Ultimate cell phone headsets
Earbuds
The stealthiest of the headsets, with the mike resting on either the wire or the earpiece itself, these earbud models can fool others into thinking you're talking to yourself.
The stealthiest of the headsets, with the mike resting on either the wire or the earpiece itself, these earbud models can fool others into thinking you're talking to yourself.
![]() Check latest prices |
Fellowes Body Glove Earglove Flex A cross between a earbud and a boom headset, the Earglove Flex has an appealing design, but the Body Glove name doesn't add much to its overall style. The earpiece dangles on a short cord away from the ear loop, which fits comfortably over either ear. We also liked the small microphone that comes out from underneath your ear, but callers reported difficulty hearing us. On the upside, it features a call-answer/end button, as well as a Mute switch. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
FoneGear hands-free headset The earbud on this FoneGear model features a flexible clip that grips behind your earlobe. It's not as snug or comfortable as the Plantronics Flex Grip headset, but it provides some stability. The call answer/end/mute/redial switch is located on the back of the earpiece instead of on an in-line remote, but it's not so sensitive that you should worry about accidentally pushing the button while fitting the earpiece in your ear. Callers were impressed with the audio clarity when using this headset, which makes it a fine choice when you're on the go. It's a bargain, too, at $20. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
Logitech EasyFit earbud To begin with, Logitech's EasyFit headsets are a two-part affair. Besides the headset itself, there's also the EasyFit connector, which holds the adapter that plugs into your cell phone. Sold separately for $5, the connectors come in standard and retractable versions with plugs for all major mobile brands. That said, the earbud version of Logitech's EasyFit line has admirable sound quality and includes a choice of different-size rubber FlexLoops to ensure a snug fit. It's a bargain at $15 for just the headset, but we're not enamored with the separate connector. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
Logitech EasyFit Over-Ear (black) The term EasyFit doesn't quite apply to this over-the-ear model. For starters, this $15 headset seems designed to fit over only the right ear, and it doesn't do that very well. With the nonadjustable rubber ear loop, the earpiece feels as if it's floating over your ear canal instead of inserted into it. Also, because it's designed to fit over and behind your ear, the cord--which, of course, attaches to the EasyFit connector (did we mention that this is a separate purchase?)--comes awkwardly from behind your ear. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
Logitech Mobile Over-Ear (red) Logitech's ear clip, designed to fit over your right ear, is flexible but not removable, so forget about putting it in your left ear. But even worn on the right, we had a difficult time getting a good fit. On the plus side, a multifunction button on the mike lets you answer and end calls; if you have a flip phone, you don't have to open the cover to accept a call. And if red isn't your color, it also comes in blue. We tested a headset with a 2.5mm plug, but Logitech makes models for Nokia and Sony Ericsson handsets as well. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
Plantronics MX100 The MX100 features a flexible grip that provides a base underneath your ear for a secure, comfortable fit. The in-line mike makes it more appropriate for mobile use than the MX150 boom version, and there's a choice of replaceable covers for the earpiece. On the other hand, it isn't particularly loud, and the sound gets a bit distorted at higher volumes; you may want to restrict this to indoor use. With a $39.95 price tag, the MX100 costs only a bit more than other headsets. |
|
![]() Check latest prices |
Shure QuietSpot Inline If you're a fan of Shure's stereo headphones, you'll be accustomed to how snugly the QuietSpot Inline's earpiece fits. It's tight, certainly, but not uncomfortable; the package includes additional flex sleeves in small, medium, and large so that you can find the proper fit. The incoming sound quality is loud--we had to turn the volume to low on our phone--and clear, so you'll have no problems hearing callers in heavy traffic. The in-line microphone on this $40 unit does a decent job of canceling out ambient noise, as well, according to our callers. |
|







