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Best Bluetooth Headset: these are a few wireless headsets we like

Best Bluetooth Headset: these are a few wireless headsets we like

By: Ionut Popa  In: Accessories and Peripherals  Updated: Jan 20, 2012

I know, I know, Bluetooth headsets make you look silly, confuse people into thinking you’re talking to them, plus add another source of electromagnetic radiation (how much can our body take?), but they’re useful in lots of situations. That’s why many people use Bluetooth headsets, plus at the prices they got right now it’s not an unaffordable gadget.

This post is meant to show you which Bluetooth headset to pick if you want the best of the best, what features you should look for and ultimately educate you on why it’s important to use wireless headsets in some activities. Our bluetooth headset list might not be the best, but rest assured we’re updating this article with new arrivals every month. It could be a good idea to bookmark this post for future reference.

Why buy a Bluetooth headset?

That’s the main question, and I’m guessing you know a little bit about why buying a good Bluetooth headset is a good thing, since you’re already here. I’m going to make a short list of activities that require or benefit significantly from using a bluetooth wireless headset. So let’s start:

Driving – by far this is the most important activity where using a Bluetooth headset makes sense, and most important, saves lives. If you need to talk to the phone while driving it’s best to use a wireless headset to keep your hands free (note: you shouldn’t be doing anything else while driving). Alternatively you can check if your car can output voice to the integrated audio system. Everyone in the car will hear you, but you don’t need a headset, only a Bluetooth enabled phone will suffice. No matter what you do DON’T DRIVE AND TALK/TEXT on the phone. It’s dangerous and consequences can be severe

Work – if you work in a domain that requires you to use both hands then you pretty much need a headset. And having no wires around your waist is priceless, so get a wireless model

Listen to music – even if purists will say a wired headset produces the best audio quality I’m sure a good pair of stereo Blueooth headsets will get you the freedom to listen to music in your house. Just make sure you get the best stereo Bluetooth headset if sound quality is your priority (and it should).

When you talk a lot on the phone – if this is the case then your hands might get tired of holding the phone to your ear. Get a wireless headset and solve this problem

Other – this is one larger category of ‘moments’ when using a Bluetooth headset makes sense. Included here are activities like carrying your groceries to the car, staying connected when the phone is charging, watching TV when someone is sleeping and I bet you can add more. It’s clear that Bluetooth headsets are here to stay as they represent a convenience feature, and we all know how much people like convenience.

What to look for in the best Bluetooth headset?

This is another crucial question when searching for the best Bluetooth headset money can buy. Usually it’s not the most expensive headset that is worth buying, but the underdog, the one that has to prove something to the big boys. But enough with the ramblings, and see the features you have to take into consideration when making your own shopping list:

Battery life – this is by far the most important factor in you decision. How long does it last in stand-by and talk time are mandatory if you’re going away from an outlet for a long time

Size & Weight - You don’t need a huge headset, so pick one that sits comfortably and doesn’t put too much strain on your ear. Mind you that bigger headsets sometimes come with larger batteries

Noise cancellation – If you’re talking in a crowded place make sure the headset you choose comes with noise cancellation technologies. Some are more advanced that others, so check the reviews

A2DP – this is a must have feature for music streaming. Without this profile you won’t be able to listen to music on your bluetooth headset!

Voice commands – If you have your hands busy all the time it’s good for your headset to take voice commands, thus not needing to touch it to answer, reject, dial, hang up

Buttons – If you’re the multitasking kind of guy you need more buttons, if not choose a bluetooth headset with an easy to reach and use layout. Answer/hang up and volume buttons are mandatory

Design – This is the last thing you need to watch for, but if you have style get one that attracts attention and admiration at the same time

More Bluetooth headsets articles from GadgetRoad are available here

Now let’s get on to our list of favorite Bluetooth headsets you should check out:

Plantronics Voyager PRO+

Highlights: Made from soft durable materials tested for endurance. Can connect with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Can stream music, GPS directions, podcasts, and other audio streams from your A2DP-compatible cellphone/MP3 player. Features the dual-mic AudioIQ2 technology designed to block background noise while keeping the natural sound of your voice. Supports voice alerts like  ’phone connected’, low battery’, and ‘pairing’. An iPhone apps allows you to monitor battery status of the Plantronics Voyager PRO+. [read review or Buy from here]

Plantronics Voyager PRO+

Plantronics Voyager PRO+

Jawbone ERA

Highlights: Talk time 5.5 hours, stand-by 10 days, charges in 60 minutes. 10mm wideband speaker that’s larger and more powerful than most other Bluetooth headsets, providing loud and clear sound. Built-in accelerometer and patented MotionX technology allow for gesture controls (double tap to answer, shake to pair and so on). Supports apps for things like voice control (sending emails and messages, calling IDs by name, check battery status and so on) – works greatly with the iPhone. Music streaming via A2DP. [read our test with purchasing details]

Jawbone ERA

Jawbone ERA

Bose Bluetooth Headset

Highlights: Adaptive audio adjustment technology that adjusts headset volume automatically depending on surrounding environment, thus keeping a steady volume that doesn’t hurt your ears. Noise cancellation filters. Comes with 3 sizes of removable silicone tips (Small, Medium and Large). Rechargeable battery that lasts up to 4.5 hours talk time and 175 hours of standby. Battery status indicator LED built-in. Answer/End call button and power slider to turn the Bose headset ON or OFF. Comes with a stylish carrying case. [Buy from here or read our test]

Bose Bluetooth Headset is a classy appearance

Bose Bluetooth Headset is a classy appearance

Motorola Oasis

Highlights: Behind-the-ear design that’s comfortable and lightweight with dual microphones for eliminating background noise. Can suppress winds up to 12 miles per hour. Dedicated Mute button and Answer/End button on the boom of he headset. Can connect with two wireless devices simultaneously. 6 hours talk time and 7 days standby. Works up to 33 feet away from your paired devices. Voice prompts guide you through daily use, including pairing and battery life updates. [full test article and purchasing here]

Motorola Oasis

Motorola Oasis

Motorola S10-HD

Highlights: Behind-the-head design that eliminates tangles while providing light, comfortable fit. Talk time 9 hours, music playback 8 hours, standby 10 days. Works up to 33 feet (10 meters) away from the source. Buttons for play, skip and pause music, adjust volume and answer calls, all easily accessible. Back housing is designed to optimize antenna performance outdoors for better reception. Comes with four ear gel sizes. [our test and Buy from here]

Motorola S10-HD

Motorola S10-HD

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Ionut is Chief Editor. He has a degree in Computer Science BA and worked in IT since 2002. Ionut is now managing several tech sites, including GadgetRoad. My Google+ Profile, Twitter

11 Comments
  1. I like the Plantronics, but seems a little bit too big for my taste. Crazy design anyway

  2. OMG! I have the Jawbone ERA sticking in my ear right now! I love this thing! Great reviews and you actually made me think twice about my choice, though! LOL

  3. Some of them sure are funny-looking, especially the Jabra ERA. But at least they keep your hands where they belong when you’re driving–on the steering wheel.

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