Bluetooth headset features

There are two ways to get a good fit with a Bluetooth headset. It can be held in place by a loop around the ear, or it can be secured by the earpiece itself. Many reviewers and users prefer not to use an earhook as it can make the Bluetooth headset less comfortable, but a loop generally gives a more secure fit, which can improve both incoming and outgoing sound quality. These days, many headsets come with a removable ear loop and several earbuds in different sizes.

Noise cancellation is now a standard feature in all models, and many Bluetooth headsets offer special features such as voice commands. Battery life can be an issue with these features, however.

Another feature that's common and very useful these days is multi-point connectivity, the ability to establish a connection with two different phones at the same time. This is good not only for traveling professionals who have separate phones for business and personal use, but also for couples who each have a cell phone but only need one Bluetooth headset for driving. You can also use Bluetooth headsets for conferencing using computer telephone services, such as Skype. If your computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth capabilities, there are USB adapters available.

Experts say the following about choosing a Bluetooth headset:

  • More expensive isn't always better. Since headsets are introduced and discontinued so quickly, oftentimes a high price is simply an indication of a new model, upgrade or advanced technology. Some older models that have gotten good or very good ratings from reviewers are selling at reasonable prices. If you don't mind using a highly rated, discontinued Bluetooth headset, do some homework on the review sites we list in Our Sources, and you may end up with a great deal.
  • Comfort is just as important as sound quality. It doesn't matter how good a Bluetooth headset sounds if it hurts your ear or doesn't fit securely. Unfortunately, there's really no way to know for sure until you try a particular headset. Even highly rated Bluetooth headsets get some complaints for lack of comfort. Most headsets are reversible for use with either ear, which can temporarily relieve discomfort during long conversations.
  • Controls should be easy to use. If commands or controls are not easy to remember and use, many features on a headset become useless. Easy access to volume controls is especially important, even on models with automatic volume adjustment.
  • A stereo Bluetooth headset lets you make calls and listen to music wirelessly. A technology called Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) lets you stream audio from a cell phone, smartphone or music player to a stereo Bluetooth headset. Make sure your phone has this capability, however, before you spend money on a Bluetooth stereo headset.
  • Check a store's return policy. There are many factors to consider (sound quality, comfort, controls, etc.) when buying the right Bluetooth headset, so give yourself the option of returning one that doesn't meet your needs. Eric Benderoff, a tech columnist at the Chicago Tribune, recommends buying your three top headset choices, saving the receipts, testing them out in various environments and keeping the winner.
  • Compatibility is probably not an issue. As long as both the device and the headset have at least Bluetooth version 1.1 (which is an older version), there are virtually no problems with compatibility. Be aware, though, that sound quality can be affected somewhat depending on the device you're using, especially with budget headsets.

Experts say that using any headset (whether Bluetooth or wired) is preferable to not using one at all. Hands-free driving laws are quickly becoming commonplace. Even if it is legal to use a handheld cell phone while driving in your state, freeing up your hands is a much safer alternative. Bluetooth headsets also protect you from exposure to low-level radiation from your cell phone's antenna.

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