The Best-Quality Bluetooth Headphones
- Bluetooth headphones vary in style and quality.bluetooth headset on white 1 image by Tetiana Zbrodko from Fotolia.com
Hands-free, wireless Bluetooth devices are useful when driving or exercising. They are an excellent solution to laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving, and they eliminate a dangling cord for those exercising. With a Bluetooth headset, you can stay connected to your cell phone while you listen to your favorite music. Convenience and style can be driving forces in selecting a Bluetooth headset, but it pays to consider quality. - According to John Herrman on Gizmodo.com, the biggest problem with Bluetooth headphones is sound quality. For this reason, he recommends a device with A2DP, or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, that supports stereo audio and complements the low-quality mono transmission of wireless devices. Herrman tested a number of A2DP headphones and chose the five best. His top choice was the Motorola s305, because not only are they "light, functional and simple" and "sync with almost anything," they sound good--- "solid mids, relatively clear highs, adequate bass." Best of all, they were the least expensive device he tested.
- Cnet Reviews chose the Etymotic Ety8 for high-quality sound, noting in an August 2010 review that it is the "best sounding Bluetooth we have tested to date." The review did admit, however, that the Ety8 is expensive and not particularly attractive. Rather than having an over-the-ear design, the Ety8 employs an earbud design onto which the battery is grafted. The reviewer reported that his office mates said he looked like he was "wearing giant square earrings."
- Reviewers on Consumersearch.com have great things to say about the Jabra BT3030, citing the comfort and ease of the earbuds as the best feature of this Bluetooth product. They describe music quality as good, though reported that the bass can be weak. Several reviewers differed regarding their opinions on the sound quality of phone reception on the Jabra BT3030. One reviewer stated that outgoing quality is average while another described it as mixed. One reviewer said that incoming calls are "distant and echo," but others said nothing about incoming calls.