This category contains conference microphones and speakerphones for meeting rooms, from table-top USB units to ceiling and network audio devices. It suits offices, schools and small businesses that need every participant heard on a call. Brands in our range include Sennheiser, Logitech, Cisco and Owl Labs.
How to choose a conference microphone
Room size. A single table-top speakerphone usually covers a small huddle room of four to six people, while a boardroom normally needs a ceiling array or several linked microphones. Check the pickup range stated by the manufacturer rather than counting seats alone.
Connection type. USB plug-and-play is the simplest option for a room built around a laptop or a single PC. Network (Ethernet) and analogue connections are more common in installed systems, where the microphone is wired into a codec, a mixer or the building network.
Platform compatibility. Look for confirmed support for the software you use, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex. Some devices work with any computer, while others are designed for a specific video system or IP phone platform.
Audio processing. Echo cancellation and noise suppression matter most in rooms with glass, hard walls or a lot of background noise. Full-duplex audio lets people speak at the same time without one voice cutting the other off.
Mounting and expandability. Table units can be moved between rooms, whereas ceiling or wall-mounted devices keep the table clear but need proper cabling. If the room may grow, check whether extra microphones can be added to the same system.
Conference microphone brands we carry
- Sennheiser: a German audio specialist, best known for professional microphones and headphones, with a dedicated line of conference and meeting room audio products.
- Logitech: makes video conferencing hardware for small and medium rooms, including cameras and speakerphones that work with the main meeting platforms.
- Cisco: a networking and collaboration company whose Webex devices are built for use in corporate meeting rooms.
- Owl Labs: known for the Meeting Owl, a 360-degree conference camera with a built-in microphone and speaker.
- AVerMedia: known for video capture and conferencing equipment, including cameras and speakerphones for meeting rooms.
- Fanvil: a maker of IP phones and VoIP communication devices, aimed mainly at office telephony.
- Axis Communications: a Swedish company known for network cameras, which also produces network audio devices for installed systems.
Also in our range: Techly.
Conference microphones: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a conference microphone and a normal microphone?
A conference microphone is designed to pick up several people around a table or room, while a normal microphone is built for one speaker close to it. Conference models usually combine several microphone elements with echo cancellation and noise reduction. Many also include a built-in speaker, so they work as a complete speakerphone.
How many people can one conference microphone cover?
A single table-top conference microphone typically covers a small room of around four to six people. Larger rooms need several microphones or a ceiling array. The manufacturer's stated pickup radius is a better guide than a general rule.
Can I use a conference microphone with a laptop?
Yes, most USB conference microphones work with a laptop without extra software. You plug in the cable and select the device as the microphone and speaker in Teams, Zoom or a similar application. Network and analogue models need additional equipment, such as a codec or an audio interface.
Do I need a separate speaker with a conference microphone?
Not always, because many conference microphones are speakerphones with a speaker built in. If you choose a microphone-only unit, you need a speaker or a room audio system so people can hear remote participants. Check the product description to see whether a speaker is included.
