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How to Choose a Headset for Your Mobile Phone

Earbuds

Earbuds are great: they’re small, easy to carry around, and they get the job done. Plus, most phones come with a pair. But earbuds aren’t the only option when it comes to hands-free talking and listening. In fact, there are many cell phone headset designs that can bring you greater satisfaction beyond an ordinary set of earbuds.

In this article, we'll help you narrow down some of those options by looking at specific factors in your lifestyle.

Ease of use

Many people started using headsets in the car to have our hands free for driving or comply with laws that prohibit the use of texting or holding a phone while driving. Since hands-free phone use while driving is legally required in most places now, having a headset available in the car is crucial.

Maybe you want to store a headset or pair of earbuds there, or maybe you want to carry the headset with you. Either way, you’ll want something on the small side—something you can throw in a purse or store in the console of your car. You might also prefer something that doesn’t make you feel tethered to your phone. That’s where a Bluetooth headset comes in handy. With a wireless headset, you won’t have to worry about plugging anything into you phone to answer a call, and you won’t feel constricted by the wire between you and your device. This is especially convenient if you’re on the phone while walking, cleaning, or exercising.

Comfort vs. portability

Whether you want a compact headset to keep in the car or a portable one to use while out and about, you can prioritize comfort in each instance. The most popular choice that combines size with comfort is a headset that hooks over one ear. This design feels inobtrusive and is also easy to carry wherever you go.

However, if you’re often on the phone while sitting in one place — or you don’t love the feeling of something sticking into your ear — you’ll likely want a model that resembles a traditional headset. There are options that provide earcups on both ears and headsets with just one earcup. There are even headsets where one earcup is removeable so you can choose to use it or not depending on your audio needs.

Because we all have different standards for personal comfort, the options don’t end there. Some headsets wrap around the back of the head rather than over the top, while others place speakers near, but not in or on, the ear.

Additionally, wireless neckbands that are designed to project sound vibrations on your auditory bones rather than into your ears are very popular with people who hate wearing anything on or around their head or ears. You’d be surprised at how well the speakers target your ears without filling the entire room with sound.

Getting the most out of your phone headset

Some headsets also provide sweat and moisture protection. If you need access to phone audio during physical activity, or if you perspire easily, opt for a water-resistant cell phone headset.

Normally when talking on the phone, background noise can be an issue for both you and the person on the other end. The latest phone headsets include advanced technological features, such as multiple microphones, that can help the headset identify and eliminate background sounds, like traffic and wind, when capturing your voice. Plus, noise-cancelling headsets are the most straightforward way to improve the sound output. Be sure to read reviews of users’ experiences to see the true performance quality of these factors.

Battery life and range

With any headset, it’s important to consider its battery life and range. Battery life descriptions should give you an estimate of both the talk time and standby mode time that you can achieve with one charge. Range describes the amount of distance you can place between yourself and your phone while still being able to chat. If you keep your phone in your pocket during a call, you won’t need a huge range. On the other hand, if you like to set your phone on a table and move about while talking at home or at work, you’ll need to prioritize a headset with a longer range.