Best Bluetooth Headsets: Buying Guide
Is the future of music wireless? I wouldn’t bet on it. The headsets with cable have – and probably will still have – their raison, but in the meantime in the shops, there are more and more Bluetooth devices that really have been little to envy to the wired counterparts: they are light, have a good autonomy and are able to guarantee a quality of the more than satisfying sound.
In addition, there are smartphones, like the very famous Apple iPhone, that makes the use of wireless headsets almost a forced choice because they do not have a headphone jack (in reality, reality you can also use the earphones with cable, but only through uncomfortable adapters or buying models of earphones equipped with appropriate proprietary attacks).
I bet that even in the face of this ” flourishing ” of wireless solutions, you are tickled by the idea of abandoning your old wired headsets and switching to Bluetooth headsets, right? Then try it – on the other hand, there are wireless headsets that for less than $50 can guarantee more than enough sound quality – and let me help you choose the product that best suits your needs.
Let’s try to find out. What are the main features that must be taken into consideration before buying a pair of wireless headsets, we know more about this type of product and try to make a small ranking of the earphones that currently offer the best value for money. Do you want? Well, then let’s ban the talk and let’s get started right away!
How to choose Bluetooth headsets
Before choosing your next pair of Bluetooth headsets, you need to consider various features. For example: you need to evaluate if a pair of earphones with cable or completely wireless is better for you (so without a cable connecting the right earpiece to the left handset), you need to check how long the earphones last before needing to be recharged, which types of controls have and so on. For all the details continue reading.
Format
Most Bluetooth headsets are in-ear type, so they are introduced directly into the ear canal through some interchangeable ear tips that are usually supplied in three different sizes (Small, Medium and Large) to adapt to various types of ear.
Who does not like in-ear earphones, alas, has little choice, but luckily some classic-style earphones that rest only in the ear without inserting it into the ear canal (earbuds) still exist.
Another difference that must be carefully taken into consideration is that relating to the cable. Most Bluetooth headsets have a cable that connects the right earpiece to the left handset (and on which, often, the microphone and controls are included), but there are also 100% wireless headsets that do not have any kind of cable.
As it can be easily understood, earphones without a cable are a little more comfortable, they can also be used in mono mode (as a single earpiece for calls) but are lost much more easily and can be more inconvenient for volume control, music reproduction, etc.
In the earphones with cable, the quality of the cable itself must be evaluated, its tendency to create tangles and its color, because in the end even the eye wants its part!
There are also earphones intended exclusively for sports, which have characteristics that differentiate them from earphones for everyday activities (the so-called city earphones) and make them ideal for use in the gym or while running. For example: they are resistant to sweat, dust and rain; they often have a bow that rests on the outer part of the ear to increase stability during physical activities (or the earphones themselves have a bow shape) and may include sensors for detecting the heartbeat or counting steps and calories burned.
Finally, a separate discussion should be made for mono Bluetooth headsets, those consisting of a single unit, which include a microphone and are used solely for making calls without holding the smartphone near the ear.
In most cases, it is not possible to buy two mono headsets and use them in stereo mode to listen to music. Instead, you can buy a pair of fully wireless headsets, like Apple’s AirPods or Samsung’s Gear IconX, and use them in mono mode for calls wearing just one.
Autonomy and recharge times
The Bluetooth earphones go on battery, so before buying a pair you need to check their autonomy and their charging times.
Some earphones offer a quick charge function that allows you to get 1 hour of battery life (or a little more) with a recharge of just a few minutes. If you are a guy who always forgets to charge his mobile phone or other electronic devices, you might consider buying a pair of earphones with quick charge to avoid being without music before going out and/or going for a run.
Pairing methods and supported devices
Most Bluetooth headsets are compatible with the Bluetooth 4.1, Bluetooth 4.2 and Bluetooth 5.0 standards and are backward compatible with previous Bluetooth standards, so regardless of the type of smartphone, tablet or PC you have, you should not have compatibility problems. The range that the connected earphones can cover over the latest Bluetooth standards is 10 meters.
Some headsets are also equipped with NFC technology support, which allows for faster pairing with smartphones and tablets than the classic Bluetooth pairing. Just put the earphones next to a smartphone or tablet with NFC support, and you’re done.
The most-recent earphones produced by Apple and Beats (companies owned by Apple) are equipped with a special chip (W1 or the more advanced H1) which allows instant pairing with iPhones and iPads. Just bring the earphones closer to the device to be paired and confirm the pairing by tapping on the appropriate button.
Subsequently, the earphones are automatically associated with all the user’s Apple devices. To take advantage of the potential of the W1 chip you must have an iOS device with iOS 10 or later, an Apple Watch with watchOS 3 or later and a Mac with macOS 10.12 Sierra or later.
To take into account, there is also the maximum number of devices to which it is possible to associate a pair of wireless headsets without having to first dissociate them from other devices previously paired. The earphones that support pairing with multiple devices at the same time allow you to switch from one device to another without having to repeat boring pairing procedures and, above all, without ” forgetting ” the device used previously.
Then there are the multipoint earphones that can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and manage them at the same time (eg one to receive calls and one to listen to music).
Controls, microphone and compatibility
Another feature that needs to be carefully considered before buying a pair of wireless headsets is that of controls. The controls can be included on the cable that connects the two earphones or in the earphones themselves; allow you to adjust the volume, answer calls, control media playback and invoke services like Siri and the Google voice assistant.
In most cases, the controls work independently of the device and the operating system used, but there are also controls that work on one system and not the other or maybe only work partially. For example, you might happen to buy a pair of earphones that allow you to control the volume, calls and music but not to invoke Siri on the iPhone.
Check the compatibility of the controls carefully before buying a pair of wireless headsets. The microphone to answer calls is present on most earphones. Only the quality and the level of reducing external noise changes (which must be assessed on a case by case basis).
Sound quality and isolation
Sound quality varies from product to product, general considerations cannot be made. To find out which earphones sound the way you like it (eg with emphasis on bass or a balanced sound on all frequencies) read the reviews and comments available online.
Regarding the degree of isolation from external noise, everything depends on the quality of the earphones and the rubber pads they have. To have total insulation, you need to buy earphones with active noise cancellation, which at the moment are quite expensive.
Support App
Many manufacturers allow you to adjust the sound equalization and other parameters of your earphones via practical smartphone apps. If you want complete control over the type of sound that needs to come out of the earphones (within the limits set by the hardware), buy a pair that has a good support app.
Technical Features
In the technical specifications of Bluetooth headsets, in addition to the values for autonomy and range, you could find parameters such as frequency response, impedance and sensitivity. Here are their meanings briefly.
- Frequency response : this value indicates the frequency range covered by the earphones and is measured in Hz. Now, knowing that the human ear perceives roughly frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz, the earphones that offer a more faithful sound are those that support a wider range of frequencies (even over 20,000 Hz).
- Impedance : this value indicates the resistance exerted by the earphones on the audio signal and is measured in ohms. A high impedance is equivalent to a higher sound quality, but also to a maximum volume that can be reached by the lower earphones. To obtain optimal listening, you need to use earphones and sound source devices (eg smartphones) with a similar degree of impedance.
- Sensitivity : this value indicates the acoustic pressure expressed by the earphones in relation to the applied voltage (2.83 volt listening at 1m distance) and is measured in dB. The higher the sensitivity, the more volume the earphones can reach without distorting the sound.
Another feature that you can find in Bluetooth headsets is the support for aptX technology, which allows you to have 24-bit audio streaming, with a quality greater than that of the classic Bluetooth transmissions and even that of audio CD ( which are 16 bit / 44.1 kHz).
Which Bluetooth headsets to buy
At this point, I’d say you’re ready to choose the Bluetooth headsets that suit you. Take a look at the models I’m going to offer you below – which are just some of the many that would be worth buying – and find out if there is even someone for you.
FKANT Bluetooth Earphones
These earphones are intended for those who do not like the in-ear format. Very similar to Apple’s EarPods, but with wireless connectivity, they are available in two different colors (black and white) and have a really good range of features from them.
They are sweat resistant, support high quality streaming via aptX technology, include a microphone with advanced noise reduction technology and can be paired with two devices simultaneously. They also have a 4 hour autonomy and are supplied complete with fins for sports. Finally, there are also cable controls for volume, calls and music playback.
Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones Waterproof IPX7
The Mpow Bluetooth 4.1 IPX7 Earphones are water and sweat resistant and support high resolution aptX technology. Despite the very low price, they are supplied with a case to simplify transport, and offer a fairly high autonomy: 7 hours in music playback, with a recharge time of about an hour and a half.
The integrated microphone allows you to make calls without worries, also thanks to the support of CVC 6.0 technology for noise cancellation. It is a model that dresses in a stable manner, and that is designed primarily for sports: there are no lack of keys that allow easy control over music playback and calls.
Anker SoundBuds Slim+ Wireless Headphones
- Listen for longer: up to 10 hours of playtime and fully charged in just 1. 5 hours.
- Superior sound: well-balanced audio with rich bass and enhanced clarity brings your music alive for a heightened listening experience.
- Fits like a Glove: slim build, ergonomically designed for exceptional comfort
Anker is a company that has been appreciated for its excellent powerbanks and chargers. Perhaps not everyone knows it, but it also produces speakers and earphones. Among its most successful economic products in the audio field are these Anker SoundBuds which have an elegant design resistant to water and sweat with in-ear format and support the high resolution aptX technology.
Then there are the more traditional controls on the cable to adjust volume and multimedia playback. The autonomy is 7 hours per charge, and obviously include a microphone and are supplied with rubbers and hooks of four different sizes.
Syllable D900P Wireless Sports Wireless Headset
Top-of-the-line headsets such as Samsung’s IconX or Apple’s AirPods blew up the craze of 100% wireless headsets, also lacking the cable that connects the two earphones to each other. Here then arrives from the Syllable D900P: a pair of 100% wireless earphones, aesthetically very similar to Samsung’s IconX, which cost infinitely less than the latter.
As easy to understand, we are not faced with an advanced product like that of the Korean giant or like Apple’s AirPods, but the value for money is not bad. They have an in-ear design, an autonomy of around 3 hours and include a microphone for calls. They are compatible with both Android and iPhone and come with a box that also serves as a charger that allows you to recharge the earphones four times. There are also touch controls on the outside of the earphones.
SoundPEATS Bluetooth Headphones
The SoundPEATS Bluetooth 4.1 earphones are slightly more expensive than other headsets examined above, but they have a better build quality and an excellent sound on all frequencies (without excessive distortions when the volume is turned up to maximum).
They are in-ear type and have a magnetic connection on the back. They are supplied with four rubber tips and two pairs of bearings of various sizes and guarantee a maximum autonomy of 20 hours. They include a microphone with noise cancellation and controls compatible with all major smartphone types.
Anker SoundBuds Curve Wireless Headphones
![[Upgraded] Anker SoundBuds Curve Wireless Headphones, 18H Battery, IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones, Bluetooth 5.0, Built in Mic and Carry Pouch, SweatGuard Technology for Workout, Gym, Running](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HGN3vNIML._SL160_.jpg)
- rich treble and thumping bass: sound buds curve bluetooth earbuds are powered by 10 mm composite drivers. the ultra-elastic outer ring produces deep...
- up to 43% more bass: our exclusive bassup technology conducts real-time analysis of low frequencies to instantly strengthen the bass output. feel the...
- hardcore playtime: 18 hours of listening (at 80% volume) gives you the power and motivation needed to fuel over two weeks of workouts. when you’re...
Also from Anker I suggest you the Anker SoundBuds Curve earphones, designed mainly for sports activities. They are equipped with small arches that rest on the outer side of the ear and allow the earphones to be held firmly in place even in the case of continuous and / or sudden movements.
A high audio quality is guaranteed by the support of aptX technology and have a range of up to 12.5 hours of audio playback (up to 14 hours of telephone conversation). To underline also their resistance to sweat and the presence of a microphone for phone calls and controls (placed directly on the earphones) to control volume, music playback and calls.
Skullcandy Method Bluetooth Sport Earbuds
If your budget is around $40, you can seriously consider the Skullcandy Bluetooth headsets that have a long battery life (9 hours of music playback), discreet quality construction materials and a fairly balanced sound. They are available in various colors, are supplied with rubber pads of various sizes (they are in-ear type) and feature both a microphone and a button on the cable to control calls and music playback.
Jabra Sport Coach
- Superior Sound - now with passive noise cancellation and enhanced bass
- Track Fit motion sensor that automatically counts your reps and if you combine your cross training with running, it will also measure distance, pace,...
- Intelligent in-ear coaching for personalized workouts: choose from more than 50 exercises, from beginner to advanced
Jabra is a Danish company well-known in the field of audio devices. Among its best Bluetooth headsets are the Jabra Sport Coach which, as can be easily understood, are mainly aimed at sports use. They are in-ear type and thanks to the integrated Trackfit Motion sensor, they are able to count steps, calories burned and measure distances; all data that are then synchronized with the Jabra Sport Life app and with other well-known apps for sports activities. They also include a voice guide that helps the user during workouts.
For the rest, we are dealing with an excellent pair of earphones with Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC support, IP5S certification for resistance to sweat, rain and dust and integrated Dolby Digital system. There is no lack of volume and music playback controls, a microphone for calls and noise reduction both in and out. Their autonomy is over 5 hours with 2 hours of charging. They have an impedance of 16 ohms and a frequency response of 20-20,000Hz.
ZOLO Liberty
![True Wireless Headphones, ZOLO Liberty [Upgraded] 8-Hour Playtime (100 Hours with Charging Case), Bluetooth 5 Bluetooth Earbuds with Graphene Driver Technology, IPX5 Sweatproof, Handsfree Stereo Calls](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wCtdlF+oL._SL160_.jpg)
- Graphene-Enhanced Sound: Pioneering audio technology delivers superior clarity and treble. A sound-tight seal ensures deep bass and exceptional...
- 100 Hours of Power: Get 8 hours of playtime from a single charge, boosted to 100 with the included charging case.
- GripFit Technology: Liberty’s earbuds are tailored to fit comfortably and securely in your ears.
The Zolo Liberty are completely wireless headsets that are an affordable alternative – but not very affordable – to products like Samsung’s Gear IconX and Apple’s AirPods. They are in-ear format, they weigh very little and are resistant to sweat. They come with three sets of rubber pads of various sizes and with a charging case that allows you to charge them up to 3 times. Each top-up ensures an autonomy of 8 hours (according to the optimistic estimates of the manufacturer), and up to 100 hours if the possibility of charging via custody is included.
They are based on Bluetooth 5.0 technology and can also be used in mono mode for calls (since they have an integrated microphone). The presence of keys on the outside of each earpiece is also worth noting, allowing you to control music playback, calls and voice assistants.
JayBird X3 Sport Bluetooth Headset
- MINI WIRELESS BUDS – The X3 Headphones by Jaybird are designed to be as small as possible without sacrificing performance and looks
- UNIVERSAL SECURE FIT –The patented silicone ear fins securely attach to the top and back/lower surface areas of the ear for a snug fit, locking the...
- SWEAT PROOF – Built to last with a sleek yet rugged design, the X3 Headphones are great for sports, workouts, and all weather conditions; Their...
The Jaybird X3 are sports headsets considered a bit by everyone as the perfect Beatsx antagonists. They are the in-ear type with various sets of rubber pads and removable flaps. They have an autonomy of 8 hours and support a quick charge function that allows up to 1 hour of music playback in 20 minutes.
Obviously, they are resistant to sweat and rain and have both a microphone and complete controls on the cable. To underline the support to the app Jaybird MySound that allows to create custom equalization profiles and to freely modify the sound of the earphones.
BeatsX Earphones
- High-performance, wireless earphones in black
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Up to 8 hours of battery life for when you’re on the go
The BeatsX earphones are designed for both everyday activities and sports characterized by the presence of the Apple W1 chip, thanks to which you can instantly connect to iPhone, iPad and Mac and automatically synchronize with all devices associated with the ID User’s Apple. They are in-ear format, have good construction materials and are supplied with various sets of rubber pads and removable fins for sports.
They play very well, and with a rather balanced sound (they don’t sacrifice the mids on the altar of bass like other Beats house models), they have a maximum autonomy of 8 hours and support a fast charge function that allows you to get up to two-hour autonomy in just 5 minutes.
They include a good microphone and controls – to be honest, not really comfortable – on the cable that allow you to control music, calls, volume and invoke Siri. They are available in various colors and are also compatible with non-Apple devices, but lose the ” magic ” of the W1 chip.
Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain...
On the threshold of $149, the Bose SoundSports that have an in-ear format with StayHear inserts supplied in three different sizes must absolutely be taken into consideration, they have a 6-hour autonomy and support NFC technology for fast coupling to all compatible devices.
They have a microphone with excellent noise cancellation technology and cable controls for music playback, calls and volume. Using the Bose Connect app you can easily manage the pairing of earphones with multiple devices.
Samsung Galaxy Buds, Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds
- Power up to power on get up to six hours of battery life with an additional seven hours from the case that doubles as a wireless charger
- Premium sound tuned by AKG, an optimized driver offers substantial bass, while a volume driver gives you a wider range of sound
- Just what you want to hear control how much surrounding noise you want with ambient aware. Quick ambient mode lets you hear traffic, flight annozments...
The Samsung Galaxy Buds are the most-recent true wireless earphones of the Korean company, and they are better than the previous models, especially in the autonomy in listening and music reproduction. With this model, you can listen to music for up to 6 hours, and you can talk on the phone for 5 hours without needing to recharge.
With the supplied battery case, we also have 100 minutes of music playback in 15 minutes of charging. Samsung also provides 3 sets of bows and earplugs of different sizes (these earphones are in-ear format), while the internal microphones can be used either to erase or emphasize the sounds of the external environment in music playback.
PowerBeats3 Wireless Earphones
- High-performance wireless earphones
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- Connectivity Technology: Apple’s W1 Chip and Wireless Connect via Class 1 Bluetooth with your device for wireless workout freedom
The PowerBeats are wireless in-ear headphones designed primarily for sports activities. They have a fairly balanced sound, decidedly less ” pumped ” on the bass like that of other headsets and headphones of the American manufacturer, and are equipped with the Apple W1 chip thanks to which it is possible to combine the earphones with an iPhone or iPad with a simple ” tap ” And then find them paired with all your Apple devices (as long as the same Apple ID is configured on them).
Their battery lasts up to 12 hours and allows you to have a 1 hour charge with a recharge of just 5 minutes. They are waterproof, include a microphone with noise reduction and have controls for calls, volume, music and Siri. They are supplied with ear cushions in four different sizes.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H5 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- Immersive wireless sound for life on the move
- Adaptive sound profile via the Beoplay App
- Designed to be out and about (splash and dust resistant)
As their selling price to the public also suggests, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H5 are top of the range earphones characterized by excellent build quality and excellent sound. They are in-ear format and come with seven pairs of grommets of various sizes: four in silicone and three in comply sports foam to adapt to various ears and usage scenarios.
The cable that connects the two earphones is made of braided polyester and nylon, resists sweat and dirt and is also very nice to see. The back of the earphones is made of metal, and it is possible to magnetize the latter to wear them around the neck. Remarkable is also the autonomy of the battery, which ensures up to 5 hours of music playback, as well as the BeoPlay app that allows you to customize the sound of the earphones by adapting to various styles and musical genres.
Jabra Elite 65T
- Enjoy the Clearest conversations on both ends of your call with HD voice and 2-microphone noise cancellation technology that adjusts the volume to...
- Button free headset interaction, just tap or double tap to initiate command Features or gain access to Siri and Google assistant
- Stream music, podcasts and GPS directions. Microphone frequency range : 100 Hz to 8 kHz
Among the most expensive Bluetooth headsets, I recommend the Jabra Elite 65T, which are based on the same concept as Samsung Gear IconX and Apple AirPods. As with competitive products, the box also serves for “on the fly” recharge: this model offers a music playback autonomy of up to 5 hours, which become 15 using the battery in the box.
The Jabra Elite 65T support Bluetooth 5.0 and AD2P protocol, allow you to control multimedia playback and calls with a touch on the back, and are compatible with the most popular voice assistants. These features combine the in-ear format with excellent suppression of ambient noise and high sound quality. The set includes 3 sets of rubber pads of different sizes.
Bose QuietControl 30
- Breakthrough technology lets you control your own level of noise cancellation throughout your day
- Bluetooth and NFC pairing so you can connect to your devices wirelessly. Bluetooth range: 10 m
- Noise rejecting dual microphone system helps reduce the noise around you to deliver clearer calls
When you are looking for Bluetooth headsets with active noise canceling technology, and you want maximum quality, you can only turn to the Bose QuietControl 30. These are in-ear headphones with 10 hours of battery life that ensure isolation complete from external noise even in extremely noisy environments thanks to one of the most advanced technology currently available on the market.
Noise reduction is adjustable, so you can decide if and how many external noises to pass in order to reduce the insulation while listening to music and calls. Needless to say, they have Bluetooth and NFC support, the microphone and control compatible with all major smartphone models. The sound quality is typical of Bose, balanced on all frequencies.
Finally, the availability of three StayHear QC inserts (included in the price) to adapt the earbuds to each type of ear should be emphasized. They have a 20-20,000Hz frequency response and I have aptX support.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 Motion True Wireless in-Ear Earphones
- TRULY WIRELESS: Beoplay E8 2.0 delivers totally wireless, cord-free convenience. Equipped with Qi wireless charging, these in-ear headphones have an...
- TOUCH CONTROL: Easily control your listening experience with the touch interface on these true wireless earbuds. Simply tap to switch tracks, take...
- LISTEN LONGER: With up to 16 hours of playtime (four hours per full charge), Beoplay E8 2.0 wireless earphones are designed for your on-the-go...
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 are true wireless earphones designed for lovers of fashion and good sound but as you have already seen from the price, they are not a model for everyone. They are equipped with wireless charging with Qi standards, have a touch control system to manage music playback and calls, and have a range (not very high) of 4 hours on a single charge and a maximum of 16 hours with charging through the supplied case (with leather finish). They are present in different colors, including some designed for girls.
Best mono Bluetooth headsets
Looking for mono Bluetooth headsets to use for calls? No problem, even in this case there are products suitable for all budgets and all needs. Try to find the one that could do the most for you.
Mpow EM1 Bluetooth Earpiece
Among the best-selling earphones, thanks to its incredible value for money, there is the Mini Bluetooth Headset 4.1 Mpow, defined by the manufacturer as ” invisible “.
In the original package, there is a very small USB charger with magnetic coupling, for a headset that allows not only to make telephone conversations thanks to the integrated microphone, but also to listen to music in mono mode. Excellent autonomy: 6 hours in music playback and 4.5 hours when the microphone is also used during calls.
Mpow V4.1 Bluetooth Headset
Mpow entered the Bluetooth mono headset market with extremely convincing products in terms of value for money. For example, this headset that I am talking about today costs less than $30 and has interesting features such as Bluetooth 4.1 technology support, the possibility of being connected to two devices at the same time, the mute function and the CSR chip that ensures an audio of stereo quality. It guarantees up to 6 hours of autonomy and has a 180° folding design that guarantees maximum comfort in all situations.
Plantronics M70 Bluetooth Headset
- The lightweight design and soft eartip let you put it on and forget you're wearing it
- Control your music and streaming audio using headset buttons instead of your smartphone.
- During set up, select English, French, or Spanish for status alerts on remaining talk time, battery level, and more.
A classic mono Bluetooth headset, with clips to clip to the ear. It has a maximum autonomy of 11 hours per charge and reduces external noise very well.
Plantronics Voyager Edge Bluetooth Headset
- Bluetooth 4. 0 headset: signature Plantronics audio technology coupled with enhanced voice clarity through Bluetooth 4. 0 and wideband audio support....
- Smart sensor technology: our technology senses when the headset is being worn so it can automatically answer calls as you place the headset on your...
- Voice recognition: manage calls hands free without pressing buttons through Plantronics voice recognition technology, just say answer or ignore.
As it can be clearly seen from the price, this is a high-end Bluetooth headset with an elegant design, 18 hours of autonomy and high-efficiency noise cancellation.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
