More and more people are turning to headsets for making calls, for listening to music, for playing games, for using with virtual reality systems and for other uses. With a wide variety of headsets available, your choices for headsets are considerable. You can pick models for professionals or those for travelers or athletes.
These headsets have different features and vary in cost. You should know the features you want in headsets. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about the kind you want.
1: Styles
You can choose professional or compact headsets. Professional models offer provide high-quality performance, a good microphone and added functionality. They feature a long microphone stalk, which extends to the middle of the user’s cheek or even to their mouth. Compact models are considerably smaller than professional versions, and the earpiece and microphone comprise a single unit.
2: Sound
You can choose mono, stereo or high-definition types of headsets. Mono sets come with a single earpiece and provide sound in one ear. These models have adequate sound quality for telephone calls and other basic functions. The stereo version offers good sound quality in both ears at affordable prices. For the best sound quality, consumers should look for headsets with HD sound. They provide you with the best sound quality and give you a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
3: Microphones and Noise Cancellation
You should not purchase any headsets that do not provide a way to get rid of excess noise. Otherwise, you would not hear your music, caller or game. Noise cancellation works by noticing ambient noise and suppresses it with special technology. It is also helpful for listening to music or audio books in a crowded room or on public transportation. Effective noise cancellation requires at least two microphones.
4: Multipoint Pairing
Multipoint pairing is a useful feature in headsets. Those headsets that come with multipoint pairing allow consumers to connect their headset to more than one device. For example, a headset with multipoint pairing easily connects to a smart phone, tablet computer and laptop simultaneously.
5: Voice Command
Many headsets will be able to pair the headset to a device, check battery status, answer calls and reject calls. Some of them allow consumers to access the voice commands included with a smart phone, tablet or other device. This makes them easier to use while cooking, driving, exercising or working.
6: Near-Field Communication
This technology gives people the ability to connect a headset with a device without having to access settings menus or tasks. It’s similar to radio-frequency identification tags, but devices that are near each other use it. Consumers can pair the NFC-enabled headsets with their favorite devices simply by putting their headset on or near smart phone, tablet, laptop or stereo. Encryption technologies keep communications safe in public.
7: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
Headsets with this technology feature dual-channel audio streaming capability. Users can listen to music in stereo without audio cables. They also can use cell phone features, such as redialing and call waiting. They don’t have to use their phone directly. If you use your smartphone to play music or watch videos, this technology is what you want in your headset.
8: Audio/Video Remote Control Profile
Headsets with this technology use one interface to manage electronic devices that play audio and video. If you want to use your headset on multiple devices and have the control of all of them, you want to find the headsets with this feature. AVRCP gives consumers the ability to play, pause, stop and adjust the volume of their streaming medium right from their headsets.
9: Range
You want to get the most bang for your buck, or, in this instance, the most range of operation for your buck. Headsets can connect to devices up to 33 feet away before you lose the connection. However, sound quality begins to deteriorate after 10 feet for many units. Others perform well up to 20 feet away, and they can even transmit signals around or through one or two walls.
10: Battery
Battery life is an important factor to consider in your headset. If you have access to a charging area and can charge your battery regularly, then you won’t mind short battery life. However, if you can’t charge it often or you have a profession where you need your headset all day, you should go for one with a longer battery life.
For the most part, larger and bulkier headsets tend to have greater battery life than smaller, sleeker designs. Yet some high-end, compact models have excellent battery life.
11: Comfort
Before you purchase any headsets, pick the ones that feel comfortable to you. Many people do not consider comfort when they buy headphones, which can be a costly mistake. Some models use a head strap to stay in place while others sit over the ear. Earbuds go inside the ear and rest in the entrance to the ear canal or at the outer edge of the ear lobe. You might be able to get the kind of headsets that have interchangeable cushions for the ears, so you can choose the most comfortable.
