If you’re looking at adding a single-ear headset to your current office or work-from-home setup, you’ve come to the right place. At Headsets.com, we’ve got plenty of options for the mono headset wearer. In this article, we’ll walk you through our top five favorite single-ear devices to help you pick the perfect supplement for your workplace.

If you’re unsure about whether or not a single-ear headset (a.k.a. mono headset) is right for you, consider the following statements. If they apply to you, a single ear device might be your best bet.

1. You work in an environment that requires communication with those around you. If this is true for you, a single-ear headset is the way to go. With a dual-ear headset, you’ll have full sound immersion. It’s great for focus, but it means that you might miss what the coworker next to you is trying to say. With a single-ear model, you’ll have one ear for phone calls and one ear for in-person communication. It’s the best of both worlds!

2. You either work in a relatively quiet environment, or you prefer some background noise while you work. Since a single-ear headset keeps an ear free, you’ll be able to hear what’s going on around you. If your workplace is fairly quiet, you probably won’t need the full background noise blockage of a dual-ear headset. Conversely, if you work better with a little bit of white noise (i.e. coworkers chattering, nature sounds from outside your window, or even music playing in the background), having that open ear can be great for your focus.
    

Now let’s dive into some of our favorite single-ear headset options.

Single-ear headset recommendations

Leitner LH370

First, we have the Leitner LH370. It’s the Bluetooth-enabled version of Headsets.com’s top-selling device (the Leitner LH270), and there’s a reason our Customers love it so much. Here’s what you need to know about it:

Specs:

• Price: $269.00

• Range: up to 350 feet

• Battery life: up to 8 hours of talk time

• Warranty period: 5 years

What makes it special:

• Bluetooth connectivity: If you’re planning on using your mono headset with a tablet, smartphone, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, the LH370 has you covered. In addition to connecting to traditional corded desk phones and Mac and PC computers, this headset can be hooked up to any device with Bluetooth capabilities. That means you won’t have to worry about incompatibility with any part of your current office setup.

• Comfort: If you plan on wearing your mono headset for the entire workday, the LH370 can ensure that you do so without a headache. The UltraFlex headband is completely customizable. Shape and mold it to your liking, no matter how wacky your head shape is. It’ll hold its position until you decide it’s time to reshape it. No more uncomfortable plastic poking you throughout the day. The super soft earpiece swivels with your head movements, so you don’t have to worry about the speaker moving off of your ear throughout the day. Overall, this device will sit securely and comfortably to ensure maximum productivity for the wearer. 

• Multifunctionality: Some headsets you’ll find for your office pretty much only work for taking calls. With the LH370, you won’t be limited to workplace communication. The sound quality that you get from Leitner’s CleanSound Technology transfers over into music, videos, and pretty much any other media you might want to play.

Buy this headset if…

… you’re looking for the most bang for your buck. The LH370 has all the functionality as many of the top mono headsets on the market, but it’s nearly $100 less expensive than some competing brands. You’ll get capabilities far beyond those of a more basic headset, but you won’t need to pay premium prices - which often go up to $400 to $500.

Don’t buy this headset if…  

… you don’t need to use it with a cell phone or tablet. If you only plan on using your single-ear headset with a desk phone and/or computer, Bluetooth functionality is just an additional cost. Connection to a desk phone or computer can be established using a cord, so you don’t need to dish out the extra dough for connection types that you won’t use.

Leitner LH280

Next on the list is the Leitner LH280. Here’s what you should know:

Specs: 

• Price: $219.00

• Range: up to 350 feet

• Battery life: up to 8 hours of talk time

• Warranty period: 5 years

What makes it special:

• Sleek design: If you’re into a more discrete wearing style, the LH280 could be the device for you. Not only will it be less obvious to the people around you; you might even forget you’re wearing it yourself! It weighs under an ounce and sits comfortably on your ear, so you can maximize communication without any bulky technology.

• DECT: The LH280 utilizes DECT technology. That means all of the communication going on via the headset is fully encrypted. You won’t have to worry about anybody intercepting your data or pulling classified information. It’ll also ensure that the calls made using this device have maximum sound quality for both the speaker and the listener.

• Battery: The eight hour talk time is great, but it doesn’t stop there. The LH280’s battery is fully replaceable. This means that you’ll get way more wear out of this device than almost any other on-the-ear headset. Rather than dishing out a few hundred dollars to purchase a new device when your battery dies, you can spend just under $30 on a new Leitner battery that’ll have the same effect. It means more use out of one device and less money spent on new ones over time.

Buy this headset if... 

… an over-the-head wearing style isn’t for you. Oftentimes, on-the-ear headsets are either uncomfortable, or they don’t have a secure fit. That might steer you away from the wearing style, even if you aren’t particularly keen on the overhead style. With the LH280, you don’t have to compromise. Since it comes with three different sizes of interchangeable ear tips, rest assured it won’t come loose during the day. It’s got all of the discreteness of an on-the-ear mono headset without any of the discomfort. And, without a headband, you won't have to worry about messing up your hairdo.

Don’t buy this headset if…

… long hours of earbud wear have caused you discomfort in the past. Some people find that if they keep their earbuds in for a prolonged period of time, their ears get sore and uncomfortable. If this is the case for you, we don’t recommend the LH280; the in-ear speaker mirrors that of traditional headphones, so you might run into the same issue.

Sennheiser OfficeRunner

Up next is the Sennheiser OfficeRunner. It’s a fan favorite in terms of wireless single-ear headsets. Here’s why:

Specs:

• Price: $489.95

• Range: up to 400 feet

• Battery life: up to 12 hours of talk time

• Warranty period: 3 years

What makes it special:

• Convertible wear style: If you’re unsure if an over-the-head or on-the-ear device is right for you, no worries! The Sennheiser OfficeRunner can switch easily between these wearing styles. All you have to do is pop the microphone off of one earpiece and onto the other. It’s two single-ear headsets in one box! It even comes with interchangeable add-ons to ensure maximum comfort; you’ll get multiple sizes of ear loops for the on-the-ear configuration.

• Multiple-headset connectivity: If conference calls are a regular occurrence in your workplace, and multiple people from the same office need to join, the OfficeRunner allows for it. Up to 4 wearable devices can be paired to one base. That means that each person on the call won’t need to dial in from their own phone. Instead, just hook everyone up to one base and let the call flow smoothly. Thanks to this Sennheiser headset’s wide range, everybody can get their steps in, and you won’t need to worry about the connections interfering with each other.

• Hearing protection: This single-ear headset uses ActiveGard technology to make sure that no potentially dangerous volume spikes harm your ears. It levels the sound for you, so you don’t have to worry about discomfort or annoyance that comes from sudden loud noises.

Buy this headset if…

… you plan on using it with a softphone. The OfficeRunner is certified with brands like Cisco, Microsoft, and more to ensure that you have full functionality of your headset when communicating on your office devices. It even works with services like Skype. Even though any device that connects to your computer will be able to transmit audio from a softphone call, not every headset can fully integrate with the system. The Sennheiser OfficeRunner ensures that your softphone calls and your mono headset have full communication.

Don’t buy this headset if… 

… you’re strictly Team Over-the-head or Team On-the-ear. Since this headset can convert between the two wearing styles, it’s a bit more expensive than your single-wearing-style headset. It’s still far less expensive than buying two separate mono headsets, but if you know for a fact that you only want one wearing style, you don’t need to spend the extra cash. Instead, check out either of the two Lightner headsets mentioned above.

Executive Pro Melody

The Executive Pro Melody Noise-canceling headset is a great option in terms of corded single-ear headsets.

Specs:

• Price: $104.99

• Range: up to 8 feet

• Battery life: not applicable

• Warranty period: 2 years

What makes it special:

• TruComfort: This device uses TruComfort technology to ensure the best possible wearing experience. Adjust the headband, swivel the earpiece, and move it around all day without compromising your comfort.

• Value: This single-ear headset has pretty much everything you would need. Noise-canceling abilities, maximum sound quality, adjustable configuration… All for the price of just over $100. When it comes to the intersections of customer satisfaction and low cost, you can’t beat the Melody.

• Maximum corded range: Some corded headsets will only give you 2 or 3 feet of mobility, and it can feel a bit too limiting. Luckily, this isn’t an issue with the Melody. The cord is 8 feet long, so you can roll around in that office chair all you want without pulling your headset off.

Buy this headset if… 

… you’re looking for a corded configuration. Corded headsets can be great if you spend most of your day at your desk. They connect to your device easily, they switch between devices seamlessly, and you’ll never have to worry about charging your headset.

Don’t buy this headset if… 

… you prefer maximum mobility throughout the day. If you’re looking to take a stroll around the office or grab a cup of joe without dropping your call, steer away from corded models like this one. While the 8 feet of range is great for a corded model, it won’t allow you to explore the building like a wireless model will. If this type of headset doesn’t sound like the route for you, check out any of the wireless ones listed above.

Sennheiser DeskMate

Finally, let’s take a look at the Sennheiser DeskMate.

Specs:

• Price: $214.95

• Range: up to 3.8 feet

• Battery life: not applicable

• Warranty period: 4 years

What makes it special:

• Versatility: Since the microphone can swivel all the way around, you can wear this single-ear headset on either ear. Pick your favorite ear, or switch them throughout the day. It’s an easy transition that makes for a more versatile wearing experience.

• Sound quality: The Sennheiser sound quality is one of the main things that sets the brand apart. Customers rave about how effective the noise-canceling ability is and how clearly they can hear whoever they’re speaking to.

Buy this headset if… 

… you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all model. This device is known for its versatility. No matter your office size, which ear you prefer to wear it on, what brand of phone you’re using… The DeskMate will more than likely satisfy your needs.

Don’t buy this headset if… 

… you’re looking for a more budget friendly corded option. This headset is great. It has pretty much all of the functionality you could look for in a corded headset. However, it is one of the more expensive corded models that we carry. If you’re looking for a device that connects with a cord, but you’re looking for a lower price, check out options like the Melody listed above.

We’re here when you need us

So there you have it. Those are our pics for the best single-ear headsets for your work set up. If you’re not sure about what device will be best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Headset Advisors. Just call 1-800-HEADSETS (432-3738) or email info@headsets.com.