Nectar Accessories: A Detailed Review of Bluetooth Headsets Including New Audio and Visuals

LOS ANGELES--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--I routinely test Bluetooth headsets. In that process, I’ve been surprised at the nuances between the tiny devices. In the past year, quality and performance have seen significant improvements. In many cases people who work in the headset industry aren’t even familiar with all the options. To help consumers who are looking to upgrade or purchase a headset for the first time, I wanted to share this information that may be helpful in determining which Bluetooth headset is right for you.

“it easier to identify and isolate different sounds.”

I don’t expect anyone to read the review from start to finish but if you’re looking for information, start with the Bluetooth Headset matrix (http://www.nectaraccessories.com/bt-matrix), which provides a quick overview. Second, delve into the audio files that we’ve recorded in three scenarios (no background noise, wind, and music) (http://www.nectaraccessories.com/bt-audio). Finally, check out the below detailed reviews when you’re deciding between two or three headsets.

Why a Bluetooth Headset?

You may ask, “Why a Bluetooth headset?” There are other options to comply with the hands free laws, like a car kit or a wired headset. However, for ergonomic reasons, I don’t like holding my phone to my ear when I’m driving, walking or working. Bluetooth headsets, unlike the car kit, work in all of these scenarios. I frequently text during phone calls, and I prefer to expose my brain to lower radiation from the headset rather than the phone (whether there are proven studies or not), and I despise tangled cords.

Bluetooth headsets have drawbacks too – specifically that you can’t find the darn things and that you look like a member of the Borg if you keep it in your ear all the time. Select models include cases or lanyards but most models don’t include any carrying solution. Because I was so frustrated with misplacing and dropping my headset and I couldn’t stand to wear it in my ear all the time, I developed BlueClip, which is the first-ever and only universal carrying solution available in necklace or retractable styles. BlueClip remains attached to the headset during use so you don’t drop between the car seats or in the parking lot. (www.nectaraccessories.com $14.99-$29.99).

According to ABI research, last year 179 million Bluetooth headsets shipped, and this number is predicted to increase to 540 million by 2013. With this growing market, many people will upgrade their headset or become new users. When purchasing a Bluetooth headset, the two most critical factors to consider are ear fit and call quality. If the headset doesn’t fit you’re not going to wear it. And if the person on the other line can’t hear you, you’re not going to use the headset for very long.

How do you know which headset will fit your ear? You don’t. Everyone’s ears are different, and my right ear is a different than my left. To maximize your chances for a successful fit, when you first take your headset out of the box, try all of the earpieces to find the one that feels the best. For people with difficult to fit ears, most headsets include an ear loop option.

Regarding call quality, with most headsets I can understand the other person, but they can’t always understand me. The critical issue is how well your headset microphone detects and transmits your voice.

To give you a basis for comparison, we’ve recorded the recipient call quality in three circumstances (with no background noise, wind, and music) so you may hear the difference for yourself. In addition to the audio files, we also show you a Spectral Frequency Display (Adobe Audition 3), which provides a colorful visual of the audio. According to Adobe, the colors make “it easier to identify and isolate different sounds.”

A headset isn’t just about sound; there’s a balancing act with usability, functionality, and style that’s a matter of personal preference. I’m willing to sacrifice a teeny bit of call quality for style and bells, but I want to know exactly what I’m sacrificing. With the enclosed audio and visual files, you can now judge for yourself.

BlueAnt V1 ($62-$130)

Summary: With super friendly voice commands, superior call quality, and innovative ear buds in a stylish, compact design, this headset is our hands down favorite. This complete package includes A/C, USB and car chargers and a convenient tie clip carrying solution. For beginners and experienced users alike, you’ll enjoy using this headset.

Positive: Voice Commands, Call Quality, Ease of Use, Price, Styling, Wallet Instructions, Tie Clip, USB and car charger.

Negative: Not automatically turned on when removed from the charger, large AC adapter, poor location of indicator light, unfriendly firmware update process.

Review:

In the past few months, I’ve heard great things about BlueAnt headsets from store owners, distributors, and end users. The rumors are that BlueAnt is a leader in offering additional features and functionality and has fewer returns. Let’s see how they live up to this reputation.

If Knight Rider had a Bluetooth headset, this would be it. It talks to you, teaches you, and updates you throughout the process. The headset provides verbal instructions for connecting your headset to the phone, which can be a frustrating experience for first time users.

On most Bluetooth headsets, you have no way to know if your phone and headset are paired or what the headset battery life is. If you press the button and ask, “Am I connected?” The response is “Your phone is connected.” Saying “check battery” results in “battery high.” If a call is dropped, the headset tells you it’s terminated so that you don’t keep talking to yourself. (I need this feature on my phone.) A pleasantly unexpected default command is “call Goog-411,” which is a free information service that searches business listings and dials per your voice command.

The headset commands cover your most frequently used features and dialed numbers. If you need to use additional voice dialing features on your phone, simply say, “Phone Command.” I didn’t expect to be so impressed by BlueAnt’s voice commands but with every headset I test, there are times when the voice functionality would come in handy. Written instructions are available in a size that you may keep in your wallet.

During calls, users may switch between standard and max Voice Isolation modes by pressing the main button. Standard mode is the default, and switching to max mode makes your voice sound clearer although slightly more robotic. Calls may be switched to and from the headset by simultaneously pressing both volume buttons. The volume increase and decrease buttons are clearly marked.

The ear bud is hollow on the inside so it molds to the inside of your ear. In addition to the two ear bud sizes, there are two foam cushions, two ear loops, and this headset has a tie clip that allows you to attach to your shirt or tie – similar to a pen. The headset AC charger doubles as a USB charger, and the goose neck cord is bendable so that you don’t have to worry about your headset dangling on the ground or below your desk. Also the box includes a car charger.

Unfortunately, the headset doesn’t automatically turn on when you remove it from the charger, and I don’t love that the flashing light is beneath the button that you’re pressing. You have to look under your finger while pressing the button the appropriate number of seconds while turning the unit on. However, once you’re accustomed to the voice dialing, you don’t need to look at the button because your headset tells you when it’s on and connected. Also, the A/C plug, may take up two slots on your power strip.

The V1 offers firmware updates, which is a less friendly experience. At this time, I didn’t need to download an upgrade but I hope BlueAnt comes up with a better process before then. One final note is that the oval cylinder retail box was extremely difficult to open.

BlueAnt Q1 ($130)

Summary: If you own two phones, this headset is a must. User friendly voice commands, superior call quality (post firmware upgrade), and a great fitting ear gel make this headset an excellent choice.

Positive: Pairs to two phones simultaneously. Great voice dialing and call quality. Innovative Hollow Ear Gel Design, USB charger.

Negative: Firmware upgrade doesn’t work with Vista, No carrying solution, Design and Packaging suspiciously similar to Jawbone

Review:

If you have multiple phones or use your headset with a phone and a computer, pay attention, this headset pairs with two devices – simultaneously - and allows you to click over to take a call from Phone B while you’re talking on Phone A. Seriously cool! If you’ve ever tried a headset with more than one device, you understand the frustration of unpairing and repairing (it’s easier to buy two headsets). This inconvenience is eliminated by the BlueAnt’s true multipoint technology.

In addition to all of the amazing functionality described in the V1 review, this headset gives you a battery status for your headset and your phone but doesn’t support the GOOG-411 command.

My biggest concern about this headset was the caller sounded robotic. To remedy this issue, I was told to upgrade the firmware. Unfortunately the on-line updater works only with Windows XP. Once I did complete the upgrade, the speaker quality improved significantly.

Finally, although I don’t like how the Q1 looks suspiciously similar to the Jawbone in design and packaging, the voice commands and multipoint functionality in this headset uniquely makes this BlueAnt a leader in those categories.

Aliph - Jawbone PRIME! ($124-$130)

Summary: Jawbone Prime is a quality headset with a good reputation that provides great call quality particularly in noisy environments. But as competitors offer advanced functionality and features, Jawbone hasn’t kept up.

Positive: Quality call sound, 6 earbuds, USB Charger, Multiple colors, thoughtfully designed packaging.

Negative: No headset voice commands, confusing button functionality, large A/C plug, no wallet instructions.

Review: The previous model, Jawbone 2, is my current headset. I didn’t choose it because of style or features but it’s the only headset that my father didn’t complain about – better yet, he didn’t know I was on a headset.

However, there are annoying issues with the Jawbone 2, specifically that: 1) almost every time I adjust the headset I hang up on calls because the entire face plate is the touch button and 2) the headset doesn’t automatically turn on and pair when I remove it from the charger.

If you’re getting a headset as a gift, the new packaging of the Jawbone Prime is seriously cool. I didn’t think they could improve upon their prior packaging. I felt as if I were opening a thoughtfully wrapped gift. There are six earbuds in a variety of sizes and shapes and two ear loops. The prime is offered in black, coffee, and platinum and new EarCandy line of lime, scarlet, yellow, and lilac. Jawbone has a cool factory that isn’t associated with other headset brands.

The Jawbone is probably best known for its Voice Activity Sensor, which touches your cheek to know when you’re speaking and to eliminate background noise. During the past few months, I’ve been happy with the call quality of the Jawbone 2 and wasn’t able to discern a sound quality improvement in the new version. In our sound tests, Jawbone was the only headset to rank perfect scores in all three conditions.

The design details in the Jawbone Prime face place aren’t nearly as intriguing as the elongated diamond pattern of the Jawbone 2. The new basic design, however, resolved the faceplate functionality issue so that I’m no longer unintentionally hanging up on calls. Unfortunately the headset still needs to be manually turned on after charging, and the indicator light is inconveniently placed under where your finger presses. Also I would have liked to see a thinner or smaller version but the silhouette is nearly identical to the prior model.

My major complaint is that the Jawbone’s two-button functionality is neither intuitive nor user friendly. There’s no volume control, so you press the Noise Assassin button a number of times to cycle through the volume levels; listening to the volume level beeps during a call isn’t convenient. A command that baffles me is “Press TALK Button 5 times while in standby mode.” Really? At least give me a wallet instruction card. BlueAnt’s friendly voice control clearly trumps Jawbone in this category.

Ideally, the headset would be smaller. Unfortunately there are no carrying solutions, and I know many people who have lost their $130 investment within days of purchasing the headset.

Nokia BH-804 ($70-$99)

Summary: If you’re looking for the smallest, stylish headset that still has good call quality, Nokia BH-804 is an excellent choice.

Positive: Ultra compact, stylish streamlined design, ease of use. Includes two chargers and a lanyard.

Negative: No USB charger. Doesn’t block out loud background noise well. Headset doesn’t automatically turn on when removed from the charger.

Review:

When I’m forced to select one of the many headsets, I’m immediately drawn to the small size and great looks of the Nokia BH-804. It’s the smallest and lightest of the bunch. Admittedly, I have a penchant for the tiny electronics but the styling makes me feel like I’m wearing jewelry rather than gadgetry.

The headset comes with a desk charger and a mini charger both of which attach to the plug and a USB charger is available separately. Nokia pays great attention to details, including the Velcro ties that hold the cables neatly wrapped. Two additional round earbuds and an ear loop with a unique, yet easy to use ear hook attachment are included. The brushed silver finish on the headset matches the charger.

When turning on the headset for the first time, the indicator light was thoughtfully placed at the edge of the headset rather than underneath the main button, so that I wasn’t inconveniently pressing a button and looking under my finger at the same time. Unfortunately the headset doesn’t power on after removal from the charger so you’ll need to manually turn it on each time.

The ear piece fit securely in both of my ears without the ear loop. Voice dialing and volume controls work effortlessly. For most calls, I had a great connection but with loud background noise, the listener couldn’t hear me as well, which was the deciding variable for this headset not being in the top three.

Headset voice commands would be ideal but the styling is so appealing that it’s an acceptable tradeoff. Strangely, the instructions pages refer to numbered pages, but there are no numbers. This is a minor inconvenience that you’ll likely only experience during first use. Also, rather than BH-804, I’d give this model a sexy, memorable name.

Plantronics 925 ($70-$150)

Summary: Unique microphone and tapered design plus a charging carrying case and a lanyard make this well rounded headset.

Positive: Elongated microphone, leather charging case, lanyard.

Negative: No headset commands, High price.

Review:

Plantronics 925 has a unique tapered triangle microphone that extends close to your mouth. During conversations, I can tell my voice is being picked up by the microphone. As you’ll hear in the audio files, it also picks up wind and background noise.

This model includes a sturdy, stylish charging case, an AC charger (attaches directly to the headset or the charging case and a lanyard. Sales associates have told me that the case is a big selling point with customers. This model also includes a lanyard. Although I applaud the convenience of a lanyard, I’m not a fan of how the headset is positioned at an angle like an upside down male symbol. Three eartips are included.

The SRP is one of the highest in this group. Speaker and microphone quality are good but I’m not sure if this design and the accessories justify the highest SRP. Fortunately this model is being offered at a lower price in select stores and sites.

Motorola H780 ($45-$100)

Summary: Surprisingly microphone quality in wind and background noise. 7 hour battery life. However easily lost ear gels significantly reduced the score of this headset.

Positive: Microphone quality. Auto connect after charging. Battery life. Stylish.

Negative: Ear buds are easily lost. Can’t tell which is the on/off position. No headset voice commands.

Review: Last year, I regularly used the Motorola H12, which was a predecessor of the H780. The stylish design and small size, the automatic pairing after charging, and intuitive easy buttons made this my personal choice after testing all of last year’s headset models. Following extended, heavy use, I experienced two issues with the H12: 1) the battery would no longer hold a charge (this was the case with two units) and 2) I lost all of the ear cushions. Let’s see how the improved functionality of the H780 compares.

One of my favorite things about this headset is that there’s an on/off switch so that the headset automatically pairs with your phone once you remove it from the charger. Also if you need to turn the headset off rather than unpairing from your phone, it’s easy. For first use, it’s difficult to tell which position is which.

When I listened to the recorded call quality, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this model blocked out wind and music noise. Also this headset has a 7 hour battery life, which is the best of the batch by at least an hour. Unfortunately I’m unable to test if the batter issue I experienced after extended use of its predecessor, the H12.

As for my ear cushion issue, by mid-day one, I had already lost the one of three that comes with the headset. I didn’t have another with me, which made the headset unusable unless I held it up to my ear. This is a significant concern.

According to the headset instructions, the noise cancellation is automatically on. Although you’ll rarely want to turn this feature off, the tiny button in the front of the headset is very difficult to press.

Plantronics Voyager Pro ($100)

Summary: Good choice for those who prefer over the ear headset styles. This headset has good call quality but doesn’t block wind and background noise as well as anticipated. Works while charging, which is great for heavy use. The headset is surprisingly light weight. The Voyager Pro loses style points because although I’d be happy to wear this headset at my desk I’m less comfortable walking around in public.

Positive: Extended microphone boom is located close to your mouth, works while charging, call quality, comfortable fit, business card sized mini instructions.

Negative: Large size. No carrying solution.

Review:

When I first looked at the Voyager Pro compared to the other headsets, my first thought was that it’s big, but then I put it on. It’s surprisingly comfortable and lightweight. It doesn’t feel or look bulky because the majority of the hardware is discreetly located behind the ear. The microphone boom can be rotated toward your ear so that it doesn’t extend into the cheek area. Once you figure out how to change the eargels (push in and turn left – similar to a prescription bottle) and find the call control button it’s easy to use. Wearing the headset for extended periods caused little to no discomfort.

Interestingly this headset works during charging. This can be valuable to those who complain of limited headset battery power. Unfortunately this headset package doesn’t include a USB or car charger but if you need extended battery life near a power source, the Voyager Pro is at the top of the list.

The microphone extends closer to your mouth than any of the other models, which intuitively indicates that the microphone, being closer, would transmit a clearer voice. During my voice dialing tests, the phone quickly understood my call commands the first time. One concern is distinguishing between the “answer call” – tap the call button but to “reject a call” press for one second during incoming call.

Also this headset is automatically paired once you remove it from the charger. While headset voice commands aren’t supported, the fact that this headset remains paired while charging and there are separate volume controls, makes the most commonly used features fairly convenient.

The box includes 3 soft gel eartips and two foam eartip covers. As this headset can’t be worn without the earhook the earpiece fit isn’t as important as with other models. Also included are an AC adapter and a convenient business card sized “cheat sheet,” which will come in handy when you need to know battery life or if your headset comes unpaired.

Although I’m happy to wear this headset in the privacy of my home or office, I’m slightly uncomfortable wearing in public. As I rarely have pockets, my biggest concern with this headset is what to do with it when it’s not in use. I can’t wear it around my neck and there are no carrying solutions. This headset may be less unsightly if worn on a belt attachment.

Jabra BT350 ($28-$80)

Summary: Although this model lacks some of the coolness appeal, Jabra BT-530 is a solid headset and on-line prices are significantly lower than the SRP. This is the best value for a lower priced headset.

Positive: 8 ear gel Options make the Jabra a good choice for people with difficult to fit ears. Good call quality. By far the best on-line prices. Easy to use volume buttons.

Negative: Lack of instructions for inexperienced users. No carrying solutions. No auto on.

Review:

Jabra includes eight ear gels, two ear loops, an AC adapter and a USB charging cord. The ear gels are round or have an external loop to secure inside the ear. I had to use different ear gels for each ear, but was able to find a secure fit with all 8 options, so if you have difficult to fit ears, the Jabra provides more options than any other headset.

The buttons are fairly intuitive but for a first time headset user, the instructions may be too basic. Unfortunately, the headset doesn’t automatically turn on, there are no voice commands, or carrying solutions.

Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 ($135-$200)

Summary: If you want the coolest, ultra-compact wireless stereo headset, Sony Ericsson did an amazing job with the HBH-IS800 design. Unfortunately, the default microphone location is too far away from your mouth. Also for music listeners, the sound quality isn’t yet comparable to wired headsets. Ear fit was very difficult and no earloop options are available.

Positive: The unique, sleek design and lightweight size – it’s amazing what Sony Ericsson packed into such a compact space. The wireless stereo quality for language tapes was amazing. Included clip prevents loss by attaching the cord to your shirt.

Negative: Stereo quality of music wasn’t as good as wired headsets. The case is bulky. The call sound in stereo had a slight echo. No volume control and limited button functionality from headset. Ear plugs didn’t fit well, particularly if used during jogging. Price. Battery life.

Review:

The wireless stereo headsets have by far the most unique and compelling design for those who like the newest tech gadgets. I couldn’t wait to test. Upon opening the box, I immediately tried the earbuds with all three attachment sizes but had a difficult time getting any of the options to stay in my ear – I ultimately used two different size ear plugs but the fit still wasn’t secure. The ear plug design on this headset is different from all of the others that I tested. Unfortunately, there were no ear loop options.

To charge the headset, I had to look at the instructions: the charge connector is discreetly hidden underneath the back side of the earphones. The charger isn’t a standard mini-USB plug, and there’s no USB charging option. Electronics companies really need to be more sensitive to all of the cables that we have to travel with.

Charging, pairing, and using the HBH-IS800 was quick and easy. I immediately played my Chinese Mandarin language lesson and the sound quality was amazing … shockingly clear. I then moved on to music tracks - expecting the crystal clear quality of my iPhone headsets – but I wasn’t as impressed. Depending on the song and volume, you may notice more or less distortion.

When making a call in a quiet room, monotone call quality was better than expected. In stereo, call sound had a slight echo. When using the voice dialing, the Windows Mobile Operating System had a difficult time understanding my commands. Unfortunately due to the small size of headset, there are no volume controls, which is very inconvenient when driving.

When not in use, the headset is worn around your neck with the earpieces dangling in front. At first I thought this would bother me, until I realized that I left work, went to dinner and the store without even noticing I was wearing it. There is a small clip that attaches to the back of your shirt – this will work with collared shirts, t-shirts, sports bras – basically all tops except for a low back or strapless shirt, which likely won’t affect many people but just happened to be what I wore on one of the testing days. The clip securely held the headset through jumping and jogging. I don’t want to lose a $200 headset.

Although I typically don’t like hear loops, I didn’t feel secure because the ear plugs kept creeping out of my left ear; ear hooks would have been a good option. The lose fit during jogging presented even more of a problem – both ear buds kept falling out. If there were ear loops or more secure ear gels, this model would have scored higher.

This headset comes with a bulky case that’s 3.5” in diameter and more than .5” thick. It’s nice that the cords maybe wrapped around the case to prevent tangling, but the case is too big for the tiny headsets. People who spend the money for an ultra small headset, want an ultra slim case rather than a chewing tobacco container. I realize that this is part of the retail packaging presentation but that’s one part of the design that was disappointing.

In conclusion, this is a great leap in the right direction. If Sony Ericsson can improve the stereo music quality and battery life, I think this will be a significant player for those who wish to have wireless stereo sound in a lightweight and compact design. Until that time, I’ll stick with my wired music player headsets.

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About the author: Renee Cleary, Founder and Creative Director of Nectar Accessories (www.nectaraccessories.com), is an attorney with an MBA, who gained expertise with Bluetooth headsets while developing cell phone accessories. Their two product lines are 1) BlueCLIP, a universal Bluetooth headset carrying solution, safeguards against lost or misplaced headsets and is available in retractable and necklace styles, and 2) Cell Phone Window carrying solutions. Nectar also provides consulting services for product development and usability in this market segment.

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