With more states passing hands free laws, it is more important than ever to wear a headset of some sort. Many cell phone manufacturers don't offer a standard 2.5 mm jack, instead choosing to offer a stereo headphone jack (3.5mm) or doubling up a charging port with a proprietary headphone jack, the adapter to which are nearly impossible to find.

This leaves Bluetooth as nearly the only viable option for hands free driving, but with hundreds of models and styles to choose from, which one best suits you? This article breaks down portable Bluetooth devices into three different types, one for each lifestyle, in order to help you make a decision between one and the other.

Before you rush out to make a purchase on a new Bluetooth device, heed a few words of warning: Don't spend too little on your Bluetooth device. There is a huge price spread, starting between $10 and $150, but remember, the difference isn't compatibility, it's the electronics involved in noise reduction, such as background and wind noise, as well as battery life and additional accessories that might make your experience better when you go hands free. With most states charging $125 for a hands free law violation, you'll be dollars ahead with a nicer device that makes you want to use it.

This is probably the most common style of Bluetooth Headset, most commonly involving the hands free device, a ear hook, and a rubber coated speaker that fits inside the ear. This provides a firm anchor for the weight of the headset, and is great for people who plan to frequently use their phone or are very active while using their phone. These folks should spend a bit more on their headsets than most, because they're likely to encounter areas with higher noise levels.

Some hands free devices are available without the ear hook, but make sure it fits well and is not likely to fall out. Like all electronic devices, they're small and if one falls out of the ear into a puddle, it's not likely to end well.

These are a little less frequent, but perfect for the occasional user who plans to wear their hands free device only when they're on the phone, or fairly stationary, like in their car. These devices lay on top of the ear canal, and as such, are much easier to remove and put on than their in ear counterparts. 

If you're going to use your Bluetooth sparingly, and still wish to have private conversations, an over the ear Bluetooth device might be a good pick.

If you don't want anything in your ear, then this is really the way to go. They are for in vehicle use, which means you're less likely to forget them at your home or office, and if you're terrifically paranoid, like me, you'll have one in the car and one you carry (really handy, too, if you wash clothes and forget to check your pockets before throwing your pants and Bluetooth in the washer). 

Your in car kits don't offer any privacy, so people in the passenger seat can hear you, but if you commute alone, your Bluetooth device can be your best friend. Extremely easy to operate, just pair it up and turn it on, and once you leave your car, they automatically disengage after about 30 feet.

Once you've decided on which hands free form factor works for you, consider what features you want. In car charging is a big plus for the forgetful, and some devices offer multipoint, which can handle two or more devices at once. 

Some Bluetooth devices can allow you to listen to your music while you wear them, and some visor mount products have FM transmitters to allow you to listen to music and conversations right through your car stereo.

Take your time in considering which features most closely match your lifestyle, and you'll have a hands free experience thats both fun and useful.