Do you hear a background noise when using a USB headset with your laptop? Don't worry, you're not alone. This issue is quite common, and it's not related to Ringover: it can happen with any communication app (Zoom, Teams, Skype, etc.).
This article explains where the noise comes from, why it happens, and how to eliminate it easily. 🔍
⚡ What causes this background noise?
Contrary to popular belief, this issue is not caused by a bad driver, a software bug, or incorrect settings in your application.
👉 The real cause is electrical.
This noise usually results from interference in the audio signal, which may occur when:
- Your laptop is running only on battery;
- The USB cable experiences disruptions (ground loops, electromagnetic noise);
- The laptop is not properly grounded (no earthing in the outlet);
- Some internal components generate noise (motherboard, fan, etc.).
🔍 This is referred to as "static background noise" or "ground loop noise". It often sounds like a hissing, a low buzzing, or a continuous hum in the headset.
✅ How to fix it easily?
1. Check the grounding of your power outlet
The most effective solution is to plug your laptop into a properly grounded power outlet.
💡 Proper grounding helps to:
- stabilize the electrical signal;
- eliminate potential differences that cause interference;
- immediately remove background noise in the microphone.
⚠️ Pro tip:
Avoid low-quality power strips or extension cords without proper grounding. Prefer a direct connection to a wall outlet.
2. Use a powered USB hub or a noise filter
If grounding isn’t an option (e.g. while traveling, in a café, etc.), you can:
- Use a powered USB hub with good signal filtering;
- Or invest in a USB audio filter or an external USB sound card designed to reduce such interference.
🎧 These accessories provide isolation between the headset and the laptop, helping to prevent ground loops.
3. Try a different USB port
Some USB ports are more prone to noise, especially those near the processor or the fan.
👉 Try using a different USB port, or test with a USB-C to USB-A adapter if you have one.
4. Enable noise reduction if available
Some communication apps offer a background noise reduction feature, which can help reduce unwanted sounds. While it won’t eliminate electrical interference completely, it can improve the audio experience for your contacts.
🧪 Quick test method
Here’s a simple way to check if the issue is related to grounding:
- Plug your USB headset into your laptop.
- Start a voice recording (using a tool like Audacity or a voice recorder).
- Listen to the recording while:
- your laptop is running on battery only;
- your laptop is plugged into a grounded outlet;
- your laptop is plugged into an ungrounded or poor-quality outlet.
You’ll likely notice that the noise disappears when the laptop is connected to a properly grounded power source. 🔬
| Situation | Expected effect | Main recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Running on battery | Likely background noise | Plug laptop into power outlet |
| Ungrounded power outlet | Audio interference | Use grounded wall outlet |
| Headset directly connected | Possible noise | Add USB hub or audio filter |
| Noisy or faulty USB port | Buzzing or static | Try another port or adapter |
🎁 Bonus: Long-term prevention
- Use certified headsets for professional use;
- Keep your drivers up to date, even if they’re not the cause, as this improves system stability;
- Avoid electrically overloaded environments (e.g. crowded power strips, unstable power).