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For Zoom and Microsoft Teams, a cheap wired headset can be easier than relying on laptop speakers and a distant built-in microphone. The biggest buying decision is connection type: USB-A, USB-C or 3.5 mm.
The picks below are based on current Amazon Australia listings and stated connection and microphone features. I have not personally tested these headsets.
Quick picks
- Best straightforward USB-A option — Logitech H390. A wired computer headset with boom mic and inline controls. Check on Amazon Australia.
- Best simple 3.5 mm option — Logitech H111. A basic wired headset for compatible combined headset jacks. View on Amazon Australia.
- Best USB-C/A office alternative — Jabra Evolve 20. A more office-focused wired option with flexible USB connectivity. See it on Amazon Australia.
1. Logitech H390 — best straightforward USB-A headset
Best for: desktop or laptop users who want USB-A audio plus a boom microphone and inline controls.
The H390 is a wired USB-A computer headset with a boom microphone and inline controls. It is intended for standard computer calling and keeps audio separate from a 3.5 mm headset jack.
Trade-off: it needs a compatible USB-A port. Avoid it if your laptop only has USB-C and you do not want to use a hub or adapter.
2. Logitech H111 — best simple 3.5 mm headset
Best for: buyers whose laptop or device has a compatible combined 3.5 mm headset jack.
The H111 uses a standard 3.5 mm connection and includes a rotating boom microphone. It avoids occupying a USB port and can suit devices that support both headphone and microphone functions through one headset socket.
Trade-off: not every 3.5 mm socket supports both functions in the same way. Avoid it if your device lacks a compatible headset jack.
3. Jabra Evolve 20 — best USB-C/A office alternative
Best for: buyers who want a more office-focused wired headset and the flexibility of USB-C/A connectivity from the current Amazon listing.
The Jabra Evolve 20 listing presents a wired stereo headset with USB connectivity for PC and Mac use. It is a meaningfully different option from the simpler Logitech models because the current listing supports USB-C/A connection rather than relying only on USB-A or 3.5 mm.
Trade-off: it is a more office-oriented headset and may cost more than the basic Logitech options. Avoid it if your priority is the lowest-cost possible wired headset.
What to check before buying
USB-A, USB-C or 3.5 mm?
Match the headset to the ports on your computer. A USB hub may help if your laptop is short on USB-A ports.
Microphone support
For 3.5 mm headsets, confirm the socket supports a headset microphone rather than headphone output only.
Call platform compatibility
Standard USB and 3.5 mm audio devices commonly work with meeting software, but check your computer and software requirements if you need specific hardware call controls.
Webcam setup
If video quality is also a problem, compare our cheap webcam guide.
Buyer’s guide
Choose the H390 if USB-A is convenient and you want inline controls. Choose the H111 if you already have a compatible 3.5 mm headset jack. Choose the Jabra Evolve 20 when USB-C/A flexibility and a more office-focused design are worth the step up.
FAQ
Is USB better than 3.5 mm for Zoom?
Not automatically. USB is convenient on computers with suitable ports, while 3.5 mm can be simpler on devices with a compatible headset jack.
Do these headsets work with Microsoft Teams?
They provide standard computer audio and microphone connections. Check your device and Teams setup if you need specific hardware certification or call-control features.
Should I buy a headset or USB microphone?
A headset is simpler if you need both headphones and a microphone. A USB microphone makes more sense for a fixed recording or creator setup.
Conclusion
The Logitech H390 is the simplest USB-A starting point, the H111 suits devices with the right 3.5 mm headset jack, and the Jabra Evolve 20 gives you a more office-focused USB-C/A alternative.
If you are ready to compare current listings, use the Amazon Australia links above and check your laptop ports and microphone support before ordering.