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The speed and schedules of work and life these days can be a double-edged sword. It’s easier than ever to reach people, but if you’re one of those “always-on” people you could end up feeling like you’re constantly fielding calls and trying to multi-task too much at once.
But a Bluetooth headset can help make things a little bit simpler, and keep you connected cordlessly while keeping your hands free. They’re compatible with most modern smartphones, and can connect to voice control like Siri, with a range of up to (and sometimes beyond) 33 feet.
Though they were gained popularity about a decade ago, Bluetooth headsets are seeing a resurgence in popularity, as people look for ways to multi-task while running errands, stuck in traffic or even while working out. Even if you’re working from home, a good Bluetooth headset lets you get up from your desk and take calls or listen to messages while getting a stretch in, making lunch or stepping outside from the fresh air.
What Are the Best Bluetooth Headsets?
The best Bluetooth earpiece will let you hear and respond to calls in a busy environment while eliminating or reducing background noise. Most models are made for the clearest conversation possible, and designed with an aesthetic that’s sleek, minimal, professional, and blends in whether you’re wearing business attire or working remotely in your pajamas.
They also often include interchangeable ear-tips, to help it stay in place no matter how much you move around. You’ll want one that’s small, less bulky, lightweight, compact and stays comfortable against your ear – since you’ll probably be wearing it for long stretches, and bigger ones can start to pinch after a while.
Bluetooth Headsets vs. Earbuds
While regular wireless earbuds will work for calls in a pinch, the best Bluetooth headsets are specially designed for taking calls. That means larger earpieces to better hear the person on the other end, an extended microphone to capture your voice more clearly, and lightweight, wrap-around hooks that stay on comfortably for all-day wear.
It should also be known that Bluetooth headsets aren’t meant to produce the type of high-quality bass response that music earbuds were made for, but in-between calls, you’ll still be able to listen to music, podcasts, and even things like getting GPS directions straight from your nearby phone (which is especially helpful while biking or driving). And controls on the unit itself increase efficiency too, like volume and pause buttons for taking and ending calls. That’s all without the extra hassle of finding, losing or untangling cables.
In fact, the only wire you may have to deal with is charging. While some sets offer a wireless cradle, others require a wire, usually a USB-C to fully charge up. Battery life, especially on standby mode, is ridiculously long for many headsets. Charging up can take as little as 1-2 hours, while talk-time usually clocks in up to 15 hours. An earpiece in standby mode can retain a charge for a week, and sometimes (in deep-sleep mode) up to six months.
These four options can decrease background noise and increase productivity, helping you to be hands-free even on the busiest workdays.
