A USB speakerphone is a single device with built-in microphones and a loudspeaker that plugs into a computer over USB and acts as its audio device for calls in Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or any other app. It picks up everyone around a table, plays the far end loudly and clearly, and cancels echo, which a laptop's own mic and speakers do poorly for more than one person.
How it works
- You plug it in by USB-A or USB-C (many also connect by Bluetooth or a USB wireless dongle).
- The computer sees it as a standard USB audio device; no driver is usually needed.
- Its mic array picks up voices from around it, often 360°.
- Built-in processing handles echo cancellation, noise reduction and volume leveling.
- Buttons on top control mute, volume and, on certified models, answering calls in Teams or Zoom.
USB speakerphone vs other options
| Option | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop mic and speakers | One person at a desk | Weak pickup and volume for a group |
| Headset | One person, noisy space | Only one person |
| USB speakerphone | 1-6 people around a table or desk | No camera |
| Video bar | Small to large rooms needing video | Fixed to the display, more expensive |
| Webcam + speakerphone | Low-cost huddle room | Two devices to connect |
See Bluetooth speakerphones and how to set up a webcam and speakerphone huddle room.
Why rooms and desks use them
- Small rooms without a video bar: one speakerphone and the laptop's webcam is enough for 2-4 people.
- Travel and hot desks: portable models fit in a bag and run on battery.
- Audio-only calls: better than any phone on speaker.
- Larger rooms: some models daisy-chain two or more units together for wider coverage. See daisy-chain speakerphones.
What to look for when buying
- Pickup range and group size for the space. See mic pickup range.
- Certification for Teams or Zoom if your company uses one platform; it means tested audio and working call buttons.
- Connection: USB-C, USB-A, Bluetooth, and whether a wireless dongle is included.
- Battery life if it will travel.
- Full-duplex audio so both sides can talk at once. See full duplex audio.
- Expandability if the room may grow.
USB speakerphones we carry
| Model | Room | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Poly Sync 20 | Focus, 1-2 | Portable USB-C/Bluetooth, IP64 |
| Jabra Speak2 55 | Focus, huddle | 4 mics, 12 h battery, USB/Bluetooth |
| Poly Sync 40 | Focus, huddle | 30 h battery, USB/Bluetooth |
| Jabra Speak 750 | Focus, huddle | Includes Link 370 adapter |
| Jabra Speak2 75 | Huddle, small | 4 mics, 32 h battery |
| Poly Sync 60 | Huddle, small | 6-mic array |
| AVer FONE540 | Small, medium | Expandable by daisy-chain |
Want camera and speakerphone in one box? The Logitech ConferenceCam Connect is a portable 1080p camera plus speakerphone for 1-6 people. Compare more in best speakerphones and how to choose a speakerphone.
Not sure what size you need? Tell us how many people and where you'll use it and we'll point you to the right model.
Related guides
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