Bluetooth wireless headphones for phones review. Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is a great model for listening to music. Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Canceling

With the advent of the iPhone 6S Plus, Nexus 6P, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and other phablets, five-inch smartphones are no longer considered large. Despite their obvious comfort for working with text and graphics, they are uncomfortable to hold with one hand. This problem is especially relevant during a long conversation in the cold. Fortunately, you don’t have to take out the bulky device to perform many functions. Advanced voice control tools and modern headsets make it possible not only to communicate via a smartphone, but also to command it - much the same way Tony Stark controlled Jarvis. We decided to test two headsets from well-known manufacturers. They are very similar in appearance and key characteristics, but the devil is always in the details.

Once upon a time, you had to carry a separate charger for Bluetooth headsets. In standby mode they sat quietly for a week, but with active use they were discharged to zero after lunch. I expected roughly the same behavior from the testing participants, but they were pleasantly surprised. When you read about Bluetooth 4.0's cost-effectiveness and improved battery performance, it's not as impressive as the practical doubling of the battery life of a tiny device.

Modern headsets can be called truly intelligent. They perform automatic pairing, transmit requests to voice assistants, pause music playback for the duration of an incoming call, and notify with voice messages about their status. You only need to go into the smartphone settings once. In the future, just turn on the headset and you can immediately start using it. Pairing is done instantly.

Plantronics Explorer 500

The delivery set has two features: a removable additional mount and an original charging cable. It's flat and contains neodymium magnets, so you can hang it separately or together with the headset on a bag, clothing... anywhere. In any case, it will be difficult to lose such an accessory. The attachment with a removable earhook is convenient for use in areas where the headset might fall out, for example, during sports. It is quite possible to walk around at home and in the office without it.

A simple noise reduction function has become commonplace even in budget headsets. Usually an additional microphone is used, and the difference in signal level with the main one makes the voice stand out against the background noise. In this case, processing algorithms can be very different. Most models only cope well with periodic noise or operate in a narrow frequency range. It also uses two external microphones and a whole set of filters. The digitized signal passes through them one by one, as a result of which not only complex noise characteristics are eliminated from it, but also echo and other artifacts are suppressed.

Multipoint technology allows you to simultaneously connect the headset to two smartphones. It automatically switches to the machine receiving the call. They are defined as “phone 1” and “phone 2”. The headset reports talk time and connection status with a single press of the multifunction button hidden under the front panel. Holding it down for two seconds calls up a voice assistant (Google Now or Siri). This button can also be used to accept/reject a call or redial a number.

The volume buttons are located at the end, but are located in an unexpected way: the top one turns down the volume. If you hold them both down, you will be prompted to select a language. There is a Russian among those supported. Just wait for the greeting phrase in Russian and press any button to select it (and then again to confirm).

According to subjective impressions, the conversation through Plantronics Explorer 500 always turned out clearer than when using a smartphone directly under the same conditions. It was better to hear both me and the interlocutor.

Jabra Boost

The Danish company GN Netcom produces its headsets under the Jabra brand. It absorbed California-based Jabra Corporaion in 2000, retaining the original brand. Jabra Boost comes with a wide range of customization options. It contains two removable earhooks of different sizes and additional eargels of two types - with and without a hook. They are really very soft and you don’t feel them at all when wearing them, but they fit like a glove. The car-style charger contains two USB ports. Therefore, simultaneously with charging the headset, you can use a navigator or other gadget in it, powering it from the same cigarette lighter socket.

However, the headset itself does not have to be recharged often. During testing, it worked quietly all day and later gave up on the Plantronics Explorer 500, which was already pleased with its long battery life. Discharging Jabra Boost in standby mode is hardly possible at all, if the owner even occasionally thinks about it. Power Nap technology is said to keep the battery charged for up to a year. We haven't had that much time to verify this statement yet.

The multifunction button hidden under the front panel performs the usual functions. It is used to accept/reject calls, call Siri or Google Now, and also report the current status of the headset. Unfortunately, all notifications are in English only. The headset does not support Multipoint technology, so there is no need to specify which smartphone it is paired with.

Jabra Boost also uses advanced filtering algorithms for the digitized signal. The sound quality is good, although I liked Plantronics' noise-canceling feature a little better.

For headsets, there are two applications that can be downloaded from the official store: FindMyHeadset - a program for finding a lost headset and Jabra Assist - a heavy application that displays the charge of the headset and can also send a sound signal to it for searching.

Comparison in the laboratory and in practice
We received copies of the FCC lab test report for both headsets. It is equipped accordingly.

The Jabra Boost headset has been tested to produce a maximum output power of just 7.39 mW. The Plantronics Explorer 500 headset has a higher maximum power of 8.77 mW. Theoretically, lower power increases battery life, but (other things being equal) reduces the quality and effective communication distance.

During our tests, we called the hotline 8-800-xxx-xxxx, trying to determine the distance at which reliable communication was maintained. In direct visibility conditions, high-quality sound was observed up to 12 meters. Then words began to disappear and at about 17 meters the connection was completely lost. It was not possible to detect a significant difference between the range of Jabra Boost and Plantronics Explorer 500. If it exists, it is very insignificant.

Indoors, the connection was always flawless, even when I went out into the hallway and the smartphone remained on the table around the corner. It was necessary to close two interior doors for the connection to completely disappear.

Since both headsets have a transmitter power below 10 mW, there is no point in measuring the SAR level for them - it will certainly be below 0.01 W/kg. Compare this to typical SAR values of 0.6 – 1.2 W/kg for modern smartphones. From the point of view of EMR exposure, the turned on headset can be worn in the ear all day long.

Plantronics Explorer 500 uses a 93 mAh (344 mWh) lithium polymer battery. Jabra Boost – Li-Pol 85 mAh (315 mWh). Despite the slightly smaller battery capacity, Jabra Boost lasts longer. The effect is lower power, the absence of Multipoint and optimization of power consumption in standby mode.

Both headsets had a maximum data transfer rate of 3 Mbit/s using 8DPSK modulation. This is more than enough not only for transmitting voice “in HD quality,” as marketers like to say, but also for listening to music with a high bitrate.

We tried listening to the same tracks in different headsets. In both cases, the sound quality was high (for monaural mode). The Plantronics Explorer 500 sounded slightly clearer for instrumentals, while the Jabra Boost reproduced low frequencies more confidently. It was almost impossible to detect the difference in voice transmission. With the earbuds removed, in a blind test I couldn't determine which headset I was hearing through.

To protect the signal from interference and radio interception, Bluetooth headsets use frequency hopping - pseudo-random tuning of the operating frequency, that is, a constant change of the Bluetooth channel. According to current standards, it is required to use at least 75 channels, and they must change at least every 400 ms. Both headsets use 79 channels in the frequency range 2402 – 2480 MHz. Their change occurs every 378 ms or faster for Jabra Boost, and in less than 308 ms for Plantronics Explorer 500.

The headsets themselves are produced identically for all regions. Only the chargers in the delivery kits differ: depending on the country, they are designed for 110 V, 220 V or a 12 V vehicle on-board network. However, the manufacturer may change the characteristics (in particular, the battery capacity and the set of accessories) without notice.

These are modern devices that greatly simplify human life.

Convenient, compact, allowing you to always stay in touch with anyone

Bluetooth technology is supported by any laptop, touchscreen smartphone, tablet and the vast majority of push-button devices.

And if 8-10 years ago the option was used to transfer files, ringtones or photos, now wireless communication has much more possibilities.

Bluetooth is mainly used to connect various peripherals.

Peripheral in computer language means a collection of external devices.

A Bluetooth headset is a headset with a microphone that can be connected to any device that supports the protocol or a small design that is attached to the ear.

They are bought to improve the quality of communication, but mainly for the ability to simultaneously drive a car and talk on the phone.

Here is a review of Bluetooth headsets that will still be relevant for several seasons.

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is a great model for listening to music

The solution has a lot of advantages, including protection from water ingress and noise reduction.

Among the features is the presence of a heart rate monitor, support.

Due to its miniature size, it will be convenient to move with the model even at a fast pace. Just right for jogging.

Made in a modern design: matte black texture, bright yellow details, no frills.

The good thing is that there is no block where the battery is usually located.

All mechanical filling is concentrated in a small element, which is located on the left cable.

Headphones with fins on the outside that are interesting in terms of design, are small in size, and the design itself is characterized by simplicity and restraint.

Thanks to the NFC module, it connects quickly.

Options:

color – black, yellow;
Bluetooth support –Bluetooth0;
Autonomous operation – 5 hours;
range of action – 10 m;
profile support – A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset;
battery type – proprietary Li-Lon;
weight – 16 g;
price – 8,900 rub.

Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless review

To answer a call, you just need to touch the touch pad with your finger.

This version, included in the complete review of Bluetooth headsets, has good technical characteristics.

Options:

Bluetooth version – 3.0;
profile support – Handsfree, Headset, A2DP, AVRCP;
range – 10 m;
talk time – 7 hours;
weight – 18 g;
cost – 6,300 rub.

Plantronics Voyager Legend Review

Options:

talk time – 6 hours;
operating time in audio listening mode – 6 hours;
standby mode – 14 days;
cost – 980 rub. (delivery from the USA).

Review of JETech H0781

It weighs a lot - 350 g, however, there is a large list of advantages.

It is possible to listen to music continuously for 30 hours; there is a wired connection option.

The presence of noise reduction options and NFC functions is also nice.

The price is quite high, but a lot of resources were spent on the release of the device.

The body is made of reliable materials, resistant to minor mechanical stress, in a milky shade.

The inside is lined with soft light brown textiles that are pleasant to the touch. The design is as seen on the level. Also available in black and gray.

When purchasing Bluetooth accessories, a USB charging cable and an adapter are included with the headphones.

Built-in, three buttons are located on the body to control the functionality.

Options:

Bluetooth standard – 3.0;
Autonomous operation – 30 hours;
power type – own Li-Lon;
waiting time – 200 hours;
weight – 650 g;
price, rub.

Whether you're driving, running, have both your arms broken in an accident, or just don't want to hold your phone, a Bluetooth headset is a worthwhile investment for you as it allows you to make hands-free calls.

But, given the huge number of models on the market, choosing a decent headset can be a difficult process. But fear not, because I decided to save you time and selected the most useful accessories.

Jabra Motion headsets have very good call quality, which is essentially the most important feature of any Bluetooth headset. The sound quality isn't perfect, but thanks to the sensitive noise-canceling elements, you can easily answer calls even in noisy environments. It's also easy to sync, set up and use, and the headset comes with a battery that can last up to seven hours of call time. As you already understand, because of all these characteristics it costs a lot of money, but before you buy it, be sure to try using it, since, despite the possibility of adjustment, it is not suitable for everyone.

The Plantronics Voyager Legend may not offer much, but it is still one of the best Bluetooth headsets. It's very comfortable, so you can wear it for a long time without any discomfort, and it fits securely in your ear, so don't worry, it won't fall out. It also completely frees your hands - the number ID will tell you the name of the person calling you, and to accept the call you just need to say “answer”. Its noise-canceling feature is effective even in noisy environments, and its multiple microphones provide excellent sound quality.
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This isn't the first headset from Plantronics, and it won't be the last, but regardless, this particular model is a testament to how well Plantronics has progressed in the field of Bluetooth headsets. The Plantronics Voyager Edge headset is very compact, but despite its small size, it offers a lot of technology. It also supports voice commands (with support for multiple languages), and it's smart enough to sense when you're wearing it (an incoming call is automatically forwarded to the headset). NFC technology ensures fast and easy synchronization, and it perfectly suppresses all background noise. The small size means a small battery won't last as long compared to some competitors, but six hours of talk time is still a good result.

Although the Plantronics Voyager Edge is small, the Jawbone Era is tiny in comparison, so if you really don't want others to see you using a Bluetooth headset, this model is the best choice for you. It is not only small, but also sits tightly in the ear and does not fall out. You can even wear it while jogging. The headset offers NoiseAssassin, which cleverly detects extraneous air vibrations and allows you to completely drown out all noise around you. It's an excellent model, but its only downside, like the Voyager Edge, is that it doesn't have the best battery.

The Plantronics Marque 2 isn't as slickly packaged as other headsets on the market, but it offers slightly different features. It's small, easy to wear, and can last up to seven hours of calls. It can also be used to deliver voice guidance to GPS apps, can be connected to two devices at once, and has noise-canceling technology, but it can't compete with similar systems in other models. It's not as stylish, the sound is good but not great, but with such an affordable price tag it's a very good buy.

The Plantronics M55 is a budget headset, but you get a lot for the money. While it doesn't offer a premium build, it's very comfortable to wear, supports voice commands, and offers good sound quality, especially when the built-in noise-canceling technology is enabled. The M55 also offers Deepsleep mode, which activates when the headset is kept far away from a paired smartphone for more than 90 minutes (in this mode, the battery can provide up to five months of battery life), and can be turned off by simply placing your phone within reach headsets.

With eight hours of talk time, the Jabra Wave headset is an excellent choice for those who plan to be away from the charger for long periods of time. Its fairly large size means it's not the most compact headset, but it will be appreciated by those looking for long battery life. It also offers good sound quality and excellent noise reduction, especially wind. Add to that easy pairing and the ability to connect to two devices at once, and the Jabra Wave headset might just win your heart.

With excellent call quality and the ability to pair with your smartphone and PC simultaneously, the Jabra Supreme UC is an efficient and versatile headset. You can switch between sources by holding the end call button for two seconds, allowing you to switch between a variety of functions such as calls, Skype and Google Hangouts virtually seamlessly. The artificial leather earbud adds comfort to use, and the excellent call quality and effective noise cancellation along with voice control speak only in favor of this model.

If you're looking for a truly budget-friendly option, check out the JETech H0781. Despite the low price, it's a surprisingly full-featured device with a noise-cancelling microphone, easy pairing, and an LED battery status indicator. It's not the smallest Bluetooth headset, and there are certainly much better options out there, but this model is a cheap and cheerful solution if you're on a budget.