Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless Bluetooth headphones for music and cell phones

Bluetooth headphones take a number of different -- and sometimes quite interesting -- form factors. In-ear headsets (earbuds) need an external module for the electronics, which can be hung around the neck lanyard-style or clipped to your clothing. Though the electronics module and headphones ship together, these can typically accommodate any set of earbuds. Some are designed only for listening to audio, though others have a microphone built into the Bluetooth module for use with a cell phone. Plantronics, Sony Ericsson and JVC all offer this type of Bluetooth headphone, but the Jabra BT3030 (*Est. $55) get the most recommendations.

The Jabra BT3030 is shaped like a dog tag with rubber-coated controls for playing music and taking and making phone calls. Its 3.5mm headphone jack gives users the ability to substitute any pair of headphones you want for the included earbuds, but reviewers say that the ones that ship with the BT3030 do a nice job of blocking out background noise. However, you'll need a Bluetooth-enabled device to use the BT3030, as it does not include a Bluetooth adapter. An adapter is available as an option (*est. $40).

Music quality is rated highly, with CNet.com's Nicole Lee saying it's "comparable to most MP3 players on the market." Reviews are more mixed for use as a cell phone headset, however. Ross Catanzariti of GoodGearGuide (an Australian gadget review site) says that outgoing call quality is good but incoming could be better as voices sometimes sounded "distant and echoed." Andre Kibbe of Treocentral.com, however, feels incoming call quality is average while outgoing is above average. Several reviewers note that you'll need to be sure to position the unit so the microphone (which is at the top) is close to your mouth.

The Motorola MOTOROKR S9 (*Est. $75) also gets some nice comments from professional reviewers. These Bluetooth headphones feature a behind-the-ears design that places the Bluetooth receiver in the band behind the head. In his review for CNet.com, Kent German gives the Motorola S9 a high rating for design and sound quality, and blogger Andrew of Treonauts gives it his Editor's Choice award, saying the "speakers are large, loud and comfortable." However, user reviews aren't quite as enthusiastic. A significant number of reports at Amazon.com say that the controls malfunction if you sweat with the headphones on, resulting in unexpected behavior like adjusting the volume or making phone calls at random. Since these headphones are advertised as being suitable for an "active" lifestyle, this looks like a serious flaw.

If you are considering the S9, an updated version -- the Motorola MOTOROKR S9 HD -- is overdue for release (it was originally promised to ship by this past summer). According to CNet, "it now comes with high-definition sound with SRS WOW HD and improved earbuds to block out more noise." Whether the new version does indeed offer even better sound quality -- or at least fixes some of the odd behavior problems reported by users -- won't be known until the headset finally reaches users' (and reviewers') hands.

We also found a couple of good reviews for the Plantronics Pulsar 590A headphones (*Est. $115), though they've been around since 2005. Like the Logitech, the Bluetooth adapter plugs into the headphone jack on your MP3 player or stereo and range is about 50 feet. The package also includes an in-flight cable since airlines don't allow you to use wireless devices on a plane.

The Plantronics Pulsar headphones are larger and more traditional-looking with full-cushioned earcups and an over-the-head adjustable headband. They're judged comfortable and have good music and call quality. Interestingly, Tim Adams of Pocketnow.com compared sound both with and without the in-flight cable and feels the cable improves music quality even more. This seems to indicate that any sound deficiencies are due to Bluetooth technology rather than the unit. One important aspect noted in Amazon.com reviews is that the universal Bluetooth adapter is only for music listening. Don't expect to use these headphones for Skype unless your computer is already Bluetooth enabled. The Plantronics Pulsar 590E (*Est. $70) is the same headset, minus the universal adapter.

If you want a Bluetooth headphone for a music player and not a cell phone, several models just deliver audio with no microphone. While you need a Bluetooth-enabled device to use the headphones above (or an extra-cost transmitter), Logitech's FreePulse headphones (*Est. $120) includes a Bluetooth transmitter that's compatible with any MP3 player that has a mini-jack headphone connector. It's also compatible with home-theater systems, laptops and more. The transmitter works natively with some iPod models, and a host of adapters for other models is included. Unlike some Bluetooth transmitters, it does not use some iPod models' proprietary connector.

While some feel that the transmitter is on the bulky side, the headphones are said to be surprisingly lightweight. Professionals and owners alike are impressed with its high sound quality, especially for Bluetooth stereo headphones. There's a bass boost feature that some approve of while others find it artificial. On the negative side, the headband isn't adjustable and some reviewers found it uncomfortable. Another drawback is that you can't actually control your music player with the headphones. Professional reviewers note the battery life is 6-1/2 to seven hours, as advertised, but be sure to drain the battery completely each time as users have reported the headphones' battery life decreases dramatically over time if you don't.

If you can get past the appearance and price, Etymotic ety8 earphones (*Est. $250) deliver excellent sound quality. Reviewers agree that the sound is terrific with audiophile quality that far surpasses other wireless headphones. They do a great job of blocking out background noise because of the way they fit inside your ear canals, though this style may not be to everyone's taste. Many reviewers, however, can't get past the design, which CNet's David Carnoy describes as looking like "giant square earrings," and may cause some users to feel self-conscious about wearing them in public. A Bluetooth transmitter for the Apple iPod (most iPod, iPod nano and first generation mini models) is included. If you already have a Bluetooth enabled device, the ety8 headphones are also sold separately (*est. $160) without the transmitter.