Five wireless headsets for communication

Nokia BH-110

The rating is opened by the Nokia low-cost model. The manufacturer emphasizes such advantages of this model as a nice design, light weight, clean sound, simple operation... and these are not empty promises.

The headset attracts attention with its stylish and minimalistic design. And the fact that it does not have a bright flashing sensor can be recorded in the "pros". You will be notified about the remaining working time by an indicator light hidden at the back. The disadvantages of the gadget's appearance are a glossy surface on which prints are visible, as well as large dimensions of 17.4x56x8.7 mm. However, the BH-110 does not catch the eye of others and easily "hides" under the hair or hat. The minimalism of the exterior is complemented by functional conciseness. The gadget is controlled by a single button, which is located on the front panel. The design of the device is really convenient. Nokia has shackles with a protrusion for a tighter fixation – you don't have to worry that the headset will accidentally fall out of your ear.

This model works not only with Nokia phones, but also with others. In conjunction with the native phone, the double-click function becomes available, then the headset calls the last dialed number. Despite the modest cost, the headset supports Multipoint function, that is, it will make it possible to receive calls from two devices at once. However, it does not have an A2DP profile and voice control, because the model is based on Bluetooth 2.1.

The headset pleasantly surprises customers with good sound. Speech is heard neither too quietly nor too loudly. The volume level is adjusted using the phone. Despite belonging to an inexpensive price category, the device is equipped with a noise reduction system that allows the interlocutor to hear you clearly in a noisy environment. The operating time corresponds to the manufacturer's stated — six hours of conversation pass before full discharge. The range of operation of the device is about 6 metres.

Samsung HM-1200

A popular, simple, inexpensive and at the same time high–quality Bluetooth headset is what practical people need. It is also distinguished by its affordable price: similar in functions to Plantronics or Jabra are already in a higher price category.

The HM1200 model is made in a design similar to the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Ace smartphones. The outer coating of the headset is matte, dark grey with fluting, fingerprints are not visible on it. The device is controlled using two buttons on the end (for turning on/off and receiving/disconnecting calls), as well as a volume rocker. The buttons are not tight, and at the same time they are not pressed accidentally, as happens with some other models.

The gadget fits well in the ear, so it can be worn with or without a shackle. In the kit you will find two types of nozzles – with and without a seal. Therefore, most likely, you will choose an option of nozzles suitable in size. Perhaps some people may need time to get used to the plastic shackle, especially if they have previously used a headset with a rubber shackle.

Included with the headset is a power supply from the mains, which can also be useful for charging the phone. It can also be charged using a regular microUSB cable, for example, from a laptop. The battery charges quickly and works for a low-cost model for a long time: 8 hours – in talk mode, 300 – in standby mode. The device supports Multipoint technology and can work with multiple phones at the same time. The Bluetooth range is 6 metres, which is standard for devices of this class.

The disadvantages of the gadget, according to customer reviews, are not effective noise reduction, as well as quiet volume for communicating on the street. Thus, the best option for using the headset will be a house, office or car (with good sound insulation).

Poly Marque 2 M165

The Marque 2 headset is an accessory that combines with the iPhone both functionally and by design.Fans of Apple technology will like the laconic design of this model. However, paired with other smartphones, Plantronics will also work reliably and look stylish. The manufacturer also notes the successful ergonomics and a two-channel microphone as advantages of the model, which provides good sound quality without interference and noise.

The headset can be worn with or without a shackle, since there is a silicone nozzle with a protrusion for better fixation. However, only one medium-sized set is included, and not several different ones, as with many other models. The device weighs only 7 grams, is not particularly noticeable from the outside, fits snugly in the ear and will not pop out of the ear if the size of the nozzle suits you.

At the ends there are buttons for turning on the headset and adjusting the volume. The multifunctional button on the front panel is designed for receiving calls, dialing the last number. This model belongs to the middle class and in the spirit of the times it has voice control. The only "but" is that you will have to pronounce commands in English: to receive or reset a call, you need to say "Answer" or "Ignore".

Thanks to the A2DP profile, it is possible to listen to music and podcasts. In the talk mode or listening to audio, the working time will be 7 hours. By activating the energy-saving DeepSleep mode, you will get 180 hours of operation. And as for the function of calls, we note as an advantage high-quality sound, which is a distinctive feature of all products of Plantronics. The interlocutor will hear your voice clearly even when music is playing nearby or someone is talking.

The headset battery can be charged using an auto adapter and a special USB adapter for two outputs: for the headset and the phone. The adapter is not very small and if you use an Apple MacBook, the plug may block access to one of the USB ports. But there were no other significant disadvantages of this model. On the contrary, the headset will be an excellent choice for a reasonable price for smartphone owners — both Apple and other manufacturers.

Jabra Stone 3

The image model belongs to the third generation of Jabra Stone Bluetooth headsets and differs in several "chips". For example, it has its own portable charger, it can pair with the phone via NFC, adjusts the sound volume relative to the environment itself, supports Multipoint and has other properties. The model is available in two colours — white and black. She has a dual microphone with Noise Blackout technology, equipped with a powerful anti-interference filter and a digital signal processing system. At the same time, the design of the device is quite concise, it is almost invisible in the ear. That's just because of the unusual design, this stylish gadget can only be worn on the right ear and we do not recommend it to people who wear glasses.

There is one "but" for those who talk actively and a lot. So, if the manufacturer promises customers 10 hours of conversation and 360 hours of waiting, after intense negotiations, the gadget sometimes discharges in 6 hours, so it is advisable to carry a pebble for charging. But this is not a problem, because the charger holder is compact and fits in a pocket. It will allow you to charge the headset battery in 20 minutes.

If you load a phonebook in English into the headset's charger, it will tell you the name of the subscribers calling you. In addition, you can manage calls using voice commands. Thanks to the A2DP mode, you can listen to music from tablets and players. However, the device does not support AVRCP, so unfortunately, it is impossible to control music streams using it. Also note that with phones whose Bluetooth module is less than version 3.0, the headset may ask for a password. It connects to gadgets with version 3.0 and higher without problems, including several at once thanks to the support of the Multipoint function.

The disadvantages of the headset include insufficient volume in noisy conditions and a fragile design (in particular, the earpiece), as well as the lack of detailed instructions in the kit. If you want to understand all the subtleties of the headset, you will have to download the instructions from the manufacturer's website.

Poly Voyager Edge

If you need a top-end premium model with maximum features, pay attention to Plantronics Voyager Edge. Futuristic design with battery charge indication is pleasant to look at. The moisture-proof housing will allow you to communicate outside in the rain and snowstorm. However, there is also a small drawback – branded softtouch plastic. The model is available in white, grey and black colours and comes complete with several silicone nozzles. Pick up the nozzle by size and you will be able to wear the gadget without a shackle – the headset will not press on the ear and will not fall out when moving.

The headset operates on the basis of Bluetooth 4.0 technology and the range of its contact with the phone is 10 metres. The A2DP profile for listening to music from mobile gadgets is complemented by the AVRCP profile, which allows you to manage playlists and tracks in the player. And the NFC module will allow you to quickly connect the headset to smartphones with the same sensor. The battery provides 6 hours of battery life in communication mode and up to 7 days in standby mode. The kit includes a special battery case that increases the operating time up to 16 hours, an adapter for the car and a microUSB cable.

Traditionally, the high quality of voice transmission from Plantronics Bluetooth headsets is complemented by innovative bonuses. Triple microphone and noise reduction technology will allow you to communicate without interference even on the street in strong winds or in a noisy office. The control of the headset is also noteworthy. Accept and reject calls with voice commands. If the headset is on the table, it will automatically receive a call when you hold the device to your ear.

Especially for Plantronics Voyager Edge, applications for smartphones on Android and iOS platforms have been developed. Thus, the Headset Battery Metre programme allows you to "read" subscriber data from the phone's contact book and the headset will be able to voice the names of calling subscribers. You can also enable the function of pronouncing the state of the battery when it is turned on. And the Find MyHeadset application is used to search for a headset in case it is lost: it will show on Google maps where the device worked last time.

The Plantronics Voyager Edge premium headset justifies its price (although some people will consider it high) and guarantees comfortable communication to its owner. And even with our critical assessment, there were no significant shortcomings in this device.