I use a VoIP headset with my computer so I have both hands free while I am talking. I use VoIP because it is cheaper than a regular telephone line. I wish I had some friends in other countries.

A VOIP headset provides excellent voice quality. Today it is much better than it was in the early days, which actually were not very long ago.

You must have VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) service in order to use your headset for calls. Regular telephones convert your voice into analog signals and sends through telephone lines. VoIP converts your voice into digital signals and sends through broadband (high speed Internet) connections.

You need to have a cable modem or DSL or a local area network. You cannot use a dialup Internet connection. It is too slow.

You also will have to get some free software to make VoIP calls. Skype is a leading VoIP software provider. You can download it from the Skype website. Then you can make free Skype-to-Skype calls. You can use other services as well, such as Gizmo or Google Talk.

You will need a computer or an adaptor or a special telephone. You probably knew that already.

If you use a computer, like I do, you will need some sort of microphone so you can be heard. Although a headset is not essential, it is has much better voice quality than a stick style microphone. The annoying background noise is eliminated and the clarity is so much better.

I used to have to be plugged into my computer. Now there are wireless headsets. They use USB wireless technology. Yes, you can use Bluetooth for these headsets. It is just like the Bluetooth you use for you mobile phone or cell phone.

The advantage of using the wireless headset is the added mobility. You don’t have to stay parked at your computer. You also no longer get your head jerked back by the cord when you move too far away.

A VoIP headset can be found in electronics stores, office supply stores and several other stores. You also can shop for them online. That is how I got mine. You can use an online retailer or use eBay or craigslist.

Whichever way you decide to purchase a headset, you can choose from a few different brands and lots of different styles. Personally, I think you get what you pay for. It is better to spend a little more money and get a better headset. Plantronics is very popular for wireless headsets.

These headsets have become very popular for business call centers and for personal use.

If you buy a USB-to-headset adapter you can use your VoIP headset with a softphone as well as a computer.