Five Best iPhone Bluetooth headsets
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If you don’t mind looking like a pretentious wanker and annoying the life out of everyone in earshot, a Bluetooth headset is a must-have accessory for your Apple iPhone.
After exhaustive research, hundreds of hours spent people watching and consulting with my local iPhone “specialist,” this is the definitive list of iPhone Bluetooth headsets – the best of the best of the best. There are hundreds of the things available and just sifting through the sales pitches is enough to make you want to vomit. Motorola pitch one of theirs as, “Design perfection - the ultimate in style, comfort and convenience.” Sheesh ! The only thing I can think of that was design perfection is Audrey Hepburn, but they have to say something I suppose.
I have tried all these and I would say that they are noise reducing – not noise eliminating. For the most part, they pick up extraneous sounds and do a better job of eliminating sounds that come from the side rather than above, in front of or underneath them.
Just remember to take it off when you are having lunch at your local wine bar – it doesn’t look anywhere near as cool as you think it does.
And the kick-ass photo, "Not as cool looking as you think," comes from Joelogon. Thanks for the photo :)
Number One – The Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield
According to the manufacturers, this particular headset comes with an “Advanced, military-grade noise-canceling system which continuously adapts to your environment.” So maybe this particular model will be useful in the wine bar, who knows? Especially if the wine bar is in Detroit.
For once, I am not offended by the way a gadget looks and if I was buying a Bluetooth headset, I would probably allow myself to be persuaded to buy this one just because it was originally developed for DARPA (The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to create a communication headset that would pick up voice in hostile environments. How could you resist? Bring on the explosions and sound of machine-gun-fire. Available in red, black or grey – disappointingly no khaki camouflage available. Maybe next year.
Heavily discounted to about $85 which tells me it was seriously overpriced in the first place. Issues as usual are the proprietary accessories - lose the cable and you are looking at a new headset.
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Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset (Red)
Price: $114.99
List Price: $149.99 |
Plantronics Discovery 655 bluetooth headset
Once again heavily discounted to the point where this one is an extremely good buy. Definitely NOT worth $150 which is the RRP, but not you can buy them for about $65 – a good deal, I think. Not as “Cool” looking as the Jawbone and the usual sales pitch that describes it as, “the optimal road-warrior conversation piece!,” exclamation mark included. As if anyone wants to talk about your Bluetooth headset.
Plantronics do a couple of headsets and this is the top of their range. The Plantronics Voyager 510 bluetooth headset is also worth considering and at about $15 cheaper is a good budget headset.
The Discovery is small and almost guaranteed to get lost, but has a variety of charging options.
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Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth Headset
Price: $36.99
List Price: $149.95 |
![Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XB1238FJL._SL75_.jpg)
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Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaging]
Price: Too low to display
List Price: $99.95 |
Latte Raspberry Mocha pink bluetooth headset
The name alone is actually enough for me and if you are looking for pink bluetooth headset, this is the one. This one is Bluetooth v.2.0 so has a better than average battery life – the makers claim 7 hours talk time and 170 hours standby, but then they are also claiming crystal clear sound and while it may be better than average, crystal it’s not.
It actually doesn’t sound too bad and the earpiece can be bent to fit your ear shape. As with all these, pretty heavily discounted, so for around $40, you are not going to kill yourself when you lose it.
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Latte Communications Bluetooth Headset with Noise Reduction (Raspberry Mocha)
Price: $34.00
List Price: $59.00 |
Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705
One thing I like about this is that it sensibly comes with a strap, so you can look slightly less un-cool by hanging it around your neck when not using it.
Considering the light weight, it has a good sound quality. Not as heavily discounted as the others, but it wasn’t stupidly overpriced in the first place. Good battery life and the reputation of Sony Ericsson behind it. Available for around $43 – another good buy.
Solid, less likely to get lost. Worth the money and probably the best cheap bluetooth headset on the market.
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Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV705, Silver
Price: $49.95
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Best bluetooth headsets for iPhone 3G
Since the introduction of the 3G iPhone, I have had numerous requests to do a bluetooth headset review on headsets suitable for that model. The ones above work perfectly well, but there have been a few improvements that mean a couple more adding to the list.
Plaintronics Discovery 925
For out and out sound quality, this one is extremely good. It does not do a great job of canceling out surrounding noises, but unless you are in a busy airport or some other public place, that is probably not going to be an issue.
As with all these - this one is also heavily discounted from the recommended price of $149.95 to around $70. Goodness knows why they don't just set a reasonable price in the first place. And as I was finding this on Amazon - which I still recommend as the best online place to buy electronics, I discover they now have a team of "cell phone experts," to help you from 9am to 9pm. Quite apart from how funny that is - it tells me they are still over priced if they can afford a team of "experts" 12 hours a day.
![Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece (Black) [Retail Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41s5AfHw1gL._SL75_.jpg)
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Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece (Black) [Retail Packaging]
Price: Too low to display
List Price: $149.95 |
Aliph Jawbone II Bluetooth Headset with NoiseAssassin
This is the updated version of the Jawbone, and is superb at canceling noises, in fact, they have even added a new feature called "Noise Assassin." Quite honestly, the sales pitch for this one is another one that will make you want to vomit. It is a bluetooth earpiece for goodness' sake.
They are selling it as "Not just a headset, it's Earwear."
If you have read this far, you know my opinion on people who wear these things as fashion accessories. Regardless - it does a good joband cuts out noise. The sound quality is not quite up to the plaintronics' quality though.
![Aliph Jawbone II Bluetooth Headset with NoiseAssassin (Black) [Bulk Packaging]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qymZvMiqL._SL75_.jpg)
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Aliph Jawbone II Bluetooth Headset with NoiseAssassin (Black) [Bulk Packaging]
Price: $59.95
List Price: $99.99 |
Limitations
All of these headsets are limited by the fact that they just do not work as well as a wired headset and have limited battery life. Also, considering they are supposed to be wireless, you need a surprising amount of cables to charge them. The latest one from Apple requires ridiculous trouble to charge through either the iPhone or a dock. These are as good as it gets just yet and to my mind, these are all disposable. They are flimsy, will get lost easily and present a real challenge as to what to do with them when you are not on the phone. The whole point of the iPhone is supposed to be the fact that it’s all in one, and carrying a bag full of bits and pieces around makes no sense.
More iPhone Accessories
- iPhone bluetooth headset
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The best iPhone Cases - Five Best iPhone Earphones
The best iPhone Earphones
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Comments
LOL - I agree. What makes me laugh is when they wear them while they are at the grocery store or in a restaurant.
Very true! :) I've often done double-takes when I walked past someone using one of these because I thought they were talking to theirself. LOL! And yet...here I am, shopping around for the best one so I can buy myself and my husband one. :)
LOL - They are useful, but they also look a little silly. Oh well - you can't have everything:)
lol, in the UK we call them Tommy tankers!;)
Yeah, I figured my American readers might not get that word :)
i can not see me buying one tomorrow.
Thank you.
Thanks for the referral
LOL - Me either. My pleasure. :)
Some of the designs are spectacular. I love the looks of some of them.
Thanks Rudra - You changed your picture. Is this you?
Thanks Mark and my profile, let me know what you think.
Will do.
I agree people look and sound strange with these on.
...but if they want to buy them then good luck to you.
(Not to them!)
GerryM
LOL _ yes they do. My main issue with them is that they are just about disposable. None of the cables work with anything else - they are very flimsy and easily lost. But they are useful if you are driving or can't be bothered to hold a phone to your ear :)
I've also done double takes thinking people were talking to themselves...But they do come in useful at times. I work PT as a Toll Collector (not right now though because I'm out on maternity) and of course you have certain people that always seem to call you when you're working (like your mom and other family and friends) and act like they forgot, even though you have the same schedule every week. Anyway, it makes it a little easier to not have to fumble with answering or holding a phone when trying to count change or give directions. Or as mentioned....driving. Other than that, I still think Bluetooths are overpriced.
The best Bluetooth headset is one that's been stomped into the ground and lit on fire.
You don't like them then ?
I think lighting it on fire is overkill, just stomping it into the ground should do the trick.
hehe. I am pretty sure they will all get lost or broken without outside assistance.
Hi Mark!!
GREAT Hub!!
I could hardly wait to get my BlueTooth and then was so disappointed I took it back!!
I screen my calls so there is no way to know who is on the other end accept to look at the screen!! By that time, the BlueTooth is useless!!
Thanks for the GREAT info however!! You're the BEST!!
Blessings, Earth Angel!!
My pleasure - Thanks for the compliments.
Makes me think of going shopping today.. Thanks for the info
Hmmm I don't even have a bluetooth phone, but yes they would be useful when driving as it's now 3 points on your licence in the UK plus a fine.
If I did ever get one though, I would try to conceal it under my hair, and definitely not wear shades, or I might end up looking like the guy in your photo at the top.
LOL - too true. I hope he doesn't sue. :)
Mark, your research is very thorough. I wonder how you keep track of so many products..
Good post..
Mark, people do a doubletake when they see me walking down the street or driving in the car because I AM talking to myself. I wasn't aware that was a problem. ;)
I guess I don't need a Bluetooth anytime soon, eh?
Very nice hub. I have not personally tried a bluetooth headset because, to be honest, I do not care to talk on the phone. I do, however, think they look cool.
Hi Mark,
Please tell me, how you multi task with your work and being a king in HUBPAGES, your comment is greatly appreciated.
Best introductory paragraph ever ;-)
I can see why headsets can be useful, but there's not much more annoying than being surrounded by a crowd of people seemingly talking in to thin air. Are they talking to you? Should you respond?
Gah!
LOL Thanks. They are annoying.
Where most of these seem to come up short is the fact that the iPhone is a great iPod, and the stereo sound is a great part of the iPhone experience. I'd love to see a stereo version, but candidly most folks are using Bluetooth just for the phone, which is almost secondary to me.
really sir i like them i was thinking of buying them
this hub help me alot thanku sir such a nice hub
Hi Mark -- thanks for <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelogon/481035167/&q my photo</a> (and yes, that is me -- the <a href="http://www.joelogon.com/blog/2007/05/i-am-now-blue entry that I used it for</a> is specifically about how people who wear Bluetooth headsets often look like douchebags.
I note, though, that you are using the photo without attribution -- the photo is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license, which means you're free to use it provided you attribute it. I appreciate your cooperation on this.
Thanks -- Joe
Absolutely - My apologies for not finding you. I have fixed it now. Sorry :)
I agree that bluetooth sets are dumb looking, but I just read something about brain surgeons always using headsets and recommending to there patients not holding phones up to their heads because there is no finished long term study on the effects of cell phone radiation. That being said, I think the key to not looking like a douche is to only put the thing in your ear when you are using it.
[johnr54 says:
3 months ago
Where most of these seem to come up short is the fact that the iPhone is a great iPod, and the stereo sound is a great part of the iPhone experience. I'd love to see a stereo version, but candidly most folks are using Bluetooth just for the phone, which is almost secondary to me.]
Agreed John. The first company that develops a blue tooth that will play the songs from your iPhone will get my business. In California now it is a law that you have to have some sort of hands-free device while driving. I end up using the iPhone Microphone Cord because it allows me to listen to music (even if it only in one ear) and still take / make calls hands free.
Good post Mark - I look forward to reading more of your reviews.
I definitely don't mind looking like a "pretentious wanker." I'm all about walking down the street and annoying people with my loud and obnoxious banter. Great post.
Randy - lol - Whatever works for you :)
I just wish some people would wear these things in their cars. I almost got hit by a driver today who didn't even notice ... later on a girl on a bicycle almost ran over my dog and she didn't notice either ... I don't care if people want to talk on their phones, just do it in a way that doesn't endanger other people. Most of these headsets are easily available for very little money if you consider the alternative: squished pedestrian or pet!
OMG.... thank you. As I was doing the boring but required research of bluetooth vs. wired headset I stumbled across this. I'm still laughing....and now just want to by the b/f one so that I can take a "not as cool looking as you think" picture of him.
Ok, I'm not that mean. I'm off to find out if you have one of these written about the wired headsets with mics for iPhone.
~Wendy
As interesting as the comments are disregarding the potentially positive side to wearing these devices, these fall under the same category cell phones themselves were in when they first hit the market. I remember being in a mall at a young age and hearing various negative comments about the few and far between individuals talking on clunky analog phones while shopping. As it's now the 'norm' to talk on cellphones in public places, it's just as quickly becoming so by sporting a headset to avoid holding a hot and annoying cell phone to your face.
LOL
Like I said - They are a must -have accessory :)
I actually like them, the bluetooth "thingy" as everyone calls them. I would have liked to have seen the Motorola H9 tested (by you, you seem to do a good job). I like it, if it works the way they say (which is not always as it is written up by the manufacture). Good "investigation" on each.
They have their place. I get a kick out of people at WalMart trying to look important and they never use the thing anyway.
LOL - Yes they have their place. I will be doing an updated test soon jmichael:)
Thanks for the comments
There's a one bad thing about bluetooth headset though; people could actually jack it so that they can eavesdrop your conversation.
Excellent well-written hub anyway...;-)
i am not really a bluetooth guy, but sometimes bluetooth can be very helpfull to our hands. Or when you stay at home and make a long long call... anyway this is a very interesting article, well done
Catch up to the 21st Century!!!
Nice headsets but sometimes people look funny when they use it, as if they are talking to themselves
I encountered someone in a crowded movie theater with a friggin' blinking bluetooth light flashing. That lasted about 5 minutes before I walked from the opposite side of the theater to ask him to remove it.
ugh!
great hub and excellent information.wow these look really funky and eye catching...i love to use it but sometige gets problems in connectivity.
I can't believe people still think wireless headsets are "sooo wierd". Who's the bigger tool the person with two free hands or the person still holding a brick against their head. Adapt or die.
I don't think they look soo weird - but I do think people who wear them as a status symbol while sitting next to me in a coffee shop look like pretensious wankers :)
Its a great device if your local law enforment watches cell phone users while driving. But for those that think its the end of the world if you remove it from your ear for 3 seconds, I have a simple name for you..."Bluetool"!
As I see it when I am talking on my Bluetooth and walking down the sidewalk of the city, it acts like a security measure..... who in thier who would mug a person talking to themselves?
wow just read about this is earning for ya, not just an ugly face ha ha......
lol No, not just....... :)
I always think of Star Trek's BORG when I see someone wearing one, but I am considering getting one, because I hate the ideal of holding the cellphone to my head, even worst a Blackberry...
btw, I would love the BRG eye visor...
We need a good name for these people. How about, "wordpeckers".
My pick would also be the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield, it has awesome battery life and most importantly the sound quality is great. I walk around my apartment with the headset on, leaving the phone anywhere I wish and the connection is strong no matter where I go. Gook pick Mark.
The ONLY time somebody should wear one of these is when they are DRIVING. Any other time, and they are indeed pretentious wankers! Still, they are absolutely essential for drivers, anybody not wearing hands free when driving can be described with a much harsher word!
lol - True, very true.
Mark Knowles is incredibly annoying obviously has nothing better to do than read others input, and really sadly loves LOL a term mostly used by single women desperate to meet someone. as to the issue at hand, bluetooth is a very handy tool when the fine for hand holding a phone while driving is $300 and 3 demerit points
How about lololo david? I suspect you enjoy wearing it while walking around the grocery store. Does it make you feel important? LOL
Why do they have to blink like a fire fly? I would probably buy one if they didn't blink like crazy... not very discreet
They are incredibly useful while driving. I have one and I couldn't live without it but I usually leave it in my car cause I also adore the "cool" guys who have them on in the grocery store...blink blink blink lol... Hilarious.... Especially since you can barely hear anything
Great hub Mark.
I am inspired by your article, to write more better articles.
I am so glad you wrote an article on this! I need a new headset.
I believe if you have a cell phone, a Bluetooth headset is required for answering your cell in the car while driving. I have had so many close calls avoiding drivers that do not look where they are going or turn their head to check the blind spots.
Actually, Plantronics does have one that can do stereo with a detachable second earbud... I've been thinking about getting one, because I use my iPhone as much for listening to podcasts/music as calls. The question I have is, are there any that have full music controls on the unit? I just got a bluetooth headset for my birthday that has buttons to skip ahead or back tracks, but they don't work with my iPhone 3GS - just the volume and play/pause. Have you found any that do?
Thanks!
Mr. Knowles, sounds you and anyone else who think headset wearers are pretentious have a niggling inferiority complex. Pretty ridiculous IMHO to get bent about something that most obviously is a tool to make life easier.
Thanks anon. I just happen to think people who wear them to the bar are pretentious wankers.
Can't you find a job or something? Instead of leaving meaningless anonymous comments? Maybe then you could afford to buy one and become a pretentious wanker....
Thanks for the reviews and dose of humor.
I'm not really looking to be a wanker, pretentiousness aside, but I would like a wireless earpiece for two reasons:
1) Listening to audiobooks and podcasts on the train. That way I can safely stow my phone in my bag.
2) Talking on the phone without having to turn the touch surface of my phone into a grease platter. (I'd normally use the speakerphone, but that's even more irritating in public.) A wired earpiece is also suitable for this, but I will already be carrying a wireless one for the reason above.
Again, thanks for the helpful reviews.
lol
There are several perfectly good reasons for buying them - driving is the main one that comes to mind.
Ontario Canada has a law coming into effect October/09 banning the use of handheld devices (phones, gps, etc.) while driving, so bluetooths are a necessity. I have a Blue Ant Z9i and it worked perfectly with my Nokia specially when it informed me when I'm out of range with the phone (avoids accidentally leaving my phone at work and looking for it at home). Recently, I decided to go the smart phone way and signed up for an iPhone 3G S. Now I can't make a voice call without pressing (and holding down) the home button the phone. I can't listen to things like uTube, Radio and music through the bluetooth. Can you tell me which bluetooth would address my requirements, specially where it notifies you when you're out of range? Thanks for your help.
Some good news, the problem with not being able to make a voice call from the headset is fixed by the latest iPhone firmware update 3.1. Still can't use the bluetooth headset to listen to YouTube or music.
With wired handsfree you can atleast hold the wire as a sign that you talking to the mic.
"They are flimsy, will get lost easily and present a real challenge as to what to do with them when you are not on the phone. The whole point of the iPhone is supposed to be the fact that it’s all in one, and carrying a bag full of bits and pieces around makes no sense."
The MoGo Talk for iPhone will take care of this issue. It provides an iPhone case with a 5mm thin ear piece that clips into the case.
I'm seriously considering buying one, particularly with the new law being implemented in NZ on 1 November banning talking on cell phones while driving.
I've used a Motorola bluetooth ear piece in the past and found it very handy while driving. Never wore it anywhere else though lol.
Very good review thank you.
People who talk on the phone while driving and not using one of those ear pieces are WANKERS. stop doing it!!! do you really have to kill bike rider to relize that you need ear piece while driving?
I just bought my first iPhone 3G - it came with those ridiculous little earphones that don't stay in your ears that are only good for listening to music. Having had a Plantronics bluetooth piece for a couple of years (and yes, it still works - not throw-away) I can tell you that going back to those ridiculous little earphones in the car is definitely stepping backward bigtime! Here in my state it is illegal to put the phone to your ear in the car for one thing, not to mention how scarey it is to see the jerk behind me with their phone to their ear with one hand, gesticulating with their other hand between steering corrections and yakking away all the while.
I'll be shopping for a bluetooth ASAP and happily admit to being a bluetooth wanker.
Wow really nice! What I don't like about headset is that it make you look like you're talking to yourself.. well anyway but it helps me when I'm driving.
Absolutely love the commentary. You are hilarious, and helped me become a not so cool Bluetooth headset wearer in the meantime.
Avoiding radiation emitted from ones mobile phone is good, though a bluetooth headset still emits some radiation, it is much less than what your phone produces! A cable device is best but not always practical.
If bluetooth headsets annoy people that is their problem - Get A Life!
These devices are great, and if you have a problem... guess what? Its your problem ;)
LOl
Well, I was going for funny rather than "annoyed" I think it is funny when people wear these around in public. But if that annoys you - I guess that is your problem. ;)
Stacie Naczelnik says:
2 years ago
I'm sure they are convenient for people to use, but I'm so annoyed with my co-workers who use them...you neve know when they are talking to you, themselves, or someone on their stupid little Bluetooth thing. Plus, they look like some futuristic warrior fighing on Mars with that thing sticking out of their head.