Stephen Slaybaugh is a fact checker and music writer with with more than 20 years experience writing about internet retail and consumer tech.
Some features you'll want to look for in a Bluetooth headset include comfort, noise cancellation, and battery life. This is a single earpiece like others on the list, but what sets it apart is the low price and the long battery life. Our reviewer Rebecca frequently forgot she was wearing it during her weeks of testing it for calls, music, and podcasts. Tozo is one of the greats for budget headphones, so the NC2 are right at home by default. If the headset is for working at a home at a desk, youll probably be happy with a comfortable headband unit with a reliable connection, good noise cancellation, and a long enough range to travel into the kitchen for a snack.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get techs top stories in 30 seconds. It also wisely throws in six different ear tips in the box to ensure you find a fit that suits your ears, big or small. Still, despite the fit issues, you'll get 8 hours of talk time from the battery, which is boosted by the "power nap" feature which shuts down the headset after a certain amount of time to prolong the battery. But overall, this is a headset designed for voice calls and really great battery life. Plantronics, a subbrand of Poly is a leader in business headsets, and the brand creates a lot of headband-style units. If you want a smaller, less noticeable Bluetooth headset, go with an earpiece or in-ear style headset. Charge time represents how long the headset takes to reach a full charge.
Jason Schneider is the resident audiophile for Lifewire, offering his audio expertise on everything from Bluetooth headsets to speaker systems. You may get ten hours of talk time on a single charge, but the charging case lets you charge the device three more times without having to connect to an electrical outlet. Type: In Ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | Battery Life/Talk Time: 24 hours, The New Bee LC-B41 offers a lot of functionality and accessories for a very small price tag. Erika Rawes, Product Tester.
People on the receiving end of my phone calls could hear my voice in natural tones, without any background noise. And you'll have to rely on that because they're not compatible with Anker's solid Soundcore app, which would have offered an equalizer for a more personalized sound.
Going with a trusted brand typically leads to a better experience.
While not as common, a handful of headsets (like the Aminy UFO) come with two batteries. While testing, Rebecca noticed a significant difference between calls (including zoom calls) and music or podcasts. productslearn more about Before choosing a Bluetooth headset, youll want to make sure itll connect seamlessly to all of the devices you need it to.
This is a mono earpiece anyway, so music definitely would not sound good on it, to begin with. Most Bluetooth headsets should take between one and five hours to reach a full charge. More headsets should have that. Andy Zahn, Product Tester. Ted Kritsonis loves taking photos when the opportunity arises, be it on a camera or smartphone. Headphones are optimized for sound quality, so you can get the best possible listening experience. Headsets often have other controls, like a button to answer calls, so you can use your phones voice assistant. The price of the unit doesnt necessarily have an impact on its battery life. It has a single ear cup that can be set to either side and a headband that goes over your head to the other side, giving you a secure fit. Once you figure out how to use the earpiece, it's comfortable and intuitive, and includes support for your phone's voice assistant; it just takes a while to get there.
You can wear the New Bee with or without an ear hook; if you opt for the New Bee in the black color, it comes with both clear or black hook colors.". They can do that because they're extremely comfortable, and the Jabra Talk 45 fits the bill nicely. Flipping to Spotify and Google Music, however, destroyed battery life." The Plantronics Voyager Legend really leans into that design by incorporating a bigger battery into an integrated hook design. Please refresh the page and try again.
The boom microphone extends up to 5.5 inches and rotates 180 degrees.
Great headphones come in all shapes and sizes. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Getting more for less always feels like a win, and that's one of the best ways to describe the sound quality, comfort, and battery life with this group of the best Bluetooth headphones under $50. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, You can expect above-average sound, with deep and punchy bass, balanced mid-range, and boosted treble, all combining for a decent soundstage. Most headsets will be either Bluetooth version 4.1, 4,2, or 5.0. It also comes with a build that isn't going to be stylish anywhere outside of an office environment. Get the best of Android Central in in your inbox, every day! Ambient mode works well if you want to hear the background, while phone calls come through nicely when talking to others. Long battery life can obviously be a convenient feature, and the KVideo Wireless Bluetooth Headphones let you go with up to 55 hours on a single charge. If your headset is too big for your ear, it wont feel comfortable, and it may even fall out while you're running errands or working out. You don't get fast charging support, but the USB-C port should have you back up and listening after an hour or two. Battery life is decent at up to seven hours per charge at 60% volume. That's great if you like listening to genres that need help on the low end, though it's unfortunate you don't have a way to tweak the sound using an equalizer on a supporting app. A lesser-known brand, New Bee, has a highly rated headset that costs less than the price of two large pizzas, yet it has 60 days of standby battery and comes with all the accessories you could ever want. When he's not testing something, he's working on the next episode of his podcast, Tednologic. Most Bluetooth headsets aren't really geared for music since they are designed for calls, and many have mono audio rather than stereo.
After all, if your headset doesn't last all day, either because it's not comfortable or because the battery doesn't last, it's not doing its job. In short, it looks like it belongs in a call center.
A Bluetooth headset also helps those working at a desk, as you dont have to be tethered to your laptop by that dreadful cord when youre sitting in a meeting. You just put these on and listen. Their signature sound veers toward bass, and it's immediately obvious that the highs and mids take a backseat to maintain that skew.
They also have a high degree of comfort, where the headband and earcups shouldn't pose a problem over long periods of use. Sometimes, youll also see a metric for music time, which represents how long you can listen to music on a single charge. These headphones are all about sound, given the dearth of other features. The Voyager 5200, for instance, has Alexa built-in, it has four-microphone noise cancellation, and it has technology that detects wind direction so your voice comes through clearly outdoors. She is an expert in consumer technology, and has reviewed several of the Bluetooth headsets on our list. If youre planning on traveling to a different room than your device when youre using your headset, look for a headset with a longer range.
It has a durable build with buttons on the ear cup for power/Bluetooth, volume, and a customizable button that can perform a number of functions like launch your phone's voice assistant. How far is the wireless range? Youre less likely to see these metrics with headsets because the focus is less on music playback and more on battery life, call quality, features, and overall performance. Most modern Plantronics headsets also offer excellent noise cancellation and more advanced features.
In addition to choosing a headset that looks and feels good while youre wearing it, you also want to make sure it fits your needs. I mentioned switching modes, and you do that through the touch controls, which are fairly responsive and reliable. We also like Willfuls M98.
Our reviewer Rebecca tested the earpiece for over six hours every day, and had the earpiece fall off twice, which as Rebecca puts it is twice too many. Our list of the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets can provide good guidance for your best options.
Battery life is amazing at up to 35 hours per charge. Rebecca Isaacs, Product Tester, The New Bee LC-B41 is our resident battery champion, boasting 24 hours on a single charge which will get you through several workdays. You'll want a helmet with a Bluetooth intercom system that lets you talk to more than one person at a time, which is handy if you're biking with friends. The case gives you an extra three charges, and supports wireless charging. This number indicates how far you can travel away from the device to which the headset is connected, and still experience clear audio.
Unfortunately, Anker would've been better served to go with a design utilizing ear hooks rather than an AirPods clone. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The build quality isn't as good as the newer Q30, but the fit is snug and the lightweight body shouldn't feel cumbersome to wear. Of course, every pair of ears is different, but Anker tried to design them to stay as still as possible during intense activity. When you want to put them away, the cups fold up nicely. The Voyager 4200 falls on the more expensive side of the spectrum, but considering the great sound quality and comfort, it's worth it for those who spend a lot of time on the phone. Some headsets offer charging accessories that can help manage battery life. This is an important feature for those who are using a headset for business, or for those who are using a headset out in public areas. If youre using your headset primarily at a desk, charging stands can be particularly helpful because they allow you to keep the device charging when you get off of a call. Erika Rawes, Product Tester. Often times, that will be with a pair of headphones or earbuds playing tunes. The Anker Soundcore Life P2 are all about ensuring you can stay active. Some headsets may also be shockproof, which means the headset wont easily break if you drop the device. Some headband style headsets may include a charging station or stand where you can rest your headset when its not in use.
Many runners and gym-goers prefer the neckband style. It's mono, but besides that, this headset really focuses its sound on the midrange where the human voice lives. Rebecca writes, "If I wanted to talk on the phone, for example, the battery life remained fairly consistent. Battery life holds up nicely, with up to 10 hours per charge if you leave noise reduction and ambient mode off, and a very respectable eight hours if you leave them on. If youre planning on using your headset outdoors or during periods of heavy activity, this may be important for you. You may also be able to purchase a compatible charging stand after the fact.
A headset is optimized for conversation, so you can talk on your phone (or another Bluetooth device) hands-free. With the Q20, what you hear is what you get.
Headband style headsets are often larger and heavier than the other Bluetooth headset styles. Finding a headphone jack on a phone now is rare. That guarantees a few workouts before having to charge them up again, though the case gives you almost five more charges before it runs out of juice. The Sony WH-CH510 have the comfort part down, given that you can probably wear these for hours and not complain about it. You won't have any ANC to rely on, including for phone calls, but at least passive isolation does a pretty good job on its own. The best Bluetooth headsets are for those who are on the phone constantly. NY 10036. Chances are your phone doesn't have one leaving you to go the wireless route to keep the music playing. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. Overall, it looks quite professional and suitable for a work environment."
Some features you'll want to look for in a Bluetooth headset include comfort, noise cancellation, and battery life. This is a single earpiece like others on the list, but what sets it apart is the low price and the long battery life. Our reviewer Rebecca frequently forgot she was wearing it during her weeks of testing it for calls, music, and podcasts. Tozo is one of the greats for budget headphones, so the NC2 are right at home by default. If the headset is for working at a home at a desk, youll probably be happy with a comfortable headband unit with a reliable connection, good noise cancellation, and a long enough range to travel into the kitchen for a snack.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get techs top stories in 30 seconds. It also wisely throws in six different ear tips in the box to ensure you find a fit that suits your ears, big or small. Still, despite the fit issues, you'll get 8 hours of talk time from the battery, which is boosted by the "power nap" feature which shuts down the headset after a certain amount of time to prolong the battery. But overall, this is a headset designed for voice calls and really great battery life. Plantronics, a subbrand of Poly is a leader in business headsets, and the brand creates a lot of headband-style units. If you want a smaller, less noticeable Bluetooth headset, go with an earpiece or in-ear style headset. Charge time represents how long the headset takes to reach a full charge.
Jason Schneider is the resident audiophile for Lifewire, offering his audio expertise on everything from Bluetooth headsets to speaker systems. You may get ten hours of talk time on a single charge, but the charging case lets you charge the device three more times without having to connect to an electrical outlet. Type: In Ear | Connection Type: Bluetooth | Battery Life/Talk Time: 24 hours, The New Bee LC-B41 offers a lot of functionality and accessories for a very small price tag. Erika Rawes, Product Tester.
People on the receiving end of my phone calls could hear my voice in natural tones, without any background noise. And you'll have to rely on that because they're not compatible with Anker's solid Soundcore app, which would have offered an equalizer for a more personalized sound.
Going with a trusted brand typically leads to a better experience.
While not as common, a handful of headsets (like the Aminy UFO) come with two batteries. While testing, Rebecca noticed a significant difference between calls (including zoom calls) and music or podcasts. productslearn more about Before choosing a Bluetooth headset, youll want to make sure itll connect seamlessly to all of the devices you need it to.
This is a mono earpiece anyway, so music definitely would not sound good on it, to begin with. Most Bluetooth headsets should take between one and five hours to reach a full charge. More headsets should have that. Andy Zahn, Product Tester. Ted Kritsonis loves taking photos when the opportunity arises, be it on a camera or smartphone. Headphones are optimized for sound quality, so you can get the best possible listening experience. Headsets often have other controls, like a button to answer calls, so you can use your phones voice assistant. The price of the unit doesnt necessarily have an impact on its battery life. It has a single ear cup that can be set to either side and a headband that goes over your head to the other side, giving you a secure fit. Once you figure out how to use the earpiece, it's comfortable and intuitive, and includes support for your phone's voice assistant; it just takes a while to get there.
You can wear the New Bee with or without an ear hook; if you opt for the New Bee in the black color, it comes with both clear or black hook colors.". They can do that because they're extremely comfortable, and the Jabra Talk 45 fits the bill nicely. Flipping to Spotify and Google Music, however, destroyed battery life." The Plantronics Voyager Legend really leans into that design by incorporating a bigger battery into an integrated hook design. Please refresh the page and try again.
The boom microphone extends up to 5.5 inches and rotates 180 degrees.
Great headphones come in all shapes and sizes. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Getting more for less always feels like a win, and that's one of the best ways to describe the sound quality, comfort, and battery life with this group of the best Bluetooth headphones under $50. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, You can expect above-average sound, with deep and punchy bass, balanced mid-range, and boosted treble, all combining for a decent soundstage. Most headsets will be either Bluetooth version 4.1, 4,2, or 5.0. It also comes with a build that isn't going to be stylish anywhere outside of an office environment. Get the best of Android Central in in your inbox, every day! Ambient mode works well if you want to hear the background, while phone calls come through nicely when talking to others. Long battery life can obviously be a convenient feature, and the KVideo Wireless Bluetooth Headphones let you go with up to 55 hours on a single charge. If your headset is too big for your ear, it wont feel comfortable, and it may even fall out while you're running errands or working out. You don't get fast charging support, but the USB-C port should have you back up and listening after an hour or two. Battery life is decent at up to seven hours per charge at 60% volume. That's great if you like listening to genres that need help on the low end, though it's unfortunate you don't have a way to tweak the sound using an equalizer on a supporting app. A lesser-known brand, New Bee, has a highly rated headset that costs less than the price of two large pizzas, yet it has 60 days of standby battery and comes with all the accessories you could ever want. When he's not testing something, he's working on the next episode of his podcast, Tednologic. Most Bluetooth headsets aren't really geared for music since they are designed for calls, and many have mono audio rather than stereo.
After all, if your headset doesn't last all day, either because it's not comfortable or because the battery doesn't last, it's not doing its job. In short, it looks like it belongs in a call center.
A Bluetooth headset also helps those working at a desk, as you dont have to be tethered to your laptop by that dreadful cord when youre sitting in a meeting. You just put these on and listen. Their signature sound veers toward bass, and it's immediately obvious that the highs and mids take a backseat to maintain that skew.
They also have a high degree of comfort, where the headband and earcups shouldn't pose a problem over long periods of use. Sometimes, youll also see a metric for music time, which represents how long you can listen to music on a single charge. These headphones are all about sound, given the dearth of other features. The Voyager 5200, for instance, has Alexa built-in, it has four-microphone noise cancellation, and it has technology that detects wind direction so your voice comes through clearly outdoors. She is an expert in consumer technology, and has reviewed several of the Bluetooth headsets on our list. If youre planning on traveling to a different room than your device when youre using your headset, look for a headset with a longer range.
It has a durable build with buttons on the ear cup for power/Bluetooth, volume, and a customizable button that can perform a number of functions like launch your phone's voice assistant. How far is the wireless range? Youre less likely to see these metrics with headsets because the focus is less on music playback and more on battery life, call quality, features, and overall performance. Most modern Plantronics headsets also offer excellent noise cancellation and more advanced features.
In addition to choosing a headset that looks and feels good while youre wearing it, you also want to make sure it fits your needs. I mentioned switching modes, and you do that through the touch controls, which are fairly responsive and reliable. We also like Willfuls M98.
Our reviewer Rebecca tested the earpiece for over six hours every day, and had the earpiece fall off twice, which as Rebecca puts it is twice too many. Our list of the best Bluetooth motorcycle helmets can provide good guidance for your best options.
Battery life is amazing at up to 35 hours per charge. Rebecca Isaacs, Product Tester, The New Bee LC-B41 is our resident battery champion, boasting 24 hours on a single charge which will get you through several workdays. You'll want a helmet with a Bluetooth intercom system that lets you talk to more than one person at a time, which is handy if you're biking with friends. The case gives you an extra three charges, and supports wireless charging. This number indicates how far you can travel away from the device to which the headset is connected, and still experience clear audio.
Unfortunately, Anker would've been better served to go with a design utilizing ear hooks rather than an AirPods clone. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The build quality isn't as good as the newer Q30, but the fit is snug and the lightweight body shouldn't feel cumbersome to wear. Of course, every pair of ears is different, but Anker tried to design them to stay as still as possible during intense activity. When you want to put them away, the cups fold up nicely. The Voyager 4200 falls on the more expensive side of the spectrum, but considering the great sound quality and comfort, it's worth it for those who spend a lot of time on the phone. Some headsets offer charging accessories that can help manage battery life. This is an important feature for those who are using a headset for business, or for those who are using a headset out in public areas. If youre using your headset primarily at a desk, charging stands can be particularly helpful because they allow you to keep the device charging when you get off of a call. Erika Rawes, Product Tester. Often times, that will be with a pair of headphones or earbuds playing tunes. The Anker Soundcore Life P2 are all about ensuring you can stay active. Some headsets may also be shockproof, which means the headset wont easily break if you drop the device. Some headband style headsets may include a charging station or stand where you can rest your headset when its not in use.
Many runners and gym-goers prefer the neckband style. It's mono, but besides that, this headset really focuses its sound on the midrange where the human voice lives. Rebecca writes, "If I wanted to talk on the phone, for example, the battery life remained fairly consistent. Battery life holds up nicely, with up to 10 hours per charge if you leave noise reduction and ambient mode off, and a very respectable eight hours if you leave them on. If youre planning on using your headset outdoors or during periods of heavy activity, this may be important for you. You may also be able to purchase a compatible charging stand after the fact.
A headset is optimized for conversation, so you can talk on your phone (or another Bluetooth device) hands-free. With the Q20, what you hear is what you get.
Headband style headsets are often larger and heavier than the other Bluetooth headset styles. Finding a headphone jack on a phone now is rare. That guarantees a few workouts before having to charge them up again, though the case gives you almost five more charges before it runs out of juice. The Sony WH-CH510 have the comfort part down, given that you can probably wear these for hours and not complain about it. You won't have any ANC to rely on, including for phone calls, but at least passive isolation does a pretty good job on its own. The best Bluetooth headsets are for those who are on the phone constantly. NY 10036. Chances are your phone doesn't have one leaving you to go the wireless route to keep the music playing. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. Overall, it looks quite professional and suitable for a work environment."