One of the major challenges growing companies face is the stress of managing and responding to calls from customers, potential partners, and employees. This becomes even more arduous when an organisation has contacts across different parts of the world. To address this issue, companies are increasingly adopting tools that allow them to manage calls from a single device or platform, regardless of the call’s source or location.

Jabra Unified Communications and Microsoft Teams tools have offered unique solutions for business owners and admin teams to manage calls in a stress-free and efficient manner. While Jabra UC and Teams-certified audio devices are similar in functions, there are some subtle differences.

In this guide, we'll shed light on the key differences between Jabra Unified Communications and Microsoft Teams-certified tools. We'll also compare their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision when considering either tool.

Who Are Jabra?

Jabra is a Danish brand specialising in audio devices and video conferencing technologies. Founded in 1983 by Elwood Norris, it is owned by GN Audio, a subsidiary of GN Group. With markets in numerous countries, including the UK, the brand’s mission is to make “life look and sound better” for people whose work and daily activities require the use of audio devices.

Jabra Unified Communications

Jabra Unified Communications consists of specialised headsets and speaker phones designed to enable users to manage calls from mobile phones, PCs, and telephones from a single audio device. They were launched in 2011 by Jabra, with the Jabra UC VOICE series leading the way. With remote call control and simultaneous connectivity across multiple devices, Jabra has carved a niche for itself in the world of unified communications (UC).

How Do Jabra UC Devices Work?

Jabra UC devices work with both Bluetooth and USB, allowing users to choose between a wireless or wired connection. This enables seamless pairing with various compatible softphone applications and platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and even traditional desk phones.

Additionally, Jabra UC features a multipoint function that allows users to connect multiple devices (up to three) simultaneously, although only one paired device can play audio at a time. Users can switch between connected devices by tapping the volume up or volume down button.

Jabra's UC-optimised headsets include dedicated buttons for answering/ending calls, volume control, mute, and other call functions.

General Features of Jabra UC Devices

Jabra Unified Communications devices typically have the following features:

• Plug-and play functionality
• Dedicated buttons for managing calls, volume, mute, and switching between calls
• Noise-cancelling microphone that eliminates background noise
• Sound isolation
• Bluetooth and USB connection
• LED indicators
• Wideband audio
• Touch controller
• USB charging

Jabra Products with UC Functionality

Some popular UC-enabled Jabra devices include:

• Jabra Evolve2 20 UC Mono headset
• Jabra Evolve2 65 SE UC Stereo headset
• Jabra Evolve2 65 TE UC Stereo headset
• Jabra Evolve2 75 UC NC Stereo headset
• Jabra Evolve2 75 headset
• Jabra Evolve2 40 SE headset
• Jabra Evolve2 30 SE headset
• Jabra Engage 50 headset

Jabra Devices with Microsoft Teams Optimisation

A Jabra Microsoft Teams-powered headset is a UC headset that is specifically designed for optimal Microsoft Teams functionality. In other words, a Teams-certified headset can do everything a Jabra UC headset can do—and more. It can also work with other video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype.

One way to distinguish a Jabra Teams headset from a UC headset is the presence of a special button with an Microsoft Teams logo. When pressed, this dedicated Teams button launches Microsoft Teams directly from the headset, providing access to pre-installed Teams features.

See our comparison of Direct Routing and Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams.

There is usually no difference in audio quality or standard features like call management, microphone, and volume control.

Jabra Teams-certified Headset's Unique Features

With the Teams-certified variant of Jabra headsets, users can access the following features:

• Automatic selection of a Teams-certified headset by Microsoft Teams as the default communication device over a standard UC headset
• Microsoft Teams LED notifications
• A dedicated button for launching Microsoft Teams
• Automatic audio routing to the headset used to answer an incoming call when multiple Teams-certified headsets are present

Pros and Cons of Jabra's MS Teams Headset

Here are the perks and drawbacks of the MS variant of Jabra headsets weighed against the UC counterpart:

Pros:

• Optimal Microsoft Teams integration
• Direct launching of Microsoft Teams from headset
• Users receive extra level of technical support from Microsoft Teams staff
• Great for hybrid/remote work
• Easy to use and portable
• Wireless and wired connection
• Versatile: Works with various audio/video conferencing platforms
• Noise cancelling and sound isolation technologies
• Excellent audio quality

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Note: Pros specific for the Teams-certified headsets are emboldened, while those pertaining to both variants of Jabra headsets are in plain text.

Cons:

• Teams-certified Jabra headsets are relatively more expensive than the UC variant.
• There are fewer Teams-powered Jabra products than standard UC variants

Teams-certified Jabra Products

Below are some Teams-certified Jabra audio devices:

• Jabra Evolve 65 MS headset
• Jabra Speak 750 USB/Bluetooth Speakerphone MS
• Jabra Evolve 30 II headset
• Jabra Evolve 20 SE headset
• Jabra Evolve2 55 headset
• Jabra Evolve2 40 SE headset

Summary Table

Bottom Line

So, which should you pick: a standard Jabra UC device or the Teams-certified variant? If you want to integrate your UC headset with various softphone applications and conferencing platforms without special Teams privileges, you can cut costs by opting for a standard Jabra UC headset. However, if you desire seamless and optimum Teams integration along with customised support, the Teams-certified variant is your best bet.