This category holds conference microphones and tabletop conferencing audio units for meeting rooms, huddle spaces and home offices. It suits office managers, IT teams and small businesses that need everyone around a table to be heard clearly on video calls. Leading brands in our range include Poly, Cisco, Owl Labs and Logitech.
How to choose a conference microphone
Room size and pickup range. A microphone that copes with a table for four will struggle in a boardroom for twelve. Check the manufacturer's stated pickup radius or recommended number of participants, and choose a unit that comfortably exceeds your usual attendance.
Connection and compatibility. Most conference microphones connect by USB, and many also offer Bluetooth or a 3.5 mm jack for use with a laptop or phone. Confirm that the device works with your operating system and calling software, such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, because some models are certified for specific platforms.
Microphone only or all-in-one. Some units are microphones alone and rely on the room's speakers, while others combine microphones and a loudspeaker in one body. An all-in-one device keeps a small meeting room simple, whereas separate microphones suit rooms that already have installed audio or a video bar.
Expansion and room setup. Larger rooms often need extra microphones, so check whether a model accepts extension microphones or can be linked to a second unit. It is also worth checking that the device suits your existing camera or video system, as several brands here sell complete room kits.
Audio processing and finish. Echo cancellation and noise reduction matter a great deal in rooms with glass, hard floors or bare walls. Finish is a minor factor, but our range includes black, white and grey units, which makes it easier to match office furniture.
Conference microphone brands we carry
- Poly and HP: Poly was formed from Plantronics and Polycom, is now part of HP, and is known for conference phones, speakerphones and headsets. This is the largest group in our range.
- Cisco: known for Webex collaboration devices and meeting room hardware designed to work with the Webex platform.
- Owl Labs: known for the Meeting Owl, a 360-degree video conferencing device with built-in microphones and speaker, aimed at hybrid meetings.
- Logitech: known for webcams and video conferencing kits for meeting rooms, alongside everyday computer peripherals.
- IPEVO: known for document cameras and USB video tools used in classrooms and meetings.
- Epson: known for projectors and printers, which often sit alongside conferencing audio in meeting rooms.
Also in our range: Lenovo and Soundmaster.
Conference microphones: frequently asked questions
How many people can one conference microphone cover?
It depends on the model. Small tabletop units are designed for a handful of people around one table, while larger rooms usually need a bigger unit or extension microphones. Check the manufacturer's stated pickup range before buying.
Will a conference microphone work with Teams and Zoom?
Most USB conference microphones appear to the computer as a standard audio device, so they work with Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and similar apps. Certification for a specific platform matters mainly if you want features such as call buttons and mute lights to integrate with the software.
What is the difference between a conference microphone and a speakerphone?
A conference microphone mainly captures voices, while a speakerphone combines microphones with a loudspeaker so remote participants can be heard as well. Many conferencing units now do both, so check the product description to see whether a speaker is built in.
Do I need a conference microphone if my laptop already has one?
For a call with one or two people sitting close to the laptop, the built-in microphone is often enough. Once several people sit around a table or further from the screen, an external conference microphone picks up voices more evenly and usually handles room echo better.
