Bluetooth headset buying guide - CNET Reviews

Most mono Bluetooth headsets can be grouped into two categories: models with a boom and models without. A boom is an extended microphone that arches toward the mouth and looks a bit like a telemarketer's headset. Though the mic's proximity to the mouth can result in better audio clarity, boom headsets have a tendency to be on the bulky side. Boom headsets are pretty rare these days, but there are still a few of them out there. There's the Jabra Supreme Headset, which has a boom mic that flips open and close. In fact, when you do so, you actually power on and off the headset. Our favorite boom headset, however, is the Plantronics Voyager Pro, which has a rotating boom mic that extends down the side of the face. It's not a very attractive headset, but it's actually quite comfortable due to the ear-hugging design.

A lot of headsets these days opt for a more compact and discreet design. Some of the more attractive ones include the very stylish Plantronics Marque that's made complement iPhones, and the very tiny Motorola Elite Silver, which comes with its own case that also serves as charger and battery pack. Some headsets try to stand out from the rest with innovative designs, like the unique Plantronics Discovery 975 and its pin-like design. We also like the Jabra Stone, which is a tiny little swoosh of a headset housed within a pebble-like portable charger. If you don't care too much about design, there are also a lot of cheaper models like the Samsung WEP850 and the Sound ID 200.

What's more, an increasing number of headsets fit directly into the ear rather than just resting against it. As a result, they don't need to be worn with ear loops or other equipment. Keep in mind, though, that some users may not like the feeling of a headset's earpiece resting in their ear canals. It's important to check a few styles to see what is most comfortable for you.

Stereo Bluetooth headsets generally look and feel a lot like wired music headphones. Older devices were ear buds that came with a pendant-style controller for taking and placing calls or interacting with the phone's music player. Examples include the Iqua BHS-702 and the Jabra BT3030 Bluetooth headset, both of which earned high marks for comfort and sound quality.

Lately, behind-the-neck headphones like the LG HBS-700, which uses a neckband that's very comfortable. We especially like the Outdoor Technology Bluetooth Tags that sound great plus stay put during active use. Two of our favorites are the Nokia BH-905 and the Samsung SBH-600. The BH-905 is even one of the first stereo headsets with active noise-cancelling.

A few Bluetooth headsets combine several different functionalities into one design. The Plantronics Voyager 855 is both a mono and stereo Bluetooth headset; simply attach a secondary earpiece to the main mono headset and you immediately get stereo sound. The Samsung WEP870 has the same idea, where you attach the headset to a pair of stereo earbuds.