Open-plan offices are full of sound: keyboards, conversations, phone calls, and meetings happening a few desks away. For staff who spend the day on calls, that noise damages concentration and call quality. The right noise cancelling headset for office use fixes both problems.

This guide explains the two main types of noise cancelling, which one your team needs, and which HP Poly Blackwire headset suits each role.

Two types of noise cancelling (and why they are different)

Many buyers see "noise cancelling" on a box and assume it means one thing. It actually covers two separate features.

Microphone noise cancelling

This works on what the other person hears. A noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise around the speaker, so the person on the other end hears your voice and not your office. Almost all business headsets include it, and it is the most important feature for call quality.

Active noise cancelling (ANC)

This works on what you hear. ANC uses microphones to pick up background sound and then cancels it out, so the room around you gets quieter. It helps you concentrate and lets you keep the volume lower. Hybrid ANC uses microphones on the outside and inside of the ear cups to cancel noise more accurately.

Many headsets also use passive noise reduction, which simply means the ear cushions block some sound physically.

Which type does your team need?

• Staff who take calls but sit in a fairly quiet area: a headset with a noise-canceling microphone is enough.
• Staff in busy open-plan offices: add ANC, so they can concentrate as well as be heard.
• Managers and executives with frequent calls and meetings: choose a premium headset with ANC and the best microphone technology.
  

HP Poly Blackwire headsets for the office

Everyday staff: Blackwire 3200 and 5200

The HP Poly Blackwire 3200 Series is a lightweight, affordable corded USB headset. It has a noise-canceling microphone, PC wideband audio and in-line controls for answering and ending calls, volume and mute. It comes in mono and stereo versions, with USB-A and USB-C options.

The HP Poly Blackwire 5200 Series adds a microphone that masks nearby talkers for better call privacy. It is available as mono (5210) or hi-fi stereo with passive noise reduction (5220). It comes in USB-A or USB-C versions and includes a 3.5 mm connection for smartphones and tablets.

Focus in noisy offices: Blackwire 7225

The HP Poly Blackwire 7225 is a wired stereo headset with active noise cancelling and a USB-C connection. It has a boomless design with built-in microphones, call controls on the headset, and works with the free Poly desktop app. A USB-A version is also available.

Premium choice: Blackwire 8225

The HP Poly Blackwire 8225 is the top model in the range. It combines hybrid ANC, with three settings (off, low and high), and a noise-canceling microphone with Acoustic Fence technology. It connects with a USB-C cord and a tethered USB-A adapter, and includes a carrying case. It suits executives, managers and anyone who needs the best call quality in a noisy space.

Quick comparison

USB-A or USB-C: which connection do you need?

Many modern laptops have only USB-C ports, while older desktops use USB-A. Before you order for a whole team, check which ports your devices have. Choose USB-C versions for newer laptops. The Blackwire 8225 includes a USB-A adapter, which helps if your team uses a mix of devices.

Going wireless: Bluetooth adapters

If some staff use Poly Bluetooth headsets, a USB adapter links them to a computer:

• The HP Poly BT700 is a Bluetooth 5.1 adapter with a range of up to 50 m. It comes in USB-A and USB-C versions, works with Windows and macOS and remembers up to two devices.

• The HP Poly BT600 is a compact USB Bluetooth adapter for compatible Poly headsets, such as the Voyager series.
  

Tips for setting up a hybrid team

• Standardise on one or two models. It makes support, spares and training easier.
• Match the headset to the role. Not everyone needs premium ANC.
• Check ports first. Count the USB-A and USB-C ports across your team's laptops.
• Keep a few spares. A faulty headset should never stop someone from taking calls.

Buy noise-cancelling headsets in the UAE

Headsets.ae supplies HP Poly (Plantronics) headsets and accessories with delivery across the UAE. Browse the full HP Poly range, or contact our team with your team size and device setup, and we will recommend the right headsets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ANC and a noise-canceling microphone?

A noise-canceling microphone cleans up what the other person hears. ANC reduces the noise you hear around you. Business headsets often have the first, and premium models add the second.

Do I need ANC for an office headset?

Only if you work in a noisy space. For quieter areas, a noise-canceling microphone is usually enough.

Which HP Poly Blackwire has active noise cancelling?

The Blackwire 7225 and Blackwire 8225 both have ANC. The 8225 uses hybrid ANC with three settings.

Are Blackwire headsets USB-C?

Yes. The Blackwire 3200, 5200 and 7225 come in USB-C versions, and the 8225 has a USB-C cord with a USB-A adapter.

Can I use a Blackwire headset with a laptop that only has USB-C?

Yes, choose a USB-C version, or the 8225, which connects by USB-C directly.