A Bluetooth headset can set you free. When paired with a compatible cell phone, a Bluetooth headset allows you to make calls without having to hold the phone in your hand. And Bluetooth headsets are more than just a convenience -- in some places, using one is the law. It may be illegal for you to use your cell phone without a headset while driving.
Even if you live in a state where it isn't a violation to talk on a cell phone while driving, you should invest in a headset anyway. Using a Bluetooth headset can be a liberating experience.
The big picture
It's a Bluetooth jungle out there. Expect to find a large number of headset manufacturers, different designs and a wide range of prices. Call quality can vary considerably, too.
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The specs explained
Unclear about the performance that a given headset is supposed to deliver? Confused by the jargon? We explain the terminology.
MoreBluetooth-headset buying tips
Do your homework to ensure that you choose the right headset for your style, the first time around. Remember that one size does not fit all.
MoreFor additional information
If you're ready to research Bluetooth headset models or to learn more about selecting a cell phone, check out the following PCW resources.
The big picture
Bluetooth technology lets two devices talk to each other wirelessly over low-frequency radio waves in the 2.4-GHz range. Both devices, such as a phone and a headset, must be Bluetooth-enabled.
The devices connect through a process called pairing. To start pairing between a headset and a phone, you use your Bluetooth phone's interface, making sure that the headset is turned on and in pairing mode. The phone then searches for and locates the headset. To establish a connection, depending on the version of Bluetooth that your phone and headset support, you may need to enter a PIN on your phone's keypad; afterward, your phone will recognize the headset. And, you hope, the devices will talk -- nicely -- to each other.
Manufacturers and flavors
You'll encounter a huge variety of Bluetooth headsets on the market. You can find models from traditional headset makers (such as
Plantronics), cell phone manufacturers (such as
Motorola and
Nokia), and Bluetooth-only companies (such as
Aliph, which offers the Jawbone). At the low end, Bluetooth headsets start at about $25; at the high end, you can expect to pay at least $100 to $150.
As far as design and style go, take your pick: over-the-ear or earbud (some do both); silver, gold, candy-colored, black or gray; sleek or boring; bulky or discreet; long or short; lightweight or superlight. Over-the-ear (aka ear-hook) headsets can have wide, loopy hooks or thin, narrow ones; they can be plastic, rubberized metal or leather, too. Some headsets have earbuds that are completely round, while other buds have tips that protrude.
Headset makers handle the arrangement and feel of the function buttons differently, too. Some buttons are recessed, others are raised, while still others are flush with the headset's surface. Some buttons sport notches or markers; others lack indicators entirely.
