How to Choose a Bluetooth Headset

The headset industry had to learn new techniques to design Bluetooth headsets. Some first generation headsets were disasters from both a design and functionality point of view. New headsets are generally much improved.

Bluetooth headsets vary enormously in price. Some can be found for $30 or less, while others cost $300 and more. Careful shopping, using the information in this article, can save you from an expensive mistake.

Common Problems with Bluetooth Headsets
Ideally, a Bluetooth headset should be something you could wear all the time while expecting to receive or make calls, or something you can quickly and conveniently affix on/around your ear when phone calls come in.
Due to being battery powered by their own separate battery (typically offering 2-10 hours talk time or 25-250 hours standby), ideally a Bluetooth headset would be something you'd only turn on when you need to use it. You wouldn't leave it on between calls. For this reason, the headset should be easy to turn on and off, and should power up and connect to the cell phone as quickly as possible.
Volume controls and other features and functions should be easy to use and understand.
Few Bluetooth headsets adequately meet these design criteria. Perhaps the biggest common problem is how to securely - but comfortably and conveniently - attach the headset to your ear.

Using Bluetooth headsets with non-Bluetooth phones
It is possible to get a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into your regular non-Bluetooth phone. The adapter links with your headset as if it were a Bluetooth phone, and then links with your phone as if it were a regular headset.
Some Bluetooth headsets include these adapters. A better and simpler choice, if at all possible, is to simply replace your present phone with a new Bluetooth equipped phone.

Factors to Consider in Comparing Headsets :
Cost
An obvious issue.
We've seen little to confirm that more expensive headsets are consistently better than cheaper ones!
Ergonomics
Is it easy to quickly and conveniently put the headset on your ear, and to take it off again
Is it easy to use the control buttons on the headset
Is it comfortable to wear for a long phone call
Can you use it with a pair of glasses
Can it be worn on either ear
How would you carry it when not wearing it
How heavy is it
Might it fall off

Ease of Use
Are commands/controls easy to remember (eg transferring calls between headset and phone, last number redial, voice tag dialing, etc)
Can you adjust the volume level
How quickly does the unit turn on
Does it have a well written easy to understand manual
Is there a support number you can call for extra help if needed
Does it have its pairing password printed on it, so if you have to re-pair the device, you don't have to hunt for its manual to find its password?

Features
What is the headset's claimed battery life for talk time and standby time
How do you know when the battery is nearly dead
Does it have a lithium type battery (best) or some other type
Is the battery replaceable
How is the battery charged and how long does it take to charge
How do you know when the battery is fully charged
Is the charging transformer multi-voltage for international travel and what is its weight/size
Can the headset also be charged via a USB cable or car adapter or some other way not requiring yet another transformer to add to your collection
How many devices can the unit be paired with
Does it have both headset and hands-free protocols
Is it compatible with Bluetooth 1.1 or later standards
What is its warranty period
Does it have a free return period as well
Does it have any noise cancelling or digital signal processing in its microphone and sound circuits
What is the sound quality it offers for sending and receiving audio
What range does it typically have

Capabilities - can it support these commands hands-free
Voice tags
Last number redial
Transfer call to phone or from phone
3 way calling
Link to how many phones
Call answer/end
Call reject
Mute

Other
Does it look attractive
Is it too big or too small

Summary
Bluetooth headsets can offer a great deal of convenience and flexibility, albeit with at a sometimes hefty cost.
A good Bluetooth headset is easy to understand, setup, and use. It makes your life simpler and easier. A bad Bluetooth headset is the opposite and is something to be avoided.
Use the information above, and that contained in our Bluetooth headset reviews, to better understand how to evaluate and choose a Bluetooth headset.