Microsoft is introducing the Surface Headphones 2 Plus along with the new Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets. These accessories have been designed specifically for the workplace, and you can order the Headphones 2 Plus today and the USB and Wireless Headsets later in June.
Surface Headphones 2 Plus for Business
The Surface Headphones 2 Plus for Business is identical to the original Surface Headphones 2. There are 13 levels of active noise cancellation, earcup dials, an 8-microphone system, and 18.5 hours of listening or up to 15 hours of voice calling time. However, the new variant includes a USB dongle to make it easier to set it up, you can only get it in black, and it has a certification to use it with Microsoft Teams.
In addition, the peripheral includes a dedicated Teams button to take calls, and the light in the dongle lets you quickly see your current status.
The headphones are available now through the Microsoft Store for $299.
Wireless and USB Headsets
Microsoft is also launching two headsets, including the Microsoft Modern USB and Wireless Headsets. Similar to the new Surface headphones, these accessories are also meant for the work environment since they both have a dedicated Teams button to join meetings and answer calls.
They also come with a physical mute button and LED mute indicator.
While you are not getting the same features and experience as the Surface Headphones 2 Plus, they have a lightweight and comfortable design and high-quality stereo speakers.
In the Wireless Headset case, you also get the “flip-to-mute” microphone that allows you to mute or unmute by flipping the boom microphone up or down and controls for mute, volume, and Teams are located in the ear cup.
In the Microsoft USB Headset, the controls are in-line the USB cable.
You can use the wireless headset with Bluetooth, but the Microsoft Teams features are only available when connecting the USB-A dongle. On paper, the peripheral provides up to 50 hours of listening time or 30 hours of Microsoft Teams voice calls. And it takes two in half hours to fully charge.
If you are wondering if you can use them for gaming, you probably could. However, the company recently introduced the Xbox Wireless Headset, which offers almost the same experience, but is tailored for gamers.
The Wireless Headset does not have a price yet, but the USB model will cost $49.99, and it will be available in June.
Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker
In addition to the headsets, the company is also introducing the Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker that will give you the same benefits as the Wireless and USB Headsets, but on a device that sits on the desk.
The device includes high-quality speakers for more call and casual music listening and dual microphones.
It is also Microsoft Teams certified, it connects to any Windows 10 computer through USB-C, and it comes with the controls for volume, mute, LED indicator, Teams, and calls built into the device.
This Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker will cost $99.99, and it will be available in June.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].