Speakerphone

Selecting the right conference speakerphone

A conference speakerphone solves a specific problem: getting clear, full-duplex audio into a meeting without a fixed installed microphone system. Unlike ceiling arrays or table-mounted microphone pods, a speakerphone is self-contained — the microphone, speaker, and in many cases the DSP processing are built into a single portable unit that connects via USB or Bluetooth and works immediately with any platform. That portability makes speakerphones the default choice for hot-desking environments, flexible meeting spaces, and any situation where permanent installation isn't practical.

Jabra dominates the portable speakerphone category for good reason. The Speak2 55 covers personal and small group use with a single-unit design, 360° microphone pickup, and both USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The Speak2 75 steps up with wider pickup range and a Link module that lets two units link for coverage across a larger table. For rooms where audio quality is non-negotiable, the Jabra Speak2 85 adds active noise cancellation and a dedicated meeting room mode. Poly's Sync range offers a strong alternative: the Sync 20 is a compact personal unit, while the Sync 40 handles small meeting rooms and includes both USB-A and USB-C connections for maximum compatibility with laptops and room systems. Yealink's CP700 and CP900 series are worth considering for organisations already running Yealink room systems — they integrate natively with Yealink MTR and Zoom Rooms hardware, avoiding any driver or configuration friction. For larger tables where a single unit won't provide adequate pickup, the Yealink CP965 supports expansion microphone satellites that extend coverage without requiring a fully installed system. The full range of microphones and audio accessories includes table pods and ceiling arrays for rooms where a speakerphone alone won't be enough.

Connectivity is the first practical decision. USB speakerphones are the reliable choice for fixed desks and rooms with a dedicated laptop or compute device — plug in and they work, on any platform, without pairing. Bluetooth speakerphones suit hot-desking and flexible spaces where people bring different devices, though Bluetooth reliability can vary with room interference. Many units now offer both, which eliminates the decision entirely. As a general guide, a single speakerphone is ideal for tables up to around 2.5 metres — in a furnished room with soft surfaces, effective pickup range is typically shorter than spec-sheet figures suggest. Larger rooms often benefit from linked units, expansion microphones, or a dedicated installed audio system.

Platform certification matters if the room runs a dedicated system. Speakerphones certified for Microsoft Teams or Zoom carry firmware optimised for those platforms — the mute button syncs with the platform's mute state, status lights behave as expected, and there's no lag between hardware and software controls. For BYOD setups where the platform changes call to call, an uncertified but compatible unit that handles USB audio reliably is often the more practical choice.