Samsung WEP500 Bluetooth headset
Starting at: $112.84
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Samsung WEP500 is a tiny lightweight Bluetooth headset with excellent performance and easy-to-use controls. It also comes with a portable charging case.
The bad: The Samsung WEP500 has unfortunate button placement, and the lack of an ear hook may deter some people. You can't charge the headset without the case. It is also rather expensive.
The bottom line: The Samsung WEP500 is a small Bluetooth headset that has a great fit as well as excellent sound quality.
When we first saw the Motorola H9 Miniblue earlier this year, we thought it was the smallest Bluetooth headset we've ever seen. Samsung, however, has recently launched a Bluetooth headset that's just as tiny. Called the Samsung WEP500, this minuscule headset is about the size of a quarter and is even lighter than the Miniblue. But don't let its size fool you, as the WEP500 also packs in advanced noise reduction technology, like automatic volume control, which resulted in excellent audio quality. It even comes with a compact charging case. That said, the WEP500 has somewhat unfortunate ... Expand full review
When we first saw the Motorola H9 Miniblue earlier this year, we thought it was the smallest Bluetooth headset we've ever seen. Samsung, however, has recently launched a Bluetooth headset that's just as tiny. Called the Samsung WEP500, this minuscule headset is about the size of a quarter and is even lighter than the Miniblue. But don't let its size fool you, as the WEP500 also packs in advanced noise reduction technology, like automatic volume control, which resulted in excellent audio quality. It even comes with a compact charging case. That said, the WEP500 has somewhat unfortunate button placement, and it will cost you at a hefty $119.99.
Measuring only 0.98 inch by 1.1 inches by 0.3 inch and weighing around 0.3 ounce, the WEP500 is definitely one small headset. It has a nice round shape, and we like that it appears rather inconspicuous when worn. The WEP500 has two microphones, one underneath the multifunction button and one at the bottom of the headset. There's also an indicator light at the bottom. The multifunction button is actually the entire top of the headset, and is really easy to press. It is, however, in a rather unfortunate position. As you attempt to place the headset in the ear or make any fitting adjustments, it is inevitable that you'll press this button since it is on the top. We found that this resulted in several accidental phone calls. Aside from that, the volume rocker on the left works just fine and is easy to press as well.
Behind the headset is a somewhat flat earpiece that sits just inside the ear. There are two styles of earpiece covers to choose from--one with a protruding tip so it sits deeper in the ear, and one with a loop spring for those who prefer not to have the tip. The WEP500 even comes with three different loop-spring sizes for different size ears. While we didn't have a problem fitting the headset in the ear, we do think that it felt a lot less secure than other headsets, like that of the Miniblue. In this case, we would've liked to have had an ear hook as an option for that added security. Otherwise, it did feel pretty comfortable in the ear, and we managed to wear it for long periods of time without any noticeable discomfort.
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Nicole Lee is a senior associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also a fan of comic books, video games, and of course, shiny gadgets.
User Reviews
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Most Helpful User Review
stars 5 of 6 users found this review helpful
"excellent headset" By student420
Pros sound quality, noise and WIND cancellation, small size
Cons none so far (well could be cheaper)
Summary i just bought this headset from a cingular (now AT&T) corporate store yesterday. So far it has been really nice. The small size is awsome, the sound quality is excellent, and it cancels wind noise better than the jawbone! everyone i talk to says i sound good and ... Expand full review
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphone - Monaural
- Product type: Headset
- Design: Ear-bud