Wireless headsets: how to choose and use?

The number of people using wireless headsets is growing all over the world. This popularity is due to the fact that when making calls, listening to music or playing sports, the user's hands remain free, and he can safely move around without fear of getting tangled in the cable.

A headset is a headphone with a microphone. If ordinary headphones only allow you to listen to audio files, then the headset also provides the ability to talk... Simply put, a headset is two in one.

Communication with the device on which the files are stored is carried out wirelessly using radio or infrared waves. Most often, Bluetooth technology is used for this.... There is a tiny chip inside a Bluetooth device that contains a radio transmitter and software to establish a connection.

A good sports headset should provide high sound quality, be resistant to sweat and atmospheric precipitation, be lightweight, hold a charge for a long time (at least six hours) and not pop out of your ears during exercise. Many manufacturers equip their models with additional functions: applications that reflect the physical condition of an athlete on a special monitor, allow you to connect to the Spotify service, record training plans... In the latter case, voice notifications are sent to the user informing about the progress in achieving certain targets.

Wireless devices can withstand moisture on the case, but do not perform well when diving, so they can only be used for boating or kayaking, but not for swimming. This is because all Bluetooth devices use the 2.4 GHz radio frequency, which is attenuated in water. That's why the range of such devices under water is only a few centimeters.

These models provide high-quality, near-natural sound reproduction, effective noise cancellation and high wearing comfort. Professional models usually come with an expansion microphone that sits on a long arm, so it sits in the middle of the user's cheek or even at the mouth for excellent speech intelligibility in any setting.

This type is sometimes called "contoured" because the ear cups cover your ears completely. In terms of sound quality and comfort, no other headphone shape can compete with full-size headphones. In addition, it is believed that these headphones help to maintain good hearing, since you do not need an increased playback volume to get excellent sound quality without extraneous noise.

Universal models contain a microchip that can distinguish between the user's left and right ears, after which the sound of the left channel is sent to the left ear, and the sound of the right channel is sent to the right. Ordinary headphones are marked for the same purpose with the letters L and R, but in this case these inscriptions are not necessary. The second advantage of the universal models is that they are able to detect the situation in which the headphones are used, in which case a combined signal is sent to each of the headphones without splitting into left and right channels.

Office models provide high-quality wideband stereo sound and noise suppression for communication in noisy office environments, conferencing or call center applications. They are usually lightweight so you can wear the headset all day without discomfort... Some models are equipped with a smart sensor that automatically answers a call while the user puts on the headset.

Planar magnetic headphones use the interaction of two magnetic fields to create sound waves and are different from dynamic drivers. The principle of operation of magnetic drivers is that they distribute the electronic charge over a thin flat film, while the dynamic ones focus the electron field on a single voice coil. Distribution of charge reduces distortion, so the sound spreads throughout the film, rather than focusing in one place... At the same time, the best frequency response and bit rate are provided, which is important for reproducing bass notes.

The reason they are called that is because the earbuds are inserted into the auricle. This type is currently the most popular because it provides high sound quality in a small size. The earbuds usually have silicone tips for ear protection and more comfort during use. By filling the ear canal, the tips provide sound isolation from the environment, but allow sound from the headphones to pass through to the wearer.

For some users, there is some concern about the fact that the earmolds are located directly in the ear canal. but if you do not increase the sound volume above a certain level, then such headphones are safe for health... Hearing damage is related to listening volume, not proximity to the ear, so if the volume is kept at a reasonable level, then there is nothing to fear.

On-ear headsets perfectly block any extraneous sounds and at the same time transmit an isolated audio stream that only the user hears. Headphones of this type can cover the ear completely or only partially. (in this case, the sound insulation will be slightly lower). In terms of design, they are generally bulkier than most other types and can be worn over the head, but they produce excellent, high-quality sound over a wide range. Often used in recording studios.

This type of headphone has appeared relatively recently, but is rapidly gaining popularity. It differs in that bone tissue is used to transmit sound... When the headphones come into contact with the skull or with the cheekbones, vibrations are created, which are then transmitted through the bones of the face to the eardrums. The quality of the resulting sound is not fantastic, but more than satisfactory. These headphones are very popular with athletes for their excellent fit and waterproof performance.

The most common connection technology is Bluetooth. It is supported by almost all devices and becomes more and more perfect every year. It now delivers superb audio quality without lag, allowing you not only to listen to music, but also watch movies.

But not all wireless headsets use Bluetooth. Game samples are more likely to use radio wave based technology... This is because they penetrate walls and floors much more easily than Bluetooth. And for gaming headsets, this is vital since most people play at home.

Let's present the Top 6 best models.

The model is great for both office use and listening to music. The ear cushions are made of soft memory foam, which is very comfortable to wear all day long. Three microphones effectively suppress extraneous noise and ensure good audibility when making a call. The model is connected to two devices at the same time. Intuitive control buttons located on the headphones include power, music playback, volume control, and a call answer button. There is a voice notification function that informs about who is calling, as well as the state of the connection and the duration of the conversation.

A model for business and outdoor activities. Its main features are exceptionally high quality of calls, effective filtering of background noise and resistance to moisture. Call quality on this headset is on par with the most expensive models. This is due to the presence of four DSP noise canceling microphones. Due to this, the headset can be used for walking even in the noisiest places of the city. There is a 20-band equalizer optimized for voice calls and acoustic echo cancellation. One more an important feature is Plantronics WindSmart technology, which, according to the manufacturer, "provides six levels of wind noise protection through a combination of aerodynamic structural elements and an adaptive patented algorithm.".

The battery life is 7 hours of talk time and 9 days of standby time. It takes 75 to 90 minutes to fully charge the headset.

A small, sleek white headset for those with limited workspace and travel enthusiasts. It weighs less than 15 g and has a fold-over headband that fits over any size ear. Communication with a smartphone and a tablet is carried out via Bluetooth, it is possible to connect two devices at the same time. There is Built-in microphone with CVC6.0 noise canceling technology.

The headset charges in 1.5 hours, provides 6.5 hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby time.

New folding model with excellent sound quality... Connection to a computer or tablet is carried out via a mini-USB port, and to models that support Bluetooth, via a chip of the same name.Laser-tuned speakers and built-in EQ minimize distortion for rich, crystal clear sound output. Noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise and easily adjusts to a comfortable position... The rechargeable battery provides six hours of wireless audio transmission. The padded headband and comfortable ear cushions provide long-lasting comfort.

The Jabra Steel Bluetooth headset is designed to withstand harsh environments and even meets US military standards. It has a robust housing to resist shock, water and dust ingress. In addition, there is a wind protection function, which ensures clear communication even in windy conditions. HD-voice technology with noise canceling protects against background noise. The headset has an ergonomic design and extra large buttons, designed to be operated with wet hands and even with gloves. There is easy access to voice activation and reading messages.

The world's smallest True Wireless headset with a 6-hour battery. The lightweight and minimalist shape provides a perfect fit, making the device almost invisible in the ear. Can connect to two different devices at the same time within a radius of 10 meters.

All headsets have different features that affect their cost. Before choosing, it is necessary to determine which of them must be present. Here are some points to watch out for.

Professional models are more suitable for home or studio use. They differ in that the microphone is usually placed on a long stand, which improves the speech quality... Indoor models are much smaller than professional ones, and the speaker and microphone are one piece.

In terms of sound quality, headsets can be mono, stereo, or high quality sound. Kits of the first type have one earpiece, the sound quality can be considered satisfactory only for making phone calls or speakerphone. Stereo versions sound good in both headphones, and the price is quite acceptable.

Avoid purchasing a headset that does not have noise canceling, or it may be difficult to use in a crowded room or on public transport. Effective noise cancellation requires at least two high-quality microphones.

This is a very useful feature that allows you to connect your headset to multiple devices at the same time. For example, a multi-point headset can easily sync with your smartphone, tablet, and laptop.

Many headsets are capable of connecting to a mobile or other device, checking battery status, answering and rejecting calls. These functions are accessed through voice commands from a smartphone, tablet, or other device. They are very convenient to use while cooking, driving, playing sports.

NFC technology makes it possible to connect the headset to a smartphone, tablet, laptop or stereo system without having to access the settings menu. At the same time, communication security is ensured by encryption technology.

Headsets with this technology support two-channel audio transmission, so users can enjoy stereo music. They can also use many of the mobile phone's functions (such as redialing and holding a call) directly from the headset without having to go to the smartphone.

Headsets with this technology use a single interface to control different electronic devices. AVRCP function allows you to remotely adjust playback, pause and stop audio, and adjust its volume.

Headsets can connect to devices up to 10 meters away without losing connection, however for many models, the sound quality begins to deteriorate after 3 meters... However, there are also such samples that transmit sound well at a distance of up to 6 meters and even through walls.

Battery life is an important factor to consider. If there is constant access to a charger, then the battery life is not a limiting factor. But if there is no way to constantly charge the headset, you should choose a model with a long battery life.

Comfort is not considered an important factor when buying by many, but it can be a costly mistake, especially when worn for extended periods. It is necessary to take into account the method of attachment: some models use a headband (fixed or adjustable), others simply attach to the ear. Headphones can be positioned at the entrance to the ear canal or at the outer edge of the earlobe. There are models with replaceable ear pads, which allows you to choose the most comfortable in shape and size.

First of all, you need to enable the Bluetooth option in the phone menu to start searching for the headset. When found, the user confirms the connection and the headset is ready to use. Some phones may ask for a passcode, most commonly 0000.

Wireless computer headsets come with a USB adapter that, when connected to a computer, establishes a connection. The required drivers are installed the first time you connect, it only takes a few minutes.

If the computer supports Bluetooth (currently most of these computers), then the connection can be made through the "Devices" item in the "Settings"... In it, you must select the section "Bluetooth and other devices", and in it - "Add Bluetooth or other device".

After a few seconds, the headset name should appear in the device list. Connection will occur immediately after clicking on the name. Sometimes the Windows Bluetooth passcode (0000) is required.

See below for how to choose a wireless headset.