You can talk with sales representatives at brick-and-mortar stores, but they might steer you in the direction of the costliest item to pad their commission or they might confuse you more by the jargon they use. You can search for information on the Internet, but that could incorrect. Here are some points to consider when buying headsets.
1. Call Quality
Headsets can sound great in the ear but transmit with a computerized version of your voice to the listener. When you are looking at headsets, read reviews on call quality to ensure you get the best sound for your investment. Call quality is important. Although some big names have produced good quality, smaller, and prettier models sound as good as the big guys.
2. Noise Cancellation
So many people need to eliminate noise around them for a number of reasons. If the headsets do not have the capability to suppress noise or the function is faulty, these are not the ones you want to purchase. How well you can be heard when you’re in a speeding car with the windows down, or in the middle of a noisy conference room, can quickly separate the good performers from the bad. Look for those headsets that contain more than one microphone because one microphone is dedicated to finding ambient noise. The headset then cancels that noise using DSP algorithms. Many brands on the market do a good job cancelling the extra sounds. The better headsets will ensure the quality of your voice is the same while muting background noise.
3. Battery Life
Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to lose power in a battery when you are being entertained. Therefore, you need to find that headset that holds onto battery life. If you don’t want to charge, go large. Some of the bulkier, less fashionable headsets can last for more than 10 hours on a single charge; the more expensive ones can last about six hours. Some will use up the battery quick ‒ in less than two hours.
4. Comfort
The whole point of a headset is to wear it on your head. That’s why you should make sure the headset you buy is comfortable to wear for a long time. Some models sit partially in your ear. Although some people do not find this comfortable, others see it as a secure fit without being tight. Other brands will site on the edge of the ear or use ear hooks to balance the weight.
5. Style
Everyone has a personal style. Just like clothes, headsets come in a number of styles and types. To find the best-looking headset that fits your style, you need to consider all options. Some have nice designs while others use color and fabric to make the headsets look bold. These styles are likely to reduce unwanted stares.
6. Range
There’s not much variation in range of operation. Most headsets are limited to a theoretical range of 33 feet. You are probably going to get a good 10 to 15 feet before you have problems. Some headsets will reach 20 feet and around a wall or two before this happens. If you’re looking at a more robust headset for telecom or corporate use, pick the ones that have its DECT 6.0-based wireless technology in lieu of Bluetooth, delivers significantly more range, and very clear, DSP-enhanced sound quality.
7. Mono vs. Stereo Sound
You can choose to have the sounds come into both ears or one. Although most headsets fit in one ear, you can purchase models that will play the sounds in stereo so you can hear your music. Die-hard audiophiles should stick with wired earphones for the best sound quality. But if you want convenience, you should go with a stereo Bluetooth set because it does double duty: taking calls and playing music.
8. Price
Every consumer wants the highest quality for the lowest price. Most people will choose headsets around the $100 mark with some rebates or discounts that bring the price to $70 or $80. You might find a decent headset for under $50. You also might be able to get a cheap one that has been discontinued but is still available. To get the cheaper versions, you will have to settle for the clunky type with noise cancellation that isn’t good and other issues. Featured photo credit: 9TO5MAC via 9to5mac.com
