Are you searching for cordless office phones or headsets? There are two options available when it comes to cordless or wireless headsets: DECT or Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is regarded as the standard for connecting mobile phones to cars, headphones, and even keyboards, whereas DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) is familiar with VoIP systems. But how to decide which is best for businesses? This overall decision will be based on how and where your workers want to use this technology in business. These both DECT and Bluetooth technology are featured with an array of several benefits. So, you can choose the one on the functions of your office. GN NETCOM headsets are among the leading and fastest growing suppliers of hands-free communications solutions.
What is DECT?
DECT is a standard that is widely used in wireless phone systems to connect the cordless phone to a base station. From the past few years, DECT headsets have become so popular. With the availability of several applications, ranging from baby monitors to industrial remote controls, it is utilised for business VoIP and consumer phones. In addition, it can be used with both wireless LAN and PBX to allow users to move around the office without losing any connectivity during calls.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth was originally invented in 1994 and has become the primary standard for streaming calls and music around the world. This device transfers information using radio transmissions rather than data cables. In simple terms, it is a wireless communication protocol that allows you to wirelessly transfer data by connecting devices. It is very simple to use and can work across every device. With the latest Bluetooth standards connecting devices as much as 300 feet away from the transmitter, you can connect your Bluetooth device to 8 devices at the same time.
Table of Content
Which is Best, DECT or Bluetooth?
- Interference and Security
- Distance Dilemma
- Compatibility
- Connectivity Considerations
- Battery Life
Bottom Line
Which is Best, DECT or Bluetooth?
- Interference and Security
Nowadays, most people are concerned that when they talk over the wireless connection, somebody may be able to tap into their call via the wireless connection. But, it is almost impossible once authentication is established. Whether you are using a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset, it would first make an authenticated connection when you connect it with the base. This requires a number of “handshakes” and creates a secure link. Once it establishes, the headset converts voice into digital data, encrypts it, and carries only the encrypted data back to the base. It helps to create conversation highly secure. DECT wireless headsets use a 64 bit encryption, whereas Bluetooth provides 128-bit encryption. Both are highly-secure, which means no one can hack your call and eavesdrop on it.
DECT has a far greater range that is around 100 meters (330 feet), whereas Bluetooth range depends on which level is used:
- Level 1 has a range of about 100 meters (330 feet).
- Level 2 is about 10 meters (33 feet).
- Level 3 is only 1 meter (3 feet).
In offices, a Bluetooth of level 1 category is the ideal choice for headsets. But, a smartphone is usually Level 2. If you want to use the same headsets for phones like smartphones or mobile phones to answer the call, then it would automatically adjust itself to the Level 2 power level. Level 3 is often only used for devices like keyboards and mice.
But, DECT supports a maximum of 60 channels on a given base station in some countries like the USA. On the other hand, DECT supports a maximum of 120 channels in Europe. In a dense office environment like a call center, companies may run out of available channels. In such cases, the office setup base stations sufficiently far away from each other so as not to cause interference. DECT range can be set down to about 20 meters (60 feet) in high-density environments to reduce interference.
With the ubiquity of Bluetooth devices, you can easily find a compatible model. But, DECT devices are not as readily available. One of the significant advantages of DECT over Bluetooth is voice quality. Bluetooth becomes a means of data transfer, but if you use it for voice calls, then it might lead to jittery, garbled call quality, mainly if the data transfer is slow. In contrast, DECT was made of telecommunication. It goes the extra mile by limiting interference and interruption to your phone calls. In turn, it produces a crystal-clear voice and sound quality.
- Connectivity Considerations
One of the other significant differences is that a DECT headset can only correlate to the other device, which is known as the base station that provides a connection to the phone network. On the other hand, a Bluetooth device can connect to up to 8 different devices concurrently. This means you can connect the same Bluetooth headset to a user’s mobile phone, computer, tablet, and desk phone.
So, the headset choice largely depends on how and where you want to use it. In case, if you wish to for desk-or computer-based phones, then a DECT headset is the right choice as these are secure and allow users to move around freely while attending any call. If you want to use the headset with a mobile phone, then Bluetooth may make sense. A single Bluetooth headset should be all your users need if you have got a UC system that allows uninterrupted hand-offs between computer-based softphones and mobile devices, which is a better choice. JABRA headsets have compatibility to support both the Bluetooth and DECT standards.
Most Bluetooth headsets for phones that you use for business do not have a replaceable battery. On the other hand, DECT headsets are available with the replaceable battery system. In a massive deployment of headsets, replacing your headset every 1-2 years because of batteries can be costly. But replacing a battery rather than a headset is a good choice to save money.
Bottom Line
According to the points mentioned above, it is concluded that Bluetooth headsets are great for Unified Communication applications, but it is not the right solution for desk phone applications. If you use UC applications being widely used in the office and decide to use Bluetooth headsets, then you may face interference issues. A Bluetooth wireless headset is a great choice for your softphone or mobile phone calls. On the other hand, DECT wireless headsets will provide you excellent sound quality, range, security and are formulated especially for office environments.