Headset: what is it and how is it different from headphones?

A modern headset is a great option for anyone who is used to working on the go or constantly listening to music.

The accessory is a device that can both play sound and provide communication between several people... The headset completely replaces not only headphones, but also speakers, which means that it is as comfortable to use as possible. Such a device is capable of transmitting sound without various noise. The set of the headset, in addition to the phone and microphone, includes fastening and connection elements. Quite often, the kit also includes amplifiers, volume controls, and a control panel. Headsets have been used for a long time. So, they could be seen even in the Second World War among pilots and tankers.

A headset differs in many ways from headphones:

• first of all, the device has a built-in microphone;
• there are switches in the kit;
• if the headphones are intended only for listening to music, then using the headset you can also receive and transmit audio signals;
• fixation is required in a headset, but in headphones only in certain cases.

The sets of headsets differ significantly among themselves according to different criteria. For example, a classic headset is fixed on the head, while a more modern one is worn like a bracelet. In addition, some devices are used for stage or vocals. Let's consider the varieties in more detail.

Stationary headset used in offices, by professionals in certain fields, as well as in the home. Computer can be multimedia, gaming, or targeting IP phones. It can be connected to a computer in different ways. Professional devices used by call-center employees. Their features include increased reliability and unusual design. The operating mode of this type of headset is within 24/7. Connection can be wired, wireless and USB.

Office equipment connects directly to the phone. In addition, the connection can be both wireless Dect and wireless Bluetooth.

Also, varieties include:

• office headset;
• a headset intended for air traffic controllers;
• radio amateur;
• for mobile phones;
• for portable radios;
• studio;
• for moving objects;
• aviation;
• marine;
• for space communications or for tanks.

In addition to all of the above, the headset differs in its design and technical characteristics.

• First of all, by the availability of channels... Models can be either one-eared, that is, one-sided, or two-eared.
• By the option of communication with the equipment of such devices. These are wireless and wired headsets.
• By mounting option... The headset can be head-mounted, head-mounted, with an ear mount, or with a helmet mount.
• By type of noise protection... A headset can be moderately protected, highly protected, or completely unprotected. In this case, the degree of protection of the headset and headset with microphone is considered separately.
• By type of headset devices... They can be closed - in this case, there is a high and soft welt along the very edge of the ear cushions; open or overhead - such models are tightly pressed to the ears and are equipped with soft pads; plug-in headsets clip directly into your ears; Leaning devices are distinguished by the fact that the speakers do not touch the ears at all.
• By type of headset microphone placement can be as follows: with a non-fixed device - the microphone can be attached either on a clothespin or on a pin; with a microphone in a convenient place - usually such devices are used for concealed wearing; with external microphone - the device is attached to the headset. Most often they are used in the music field, because they provide not only high quality sound, but also excellent noise protection. In addition, there is also a headset with a built-in microphone.
• By the type of sound conductivity... Bone conduction headsets are a great option for vocal performance. With their help, you can hear both music and all external sound signals. In addition, there are also devices with mechanical sound conduction. Usually such models are preferred by professionals.

First you need to familiarize yourself with the best headsets that are used for listening to music.

This wireless device is designed as an earbud that closely matches the shape of your inner ear. You can switch songs or change the sound signal only with a touch command. This model weighs only 16 grams. In stand-alone mode, the headset can work up to 5 hours. TO merits you need to include the ability to connect to any phone, the presence of internal memory, fast charging, as well as 3 pairs of additional ear pads. Flaw only one - no case.

This wireless headset has a beautiful design and rich functionality. The body of the device is painted white. It has a microphone, an infrared sensor and an accelerometer. The headset is controlled using the W1 chip... Each earphone is equipped with a separate rechargeable battery. In addition, the kit includes a case with a built-in battery. The weight of the model is 16 grams. In stand-alone mode, this device can work for about 5 hours. Among the minuses, it should be noted that all functions are available only if the headset is connected to Apple technology.

The device from this company was able to very quickly win the attention of many consumers. It is very convenient to use, has a reasonable price, as well as a high-quality assembly. The headset weighs only 40 grams. The set includes 2 more pairs of spare ear pads. In offline mode, it can work for about 10 hours. You can connect to any phones. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted the lack of fast charging and a case.

The headset from this manufacturer has an unusual design, as well as the presence of the NFC module and moisture protection... Therefore, you can use the product even in the rain. The model weighs only 32 grams, without recharging it can work up to 8 hours. Using Bluetooth, you can connect to literally any device. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the lack of replaceable ear pads, as well as a cover.

To begin with, it should be noted the presence of moisture protection, as well as 3 pairs of additional ear pads. As for the technical characteristics, they are as follows:

• frequency range - from 20 to 20,000 Hz;
• type of execution - closed;
• the weight of the model is only 10 grams.

The only one flaw - the device takes a long time to charge.

The Chinese company offers a relatively high-quality device in two colors.This wireless headset weighs 12.2 grams and can work in standalone mode for about 6 hours. Among the disadvantages is the lack of ear pads and a cover. In addition, the headset cannot charge quickly.

Among the headsets for conversations, several of the best models are worth mentioning.

One of the lightest and most compact devices that allows you to quickly answer voice calls... The model weighs only 5.5 grams, so it sits perfectly in the auricle. In addition, the product is completely invisible from the outside. In stand-alone mode, the device can work for about 10 hours. Among the disadvantages is the lack of a cover.

This is the latest device that has intelligent sound processing, which is almost indispensable for telephone conversations. This headset allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time. Its weight is 18 grams, in autonomous mode it can work for about 7 hours. The headset is protected against moisture, as well as a three-level protection against external sounds.

This device is very lightweight and compact, the microphone has a noise reduction system. In stand-alone mode, the headset can work up to 9 hours. It weighs only 9 grams. Among other things, there is a convenient case included in the kit.

Accessory Equipped with a high quality microphone and software noise cancellation system... The transmission of audio signals is reasonably accurate and clear. The model weighs only 9.2 grams; without recharging, it can work for more than 8 hours. Manufacturers give a one-year warranty.

The headset is quite comfortable and has a beautiful design. Its temples are made of soft plastic material, and the earbuds, made of silicone, almost completely repeat the shape of the auricle. The model weighs 10.6 grams. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted the lack of a case, as well as too long charging of the device.

A small accessory weighing 7.8 grams. It is very easy to use, has an anatomical shape and is conveniently fixed... For this reason, the ear pads practically do not fall out of the ears. Such a headset can work offline for up to 3 hours. Another important point is the presence of a special strap, thanks to which the device cannot be lost. Also worth noting is the affordable price. The disadvantages include the short warranty period and the lack of a cover.

Before you go shopping for a headset, you need to decide what it is for. Indeed, the technical characteristics of the selected model will depend on its direct purpose. If one of the headsets is professional, then the other is for the home. There are great options that are suitable for offices and others for calls. To understand what a particular headset is, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the features of various types of headsets in more detail.

1. For the office. Usually the workplace is located near the computer. For this reason, a person practically does not move around the room. In this case, it is recommended to pay attention to wired models. They do not have to have high-quality sound insulation, because the office worker needs not only to work as usual, but also to hear everything that is happening around. It is worth noting that a headset is most suitable for office workers, which has only one earpiece, because in this case the person will not be so tired. In addition, you can simultaneously monitor both the conversation and everything that is happening at the moment in the office.
2. For drivers of cars or other vehicles it is best to buy wireless headset models that only fit in one ear.This will allow you to comfortably talk on the phone or other gadget, as well as to fully control everything that happens around. This version of the device can work for a long time without recharging. In some cases, the charge may last for a whole day. This is convenient for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
3. For home... Usually, such devices are used to listen to music in absolute silence and to isolate themselves from any sounds after a hard day at work. Therefore, accessories usually come with good sound insulation. In this case, it would be appropriate to have two headphones. Such a model does not provide an opportunity to be distracted by background noise.

It is best to buy a product either from a trusted brand or in a good store. When shopping for earbuds, it's best to test them to make sure they are working really well. In addition, it will be useful to read customer reviews, which often help to figure out whether it is worth paying attention to this product at all.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the sports headsets Sony WI SP500 and WI SP600N.