Headphones are a great innovation that has been around since World War I. Back then, headphones were used mostly for aviation. Its headset with an attached microphones make for a convenient communication tool since you wouldn’t have to keep holding the phone the entire time.
Since then, headphones have evolved into headsets. Headphones are primarily used for listening to music while headsets have an added function of being used for communication. Nowadays, both headphones and headsets can be seen everywhere. You can see kids, business professionals, and basically people from all over the world simply wanting a safer and easier way of taking calls (and doing other stuff) while keeping their hands free.
With the convenience headsets offer, it can include a variety of uses. Headsets are now being used for gaming purposes – it allows gamers to talk with their opponents in-game as most games nowadays are more interactive. Professionals are also finding headsets as a useful tool to go about their business. Multi-tasking is now a breeze since they can talk to their clients and colleagues without missing a beat. And just as in the early days, headsets are still being used for aviation. Pilots and ground crew both find headsets can allow them to focus on other things while still being able to keep in touch with each other.
So, if you are also looking for a more convenient way to listen to your music or be able to talk on phone hands free, then you may want to look into and invest in good headsets. Technology has upped its game with wireless Bluetooth headsets. Whereas there used to be headsets attached or plugged into a device, there is now a greater option – wireless Bluetooth headsets.
Wireless Bluetooth headsets are gaining popularity with business and communication specialists, as well as with casual users. There are two main types of wireless Bluetooth headsets: the single monoaural headset using a Bluetooth v1.0 or v1.1 and wireless Bluetooth headsets with A2DP profile. The main difference between the two lies in its function and limitations. With the former, it’s mostly used to take calls and is normally clipped onto just one ear. In some models, it may be able to play music, albeit in low qualities; while others, this may not be possible at all. The A2DP profile Bluetooth headsets can both play music and allow you to take calls wirelessly.
In any case, these wireless Bluetooth headsets are a great tool for multi-tasking while talking on the phone or listening to music. There are a lot of models available in the market today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Of course, it’s actually challenging to choose the right one since comfort should first be determined – and you can’t actually try these on before buying due to sanitary reasons. Comfort may differ from person to person, but there are other factors you will need to consider such as sound quality, style, battery life, and other additional features.
We list here eight of the most important things you should be looking for and should consider when searching for a great pair of wireless Bluetooth headsets.
1. Call quality
More often than not, you’re reading this article because you need a wireless Bluetooth headset for making and taking calls. Therefore, before anything else, call quality should be at the top of your priority list when searching for a great pair of wireless Bluetooth headset.
Different headsets will deliver varying call quality. For this, you should consider two things: quality of the sound you hear and how you sound to the person you’re talking to. You may want to check user reviews about a product before purchasing this. There are times when specifications as to sound quality may be vague (or sometimes, not specified at all). Reading and checking user comments may be a better way to check for call quality.
2. Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation, if it works well, can be a great feature especially if you’re taking a call in a crowded room or in a speeding car with the windows down. However, this is another tricky factor to check for since you can’t determine this on your own. You need to determine how clearly a person hears you—and you can’t actually check this for yourself.
When choosing a wireless Bluetooth headset, opt for a piece with 2-3 microphones. This ensures that there’s at least one microphone dedicated for ambient noise. Using adaptive algorithms, this helps the headset cancel the noise out. A really good wireless Bluetooth headset will mute all noise while keeping your voice quality intact. Beware of subpar headsets that only gate the noise. Headsets such as this minimises ambient sound but is reintroduced once you start talking, defeating the purpose of the noise cancellation in the first place.
3. Battery life
One of the main reasons you may have opted for a wireless Bluetooth headset is due to the fact that you don’t need to plug it onto anything. It reduces the chances of tangling and fraying cables. So it’s very important that you also consider battery life. Most models will include in its specifications how long their battery lasts so make sure to check the specs before purchase. However, if you want to minimise charging as much as you can, you may have to buy the more expensive ones. Some models may give you 10 hours talk time with a single charge while others will only give you a mere 2 hours.
4. Comfort
If you use your wireless Bluetooth headset for hours at a time, then comfort is also a big issue. As we have already mentioned, this is not something you can actually test for yourself. It would also be a great idea to check for user comments discussing comfort of the headset.
Various models have different styles to address comfort. Some have earbuds that sit partially inside your while some are at the edge. Still, some other wireless Bluetooth headsets have clips or ear hooks to ensure that the earbuds stay in place. The most you can do to ensure comfort is to check the packaging. Some models will include 3 sizes of their earbuds so you can at least choose and replace them according to your comfort.
5. Design
This is actually a personal preference above everything else. The wireless Bluetooth headset must appeal to your personal taste depending on its colour, style, construction, and overall appearance. Make sure to get a 360o view of the headset before purchasing by going to a store and checking it out for yourself.
6. Bluetooth Range
The standard range of Bluetooth is limited to 33 feet. This is typical of any wireless Bluetooth headset, but there are some models that can only give you clear and uninterrupted sound for 10- 20 feet. Again, it would probably be best to check for user reviews before purchasing any wireless Bluetooth headset. In any case, if you’ll only be using it in the car or in the office, then the 33-feet maximum range will not really be a problem.
7. Sound: mono vs. stereo
The Mmajority of single- ear wireless Bluetooth headsets only provide mono sound quality. This is perfectly fine if all you’re using it for is taking calls. However, if you want to listen to music as well, then you may want to opt for the dual- ear wireless Bluetooth headsets instead. Die- hard music lovers may want to stick to the cable earphones for listening to music but if you are after convenience, then several models of wireless Bluetooth headsets will do perfectly enough.
8. Price
There are various wireless Bluetooth headsets priced differently depending on the features, design, and materials used in the construction. Top models will mostly be available for upwards of $90. If you are resourceful and patient enough to look through different channels then you may find discounted versions. If it has been phased out, then they might even be available for less than $70. There are also mid-level wireless Bluetooth headsets that you can buy for around $50. Again, you will need to canvass several online merchants and in- store to get the best price.
9. Microphone quality
Lastly, microphone quality is also one of the most important things you will need to consider before buying your chosen headset. Again, it may be more prudent to consult other people’s opinions—both other users and the person you’re talking to. It may be a little difficult to determine microphone quality on your own. Voice clarity is one of the most important factors and how you sound to other end of the line is paramount in overall headset quality. The best way to go about it? Check for user reviews first.
Hopefully, this list helps you the next time you’re out hunting for a great pair of wireless Bluetooth headsets. Just remember that whatever your preferences are, the best way to end up with your dream wireless Bluetooth headset is to canvass various models diligently. Just be patient and you will find it!
