Monday, November 28, 2011

Best BlueTooths for Cyber Monday

If you're looking for some great stocking-stuffers this Cyber Monday let me help by suggesting a Bluetooth headset. Finding the right one can be difficult as I have experience over that past few years. Below is a list of Bluetooths I use personally and have come to love.


Jabra EXTREME2 Bluetooth Headset
This headset has become my all time favorite.

Features
  • Noise Blackout 3.0 - Reduces ambient noise
  • HD Voice - Voice Guidance that helps you through setup, pairing, battery and connection status
  • Multiuse - Connect 2 devices at once
  • Ultimate-fit Eargels - 3 different eargels and one hook
  • A2DP - Listen to music or podcasts through headset
  • Up to 5.5 hours talk time and 10.5 days standby time
The Good
The performance of this device is incredible. One thing that really impressed me is that callers on the other end can hear me crystal clear. I have never had a bluetooth without a mic boom that allowed other people to hear me without issue.

Sound quality is also great. As much as I like my Plantronics Voyager Pro the Jabra Extreme beats it hands down on sound quality.

Rather than one multi-function button, the device has an on/off toggle switch and two volume buttons. This might not seem like a big deal but it definitely makes the device easier to use.

The Bad
The Ultimate-fit Eargels didn't do much for me. I think they're designed for a specific type of ear but that wasn't a big issue since it comes with a normal ear-piece and hook.

The Extreme2 did well in noisy environments but wind tended to give me issues. Just a breeze was able to hinder the other person's ability to hear me. That shouldn't be a big deterrent considering how small the device is.

Conclusion
Other than just a few hiccups the Extreme2 has become one of my all time favorite devices. A price tag of $60-$70 feels more than reasonable.



Plantronics Voyager PRO+ Bluetooth Headset
For when I absolutely have to be heard, this is best headset.

Features
  • AudioIQ2 - Noise canceling technology
  • Vocalyst - Plantronic's voice and text services
  • A2DP
The Good
Because the mic actually comes down close to the mouth I never have issue with the other person hearing me. Additionally this bluetooth was able to handle moderate gusts of wind. Just when I was expecting to repeat myself I found that I had been heard.

While I never worry about battery life on a bluetooth since most last 3 times as long as my cell phone, this will last forever on a single charge.

The Bad
This is one of the largest bluetooths you can find. While some may not care about that there is no mistaking that you're wearing a bluetooth when its on. However the silver lining of this cloud is because of its over-the-ear design its one of the most secure fitting bluetooths.

Sound quality to the person on the other end was spectacular but the sound quality for myself wasn't. If you're in a noisy environment and turn up the volume, the sound becomes just the tiniest bit distorted. If not for this one issue this device would be at the top of my list.


LG Electronics HBM-235 Bluetooth Headset
This device won't blow your mind but its the best device for the money.

The Good
Its CHEAP! The $20 price-tag makes this a great headset to gift just don't let price scare you away. It still does better than some headsets I've payed more than triple for.

The Bad
The sound quality is ok. Again I can't stress enough that it does better than some higher priced bluetooths. However this is best for someone who will be using it in the car with windows up and radio off.


Hope this helps on Cyber Monday! Have you had any experiences with these? Let me know how they worked out for you!

And if you decide to buy one please support me by clicking on the device link.

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