How to Buy a Bluetooth Headset

Isn't it time you went hands-free with a Bluetooth headset? Here's what you need to look for when choosing the perfect companion for your mobile phone.

Picking the right Bluetooth headset might seem simple, but it actually comes with a challenge that's unique to all headphones, and, well, anything that needs to be placed in your ear: It's tough (and not completely sanitary) to try products out before plunking down the cash for them. But a major component of a headset's success depends on how it feels and fits—and that varies widely from person to person, and even from ear to ear. Other factors including sound quality, design and style, battery life, and extra features are important, too. We've come up with eight points you should consider when shopping for your next Bluetooth headset:
1. Call Quality
If call quality is the most important consideration for you, you'll want to check out the Plantronics Voyager 520, the Aliph New Jawbone, or the Motorola MotoPURE H15. (The latter two incorporate noise-cancellation technology; more on that later.) Call quality varies widely among products, but we're pleased to report that even the most recent, smaller, fashion-conscious models like the drop-dead-gorgeous Plantronics Discovery 925 finally sound as good as their larger counterparts, despite having tiny microphones and speakers.

2. Noise Cancellation
Aliph's original Jawbone introduced noise-cancellation technology to the masses. The popular model is still a solid benchmark in noise-canceling performance, although Aliph's New Jawbone steps it up with more advanced NoiseAssassin technology. Some headsets, like the BlueAnt Z9i, also do a fine job at blocking out noise and are more comfortable than the Jawbone models, which need to sit snugly against your cheek for the best performance.

3. Battery Life
As for endurance, a guiding principle: If you don't want to charge, go large. Some of the bulkier, less fashionable headsets like the Plantronics Voyager 520 can last almost 9 hours on a single charge. The original Aliph Jawbone makes it to about 6 hours. The New Jawbone drops that down to a shade below 4 hours owing to its smaller, slimmer design, which lacks the room necessary for a large battery. The same is true of the Motorola H15.

4. Comfort
Again, this is a tough one. Some models, like the original SoundID SM100 and the newer Plantronics Voyager 835, feature a rubber earbud that sits partially inside your ear. While some may find this uncomfortable, I think it creates a secure fit without being too tight. (I find both of these models very comfortable.) Others, like the Cardo S-800 and the Samsung WEP700, sit on the edge of your ear, while the Plantronics Voyager 510 and 520 rely more heavily on their requisite ear hooks for balance and comfort. It's all a matter of personal preference, really.

5. Style
A certain portion of the population thinks that all Bluetooth headsets look silly. A certain portion of the population thinks that all Bluetooth headsets look silly—a view that's reinforced whenever they see people walking down the street wearing one, even when not in use. If you want the best-looking device you can find, the sleek, hatpin-like Plantronics Discovery 925 and the tiny but cute Motorola H15 score points for their fetching designs. The slight but attractive Aliph New Jawbone is another head turner. Still, limiting headset use to your desk or the car will keep disapproving stares to a minimum.

6. Range
There's not much variation in range of operation, except for the Callpod Dragon, which achieved close to 50 feet on our tests. Most headsets are limited to a theoretical range of 33 feet, which is a limitation of Bluetooth technology. Typically, you can go a good 10 to 15 feet before static starts to creep in.

7. Mono vs. Stereo Sound
Most Bluetooth headsets provide mono sound and fit in a single ear. But if you want to listen to stereo music wirelessly—say, for your workout—a few of the latest dual-ear models, like the MotoROKR S9-HD and the Altec Lansing BackBeat, are worth considering. Die-hard audiophiles, on the other hand, should stick with wired earphones for the best sound quality. But when it comes to pure convenience, it's tough to beat a stereo Bluetooth set, especially since these models let you listen to your tunes and take calls from your Bluetooth-enabled phone.

8. Bonus Features
Depending on the device you choose, you can get one (or more) nifty extras. Some headsets, like the Plantronics Voyager 520, let you pair up to two devices simultaneously; that means you can switch between PC-based VoIP calls and cell-phone calls all day without pairing and re-pairing each time. The BlueAnt V1 lets you speak commands and gives you voice-based tutorials, and the Callpod Dragon has a two-way communication mode so that you and a friend can talk to each other while riding bicycles, for example. One of the more innovative headsets we've seen, the Iqua 603 SUN integrates a solar panel that keeps its battery charged with the sun's rays.