It’s been said before, and it’ll likely be said many times again: texting while driving is an extremely dangerous thing to do. Even though everyone knows this, in practice the temptation to check a device while one is driving is sometimes too strong to resist. The reality is that the human brain just can’t efficiently divide its attention between a phone and the act of driving a car. Overwhelming statistics and scientific studies have proven this to be true– but many continue to multitask on the road anyway. The results can be deadly. In 2018, 2,841 motor vehicle crash fatalities resulted from distracted driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Bluetooth headsets provide a much safer way to operate a mobile device while driving. They also come in handy in a wide variety of other situations, as well. If you’re currently using a standard phone to take calls at work, a Bluetooth headset will help you be more efficient and comfortable on the job.
The most comfortable Bluetooth headset
iComtofit Bluetooth Headset
The best thing about iComtofit’s Bluetooth headset is its adjustable ear hooks, which are ergonomic, soft, pliable and best of all– reversible. That means that if your ears are sensitive to extended headset use, you can simply switch ears as needed. The efficient battery adds additional value. The average Bluetooth headset lasts about seven hours on a single charge, but this one gives you ten full hours of talk time.
Good
- Comfortable, over-the-ear design. The iComtofit lives up to its name in that it’s more comfortable than the average Bluetooth headset, thanks to its adjustable ear hooks.
- Up to ten hours of talk time. The batteries are long-lasting enough to get you through an eight-hour work shift and more.
- Crisp sound. Though the iComtofit doesn’t feature HD speakers, it seems to have a good reputation for sound quality.
- Good range. The 33-foot range means that you can use the headset to connect to any nearby device.
- Supports both Siri and OK Google. The iComtofit will work with both of the two most popular voice assistants.
- Bluetooth 4.1. The new Bluetooth standard offers a number of improvements over Bluetooth 3, including less power usage and better reliability.
- Dual mode. You can pair with two devices simultaneously, soyou can switch between them as needed.
Bad
- Noise cancelling doesn’t work well in windy environments. If you like to drive with your window down, this Bluetooth headset may not be for you.
In a nutshell
The key feature to consider here is iComtofit’s unique ear hooks. Because you can adjust them to suit your preferences, this Bluetooth headset is more comfortable than most. You can even take off the hook and flip it around if you want to wear the headset on your other ear.
The Bluetooth headset with the most standby time
Plantronics Marque 2 M165
Don’t you hate it when you try to switch on a device only to find out that its batteries are dead? Since the Plantronics Marque 2 M165 can sleep efficiently for up to 180 days, it’s perfect for people who only need to use their headsets every once in a while– like on long car trips, for example. If you happen to lose it, you can use its convenient FindMyHeadset app to find out where you left it.
Good
- Patented power conservation mode. Plantronics’ Deep Sleep feature– which extends standby mode for up to 180 days– switches off the Marque 2 M165 when it’s not in use.
- Supports OK Google, Siri and Cortana. Almost all Bluetooth headsets pair with OK Google and Siri, but few of them also work with Microsoft Cortana.
- Dual microphones. The double-mic setup is designed to enhance accuracy so that the person on the other end of the line can hear you clearly.
- Voice-activated controls. Say “answer” to pick up a call or “ignore” to decline it.
- FindMyHeadset. This handy smartphone app makes the Marque 2 M165 emit a tone, which you can use to locate it if you lose it.
- Conference call reminders. Another Plantronics app called InstantMeeting lets you create reminders and receive alerts for upcoming events.
- Lightweight form factor. Since it only weighs just over 7 grams, it’s about as heavy as three pennies.
Bad
- Doesn’t use the new Bluetooth standards. The Marque 2’s Bluetooth 3 chip can still interface with Bluetooth 4 and 5, but it’s not as efficient or reliable.
In a nutshell
If you only need a Bluetooth headset for special occasions– like long road trips for example– Plantronic’s Marque 2 M165 makes a lot of sense. It’s very power efficient, plus there’s a handy FindMyHeadset app that you can use to find out where you left it if you happen to misplace it.
The Bluetooth headset with the best sound quality
Jabra Talk 25
When it comes to sound quality, this principle is a good rule of thumb: the larger the diameter, the better the sound. Some Bluetooth headsets have drivers that are as small as eight millimeters. These tend to sound tinny and they aren’t very loud. The Jabra Talk 25, on the other hand, is equipped with 11-millimeter drivers. If sound quality is your main concern, the Jabra 25 might be worth a closer look.
Good
- High quality sound. Jabra advertises that the Talk 25’s 11-millimeter dynamic speaker is capable of outputting high definition audio.
- Sleek design. The Talk 25 deserves some style points for its stylish form factor.
- Find My Jabra app. The app– which is as elegant-looking as the Talk 25 itself– pulls up a map that will help you locate your Talk 25 if you lose it.
- Bluetooth 4. This version of the communication standard features improved power usage and streamlined pairing.
- Eight-hour battery life. The Talk 25 lasts eight hours on a single charge, which is one hour longer than average.
- Siri and OK Google compatible. Like most Bluetooth headsets, this one works with both of the two most popular voice assistants.
Bad
- Comparatively low standby time. Jabra’s Power Nap feature allows for 10 days of standby time, which is low compared to other Bluetooth headsets.
- Basic accessories. You have to supply your own car charger and the charging case is sold separately.
In a nutshell
The Jabra Talk 25’s extra large speaker driver is its main attraction. Some Bluetooth headset manufacturers try to save money by equipping their devices with eight millimeter drivers. The Talk 25’s 11-millimeter driver won’t blow your ears away, but it’s probably capable of outputting much better quality sound compared to the competition.
The best Bluetooth headset for outdoor use
Plantronics Voyager Legend
Most Bluetooth headsets are waterproof enough to resist sweat and light rain, but they sometimes break when put to the test in extreme weather conditions. The Plantronics Voyager Legend addresses this issue with P2i nano coating. P2i-brand waterproofing technologies have helped many electronics manufacturers create products that can survive heavy rain torrents, thunderstorms, spills and other similar incidents.
Good
- Rugged and water-resistant. The Voyager Legend uses P2i nano coating to guard against water intrusion.
- Effective noise cancellation system. A noise filter removes background interference, while the metal windscreen blocks out wind.
- Reject or take a call with simple voice commands. You can say “accept” to take the call or “reject” to have the caller record a voicemail message.
- 33-foot range. Instead of taking your phone with you when you walk around, you can leave it somewhere and take calls from several feet away.
- Seven-hour talk time. The battery life meets the industry standard for Bluetooth headsets.
- Loud volume speakers. The speakers are powerful enough to allow for clear communication in most situations.
- Intuitive button layout. The prominent mute button lets you quickly and easily switch off the microphone as needed.
Bad
- The Bluetooth chip is somewhat out-of-date. The Voyager Legend only supports Bluetooth 3, which isn’t quite as efficient as Bluetooth 4 or 5.
- Oversized design. The fact that it’s a bit bigger than average could be an issue for some.
In a nutshell
The most interesting thing about Plantronic’s Voyager Legend is that it’s equipped with a P2i waterproofing technology. This unique feature makes it more durable compared to competing Bluetooth headsets. The Voyager Legend’s metallic anti-wind feature and noise reduction algorithm are designed to help its microphone work more efficiently and the prominent mute button adds additional convenience.
The best budget Bluetooth headset
Aminy Bluetooth Headset
Don’t let Aminy’s Bluetooth headset fool you with its low price. This humble but surprisingly robust device seems to have a great reputation, perhaps due to its unique array of features. It comes with two batteries, which is convenient because it means that you can power up one while you use the other to take calls throughout the day. You can get up to 12 hours of usage out of each battery if you use the headset for music. If you use it for phone calls, each battery will last for about eight hours.
Good
- Competitively priced. The Aminy Bluetooth headset is one of the best budget Bluetooth headsets you’ll find.
- Comes with two batteries. You can charge one while you’re using the other.
- Switch ears with ease. One battery is shaped to accommodate the left ear, while the other is meant to be worn over the right ear.
- Fast charging. Most Bluetooth headsets require two hours for a full charge, but Aminy says its headset can refill its batteries after 1.5 hours.
- Eight hours of talk time. Most Bluetooth headsets seem to support about seven hours of talk time, but Aminy says that one charge will last for a full eight hours.
- Twelve hours of music / podcasts on a single charge. When you use the Aminy to stream music or podcasts, it’s even more energy efficient.
- IPX6 water resistance. IPX6 means that the Aminy is fully resistant to dust and can resist high pressure sprays of water.
Bad
- Large compared to other Bluetooth headsets. The bulky design could be a turn-off for some.
In a nutshell
Aminy’s innovative Bluetooth headset is very reasonably priced and comes with two different batteries. This is convenient because it means that you can charge up one battery while you’re using the other. If you’re in the market for a high quality Bluetooth headset but you don’t want to spend a lot of money, this one could be your best option.
Buying guide for Bluetooth headsets
Key considerations
Use case
Before you buy a Bluetooth headset, you should consider what you’ll be using it for. Once you determine this, you’ll be better prepared to make a good decision. If you plan on using your Bluetooth headset outside, you may want to look for one that has built-in wind protection and a high quality noise reduction feature, for example. Comfort features will be more of a priority if you intend to use your Bluetooth headset all day while at work.
Comfort
Some people are more sensitive to touch than others. If the thought of wearing a plastic hook all day makes your ear hurt, it may make sense to get a Bluetooth headset that can be worn on either ear. Some come with reversible ear hooks that allow you to switch ears, but others can only be worn on the left or right ear. In addition, some ear hooks are more adjustable than others.
Style points
Let’s face it: if you’re not impressed with the way your Bluetooth headset looks, you’ll probably stop wearing it after awhile– even if the audio quality is great and it’s so comfortable that you don’t even notice that you’re wearing it. The first Bluetooth headsets that came out were somewhat chunky and awkward looking, but designers have come a long way since 1999.
Talk time / battery efficiency
This consideration may come into play if you intend to use your Bluetooth headset all day while you’re at the office. Most Bluetooth headset batteries will last for about seven hours before they need to be recharged. The most energy efficient ones, however, can support ten hours of continuous use.
Accessories
Car chargers and charging ports are the two most common accessories you get when you buy a Bluetooth headset. Since all new Bluetooth headsets are compatible with the microUSB standard, you don’t actually need special charging accessories like these, but they are nice to have. Some Bluetooth headset manufacturers provide an extra battery in the box. This gives you the option to charge one battery while you use the other one.
Bluetooth version
Any device that supports Bluetooth can communicate with any other device that speaks the same language, regardless of Bluetooth version. However, devices that support Bluetooth 4 and 5 tend to be more reliable and energy efficient than Bluetooth 3 devices.
Voice commands
Most Bluetooth headsets are equipped with a built-in voice assistant that can accomplish basic tasks like pick up or decline incoming calls. Moreover, almost all of the new Bluetooth headsets have native support for both OK Google and Siri as well. If Cortana or Samsung S is your voice assistant of choice, you won’t have quite as many options.
Microphone type
Typical Bluetooth headsets have a single microphone, but some are equipped with two. Dual microphone devices tend to be more sensitive and accurate.
Water resistance
If you intend to use your Bluetooth headset outdoors, you’ll definitely want to look up its Ingress Protection (IP) rating before you commit. Most Bluetooth headsets can resist light sprays and sweat, but some are sturdy enough to resist pressurized water sprays and/or water immersion.
Price ranges
Budget
The least you can expect to pay and still receive a good quality Bluetooth headset is $25. At this price point, Bluetooth headsets generally have shorter ranges and less features compared to mid-range and high-end devices.
Mid-range
If you’re willing to spend about $50, you can find Bluetooth headsets that come with features like improved speakers, dual microphones for extra accuracy as well as support for the energy efficiency improvements that were added in Bluetooth 4.
High-end
Premium Bluetooth headsets typically cost around $75. Along with all the feature improvements you get with mid-range devices, you can also find features like upgraded waterproofing, extended battery life and advanced noise cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What are the main differences among the newest Bluetooth versions?
A: Bluetooth 5 is the newest version of the inter-device communications network. It came out in 2016. Devices that support it use energy more efficiently and can communicate from longer distances. Bluetooth 4 debuted in 2010. It introduced low power mode and improved Bluetooth’s maximum bandwidth. Bluetooth 3, which came out in 2009, dramatically increased the speed of Bluetooth but turned out to be a poor performer in the area of power conservation.
Q: Is it safe to use a Bluetooth headset while driving?
A: Any type of technology can cause a distraction. However, Bluetooth headsets are relatively safe– that’s why none of the states have laws against them. The only exception is New York City, which prohibits taxi drivers from using any type of cellphone technology while they’re working.
Q: Do Bluetooth headsets emit harmful radiation?
A: While Bluetooth headsets do emit some radiation, the actual amount is negligible. According to the Office of Information Technology, headsets emit about 1000 times less radiation than an ordinary cell phone.
Tips
- Don’t forget to periodically clean your Bluetooth headset to keep it free of germs and bacteria. There’s no need to overdo it, though. Just apply a small amount of antibacterial soap to a paper towel, then dampen the paper towel and wipe down your device.
- Did you know that the human body is the main source of Bluetooth interference? That’s why you may have noticed connections dropping after you put your phone in your pocket. If you run into connection issues, the first thing you might try (if it’s at all possible) is making sure that your Bluetooth devices are positioned away from your body.
- If you’ve never worn a Bluetooth headset before, you may want to visit an electronics store to try on the different styles before you make your purchase. An in-ear headset looks and feels completely different than a behind-the-ear or over-the-ear one.