Households sharing a call
When two or more people join a family call from the same room, microphone pickup across their seating positions and the ability to speak naturally together matter more than they do for a solo call.
Who is it for?
Callers with household noise nearby
If other sounds compete with the conversation, compare microphone design and noise-handling claims while considering where the speakerphone will sit.
People switching between laptop and phone
For calls on both a computer and a smartphone, the exact USB and Bluetooth connections can affect how easily you switch devices.
What should you check?
Start with the number and positions of people speaking, then consider household noise and the devices you use for calls.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shared conversation | Check the exact model for full-duplex audio and microphone pickup suited to where people will sit. | When several family members join from one desk, I want overlapping voices to be heard without everyone taking strict turns; around 44% of consumers put shared-call clarity first. |
| Household noise | Compare the stated microphone and noise-control design, and consider whether the unit can sit near the intended speakers. | If household sounds interrupt my calls, I need to manage what the microphone picks up rather than rely on a silence guarantee; for around 33% of consumers, noise handling is the primary concern. |
| Device connection | Confirm the computer connector and whether the exact model supports Bluetooth for phone calls. | I use both a laptop and a phone, so changing calling devices needs to be manageable; connection and setup come first for around 23% of consumers. |
What can go wrong?
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Choosing a music speaker for a two-way call
Music output alone does not tell you how a device picks up nearby voices or handles people speaking at the same time.
Check that the exact model is a speakerphone, then look for its stated microphone design and full-duplex capability.
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Assuming the connector will fit
USB connector types and model variants differ, and calling software may need the speakerphone selected as its audio device.
Check your computer ports, the included cable or adapter, and the connection instructions before ordering.
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Expecting noise reduction to silence a busy room
Manufacturer noise-control claims are not a guarantee of call clarity when loud household sounds or poor placement interfere.
Keep the unit near the intended speakers, reduce noise you can control and use mute when needed.
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Putting an unwanted speakerphone in general waste
The UK government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs describe the waste electrical and electronic equipment framework as a way to reduce electrical equipment sent to landfill or incineration.
When replacing a speakerphone, check the electrical-recycling or retailer take-back options available where you live.
Brands to consider
Jabra
Its Speak2 55 is a portable speakerphone to consider for shared calls from a home office.
- Jabra specifies full-duplex audio and four beamforming microphones for the Speak2 55.
- Check the exact UC or Microsoft Teams variant and its connector; these specifications should not be assumed for every Speak model.
Poly
The Sync range includes personal speakerphones as well as models intended for larger shared spaces.
- HP specifies a USB computer connection and Bluetooth smartphone connection for the Poly Sync 20.
- HP positions the Sync 20 for flexible personal use; do not assume it covers the same room scale as larger Sync models.
AnkerWork
Its PowerConf range offers home-office speakerphones with USB and Bluetooth connection routes.
- AnkerWork describes its PowerConf model as having six microphones arranged for 360-degree pickup.
- Voice-enhancement and noise-reduction descriptions are manufacturer claims; check the exact model’s connections and controls.
Joybuy speakerphones for home-office calls
These two speakerphones offer different ways to set up a home-office call: an EMEET Bluetooth model with stated all-around pickup, and a Dell wired model for a desk connection. Check each model’s calling features and connector against the people and devices you use.
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EMEET Lunaplus 8-Mic Bluetooth Conference Speaker
Consider this model when several people join a call from positions around the desk. Its product name specifies eight microphones and 360° voice pickup; check the exact connections and full-duplex support against your calling setup.
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DELL Pro Wired Speakerphone SP325
Consider this wired speakerphone for a fixed home-office desk. Confirm that its connector fits your computer, and check full-duplex support before choosing it for family members who may speak at the same time.
Common questions
Does full-duplex audio matter for a family call?
It is worth prioritising when people may speak at the same time. Jabra describes full-duplex audio on the Speak2 55 as allowing simultaneous conversation; for a solo caller who normally takes turns, connection and microphone placement may matter more.
Should I use USB or Bluetooth?
USB is a straightforward choice for a speakerphone that stays at one computer desk, while Bluetooth is useful if you also call from a phone. Confirm that the exact model offers the connections you need and that your calling app selects it as both microphone and speaker.
Why is my calling app still using the laptop microphone?
The speakerphone may need to be selected as the input device in both your computer’s sound settings and the calling app. AnkerWork’s PowerConf S500 guide notes that manual audio-device selection can be necessary.
What should I do with an unwanted speakerphone in the UK?
Check the electrical-recycling or retailer take-back option available locally. The UK government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs explain that the waste electrical and electronic equipment framework aims to reduce disposal to landfill and incineration.