Headsets -vs- Headphones - What's the Difference?

Being in the telephone headset industry, we are often asked for headphones by mistake.  So, what's the difference?  Simply put: Headsets are for telephones & have a microphone on them; Headphones are for audio devices & have speakers only (No microphone).

Most headsets have one of 2 different types of plug ends on them.  They either have a 2.5mm single prong plug (Most commonly found on cordless phones), or an RJ9 modular plug (Used on professional business phones like NEC, Nortel, Cisco, etc.).  The 2.5mm versions (Also referred to residential grade headsets) usually range in price from $20 to $50.  The RJ9 type headsets (Also referred to professional or commercial grade headsets) typically range from about $70 to $140 depending upon the style & features.  The Plantronics brand  comes highly recommended for the best sound quality & durability.  Jabra/GN Netcom comes in a close second.

Audio headphones are in an entirely different realm altogether.  Not including the iPhone which uses a special proprietary plug, there are generally only 2 types of plugs...& you can find adapters for either to fit the other.  They are the 3.5mm (1/8") & the larger 1/4" phono style plugs.  There are literally thousands upon thousands of different audio headsets out there with new ones popping up every minute.  What sets them apart is all a matter sound quality, durability, & wearing style. Since BOSE is in a class of it's own...& nothing really compares to it (Especially in price), we'll leave that out of here.  However, my personal recommendation & something that I frequently use to great satisfaction, is the Sennheiser HD Pro Series (The 212 HD in particular).  Unbelievable sound definition, very comfortable & reasonably priced for Pro grade headphones.

For additional information on TELEPHONE HEADSETS ONLY, please contact Mike Ottovich - Sales & Product Specialist at Headset-Plus.com (877-666-9998)