort the way I sound and won't do for a professional use. Has anyone found something that works? Specifics inside.

I really want to find a reliable handset for calls, and although I prefer the ones that look "retro" (aka Like Phones Used To Be!) I am definitely open to whatever style will work consistently and sound good. My preference is for plug-in as opposed to bluetooth.

So far, I have a no-name "retro" looking handset that I bought at some big box store a couple years ago, but apparently it makes me sound far away and tinny. A couple days ago, I purchased a Native Union handset (this one, specifically) but it seems to be no better - I sound less far away, but more echo-y.

I've tried some internet sleuthing, but have mostly found results that are more geared toward fun retro looks than great sound quality - maybe I am not searching as well as I could be. I really like the in-depth reviews that The Wirecutter puts out, but have only found bluetooth headsets there.

Any suggestions for me? I'd be happy to hear of trustworthy reviews/sites as well as products you recommend. Thank you!!

(My Phone Details: iPhone 5, will be probably getting a 6s within the next few months.)

posted by rocketing to Technology (5 answers total)

I assume this isn't the answer you're looking for, but I make business calls all the time with the included iPhone headset (the newer style; I forget which model they switched it on), and it works very well. I hate it for music, but for phone calls I have no issues.
posted by primethyme at 10:40 PM on October 23, 2015

I use a Plantronics .Audio 355 headset. Designed for PCs or the like, but comes with a adapter that converts its 2 1/8" plugs to one plug with both mic and speakers, so you can plug it into any iPhone. Has a boom mic with noise canceling. About $20, good audio in the speakers (can use for stereo music as well) and voice quality on the mic is really good.
posted by randomkeystrike at 6:20 AM on October 24, 2015

Seconding the included iPhone headset. I use it all the time for calls, as do several of my coworkers, and there are never complaints about sound or call quality. It's not "retro", but it works.

Also, as someone who has spent many years on the phone for their job, I strongly suggest getting an actual headset, not a handset. Having both hands free and being able to type without trying to balance a phone on your shoulder will make your day so much easier.

On preview: I agree with randomkeystrike - get a Plantronics headset if you can. They are the best headsets I've ever used.
posted by ralan at 6:25 AM on October 24, 2015 [1 favorite]

I take almost all of my business calls on my iPhone with the normal headset it came with, as do most of my colleagues. We're never in the office and most of us direct our extensions to the mobile. Sometimes the sound quality is questionable but only if I'm out and about - on a train, in an airport or the back of a moving car.
posted by koahiatamadl at 7:19 AM on October 24, 2015

I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU!

I no longer use my iPhone earbuds, I just use regular kick-ass earbuds of choice without a mic (so, decent for music listening-type) and as long as the bottom of the phone is somewhat pointed at me (upside down in a shirt pocket, although next to the gearshift with the windows up is fine, in the visor, in a holder on the console, in my hand - anything within 3 feet of my face, really) and the phone's built-in mic works automatically (no special settings) and sounds amazing.

TL;DR: I use whatever headphones I prefer for music + the mic on the phone, which surprisingly totally works without special setting even tho the headphones are jacked in. I'm sure it's an unintended flaw, but it saved me so much aggravation with mic'd earbuds and wireless systems. Who knew?!
posted by jbenben at 10:17 AM on October 24, 2015