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 Bluetooth wireless headsets, like all headsets, come in several varieties and models. Every Bluetooth wireless headset offers unique features/benefits. The features
offered depend upon the intended use of the headset and the environment in which the
headset will be used.
For example, a person using a headset in a noisy office environment would most likely prefer a headset that offers noise reduction and superior sound quality. It is important to find a headset that offers the features necessary to satisfy your particular needs.
Here is a listing of the main types of Bluetooth wireless headsets and the
most important features they offer:
Range
The one obvious feature that separates Bluetooth wireless headsets from other headsets is the fact that they are wireless. Depending on which Bluetooth Power Class and Version the headset falls under, Bluetooth wireless headsets can connect to other compatible
Bluetooth enabled devices, like cell phones, up to 30 ft. away.
Active Noise Reduction (ANR)
Bluetooth wireless headsets with Active Noise Reduction (ANR) use headphones that reduce the noise that is heard around the person wearing the headset. ANR is a technology that is able to eliminate sound waves from reaching your eardrums.
ANR creates inverted sound waves that essentially fight off the sound waves coming towards your ears. ANR technology is available with virtually all types of Bluetooth wireless headsets.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology is an innovative feature that allows headset speakers to compensate for background noise by increasing the listening volume level automatically.
LCD Display
Some of the newer, more advanced Bluetooth wireless headsets have built-in LCD screens that offer various different display features. The most common feature used with LCD screens is the caller ID feature.
An LCD display may also give you the option of viewing your phone's personal phonebook. This is a nice feature when using the headset with your cell phone because it allows you to keep your phone in your pocket or bag while making or taking calls.
Control Functions and Menu
There are some Bluetooth wireless headsets, both with and without LCD screens, which have different functional buttons and menus. For example, many Bluetooth wireless headsets have volume control dials, answer/end buttons, and other various controls that allow you to navigate the headset's menu functions.
Some headsets have menus that allow you to: View caller ID, view your phones personal phone book,
view calls you've recently received or made, control the headset's settings and possibly much more.
Ringtones and Vibration
Although we find the idea of a vibrating device attached to our head a little "unsettling", you may consider a headset that vibrates when calls come in. We find headsets that offer various ringtones to be more accomodating.
Binaural Models
Bluetooth wireless headsets that are Binaural have two speakers, and thus cover both ears. As a result, you can hear more of what you are trying to listen to. Binaural headsets are perfect for involved communications or multimedia applications.
Monaural Models
For more general communication uses you may consider a Monaural Bluetooth headset, which uses only one speaker and covers only one ear.
Boom Microphone
Bluetooth wireless headsets that have boom microphones have the traditional headset look with a microphone that arches inward toward your mouth. If you don't mind looking like an operator,
Bluetooth wireless headsets with booms offer the best quality in voice capturing.
Boomless Microphone
If the operator "look" isn't quite your style, then you should opt for a boomless Bluetooth wireless headset. The microphones on most boomless headsets are located directly on the earpiece.
Design and Size
As with many products, Bluetooth wireless headsets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most often, the size and shape of a headset is a direct result of its intended use and functions. For example, a tiny lightweight headset with a flexible clip that hooks onto your ear is most likely intended for those who are always on the go. Meanwhile, a larger binaural headset with a long boom
microphone is better for someone who plans on using it at a desk in a noisy office.
Battery Life
Although battery life is widely varied, the average talk time for Bluetooth wireless headsets is a little more than five hours. The wide variation is true with standby times as well, which can range
from less than a week to about a month. You can rest assure, as the technology of Bluetooth wireless headsets advances, so too will the battery life.
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