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Native Bluetooth® for Microsoft Teams

In today’s modern workplaces, flexibility, reliability and seamless connectivity are more important than ever. For users of Microsoft Teams, the audio experience is a key part of daily productivity: clear calls, seamless switching between devices, and minimal friction. Here’s where native Bluetooth connectivity for Teams-certified headsets comes into play.

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Native Bluetooth® for Teams-Certified Devices

Traditionally, professional headsets and speakerphones certified for Microsoft Teams use a USB dongle to connect to the PC.

Native Bluetooth refers to a headset or peripheral that connects directly over the PC’s built-in Bluetooth interface — without requiring a USB dongle. The device has been tested and certified by Microsoft (under the Teams certification programme) to ensure full Teams functionality (including call controls, mute sync, Teams button) when using Bluetooth directly.

Devices certified for Microsoft Teams over native Bluetooth offer the same “plug & play” experience as dongle-based devices, but with fewer accessories and greater freedom.

Learn more about Microsoft’s Certification requirements

Why native Bluetooth matters for End-Users and IT Managers

  • For users

    • No more need to keep and plug in a USB dongle every time you change location or device.
    • Connect directly via the PC’s built-in Bluetooth, reducing port consumption and possible failures (lost dongle, broken port).
    • The certified Teams control features (mute toggles, call answer/hang-up, raise hand) function reliably for the same Teams experience you are used to.

  • For IT Managers

    • Simplifies asset management.
    • Facilitates hot-desking, hybrid working, and multi-device switching: users can move from desk PC to laptop to home-office.
    • Helps ensure reliable performance with Teams calls, as certification means standards for audio quality and control have been met.

Technical Considerations

While native Bluetooth brings many advantages, achieving a great experience depends on several technical underpinnings.


PC Compatibility

It’s important to check that the PC supports the required Bluetooth version and profiles. For example:


Checklist

If you’re considering whether native Bluetooth could be a good solution for your set-up here are a few checklist items that are important to consider and a feature comparison of Dongle-based vs native Bluetooth® certified solutions for Microsoft Teams.

  • Check that your PC supports recent Bluetooth version (ideally 5.x) and has latest drivers.

  • Review the deployment scenario: if users switch between devices or locations, native Bluetooth gives flexibility.

  • Remember: certification helps ensure quality, but actual experience also depends on hardware, drivers, OS version, and environment (e.g., wireless interference).

EPOS devices for native Bluetooth

IMPACT 500 is EPOS first headset for office professionals that will support native Bluetooth over Microsoft Teams (following a planned software release). The IMPACT 500 is available in two variants, with and without a dongle. This ensures that the IMPACT 500 will integrate seamlessly with any modern set-up and offer reliable Teams functionality for all connectivity preferences.

Explore IMPACT 500