Bluetooth headsets have driven the future of wireless music. Though wired headphones still have existence, the market has been dominated by their wireless or Bluetooth counterparts. They are not only light in weight but also guarantee high-quality sound that soothes our soul.
Besides, smartphones like iPhone have fostered the demand for Bluetooth headsets because they don’t come with a headphone jack. If you are also planning to abandon your old wired headphones and switch to Bluetooth headsets, then this guide is for you. Here you will find everything you need to know to purchase the best Bluetooth headsets that can enhance your music-listening experience.
What Type of Bluetooth Headset is Ideal For You?
Professional
Professional Bluetooth headsets are suitable for corporate professionals who conduct business calls on the road or in the middle of their work. Such devices reflect the users’ desire for better sound quality, comfortable fit, and long battery life so they could use them day in, day out hassle-free. Some pro Bluetooth headsets also connect to mobile phones as well as PCs seamlessly to serve as the best remote communication device.
Compact
Unlike professional variants that are large, compact Bluetooth headsets tend to be smaller in size. They are designed to make regular calls when out and about. Thus, their features like battery life, audio quality, and more take a backseat to stealth.
Stereo
Thanks to the rapid rise of smartphones and their excellent multimedia functionalities, stereo Bluetooth headsets reinforced with microphones have also gained momentum. A stereo headset allows you to listen to music and watch videos on your phone wirelessly. You can also quickly answer the calls without skipping a beat. However, bear in mind that they are designed to offer better audio performance, so they don’t focus a lot on call quality.
What Features Should You Consider While Looking For a Bluetooth Headset?
Dual Microphones
Today’s high-end Bluetooth headsets are integrated with dual microphones that also feature active noise cancellation, which blocks ambient dins in the background like wind, street noise, and the sound of vehicles. This functionality is most appreciated by people who use their mobile devices while commuting and casual chatterboxes to make calls even in noisy environments.
HD Audio
A myriad of Bluetooth headsets has HD audio or HD quality sound, enabling you to receive, transfer, and reproduce sound at the 16 kHz frequency. This signal bandwidth is twice the bandwidth of a typical 8KHz headset, which leads to clearer audio under ideal conditions.
Multipoint Pairing
Nowadays, almost all mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, are reinforced with Bluetooth technology. Thus, connecting your headset to multiple devices at the same time can be difficult. This is where multipoint pairing comes in handy. It enables you to connect your headset to two phones simultaneously and make a call on either device.
Voice Command Functionality
Like smartphones, Bluetooth headsets are now also featuring voice command functionality as it has gained high popularity. Thus, you can pair to a device, answer or reject calls, and check battery status just by speaking while cooking, exercising, working, and driving.
Customizable Fit
Since the size of ears ranges from person to person, a high-quality Bluetooth headset will allow you to customize its fitting to accommodate your ear size as well as shape. Besides, some models are built to rest outside the ear canal, while others are designed to slide inside. However, advanced level headsets come with both choices.
Near-Field Communication (NFC)
In today’s tech era, most Bluetooth headsets have integrated near-field communication technology. It not only expedites the mobile payment process but also facilitates the pairing of compatible Bluetooth devices. All you have to do is place your device on an NFC-enabled headset to build a connection without wasting time setting menus.
Battery Life
Bluetooth headsets require charging as they are battery-operated devices. While smaller headsets look elegant and are handier, bigger ones have longer battery life. Usually, the standard headsets run 4-6 hours on a single charge, and their standby time ranges from less than one week to more than two.
Range
If you are a person who moves to and fro while wearing a headset but don’t carry your phone, you need a high-range device. Most Bluetooth headsets operate with Class2 Bluetooth that offers a range of up to 33 ft. before the audio quality starts deteriorating. However, some models in the market also come with Class1 Bluetooth that has a range of up to 300 ft.
Sweat Resistance
Most Bluetooth headsets are sweat-resistant because they are engineered to use during exercise and work. Some low-priced headphones have IPX4 ratings that can resist low-pressure water spray. However, if you spend most of your time in the water, you need a waterproof headset with an IPX7 rating.
Sound Quality and Drivers
We will give you a brief about how drivers impact sound quality without getting into details. A driver unit consists of voice coils, a magnet, and a diaphragm that vibrates to generate sound. Headsets with larger drivers produce better bass than the smaller drivers, but it doesn’t mean that the latter has poor sound quality. Most Bluetooth headsets feature dynamic drivers with bigger diaphragms that offer thick and punchy bass for electronic music lovers.
Final Words
Choosing the best Bluetooth headsets among a host of options can be a daunting task without prior knowledge of their features and functionalities. This guide aims to provide you with nuggets of information related to wireless headsets to help you get your hands on the best model with the best features. However, keep in mind that the headset with more features will also cost you more. So, shop wisely!
Bluetooth Headset FAQ
Q: Do all wireless headsets come with a voice cancellation feature?
A: No, all wireless headsets do not have a noise cancellation feature. But you can purchase an over-ear stereo headset if you want to cancel the noise around.
Q: Can I use a Bluetooth headset during exercise?
A: Yes, you can use your headset headsets during exercise. In fact, they are designed to be used while running and lifting weights because they don’t have a cord that gets in the way.
Q: Can I overcharge my Bluetooth headset?
A: If your Bluetooth headset operates on a li-ion battery, then you need not fret about overcharging it. However, you should not keep it plugged in if you want to expand the lifespan of your battery.