Skype Headsets – A Buyer’s Guide

Skype has to be one of my favourite applications of the last 5 years. Millions of computer users regularly connect to Skype to enjoy pan global conversations in broadcast quality without paying a penny. No wonder so many people choose to use Skype instead of a regular phone. Instead of saying “I’ll phone you later” I hear people saying “I’ll Skype you later” – this is a sign of just how important Skype has become.

In order to enjoy Skype you need a PC with a broadband connection and a headset - which range in price from £7 to over £80. There are essentially two ways to connect a headset – USB or headphone/MIC ports. This is dictated by the type of headset you buy – so make sure you choose wisely. The main advantage of USB is that when someone calls, the sound comes through your loud speaker and then you accept the call to automatically switch the sound to your headset. Headphone/MIC headsets need to be unplugged when you’re not wearing them, otherwise you will not hear incoming calls.

Unplugging a USB headset during a conversation is sometimes required to switch the call to a speaker-phone mode. With headphone/MIC headsets this is no problem, but with a USB connection this will cut the call off.

If you have a headphone/MIC headset you can use as headphones with other devices such as your iPod or your TV. This could be important when you are on a business trip or on vacations. If you like to travel light, a headphone/MIC headset allows an all in one solution, rather than having to pack 2 sets of headphones.

Using a USB headset together with a webcam and speaker system requires you to be very comfortable with your Skype settings. Often you will need to give recording and playback priority for particular devices. If this is beyond you, then perhaps a headphone/MIC solution would suit you better. It requires no mucking about with settings; it is plugged in it is active, and when unplugged the internal speaker and MIC (if applicable) will automatically be activated.