Aliph Jawbone Icon

Sound Quality

Military-grade noise cancellation. The Aliph Jawbone Icon is a mono Bluetooth headset that introduced groundbreaking technology and functionality to the headset arena. Its innovative use of highly customizable software and its military-grade Noise Assassin system work together to provide clear sound and an enjoyable experience. The Icon touches the cheek and follows the vibration of the jaw to block out noise.

The Jawbone Icon appears in many evaluations, and reviewers agree about its excellent sound quality and noise suppression. They say this is the headset that most successfully combines functionality and style. The Jawbone Icon's sound quality and noise cancellation system are held up as the standard to which other Bluetooth headsets should aspire, with editors at TopTenReviews.com calling its sound quality "nearly unrivaled." While the Icon doesn't eliminate all background noise, its Noise Assassin 2.5 technology keeps callers' voices clear and natural.

Comfort

Some users experience "ear fatigue." The Jawbone Icon comes with several ear-fit options, including two buds with attached ear-hooks and three ear buds without. Some experts say the ear-hook option isn't very comfortable, while others prefer it. Users are similarly divided, with a few reporting "ear fatigue" after wearing the Icon for a few hours. Reviewers add that although the Jawbone Icon is considerably more stylish than the Plantronics Voyager Pro Plus headset, it's not as comfortable.

Usability

Increased functionality through MyTalk apps. The Jawbone Icon's real breakthrough is an internal chip that can be programmed using apps from Aliph's MyTalk website to alter the headset's functionality. Users can choose from five different apps like voice dialing, as well as six different voices ranging from a deep baritone to a sultry bombshell, and six languages. Reviewers like the dedicated on-off switch, finding it easy to locate and use. However, the lack of a volume switch draws some complaints, even though volume can be controlled from a smartphone; some owners also report problems with the Icon's auto adjust volume. Roughly half of the more than 600 or so user reviews give the headset 4 or 5 stars out of 5, calling it more streamlined than the Plantronics Voyager Pro Plus, and with an easy-to-find on/off switch.

Appearance

Beyond stylish to avant-garde design. Reviewers call the Aliph Jawbone Icon the "best-designed and potentially the most flexible Bluetooth headset on the market." One says its fashion-forward styling makes it look "like a piece of costume jewelry." Indeed, the variety of designs available draws praise from both professional reviewers and users. Choices include models such as Thinker, with a surface that appears quilted, or Cashmere, whose surface mimics fine wool. In keeping with its sleek design, the Icon's charging socket is small and discreet, yet easy to find.

The bottom line

The Aliph Jawbone Icon remains one of the top Bluetooth headsets in each review we examine, providing excellent sound quality and noise suppression in a fashion-forward, "avant-garde" design. Its Noise Assassin 3.0 noise-cancellation technology is military-grade, and free apps available from Aliph's MyTalk website allow users to customize their headsets' functionality. However, the Jawbone Icon's main competitor may be the Jawbone Era (*Est. $60), now available at a similar price.