- 1. FOCUSPOWER F10 Mini Bluetooth Earbud
- 2. Plantronics Explorer 50 Bluetooth Headset
- 3. TOORUN Bluetooth Headset M26
- 4. Kissral Bluetooth Headphone
- 5. Motorola H720 Bluetooth Headset
- 6. Plantronics Voyager Legend Mobile Bluetooth Headset
- 7. Mpow Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Microphone
- 8. Aminy Bluetooth Headset
- 9. HonShoop Spoon B1 Bluetooth Headset
- 10. HIFEER IPX5 Bluetooth Headset
It’s no secret that driving while looking at your phone is a bad idea. Distracted driving, whether a result of texting, talking on the phone or fiddling with the stereo, is a dangerous practice that significantly increases your risk of road traffic accidents. The only issue is, we’re all pretty much depended on (and addicted to!) our technology nowadays and although it may be safer to demand of people to completely ignore their gadgets while driving, it’s simply not realistic. So what can you do to increase your focus while driving without giving up your technology? Switch to Bluetooth headsets.
With a quality Bluetooth headphone, you can say goodbye to distracted driving and hello to safer travel, crystal clear phone calls and music. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite, best Bluetooth headsets here, so you can choose the right fit for yourself or a friend in need. Without further ado, let’s jump right into exploring some of the best Bluetooth earpieces of 2020.
The Best Bluetooth Headset
If you don’t like using Bluetooth earbuds for fear of looking like an extra in a sci-fi movie, a small, practically invisible Bluetooth earbud such as the FocusPower F10 is the way to go. Tiny but powerful, this Bluetooth earpiece is ergonomically designed to conform to the shape of your ear, ensuring a comfortable wear that is so light, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
The FocusPower F10 uses Bluetooth 4.1 & EDR technology, meaning it’s compatible with all newr Bluetooth devices and can be instantly connected to a smartphone, or even two smartphones, a laptop, tablet or any other similar device from up to 33 feet away. Importantly, it broadcasts super-clear voice and reproduces good-quality audio. And for such a small device, the battery life is great – with a 55mAH lithium-ion battery, it delivers around 6-8 hours of talk time, and around 7 hours of music time, as long as it’s on 30-40% volume. The earpiece is also water-resistant and as such, ideal for exercising. It’s of course also wireless and uses magnetic inductive charging, which is perhaps the most fuss-free charging there is.
- Mini wireless Bluetooth earbud
- Compatible with most Bluetooth devices + Multiple Pairing
- 55mAH lithium-ion battery, around 6-8h of talk time
- Siri and Google Now compatible
- Water-resistant design
- Wireless, magnetic inductive charging
- Brand FOCUSPOWER
- Model FBA_F10
- Weight 0.16 ounces
Clear, loud voice and audio
Secure, comfortable fit
Affordable
None
If you’re looking for an affordable but powerful and comfortable Bluetooth headset that produces clear audio, you’ve found it. The Plantronics Explorer 50 is a noise canceling, power-saving headset Bluetooth that can be connected to two smartphones, either Android or iPhone. This lightweight and comfortable Bluetooth handsfree piece streams music and GPS directions, making travel more fun and safe.
The Plantronics Explorer 50 features Bluetooth version 3.0, with Bluetooth profiles HSP, HFP and A2DP. With noise-reduction technology, it ensures clear and loud calls even when you’re in a somewhat noisy environment. Importantly, it also allows you to listen to music or hear GPS directions without fiddling with your phone or stereo, reducing the risk of road accidents and ensuring a safer ride. The device uses a DeepSleep mode when appropriate which allows it to hibernate and conserve power whenever possible, prolonging its battery life. In fact, this Bluetooth headset delivers up to a whopping 11 hours of talk time, plus it alerts you when it’s time to recharge the device – and don’t worry, the alarms are not loud and annoying; rather, they’re whispered alerts. As for charging, the device comes with a short USB cable, meaning you can plug it in pretty much anywhere.
- Mobile wireless Bluetooth headset
- Compatible with Plantronics mobile apps + Multiple Pairing
- Noise reduction technology
- Delivers up to 11 hours of talk time
- Voice alerts for battery and connection status
- DeepSleep mode conserves power
- USB charging
- Brand Plantronics
- Model 202340-21
- Weight 3.36 ounces
Clear calls and audio
Great battery life
Comfortable fit
Affordable
None
If you’re on a really tight budget, but need a quality Bluetooth earpiece that will produce clear phone calls and stream music for you, check out the TOORUN Bluetooth Headset M26. This convenient little earbud comes with a noise canceling microphone and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time. It also comes with voice prompt function and battery status reminders – pretty cool for a device with this low price!
The TOORUN Bluetooth headset features Bluetooth version 4.1 + EDR with Bluetooth profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP. If you use two smartphones, you can connect them both to this device and easily stay in touch with your business contacts and friends and family while driving. The audio quality is really good, no matter the music you listen to – in fact, it’s almost surprisingly great for such a low cost unit. As for other options, the Bluetooth headset can also activate Siri if you wish so and alert you when the battery is running low, or when you’re connected/disconnected. Speaking of battery, it delivers a solid 5 hours of music time and 7 hours of talk time, taking around one hour to fully charge.
- Bluetooth headset with noise canceling mic
- Compatible with most Bluetooth devices + Multiple Pairing
- Delivers up to 7 hours of talk time
- Siri compatible, delivers voice alerts for battery and connection status
- USB charging cable
- Brand TOORUN
- Model ncde
- Weight 0.32 ounces
Clear calls, good sound quality
Affordable
Doesn’t have a great range (around 10ft)
Another super-affordable Bluetooth headset, the Kissral earbud is small and lightweight, comfortable to wear, delivering good quality audio and clear calls. It’s a perfect piece if you’re looking for small, almost invisible Bluetooth earbuds that can be worn not only when you drive, but when you train in a gym or relax at home.
The Kissral is compatible with most kinds of Bluetooth devices, including tablets, cameras, watches and of course smartphones. It can also be paired with two devices at ones, meaning two smartphones of your choice. Featuring Bluetooth 4.1 audio decode technology, it provides clear and good quality sound for compatible devices. It also helps it’s super-easy to control – with just one big button, the headset is incredibly easy to operate and adjust. As for the quality of phone calls, with a built-in HD mic and noise reduction tech, the earbud produces very clear calls and audio in general. The battery is a 65mAh lithium, which delivers up to 8 hours of talk time and up to 6 hours of music time, plus 120 hours of standby time.
- Mini wireless Bluetooth headset
- Compatible with most Bluetooth devices + Multiple Pairing
- Noise reduction technology
- 65mAh lithium battery, up to 8 hours of talk time
- Comes with a special charger
- Brand Kissral
- Model Q13
- Weight 0.64 ounces
Compact and comfortable
Clear calls
Affordable
A bit lower volume than usual
If you’re looking for a great-quality Bluetooth headphone that produces super-clear and loud phone calls, this is it. The Motorola H720 is one of the best Bluetooth headsets when it comes to no-nonsense, hands-free phone calls and sleek, modern design that is also super-comfortable to wear. Of course, its price is much higher than the other headsets on the list, but there is a very good reason for that – it broadcasts and produces crystal-clear voice.
The Motorola H720 features RapidConnect which allows you to answer calls with a simple flip. It also allows you to save power whenever possible – when you want to talk, you flip open it, once you’re done, you flip it closed, turning off the device and saving power. Most importantly though, the earpiece has noise-reduction and echo-cancellation technology, allowing it produce really clear and loud audio- an especially important feature if you need to take business calls frequently. As for the headset’s battery life, it’s excellent, mostly thanks to the RapidConnect feature which helps save the energy. There is about 8 hours of talk time, which is enough even for the most talkative users out there.
- Sleek wireless Bluetooth headset
- Noise reduction and echo-cancellation technology
- Delivers up to 8 hours of talk time
- RapidConnect feature makes answering calls easy + saves power
- A/C charger
- Brand Motorola
- Model 89382N
- Weight 8 ounces
Modern, comfortable design
Produces crystal-clear phone calls
Great battery life
Cannot stream music
Pricey
A Bluetooth headset that optimizes voice, reduces noise and background sounds, produces great-quality audio, has voice recognition and is water-resistant? Yes, such a device actually exists and its name is Plantronics Voyager Legend. Best of all? This modern-looking, comfortable Bluetooth headset is actually budget-friendly!
The Voyager Legend is a smart, intuitive device that senses when it’s being worn to automatically answer calls or redirect audio to your phone – the action depends on whether you’re placing it on your ear or setting it down. It features Bluetooth 3.0 with wideband audio support, noise-cancelling technology and voice recognition. This means it creates an easy hands-free phone calls experience as you don’t have to press any buttons whatsoever, but “Answer” or “Ignore” the calls with your voice. As for the clarity of sound, it’s clear and loud thanks to the noise canceling tech which minimizes noise and wind and can separate your voice from 80 dBs of background noise. Another huge plus of this device is its water-resistant design which allows you to use it even when you jog in the rain or train in the gym. Finally, the lithium ion polymer battery is more than ok, delivering up to seven hours of talk time.
- Mobile Bluetooth headset
- Noise canceling technology
- Voice recognition + battery and connection status
- Siri, Google Now, Cortana compatible
- Delivers up to 7 hours of talk time
- Water-resistant design
- Magnetic based charger
- Brand Plantronics
- Model 10325VRP
- Weight 0.64 ounces
Clear calls and audio
Smart and intuitive device
Lightweight and comfortable design
Good battery life
The charger is finicky, can be hard to use
If small one-piece earbuds are not your thing and you prefer the more classic over-the-head Bluetooth headset design, check out the Mpow Pro headset. This wireless device is built specifically for drivers who need to take frequent phone calls, as it reduces background noises and automatically adjusts voice to louder and clearer when necessary.
The Mpow Pro features Bluetooth version V2.1, is connectable with any two Bluetooth devices but supports only calling – ideal for businessmen and businesswomen who need to stay in regular touch with their colleagues/bosses even during commuting. The microphone is noise-canceling and omnidirectional, meaning you can adjust it however is convenient for you. The roam range is standard – around 30 feet from paired Bluetooth devices. As for the headset’s battery life, with a whopping 13 hours of talk time, it’s one of the longest lasting Bluetooth devices out there. Importantly, the entire piece is lightweight and comfortable to wear as the headband is fully adjustable and the ear cushions are padded and skin-friendly.
- Over-the-head Bluetooth headset
- Multiple Pairing
- Noise-reduction microphone
- Delivers up to 13 hours of talk time
- USB charging
- Brand Mpow
- Model BH453
- Weight 0.8 ounces
Produces clear phone calls
Good battery life
Affordable
Cannot stream music
The Aminy Bluetooth headset is an affordable, quality, noise-canceling headphone that produces clear audio, voice and music included, ensuring safer driving. The piece is lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear, plus it actually looks good on the ear, making it perfect for people who struggle to find a truly snug and comfortable Bluetooth earbud fit.
The Aminy headset supports pretty much all Bluetooth devices, including laptops, tablets, Notebooks and smartphones. The piece features a CSR chip and built-in microphone, producing clear phone calls and Hi-Fi music sound. Interestingly, it comes with two batteries, each supporting up to 8 hours of talking time, meaning it does have a pretty good battery life overall. As for its design, it’s truly one of the most comfortable Bluetooth headsets out there – this is because it’s lightweight and ergonomically designed, with a 3-point-support principle. As a bonus, its inner splash-proof nano coating design ensures the device doesn’t get affected by rain or sweat.
- Wireless Bluetooth headset
- Noise canceling tech
- Compatible with most Bluetooth devices
- Two batteries, each delivers up to 8 hours of talk time
- Siri compatible
- Waterproof design
- USB charging
- Brand Aminy
- Model ufo-black
- Weight 0.48 ounces
Lightweight, ergonomic design, comfortable fit
Good battery life
Affordable
Buttons are somewhat inconvenient to use
If you need an all-around good-quality Bluetooth earpiece that is user- and budget-friendly, the HonShoop Spoon B1 Bluetooth headset may be the device for you. This good-looking earpiece produces very clear audio, calls and music included, allows for hands-free calling and is compatible with pretty much all newer Bluetooth-enabled devices.
The HonShoop Spoon B1 features Bluetooth 4.1 and a smart CSR chip, has a built-in boom mic and Dynamic Speaker which help broadcast your speech clearly even when you move around or are in the middle of a noisy road. It is compatible with various devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones and other, plus it can be connected to two smartphones at the same time. There is also voice-control for Google Now, Siri and Cortana, ensuring a comfortable hands-free Bluetooth experience. This lightweight Bluetooth earpiece is equipped with an extendable earhook which makes it fit most ear shapes and sizes. As for its battery life, considering it delivers around 8 hours of talking time, and up to 180 hours of standby time, it’s pretty good.
- Wireless Bluetooth headset
- Compatible with most Bluetooth devices + Multiple Pairing
- Dynamic Speaker broadcasts clear voice
- Siri and Google voice assistants compatible
- Delivers up to 8 hours of talk time
- USB charging
- Brand HonShoop
- Model HSP SPOON BR
- Weight 0.64 ounces
Clear calls and audio
Good battery life
Adjustable design
Affordable
The design is on the rigid side (may not fit everyone)
We’re ending our Top 10 list with another solid budget Bluetooth headset. The HIFEER device is a noise canceling Bluetooth headphone that not only produces clear phone calls and quality audio, but is waterproof, meaning suitable for wearing while exercising, jogging and even walking in the rain if that’s more of your thing!
The HIFEER IPX5 allows you to make almost completely hands-free calls and listen to music without fiddling with your stereo, providing a safer driving environment. The headset boasts CSR 8615 chip and CVC6.0 noise canceling technology which minimizes background noises as well as echo, broadcasting pretty clear voice. The entire piece is comfortable to wear, mostly because it’s lightweight (0.46 oz) with soft earbuds and flexible earhooks. The battery, a 200mAh lithium-ion polymer, is pretty fantastic for such a low cost unit – delivering up to 16 hours of talking time, 14 hours of music time, and about 400 hours of standby time, it’s one of the best ones on the market.
- Wireless Bluetooth headset
- Compatible with most devices
- Noise canceling tech
- 200mAh lithium-ion polymer battery, up to 16 hours of talk time
- Waterproof design
- USB charging
- Brand HIFEER
- Weight 0.48 ounces
Great battery life
Comfortable fit
Affordable
Doesn’t cancel background noise that well
Best Bluetooth Headset Buying Guide & FAQ
Bluetooth headsets have become highly sophisticated devices. Some broadcast crystal-clear voice, others stream high-quality music and audio in general, some come with noise-canceling capabilities and others have voice-recognition features. But what makes a device the best Bluetooth headset, really? The short answer is, whatever works best for you and your needs. The ambiguous one? A lot of things – but we cover every single one in our buying guide.
Here, we’ll talk about everything you need to know when purchasing a Bluetooth headset. From the reasons why you should (or shouldn’t!) use a Bluetooth headset, to the features you should be looking for in every Bluetooth device, we mention every big and small thing you should know. So no matter if you’re looking for basic Bluetooth headsets for phone calls only, or noise-canceling headphones that also produce fantastic audio, our buying guide and FAQ section should be able to help you pick the right product.
Features to Consider When Buying a Bluetooth Headset
To purchase the best Bluetooth headset, pay attention to the following features and whether or not the Bluetooth earphones you like have them.
- Multipoint Pairing
Today, most electronic devices integrate Bluetooth technology. From smartphones and laptops to tablets and various gadgets, Bluetooth tech has taken over. For this reason, it’s not uncommon to want to link Bluetooth headphones to multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices – in fact, most people do it nowadays as it makes using different gadgets at the same time easier. That’s why Multipoint Pairing is an irreplaceable feature for folks who use two smartphones – by allowing your headset to be connected to two different devices, Multipoint Pairing enables you to make calls on either device. A particularly useful feature if you use one phone for work and the other one for pleasure.
- Comfortable/Adjustable Fit
Although most people have similar ear sizes and shapes, we all have slightly different ears. That’s why your friend’s ultra-comfortable Bluetooth earphone may not be comfortable at all on your ear. Luckily, well-designed Bluetooth headsets will feel snug and comfortable on pretty much all average ear sizes and shapes, so it’s not that hard to find a good fit no matter the brand or price. However, if you haven’t had luck with headsets in the past, it’s best to pick a device that is customizable or adjustable and allows you to move it around to find the best fit. Over-the-head Bluetooth headsets may be the best solution in particularly difficult-to-fit cases.
- Good Battery Life
Even the best Bluetooth headset in the world wouldn’t be worth much if it had a poor battery life. Look for headsets with solid batteries that promise relatively long battery life – not too long, though. Why? Manufacturers often grossly overestimate the battery life of their product so it sells better, which is why it’s not wise to blindly believe whatever the packaging says. It’s a good idea to stick to devices that deliver a solid 5-8 hours of talk and music time, as most budget Bluetooth headsets already offer that much (no matter what they claim). Of course, if frequent charging bothers you, it may be better to look for longer-lasting batteries, but do bear in mind that these devices usually cost more.
- Newer Bluetooth Versions
Bluetooth version matters – a lot. Not only are the newer versions compatible with more devices, they’re also faster and more secure. Ideally, you want to stick to Bluetooth versions 4.0 and above as they offer additional features and improved connectivity and range. Still, there’s nothing wrong with older versions, especially if you’re on a tight budget, but do bear in mind that the newer the Bluetooth version, the better your headset will play with your other devices and gadgets.
Why You Should Use Bluetooth Headset
There are numerous reasons why you should use a quality Bluetooth headset and we’ll cover the most important ones here, starting from – of course – safety.
- Safer rides
It should go without saying that distracted driving is a recipe for a disaster. And you know what’s the most common cause of distracted driving? Talking and texting. This is closely followed by looking at GPS directions and fiddling with the music auio system. Luckily, you can eliminate or at least greatly minimize all of these risks for distracted driving by using a quality Bluetooth headset. A good headset will let you make and take calls either with a push of a button or by using voice commands. It will also stream your music the way you like and even tell you GPS directions if needed.
- No Cables
One of the biggest benefits of Bluetooth headsets is the ability to be cable, cord and wire-free. This allows for ultimate mobility and freedom, which is especially welcome while you’re driving or exercising. With a wireless Bluetooth headset on your ear, you don’t have to worry about getting caught onto something and ripping the earbuds from your ears, or about those dreaded wire knots in your pocket. Cable-free means fuss-free.
- Easier managing of multiple gadgets
We all own and daily use at least a couple of electronic devices – laptops, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, you name it. Although most of these were created to save us time, energy and effort – basically, to make out lives easier – juggling several different gadgets at the same time can be difficult. That’s why Bluetooth headsets are a great choice – with the Multiple Pairing feature, they allow you to connect two devices and use them at the same time. Using one phone for music and pleasure and the other one for business calls? No problem – a quality Bluetooth headset will connect to both and let you switch between them in a matter of seconds.
- Better Focus
Speaking of owning and using multiple gadgets, have you noticed you’re less focused on the road ahead of you when you’re on your phone, or fiddling with your music stereo/tablet? It’s no wonder why – we function best when we’re focused on one thing at a time, which is kind of impossible to do with your eyes on the road, one hand on the wheel and one on your ear, holding a phone. It’s similar while you’re exercising – you can’t properly focus on your training if you’re texting at the same time. With a Bluetooth earpiece on though? A piece of cake – no more toying with your phone or other electronics while you’re driving/exercising/working, as you can take calls, listen to music and even text hands-free (depending on the headset, of course).
What About Stereo Bluetooth Headphones?
There are two main types of Bluetooth headsets: mono and stereo. To get the best headset for your needs, see which type is better suited for your lifestyle and preferences.
- Mono Bluetooth Headset
If your job requires you to spend a lot of time on the phone with employees, co-workers and clients, a good mono Bluetooth device is what you need. These types of headsets broadcast and produce the clearest voice, meaning communication is prioritized above all else. Of course, most mono Bluetooth headsets can also stream music for you, read audiobooks, etc. so they’re definitely multitaskers, however they can never produce high-quality audio like stereo Bluetooth headsets can. These are the typical Bluetooth headsets that you wear on either side of your head (all of the headsets featured on our Top 10 list are monos). Because they leave one ear open to the environment, mono Bluetooth headphones are perfect for driving and when you have to aware of your environment or interact with people.
- Stereo Bluetooth Headset
If you’re an audiophile who appreciates high-quality sound first and foremost, it’s highly likely you prefer listening to music on both of your ears. This is also perfectly natural – in music, stereo sound is created using two audio channels, right and left, which mimics our ability to hear our surroundings. This is why stereo Bluetooth headsets are better at reproducing music than monos are. However, because they cover both of your ears, they’re anything but ideal for tasks such as driving, bicycling or jogging in a busy city.
So which Bluetooth headset type is better for you? This entirely depends on your lifestyle, but, if you’re looking for a good headpiece for when you’re driving or interacting with other people, a mono Bluetooth headset is definitely a better choice.
Best Bluetooth Headset FAQ:
Your typical Bluetooth headset (the one you wear on one of your ears) uses one audio channel. This means it frees up one ear, allowing interaction with others and awareness of surroundings. Stereo Bluetooth headsets, on the other hand, offer two-channel output which is great news for music lovers, but not so great when you have to be aware of your environment or interact with others.
The speed of data that enters and goes through a Bluetooth connection, or throughput, depends on the Bluetooth version of your device – the newer the version, the faster the data transmission. For example, Bluetooth V2.0’s optimum speed is up to 3 Mbits/s, while the Bluetooth V3.0’s optimum speed is up to 24 Mbits/s. Newer versions are even faster than this.
Most Bluetooth headsets work with most Bluetooth devices. For example, a Motorola Bluetooth earpiece will work with an iPhone with no issues, just like it will with pretty much any Android phone. However, there are a few caveats here, and you may be surprised to learn that they have nothing to do with different brands of Bluetooth products but different versions of Bluetooth. Generally speaking, a basic Bluetooth headset is going to work with most recent versions of Bluetooth and even some older ones as they’re usually built to be backward-compatible with older phones that use older versions of Bluetooth. However, phones that are designed to use Bluetooth Smart technology (V4.0 and above) may not be compatible with basic, older versions of Bluetooth. This means that before buying a Bluetooth headset, you should check its version and the version your phone and other gadgets use. While this can be a pain, it’s better than ending up with a Bluetooth headset you cannot connect to wanted devices. Saying that, if you use newer electronics which use newer Bluetooth versions, there’s pretty much nothing to worry about – just purchase a headset that also uses newer Bluetooth versions (V4.0 or above) and you’ll be set.
The transmission range of a Bluetooth device depends on the type of class it falls into. There are three main classes.
Class 1 device has a standard range of approximately 330 feet or 10 meters. This is implemented where the is plenty of power, such as in desktop systems or laptops.
Class 2 device has a standard range of 33 feet or 10 meters. These are the most common Bluetooth transmitters and where the typical Bluetooth headsets and smartphones fall into.
Class 3 device’s range is less than 10 meters.
Our Top Pick
All 10 Bluetooth headsets we reviewed here are solid, quality products. But if you’d like to know which device offers best bang for buck, out of all of these, it would have to be FOCUSPOWER F10. This tiny Bluetooth earbud is so lightweight and compact that you’ll forget you’re wearing it after a short while. It’s also water-resistant and supports voice command provided you have it on your phone (Siri or Google Voice), which makes it ideal for driving, exercising, and so on. Importantly, it uses Bluetooth V4.1 & EDR tech, which makes it compatible with all newer Bluetooth devices, plus it’s pretty fast with a good range. Best of all? It’s one of the most affordable quality Bluetooth headsets on the market.
Sources:
- How Does Bluetooth Work? – ScientificAmerican
- How to Pair a Cell Phone to a Bluetooth Headset – wikiHow
- Headsets – AAA Digest of Motor Laws