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Technically speaking, Bluetooth is a digital communication standard that allows electronic devices to communicate with one another, even those from different manufacturers. But for all practical purposes, a "Bluetooth" enabled headset is one without wires.
Remember Ear Buds?
Consider the headsets of a few years ago. These were little more than tiny speakers that lodged in your ear canal and were connected to your cellphone with a long wire. They were ugly and uncomfortable. The wires tended to catch on clothing and pull the speaker out of your ear. The internal connections were fragile and frequently came loose, causing the headset to cut in and out. And when you put the headset in your pocket, more often than not the wire became knotted up.
There were compatibility issues as well. Cell phones from different manufacturers had different types of sockets for their headsets. For instance, while some cellphones used a common 1/8" mike plug, others (such as some Nokia models) made use of complicated 14-pin connectors. To find the right headset for your phone, you often had to go to a local cell phone accessory store.
So the cellphone headset became the poster-child for Bluetooth. Bluetooth headsets don't have wires and are generally far more comfortable than the old "ear bud" type headsets. They are more durable and last a lot longer than the el cheapo headsets of the past. And these products are really compatible with just about any phone. That's right - any bluetooth headset from any manufacturer will work with just about any Bluetooth phone. What better application of technology could there be than this?
The Disadvantages of BlueTooth
But all is not perfect. Bluetooth has its costs as well. The most obvious of these is that you now have a second device that requires charging. And what's more, using a bluetooth device with your cell phone will drain your phone's batteries quicker. So you should expect to charge your phone more frequently with these headsets.
Second, the sound quality of Bluetooth headsets is generally not as good as the old wired arrangement. Some headsets come indistinguishably close, but most don't.
Third, setting up a Bluetooth headset isn't as easy as plugging in an ear bud. There are a few steps involved and you'll have to read the instructions, but the latest models are pretty painless.
Fourth is the price. Bluetooth headsets are more expensive than the old $20 headsets. Expect a decent headset to run from anywhere around $80-$150, with the luxury units costing as much as $300.
Finally, you'll either love or hate the way Bluetooth headsets look. Most are big and bulky and make you look like either a cyborg or a secret serviceman. Manufacturers are starting to get a grip on design though and there are plenty of models to choose from.
Picking the Headset That's Right For You
While we can do some of the legwork for you, such as testing the range, sound quality, and battery life of these units, you'll ultimately have to decide which headset to pick. If you go with our top picks, you really only have to consider price and style. When you get the headset home, you should wear it for a few hours to ensure that it has a good fit and won't cramp your ear. But whatever you do, just make sure you don't settle for whatever is on the shelf at your local Best Buy, as the selection there is very limited and as you'll find out on our site, most of the units there tend to be very poorly rated.
Ready to get started? Just pick a category on the left-hand navigation menu. If you aren't sure what you're looking for, start with "Our Top Picks".
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