bluetooth headsets give you hands-free access to your phone, tablet or computer. They can make you more productive on the go or help you focus while working from home. But, before you start shopping for a pair of bluetooth headphones, learn about what to look for.
A good pair of bluetooth headphones should offer high-quality audio, a comfortable fit and easy controls. Some models have built-in noise canceling, which can help block out distracting ambient sound while on a call or listening to music. Many headsets also have buttons you can press to connect calls and control volume. Some even feature a microphone to let you talk to your phone’s voice assistant like Siri or Google Assistant.
You should also consider how much battery life you need. Headphones with long battery life are ideal for use on trips and longer commutes. They can last for several days of regular use before needing a recharge, making them a good choice for travelers or people who frequently listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
The Bluetooth standard requires a low amount of power to transmit and receive signals. This limits the maximum distance between a headset and its parent device, typically about 164 feet. If a headset needs more power, it might require a wired connection.
You should also pay attention to whether a headset supports the latest version of Bluetooth. The latest Bluetooth codecs allow for faster pairing and better audio quality. You can usually find a headset’s version number listed in its documentation or on its packaging. The latest version of Bluetooth, 5.0, includes improvements that increase the range, audio quality and other features. Bluetooth 5.0 isn’t available on all headphones, however; the majority of them use the older Bluetooth Basic Data Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR) protocol.