However, for good reasons, they're not always the most popular among remote employees.
Often, video conferences come with many technical issues. Nuisance, such as background noise or low video quality, can ruin the productivity of a conversation while making the meeting feel less "real."
Getting the most out of video conferencing requires more than just clicking on your Zoom link and hopping on a call. You also need the right equipment for effective communication in your remote work environment. Â
And just because you're working from home doesn't mean you can't present yourself online with professional media quality. It's why we've compiled the best list of tools you can use to have the best web conferences possible.
Microphones
Have you ever tried to talk to someone during a conference call, only to repeat yourself multiple times because they can't understand what you're saying? Chances are, you weren't using a quality microphone to communicate effectively. Here are some of the best microphones you can use for the most productive video conferences:Â
Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 microphone uses natural vocal reproduction to deliver the best sound possible during conference calls. It includes a dual XLR and USB output for a smooth recording process.Â
The Shure MV7 offers access to a desktop application that provides you with audio processing features and EQ filters to adjust the sound of the Shure MV7. This extra level of audio fidelity will mean recording presentations for your podcast from home will be slick and professional.
Where to buy: Amazon.com: Shure MV7 USB Microphone for Podcasting, Recording, Live Streaming & Gaming
Polsen GM3-USB
The Polsen GM3-USB microphone uses omnidirectional polar technology, making it possible to pick up sound around the mic. That means that people will be able to hear you correctly even if you're not speaking directly to the microphone.
So, if you're using video conferencing to host presentations (such as online classes), you'll be able to go to your whiteboard to write notes and talk far away from the mic without worrying if participants can still hear you. The Polsen GM3-USB's windscreen and shock absorption feature also help eliminate plosives and minimize sound nuisance when you move around the mic.Â
Where to buy: Polsen GM3-USB Omnidirectional USB Gaming and Conferencing Gooseneck Microphone (3'')
Jounivo USB Recording Microphone
The Jounivo USB Recording Microphone has a 360-degree gooseneck mic that you can easily adjust and noise-canceling technology to keep audio clear. It's beneficial for sales calls when clear quality and first impressions matter.
Headphones
Nothing gets in the way of a productive video conference conversation more than unwanted noise in your call. A quality pair of headphones helps eliminate nuisances, such as construction work outside or kids playing in the background, from ruining your video conference. The best headphones you can use for your video conferences include:
BlueParrott B550-XT
The BlueParrott B550-XT headphones have 96% noise cancellation to block unwanted sounds during your calls. Other components of the pair of headphones include a flexible mic, voice control, and ear pads made with durable leatherette material.
The headphones also come with 24 hours of talking time per charge. As a result, you won't have to worry about them switching off during a company meeting because the battery wore out.
Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 has been a go-to set of headphones for audio professionals for the past 30 years, commonly used in broadcasting and recording studios. The headphones are comfortable enough for extended use, which is excellent if you plan to use video conferencing to host long podcast episodes that span hours.
Where to buy: Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Plantronics Voyager Focus
The Plantronics Voyager Focus headphones come with 12 hours of talk time and 15 hours of listening time. The set of headphones comes with Active Noise Canceling (ANC) technology, so you can block out background noise during sales calls to focus intensely on your conversations with prospects and close more deals.
Where to buy: Amazon.com: Poly - Voyager Focus UC with Charge Stand (Plantronics)
Webcam
A low-quality webcam can make presentations hard to see and make you look unprofessional to clients or teammates. You can use the following webcams to make your presence feel more real during your video conferences:
NexiGo N934AF
The NexiGo N940AF has 1080p resolution for the best video quality during video conferencing. The webcam has 5 megapixels lens and comes with a 3x zooming capability.Â
It also includes advanced security features such as its privacy cover that covers the webcam's lens to prevent hackers from accessing your camera. This will be important for company meetings to ensure that sensitive information doesn't land in the wrong hands.
Insta360 Link
The Insta360 Link is a webcam with a large 4K sensor and a three-axis gimbal. What makes the Insta360 stand out from other webcams in the market is instead of buttons, you use gestures to switch modes.Â
Its AI-powered technology lets its lens track your movement to get the best framing in your video conference call. It will be helpful if you're using video conferencing to host presentations that require a lot of movements, such as online fitness or dance classes.
Where to buy: Insta360 Link - The AI-powered 4K webcam
Poly Studio P5
The Poly Studio P5 webcam has 1080p resolution and an 80-degree field view. It also has various options to adjust your webcam's brightness, saturation, and contrast. Â
To optimize video quality, the Poly Studio P5 comes with vivid color rendering to make your presence feel more "real" during the call. It will make your presence more impactful during sales calls and connect better with prospects.
Where to buy: Poly Studio P5 - Professional Webcam | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom
Step up Your Meetings With the Best Equipment for Video Conferencing
Using the right equipment can make your video conferences feel more professional and have more productive communication. Outside of using these tools to get the most out of your video conferences, here are three tips you can follow to create a more professional remote workspace at home:
-
Use soundproofing equipment such as noise-reduction curtains and acoustic wood panels around your remote workspace.Â
-
Turn your closet into a mini-studio so that you can optimize for privacy during video conferences.
-
Use a ring light during your video conferences to give your presence a more natural look without making you look washed out.