September 28, 2022

Buds, headsets or over-ear headphones: The never-ending debate

Matt McAuley
Collaboration Specialist
There are a few non-negotiables when it comes to hybrid work. A caffeinated beverage every morning is probably top of your list, followed closely by a reliable device to get you through the workday. One item that has become essential for every modern worker is a high quality, reliable audio device.

Whether you’re working from the office, your home or somewhere in between, having access to high quality audio and conferencing is critical for success. Speaking from experience, a good audio device will be worth the investment.

The market has become incredibly crowded in recent years though, and it can be hard to decide what type will best suit your work style. The never-ending debate between buds, headsets or over-ear headphones doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Don’t worry though, we’re not going to leave you high and dry. Instead, we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of our top picks from leading vendors including Microsoft, Logitech, Cisco, Jabra, HP, and Poly.

Let’s get started!

For the constant commuters: Buds

Buds can be controversial depending on the company you keep. Any die-hard Apple fans will likely swear by them, while some people still prefer to go with the “old school” stereo or headset options. Regardless of brand loyalties or commitments to an aesthetic, if you’re someone who finds yourself spending hours on public transport, buds may be a good option for you.

Buds are small and portable, making it easy to slip them into your handbag or pocket while on the move. Don’t let their small size fool you though; with every new iteration, buds continue to punch above their weight and provide excellent audio and call quality.

The Surface Earbuds, Jabra Elite 7 Pros and Logitech Zone True Wireless buds offer excellent options for those of you looking for a small, sleek device. The price points of all buds are comparable and fall in the expected range for high-quality buds. You will get a few extra hours of listening time with the battery on the Jabra Elite 7 Pros, but the Surface Earbuds and Logitech Zone True Wireless buds are still competitive with their battery lives.