Choose to buy a Bluetooth headset

In addition to the convenience factor, the Bluetooth headset is a confirmation of the owner. However, choosing a good headset is not always a simple task.

Buying a Bluetooth device may not be too difficult, but neither device's headset fits your ears. Therefore, the golden rule here is to try carefully before buying. In addition, there are a variety of other related features, that is, each user's individual feel and the size of each person's headphones is different. Other factors such as sound quality, design, style, battery life, extra features . are equally important.

1. Types of wireless headsets

When it comes to wireless headsets, many people will think of Bluetooth headsets right away. If your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, Bluetooth is the best choice for listening to music. Another option is to use the USB-C headset dongle, but it's not convenient to need to charge the phone at the same time.

Bluetooth is the most convenient because it supports all mobile devices as well as other electronic devices, operating within about 10 meters and the effective time.

There are some old wireless headset technologies still in use, mainly for TVs and both need a separate transmitter. Today you will rarely see infrared wireless headsets or radio waves.

Wireless radio headphones like Sennheiser RS120 are more powerful. It can operate at a range of up to 45 meters and the signal can travel through walls so it is used with sound systems as well as TVs. However, this type of wireless headset is susceptible to noise and is not as safe as a Bluetooth headset.

2. Bluetooth and sound quality

The sound quality in a Bluetooth headset depends on the type of audio codec the manufacturer uses. Codec is a software that encrypts sound at one end and decodes elsewhere. All audio and headphone players need this software support.

SBC

The first version of Bluetooth audio compression is very heavy, creating digital audio is not good. To improve this issue, manufacturers introduced the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) technology, which supports the ability to play high quality stereo audio via the SBC codec.

According to SoundExpert's 2014 report (website for sound quality assessment), at the highest bit rate of 372kBps, SBC can be compared to encoded AAC files at 192Kpbs. However, it is often used at lower bit rates so the quality of the delivery is not always the best.

aptX

The next codec is aptX and is supported by most Android devices in the last few years. It delivers the same performance as a CD with a bit rate of 352Kbps with lower latency.

aptX HD

Better Codecs are aptX HD, an upgraded version of aptX. It is still compressed but playback at much higher bit rates is 576Kbps and latency is also lower.

There are several devices that support aptX HD such as Galaxy Note 9, OnePlus 5T and LG V30 and this number is increasing. This codec requires specific hardware, so if your device does not support, there is no way to upgrade.

AAC

Apple does not support aptX on iPhone or iPad. Instead, it uses AAC, an enhanced version of SBC. This codec works at a lower bit rate (256Kbps), but the performance is no less than that of aptX.

Delay

Latency is a big problem with Bluetooth headsets. Delay is a short difference that keeps the audio signal sent and the signal you hear. Normally, you will not realize this when listening to music but when watching videos or playing games it can make the sound asynchronous with the image.

Delay varies depending on hardware and software devices. AptX HD has lower latency when compared to other codecs. Apple uses AAC in Airpods to minimize latency so difficult to detect.

3. Battery life

Bluetooth headset uses power from its built-in rechargeable battery. Bluetooth over-ear headset with large battery capacity, charging via USB cable. The lifespan of this type of headset can be up to 20-30 hours, for example JBL Everest headset for up to 25 hours of use.

Bluetooth earbud headsets have low battery life. The type of earbud headset using a cable to connect two heads of headphones usually has a lifespan of up to 8 hours and charging via a USB cable. Wireless earbud headset with two separate parts can use from 3 to 5 hours, it has a special charger cover.

Note that the volume level will affect the battery life, the louder the sound, the faster the battery will run out. You can see the Bluetooth headset battery life in the spec sheet and this number often reflects the battery life in optimal conditions.

4. Pair the Bluetooth headset

Connecting a Bluetooth headset to another phone or device may be quick or may cause problems that frustrate you.

Apple uses W1 Chip to optimize this pairing process. To pair, open the AirPods box or press the button next to the headset, tap the on-screen notification. Refer to the article How to pair AirPods with PC, Mac, Android phone or other device.

Android 6.0 and above provide a similar fast system called Fast Pair. Some headsets use NFC to speed up pairing. This is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate by keeping them close together.

When using a headset with an NFC-enabled device, such as an Android smartphone, not an iPhone, you can pair the headset with the device simply by touching them.

If you cannot connect automatically, you must do so manually. First, determine the Bluetooth setting on the device, press the button on the headset and enter the code when notified (usually 0000). How to pair this is slower and you need to consult the instructions to do it properly.

5. Remote control for bluetooth headset

Wired headphones usually have a remote control on the cable, but a Bluetooth headset does not have this option. Instead, it has some basic controls on the headset, which can be in the form of buttons or touch. Also some Bluetooth headsets also have buttons to enable voice control.

To make AirPods, double tap to launch Siri. From here you can use commands like 'Turn volume up' or 'Skip track' to control music.

Companies like Bose and Sony also do the same with Google Assistant. Jabra supports Amazon's Alexa. When buying, you should check this possibility carefully. Manufacturers often design and layout control buttons for high aesthetics that often overlook its practicality.

6. Shape and size

Wireless headphones come in three standard types: over-ear, on-ear and in-ear. The first two types of headsets have the same shape and function as the earphones of the same type, but the in-ear headphones are slightly different.

Unlike previous versions, in-ear headsets have two headphone heads that are connected to a neck loop cable at the back and now many models have removed this wired design. Refer to the article Select headphones in-ear, on-ear or over-ear?

Pioneering in this trend is Apple's AirPods. Now, most manufacturers are involved in Sennheiser, Bose, B&O, Samsung and many other companies. Jabra Elite 65t is considered one of the best in-ear headphones.

All of these earbud headsets work on one principle: it comes with a charger case to maximize usage time. But it also has some problems like latency, so it's not suitable to watch videos; battery life is low, maximum is 5 hours and they are usually more expensive than wired earbud and small size also makes it easy to lose. But in return it is very convenient and highly portable.

See more:

1. Top 6 best noise canceling headphones 2018
2. Instructions for using the Bluetooth headset properly
3. Top best headphones for gamers 2018