Introduction
Many of us work from home these days and have to connect with other team members online. While most people use headsets to communicate through zoom, you might want to consider getting a speakerphone if you want a separate device that allows you to communicate without wearing anything while offering far superior sound quality.
The built-in speaker of your smartphone or laptop works fine, but they are not as convenient as having a wireless speakerphone with you.
Even a wireless headset becomes cumbersome if you have to wear it all day. With a speakerphone, you can carry out all the conversations hands-free.
A speakerphone is a standalone device that you can just leave on your desk and speak comfortably as if you are talking with someone in the same room. This also frees you up for multitasking while having a smooth and professional conversation with your team.
Besides business, these speakerphones are also great for having quality time with your family. We all know that video calls with multiple people trying to speak at the same time can be hard to listen to – this is easily amended by a speaker home that is designed to record voices from multiple sources at the same time.
In this article, we will discuss speakerphone for those who work from home. To make it easy for you to choose, we have included speakerphones in the different price ranges. Let’s review each in detail.
Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone
- Multiple connectivity options
- Built-in 6,700 mAh battery
- Easy to navigate control panel
Anker PowerConf is designed to have a professional quality meeting anywhere you are.
The speakerphone allows you to communicate conveniently through a wireless connection. It enhances your audio so that other people can hear it loud and clear.
The PowerConf provides versatile connectivity options. You can connect it with your device through a USB cable or Bluetooth.
The speakerphone comes with a powerful battery that lasts long. Its built-in 6,700 mAh battery allows you to use the device for up to 24 hours nonstop.
Recharging this speakerphone is also easy as it is charged at an optimized speed. It’s a perfect companion for travel purposes due to its long battery, fast recharge, and portable size.
It offers universal compatibility, and you can use it with almost all leading applications like Skype, Hangout, Facetime, Zoom, or GoToMeeting.
A mobile app supports the speakerphone. You can control different functions like LED lights, volume, standby mode, and more.
The Anker PowerConf is perfect for family calls. Even when there is a lot going on in the background, the audio remains clear and crisp.
It has a portable build that makes it very easy to carry along on business trips. A travel case comes with a speakerphone that keeps it safe.
Overall, it’s a perfect option for online classes and business meetings.
Jabra Speak 510 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Provides HD audio experience
- 15-hour battery life
- UC compatible device
Here is another speakerphone for business meetings. The portable speaker comes with outstanding quality. It’s a perfect option for conference calls as everyone can hear your audio loud and clear.
Jabra 510 is an easy-to-use conference call speakerphone that can be connected through a USB cable or Bluetooth. It provides a crystal clear HD audio experience without any echoes and distortion.
The speakerphone is easy to set up and is compatible with all UC platforms.
It has a portable design that is easy to carry and store. The small speakerphone has a simple plug-and-play system that allows you to connect it to your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other devices conveniently.
It offers long battery life. The speakerphone gives 15 hours of talk time if fully charged.
Jabra Speak 710 UC Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
- Upgraded version of Jabra Speak 510
- Great for conference calls with up to 8 people
- UC compatible device
- Features an omnidirectional microphone
Jabra Speak 710 is an upgraded version of 510 and costs more than our last option. It has a stand at the back that makes it easy to position the speaker before your mouth, and you can also place it flat on the table; if you have a conference call with up to 8 people. You can buy two of these devices and pair them for conference calls with more than 8 people. This one can work well for up to 8 participants, where everyone can hear each other easily.
It has a simple setup that makes it easy to connect with your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. As it is UC compatible, you can use it with any app of communication.
The speakers can be connected with a USB cable; you can also connect them wirelessly through Bluetooth. Its wireless range is up to 100 feet that means you can walk away with it to any corner of the room.
It has a 15-hour talk time and takes no more than 3 hours to charge fully. The speaker has a touch screen all around it to help you control its different functions. You can take calls, end calls, increase or decrease volume, Bluetooth, mute microphone button, and a power button as well.
The speaker has an omnidirectional microphone that picks up the audio from all around it. Overall, it’s a convenient speakerphone that gives high-quality audio without any distortion.
Poly – Sync 20+ Bluetooth Speakerphone
- Bass reflex system for clear audio
- Features two passive radiators
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- 7 feet wireless range
Poly Sync 20 is another great tool for having smooth collaborations while working from home. It allows you to communicate online smoothly.
The speakerphone features a bass reflex system that gives clear audio with its two passive radiators. It gives natural-sounding audio with deep bass.
It features three microphones steerable arrays that reduce echo and noise. It focuses on your audio while restricting the background noise for clear audio transmission.
It’s a wireless speakerphone with a pickup range of up to 7 feet, making it ideal to be used in a 13×13 room.
Poly Sync 20 provides up to 20 hours of talk time. It comes with a slim structure that makes it very portable and easy to carry.
The speakerphone comes with a special coating that protects it from dust and water.
On top of this device, you get basic functional control. The button includes volume increase and decrease, on/off and a mute button. There is also a programmable rocket button to customize your setting. You can play music or bring up a voice assistant.
It’s a wireless speakerphone, but you can connect it with your computer with an integrated USB A or C cable. The cord is managed well on the device to not come in your way when not using it. It is also 28 feet long which should be more than enough for most people.
The speakerphone also features anti-slip feet that give it a better grip on your desk.
Sennheiser SP 30
- Exceptional audio performance
- Two levels of noise cancellation
- Wireless range up to 82 feet
Here is another stylish and convenient speakerphone for conference calls. It’s a portable speakerphone for personal conferencing for up to 8 people.
It gives exceptional audio performance and enables you to have natural-sounding conversations. The audio has a low level of distortion and features noise-cancelling microphones so that others can hear you loud and clear.
The speakerphone comes with a simple plug-and-play setup. It offers multipoint connectivity, and you can connect it with up to three devices plus one-touch access to the voice assistant. You can also connect it through a Bluetooth connection. It has a wireless range of 82 feet.
The speakerphone features long-lasting durability. It gives up to 20 hours of talk time when fully charged. It takes only two and half hours to charge this device completely.
The thoughtful design gives convenient cable winding and safe dongle storage as well. The premium structure provides the speakerphone with long-lasting durability.
Yamaha Bluetooth Speakerphone
- Human voice activity detection
- Omnidirectional mic for 360 degrees coverage
- 10-hour battery life
Yamaha speakerphone provides professional audio in and outside the office and gives professional audio when connected with laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
The speakerphone provides a USB connection for video conferencing and a headphone jack for private and discrete discussions.
It has built-in human voice activity detection and adaptive echo cancellation.
It features an omnidirectional microphone that has a 360 degrees coverage. It picks up audio from every direction. Everyone sitting around it can become a part of the discussion.
It comes in a carrying case, so you can carry it along wherever you go. It features a lithium battery that gives a 10-hour battery life.
Plantronics Calisto 7200
- Features four MEMS microphones
- 8 feet wireless range
- Designed for 4-6 people
Those who are looking for a portable speakerphone should consider this Plantornic’s Calisto 700. It comes in a small form but offers a great conferencing experience.
The speakerphone has four built-in microphones to allow smooth conversations. Its four MEMS microphones cover all sides and let everyone participate in the discussion.
The speakerphone has a very slim and small structure. The square-like box is easy to place anywhere in the room on a flat surface. It has a long cord for connecting the device through a wired connection. The long USB cord allows you to take the speakerphone anywhere in the room.
It also comes with a wireless capability. You can connect the device to your tablet, laptop, or smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. The wireless connection works very well within 8 feet, but you can take it up to 14 feet away, and it still performs decently.
The device is designed for 4-6 people to talk at a time. Its intuitive touch-sensitive control allows you to easily adjust volume, start, end, or mute calls.
It features a USB locking mechanism that keeps your device safe in any meeting room or while on the go.
Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e
- Simple plug and play system
- NFC technology
- 15 hours of battery life
- A slot for mounting smartphones
This one is a mobile speakerphone from Logitech. It’s a simple to use and portable device with excellent sound quality.
The device features a USB cable connected through a USB cable and takes no more than three hours to charge, and it gives 15 hours of battery life if fully charged. Besides offering a Bluetooth connectivity option, it also features NFC technology as well.
The device has a simple navigation system right on the front. The touch-sensitive buttons are easy to use and help you control different options while taking calls.
It features a slot that you can open on the front and mount your phone in it. It conveniently holds your phone when you have a wired connection. For a wireless connection, you can place the smartphone wherever you like.
On the right side of the device, you have the on/off button, a headphone jack, battery indicator, and a Bluetooth pairing button.
Overall, it’s a very simple and easy-to-use speakerphone. The sound quality is also up to the mark, and the good thing is that it is very reasonably priced.
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20
- Expensive speakerphone
- Amplifiers for giving rich and clear audio
- Built it Qi charging
This one is a premium option from Bang & Olufsen. Beolit 20 is an upgraded version of Beolit 17 and is one of the best speakerphones for smooth and mobile conversation. The speakerphone provides powerful sound in a contemporary package.
The speakerphone offers both wired and wireless connectivity that makes it a very portable speakerphone. It gives clear and rich audio. Its powerful amplifiers and drivers ensure rich and natural-sounding audio.
The speakerphone features a robust and portable design. It has a solid aluminum and rubber body. A secure carrying strap makes it easy to carry. It has an iconic look and looks contemporary, and is durable for daily use.
It comes with an 8 hour talk time but you can keep using it for up to 37 hours at a low volume. It comes with a built-in Qi charging station as well. The device works like a portable power bank for your compatible phones and keeps them charged.
The speakerphone provides seamless stereo pairing with a similar Beolit 20 or Beolit 17 for a more immersive sound. You have all the speaker control from the top menu.
Buying Guide of Headset for Conference Calls
Here are a few things you should consider while selecting a speakerphone.
Audio Quality
Audio quality and clarity are the most important things to be considered while selecting a speakerphone. Look for a device with voice algorithm technology for high definition and crystal clear audio. Frequency Response
Frequency response is measured in Hertz and described as between 100-20,000Hz. Wider frequency response is better to reproduce natural-sounding audio.
Connectivity
Most of these modern speakerphones offer dual connectivity options. Still, make sure the device you are considering offers both USB and Bluetooth connections.
Bluetooth Version
Make sure to check the Bluetooth version. Some devices are compatible with only the latest versions. Also, the Bluetooth version determines the quality of audio and the distance between the phone and speaker.
Wireless Range
Make sure to check the wireless range of Bluetooth as well.
Consider your home office size and select a speakerphone that offers the wireless range suiting your place So that you can communicate easily while moving around.
Battery Life
Your speakerphone battery life may not be as important at home if you are using it only at home. But if you want to travel with the device, then having a long battery life is essential. Make sure to check how many hours of uninterrupted battery life your speakerphone is offering.
Built-in Microphones
Make sure you check the quality of microphones to ensure that others on the line can hear you loud and clear. The microphone should have 360 degrees coverage, especially if you want to have a conference call with other people present in the meetings. Make sure the microphones are echo and noise-cancelling so that only your audio is delivered without the background noise.
Build Quality
If you take a lot of calls, you’ll be handling the speakerphone around a lot, and the last thing you want is a fragile device that might be damaged if you accidentally knock it on a desk or drop it. Make sure you select a speakerphone with a rugged build to handle daily wear and tear.
Price
The price of speakerphones varies depending on their features, portability, and quality. You can find a cheap speakerphone for under $100, but it may lack the sound quality you need for professional meetings. So it depends on your budget, needs, and preference. If you need a speakerphone to attend solo calls and listen to some music, you can buy a cheap option. However, if you need to use the speakerphone in conference meetings with multiple people around the speakerphone, you better invest in a premium quality speakerphone with rich features like NFC or a voice activation system.
Final Words
Having a speakerphone at home enables you to attend long meetings online hands-free. Kids can use the same device for their online classes as well. These are also portable speaker phones that are easy to carry. You can take them out and use them in the car, on flights, in picnics, or wherever you go. As these speaker phones have built-in microphones, you can carry on discussions hands-free. Their modern design gives you the control to take or end calls, increase or decrease volume, mute the microphone between discussions, or enable voice assistance.
All options in our list offer great convenience, a rugged build, and smooth conversations. Different options are included to help you choose the one that fits your budget. We choose Beolit 20 as our best option. It is an expensive speakerphone but comes equipped with everything you need to have a conference call with other team members.
Jeremy has been running several online businesses behind his laptop for the past 5 years and he has worked as a freelance web developer previously. A trained marketer by profession, he also has Ruby on Rails and web development knowledge. His forte lies in eCommerce, SEO and content marketing. He’s been featured on Vice, Thrive Global, YFS Magazine, Forbes and several other publications. He prefers to connect with people on LinkedIn.
