UC vs MS Certified Headsets: What's the Difference

In today's world, the importance of technology in our daily lives cannot be overstated. Technology facilitating remote communication and collaboration has become more critical with more people working from home. One such technology that has become increasingly popular is the headset, which has revolutionised the way we communicate with others. This blog will explore the key differences between UC (Unified Communications) and MS (Microsoft) certified headsets and help you determine which is correct.

UC vs MS Certified Headsets: What's the Difference?

Functionally, UC and MS-certified headsets are almost identical. They both offer excellent audio quality and basic functions such as answering and ending calls, adjusting volume and muting—however, the main difference between the two lies in the pre-configured settings of the headset.

MS-certified headsets are designed for Microsoft Teams and are pre-configured to support it right out of the box. This means that users can enjoy features such as answering and ending calls, adjusting the volume, and muting without additional configurations or settings. Simply plug-and-play the headset, and it's ready to go.

A standard UC model is the way to go if you or your business are not using Microsoft Teams. UC-certified headsets work well with a range of unified communication solutions and can be configured to suit your needs.

How do Microsoft Teams variants differ from UC variants?

The UC and Microsoft Teams variants of headsets share the same audio quality and basic functions. However, Microsoft Teams variants feature a Microsoft Teams button that allows interaction between your Jabra device and Microsoft Teams on your computer. This feature is particularly useful if you use Microsoft Teams as your computer softphone.

How can you tell the difference between UC and MS-certified headsets across the Jabra and Plantronics range?

Jabra, Poly and Plantronics use different naming conventions to distinguish between UC and MS-certified headsets. Jabra and Poly denote UC or MS in the product title. In contrast, previous Plantronics products are usually distinguished by whether a product is marked with an -M after the model number.

How do you use the Microsoft Teams button on your Jabra device?

When you are connected to your Jabra device and signed into Microsoft Teams, you can use the Microsoft Teams button to interact with Microsoft Teams on your computer in the following ways:

• If the Microsoft Teams window is minimised, press the Microsoft Teams button to maximise the window and bring it to the foreground on your computer.
• The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash when a scheduled Microsoft Teams meeting becomes active (when another participant joins the meeting). Press the Microsoft Teams button to join the active meeting on your computer.
• The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash if you have missed a Microsoft Teams call. Press the Microsoft Teams button to see the notification in Microsoft Teams under Calls, History.
• The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash if there is a Microsoft Teams voicemail. Press the Microsoft Teams button to see the notification in Microsoft Teams under Calls and Voicemail.

Understanding Microsoft certification categories

If upgrading to Teams from Skype for Business, you don't need to replace previously certified devices. All certified devices are supported for both Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business users, with a few differences in functionality. Additionally, certification provides further designation for certain device categories.

Skype for Business Certified with Teams Upgrade

Devices certified at this level were initially certified for Skype for Business. To provide as much lifetime value to users as possible, Microsoft has worked with device manufacturers to deliver as much Teams integration as possible with these existing devices without any changes to the original hardware. Devices in this category may carry the Teams certification badge on marketing materials.

Certified for Microsoft Teams

Devices certified at this level indicate the newest devices certified for a no-compromise Teams experience. These devices offer all the benefits of prior certification, including a dedicated Teams button with an LED indicator. With most form factors, the Teams button will be an easy-to-find tactile button with the Teams logo. Microsoft continues to work with device manufacturers to deliver new value via firmware updates over time.

Zoom Certification

Zoom is another popular video conferencing platform, and you might wonder if UC or MS-certified headsets are compatible. The good news is that most UC and MS-certified headsets work with Zoom without issues. Zoom has an open audio and video architecture, which means it can work with almost any audio and video device, including UC and MS-certified headsets.

However, selecting a high-quality headset that meets your needs is important to ensure the best audio and video quality. Some UC and MS-certified headsets have advanced noise-cancellation features, which can help block background noise and improve audio quality. These headsets are ideal for noisy environments, such as open-plan offices.

When selecting a headset for Zoom, it's essential to check the product's specifications to ensure that it meets your needs. Look for headsets with a comfortable design, good audio quality, and advanced features like noise cancellation. With the right headset, you can enjoy crystal-clear audio and video on your Zoom calls, whether in a busy office or working from home.

Special Usage Designations

Premium Microphone for Open Office

All headsets are tested to provide clear audio, but open offices and other noisy environments present a greater challenge. The headset must pick up the user's voice clearly while not transmitting the sound of their neighbours. Premium microphones are designed to meet this challenge, making them ideal for open office environments.

Meeting Room Size

Shared devices such as speakerphones and cameras have a supported usage distance, and different manufacturers may report recommended distances differently. To provide clear guidance to customers, all shared devices are tested against well-defined room sizes and noise environments.

For Microsoft Teams

End-User Experience

• Dedicated Teams button and LED indicator light.
• User notification of events and alerts from the Teams client (e.g., meeting starting, voicemail, or missed call).
• Ability to activate the Teams client or respond to notifications with a button press (e.g., to join a meeting).
• Certification designed for extensibility (new device/client features to be delivered via firmware update).
• Automatic selection of the default audio device and prioritisation if multiple audio peripherals exist.
• Devices automatically register with the Teams client and are ready to use.
• Audio devices (e.g., headsets and speakerphones) offer basic call control when used with a PC or a Mac device. Basic controls include answer/hang-up, mute/unmute and volume control.
• Wideband audio with no echo, distortion, or excessive glitches. Echo cancellation is also supported across devices.
• Video devices meet noise, colour, image detail, jitter, latency, frame rate, and field of view requirements.

Administrator Experience

• No provisioning required
• All devices support firmware updates to allow new features and performance improvements.

For Skype for Business

End-User Experience

• Automatic selection of the default audio device and prioritisation if multiple audio peripherals exist.
• Plug-and-play: once connected, a device registers on the Skype for Business client and is ready to use.
• Audio devices (e.g., headsets and speakerphones) offer basic call control when used with a PC or a Mac device, including at least answer/hang-up, mute/unmute and volume control.
• Audio quality (embedded in the device): no echo or excessive glitches, echo cancellation across devices, and wideband audio with no echo, distortion, or glitches.
• Video quality: noise, colour, image detail, jitter, latency, frame rate, the field of view.

Administrator Experience

• No provisioning required
• Firmware and fixes. All devices support firmware updates to allow new features and performance improvements.

Are you interested in finding a solution that works for you? 

Contact us today at sales@telrex.com.au or 1300 665 970 to discuss your requirements. Whether you have one user or 10,000 users, we can help with a solution and incredibly competitive pricing.

Reference Information

If you want to learn more about the certifications of USB devices for Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business, check out the links below:

• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/devices/usb-devices
• https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/introducing-new-teams-certified-devices/ba-p/1345703
• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/skypeforbusiness/certification/devices-usb-devices