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Bluetooth Headsets: Ratings of Sources
Total of 14 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. CNET
Jan. 2011
High-end Bluetooth Headsets
by Nicole Lee
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET tests high-end Bluetooth headsets in its hands-on lab and gives its top recommendation to the Jawbone Era. The reviewers make useful comparisons between the models tested, and these are presented in an easy-to-read chart. CNET describes its testing methodology and criteria in detail, and presents videos of the reviewer describing and using each headset model.
2. CNET
As of Sept. 2011
Bluetooth Headsets
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThese are reviews of individual Bluetooth headsets both by the CNET reviewers and by users. While there's not a comparison between the different models, the reviews are comprehensive. The editors' ratings, out of five stars, highlight their preferred headsets; the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Headset receives an Editors' Choice award. The users who write reviews at CNET are generally technology-savvy and have usually owned headsets previously, Bluetooth or otherwise. The Jawbone Era and Icon both receive above-average ratings, from over 20 reviews each, as does the Voyager Pro Plus.
3. PCMag.com
Feb. 20, 2011
The 10 Best Bluetooth Headsets
by David Pierce
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this review, PCMag.com picks its favorite Bluetooth headsets in three categories: mono, audio and speakerphone. The Jawbone Era wins convincingly in the mono category and the top stereo headset award goes to the Motorola MotoRokr S9-HD. The PCMag.com team doesn't explain how they carried out the tests, although the testing seems to be thorough. The site also has user reviews, though there are not enough to draw conclusions about the headsets.
4. TopTenReviews.com
As of Sept. 2011
Bluetooth Headset Review: 2011 Best Bluetooth Headsets Compared and Reviewed
by Editors of TopTenReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis article lists the top 10 Bluetooth headsets reviewed, in the categories of features, ease of use, design, and help and support. The review presents an overall comparison chart for each of the categories as well as brief pros and cons of each model. Each of the reviewers has an extensive background in information technology and consumer goods and the testing criteria are explained in full. The Plantronics Savor M1100 is their #1 choice.
5. PC World
March 29, 2011
Top Bluetooth Headsets
by Edited by Melissa J. Perenson
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World details its seven favorite Bluetooth headsets, with the Jawbone Era winning the top recommendation. Each model is presented with a full review as well as pros, cons and a bottom-line summary, and you can compare models. Although the headsets were tested by technicians in a lab, the website doesn't give the test criteria or methods.
6. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2011
Bluetooth Accessories: Headsets
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentUser-written reviews can be a valuable tool in researching Bluetooth headsets. Although they may not have as much weight as professional reviews, sifting through a collection of user critiques can expose some major product flaws. Not surprisingly, reasonably priced headsets with a reputation for quality, such as the Aliph Jawbone Icon and Plantronics Voyager Pro Plus, receive a high average rating from hundreds of reviewers.
7. CNET
July 22, 2010
Best Bluetooth Headsets
by Nicole Lee
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis article from 2010 lists CNET's top five Bluetooth headset choices, separate from its high-end Bluetooth headset list. All headsets get a rating, and reviewers make useful comparisons between models. The Aliph Jawbone Icon wins top honors with its innovative inclusion of a chip that allows downloading apps, while the BlueAnt Q1 is singled out for its unusual voice-control technology.
8. PC World
July 15, 2010
Top Bluetooth Headsets
by Editors of PC World
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis 2010 guide contains full reviews and test reports of the Jabra Extreme, now discontinued, and the Aliph Jawbone Icon. The top-rated Jabra Extreme is praised for its noise-canceling abilities, while the new, at the time, Jawbone Icon is "smaller, smarter, and glitzier" than past iterations.
9. ArtOfTheiPhone.com
Jan. 17, 2010
Top 10 iPhone Bluetooth Headsets (Best of iPhone)
by "Alan"
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis 2010 top-10 list actually has 11 items in it, since two products tie for 10th place. While the review is aimed at owners of the iPhone, the commentary applies to virtually all cell phones that are Bluetooth compatible. Aliph's Jawbone Icon takes the top spots. This review is prior to Plantronics and BlueAnt releasing their latest models and so does not include the Voyager Pro Plus and the Q2 respectively.
10. MobileTechReview.com
As of Sept. 2011
Bluetooth Headset and Hands-Free Car Kit Reviews
by Editors of MobileTechReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis site reviews only a handful of Bluetooth headsets every year. Editors tend to concentrate on Jabra, Motorola and Plantronics headsets, but the reviews are detailed and cover design issues and sound quality in depth. The Aliph Jawbone Icon receives an Editor's Choice award for its very stylish design and great voice quality.
11. NewEgg.com
As of Sept. 2011
Bluetooth Headset
by Contributors to Newegg.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNewegg.com is an online retailer of electronics that lets users, who are generally technology-savvy, post reviews of what they buy and assign a rating out of five stars. The newer models of headsets have not yet received many reviews. For the older models, a significant number of users review the now-discontinued Plantronics Voyager 520 and the LG HBM-235 Bluetooth 3.0 headset, rating them both highly.
12. iLounge.com
March 24, 2011
Aliph/Jawbone Jawbone Era Bluetooth Headset
by Jeremy Horwitz
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentiLounge's editor-in-chief reviews the Aliph Jawbone Era headset and recommends it with a grade of B+. The rest of the latest Bluetooth reviews on the website are primarily for speakerphones.
13. Pocket-lint.com
As of Sept. 2011
Top Bluetooth Headsets
by Editors of Pocket-lint.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPocket-lint.com is a newsy British website with lots of short items about new mobile devices, especially focusing on the iPhone. Editors review only a handful of the Bluetooth headsets released each year, but these reviews typically include the best in each class. The Aliph Jawbone Icon receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
14. The New York Times
March 17, 2010
Playing It Cool with a Jawbone in Your Ear
by David Pogue
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentDavid Pogue looks at the Aliph Jawbone Icon, which he says often "supplies better, more consistent sound than you'd get holding the actual phone to your head." Pogue also discusses some of the headset's quirkier features, including its customizable voices.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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