USB C Headsets

The USB ( the U stands for Universal – which could be considered mildly ironic now ) has been with us now for over a quarter of a century ( since 1996 ) – prior to that we were presented with a multitude of various connections – often bespoke connectors per device. The USB changed all that, and in many cases absolved us of the necessity to install software to allow our devices to communicate between themselves.

The USB was a great leap forward and transfer speeds increased with the iterative improvements in the hardware and firmware, rendering the firewire ( and many other forms ) obsolete.

In 2012 Apple brought us the lightning connector which was a proprietary computer bus and power cable which was necessary in order to use and charge many millions of devices.

Of course, there were limitations with USB A ( the original implementation ) – it is large, has limited transfer speeds and, as we all know, is never the right way up when first used. Further, it was considered and decided by those that can ( i.e. the European Commission ) that in the best interests of the environment and the end user that a standard should be decided upon for all plug and play device connectors, the USB-A was already on the wane and now the lightning cable had its cards marked.

Hence, the USB-C was adopted as the standard.

Help, my new laptop has no normal USB sockets – what do I do ?

Naturally the USB-C format has become an increasingly sought after connection for headsets. Many newer laptops, MacBooks and PCs now come with USB-C as standard and the USB-A port is being included as a legacy bonus. The USB-C connector can support a variety of connections such as Bluetooth and DECT ( via USB-C dongle ) or just a simple wired USB-C connection.

Here, we look at some of the options available to you if you have USB-C ports and very few USB-A……we started off with some corded USB-C headsets then some wireless USB-C options at the end.

We asked Dale from IT in our office for a quote :

USB-C, the versatile and increasingly ubiquitous connectivity standard, has revolutionized the way we interface with our devices. Its compact size, high-speed data transfer capabilities, and ability to carry power make it an indispensable tool in the modern tech arsenal.

One of the primary uses of USB-C is its role in charging devices. Its power delivery protocol allows for rapid charging of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even larger devices like monitors and external hard drives. This means fewer cables cluttering our desks and more streamlined charging solutions.

Data transfer is another key function of USB-C. With transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 2), it facilitates quick and efficient file transfers between devices. Whether you’re backing up important documents, transferring multimedia files, or syncing data between your devices, USB-C ensures swift and reliable data exchange.

Moreover, USB-C’s versatility extends to its support for various protocols like DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3. This means it can carry video and audio signals, allowing for seamless connectivity to external displays, projectors, and audio interfaces, enhancing productivity and multimedia experiences.

Additionally, USB-C adapters and hubs provide solutions for connecting legacy devices, expanding connectivity options, and creating versatile workstations.

In essence, USB-C has become the linchpin of modern connectivity, offering a single, multipurpose interface that simplifies charging, data transfer, and peripheral connectivity across a wide range of devices. Its flexibility and efficiency continue to drive innovation and shape the future of technology.

Jabra Engage 50 - USB-C

Lightweight Binaural Jabra USB-C Headset with status indicators on both ear cups.

Poly Blackwire 8225 USB-C

Teams Certified USB-C headset with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

EPOS IMPACT 760T USB-C

Teams Certified USB-C from EPOS with novel inline controller.

Jabra Engage 50 II USB-C

Stereo Corded Jabra USB-C headset with SmartRinger and motion detection.

EPOS IMPACT 860

EPOS IMPACT 860 is a wired Binaural Headset, optimised for Unified Communications.

Avalle Verso Universal-USB

Offers both USB-A and USB-C connectivity with its convertible lead.

EPOS IMPACT 1060 Bluetooth

Bluetooth cordless Teams certified headset with BrainAdapt™ technology.

Jabra Engage 55 MS

a Jabra DECT Cordless headset with USB-C dongle option and Teams Certification.

EPOS ADAPT 261 USB-C Bluetooth

Wireless and very portable Bluetooth headset that connects to PC with USB-C dongle.