We've all been there: struggling on an important call because the person on the other end can't hear you over background noise. This isn't just an annoyance, research by market researchers IPSOS found that on average, end-users are losing 29 minutes per week due to poor sound quality on voice calls. This time is often spent in double-checking information via follow-up emails or calls.
That's why finding the best Bluetooth headset for phone calls isn't just about convenience; it's about optimizing communication. More and more people are recognizing the essential role these devices play in our daily lives. Let's dive into what makes a great Bluetooth headset for calls and which ones stand out from the crowd.
What is a Bluetooth Headset for Phone Calls?
At its core, a Bluetooth headset for phone calls is a wireless device that connects to your smartphone, computer, or tablet via Bluetooth technology, allowing you to make and receive calls hands-free. Think of it as your personal communication hub, letting you walk around, take notes, or even do chores while staying connected. They typically include a microphone for your voice and speakers for listening, and the wireless freedom is a game-changer.
Everyday Scenarios: Where a Bluetooth Headset Shines
You might be wondering, "Do I really need a dedicated Bluetooth headset for calls?" Actually, once you experience the freedom and clarity, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one. Here are some common situations where these headsets become indispensable:
- Call Center Environments: If you are working in a bustling call center, the constant chatter, ringing phones, and keyboard clicks can make it incredibly difficult to hear customers and for them to hear you. A high-quality Bluetooth headset for calling with superior noise cancellation is crucial here. It ensures crystal-clear communication, minimizes distractions for agents, and leads to better customer satisfaction.
- The Modern Work Desk: Whether you're in a busy open-plan office or a home office with kids, pets, or noisy neighbors, a dedicated headset is a lifesaver. It allows you to focus on your virtual meetings, client calls, and team collaborations without background interference. No more holding your phone awkwardly or relying on your laptop's microphone.
- Home Study and E-Learning: For students, educators, or anyone engaged in online learning, clear audio is paramount. Participating in virtual classes, group discussions, or online tutorials requires you to hear and be heard clearly. A good bluetooth phone call headset makes the experience smoother and more effective, reducing strain and improving concentration.
- Travel - On the Go: Whether rushing through an airport, navigating public transport, or taking a walkA portable and reliable Bluetooth headset lets you take calls seamlessly, allowing you to keep your hands free and your attention on your surroundings. It's also fantastic for listening to podcasts or music during downtime without disturbing others.
Three Types of Bluetooth Headsets for Phone Calls
Not all Bluetooth headsets are created equal. They come in different designs, each with its own advantages, depending on your preferences and typical usage. Understanding these types will help you narrow down the best Bluetooth headset for calls for your specific needs.
Over-Ear Bluetooth Headset with Mic: Immersive and Focused
These headsets encase your entire ear, offering excellent passive noise isolation – meaning the physical design blocks out a good amount of ambient sound. They often feature larger drivers for richer audio quality and typically house more advanced microphone systems.
Nearity EP320: a prime example of an over-ear headset designed for professional calls.
- ENC Noise Cancellation: Utilizes a dual-mic with HiFi4 DSP to suppress an background noise, ensuring your voice is crystal clear.
- Bluetooth 5.4 & Multi-Point Connection: Offers swift pairing and enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4. The multi-point connection allows simultaneous pairing with two devices for seamless transitions.
- Extended Battery Life: Provides up to 35 hours of continuous call time and 45 hours of music playback on a single charge.
- All-Day Comfort: Designed with pillow-soft ear cushions, a stretchable headband, and 180° rotatable ear muffs for a comfortable and adaptable fit. The 250° rotatable boom mic supports versatile left or right wearing.
- Versatile Connectivity: Connects via Bluetooth, USB dongle , or USB-C cable to PCs, cell phones, and tablets.
- Convenient Charging Station: Includes a charging base for effortless recharging and a tidy workspace.
Open-Ear Bluetooth Headset with Mic: Aware and Connected
Open-ear headsets, also known as bone conduction or air conduction open-ear, sit outside or clip onto your ear, leaving your ear canal open. This design is perfect for those who need to maintain situational awareness, hear their surroundings, or find traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones uncomfortable for long periods.
Mempod Pro2s: a great choice in this category, known for its focus on comfort and innovative AI features.
- Open-Ear Design: Provides a lightweight and secure fit that allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, perfect for shared offices or outdoor use.
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Equipped with dual microphones and HiFi4 DSP technology for advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), ensuring your voice comes through clearly even with background noise.
- AI-Powered Note-Taking: Features a one-press recording button that captures audio during calls and meetings. Via the Nearify app, it utilizes on-device AI for highly accurate transcription and summarization, streamlining note-taking.
- Dual Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. An included USB-A dongle ensures stable, low-latency audio for PC and Mac.
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices, and is designed for popular conferencing platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.
Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphone with Dongle: Enhanced PC Connectivity
While similar to open-ear headsets, these often emphasize connection stability and superior audio quality for computer-based applications, thanks to the inclusion of a USB dongle. A dongle provides a dedicated, more robust connection, often bypassing the inherent inconsistencies of a PC's built-in Bluetooth.
- Open-Ear Design: Experience premium sound quality while maintaining full awareness of your surroundings, perfect for safety in outdoor environments or staying engaged in the office.
- HiFi 4 DSP for Immersive Sound: Features large drivers powered by an advanced bass enhancement algorithm and HiFi 4 DSP (Digital Signal Processor), delivering rich, robust audio with deep bass and clear spatial sound.
- Extended Battery Life: Offers up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge (at 50% volume), with the included charging case extending total listening time to an impressive 45 hours.
- Ultra-Lightweight & Ergonomic Comfort: Crafted from skin-friendly silicone, weighing a mere 9.9g, and designed to fit the natural contours of your ears for secure, pressure-free comfort during all-day wear.
- Durable Construction: Features an IML Surface Treatment for a robust exterior that resists scratches and everyday wear, keeping the earbuds looking new for longer.
How to Use Your Bluetooth Headset for Phone Calls
Getting started with your new headset is usually pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of key ways to connect, especially if you're using it with a computer.
Bluetooth Pairing with Your Phone
This is the most common way to connect your best Bluetooth calling headset to your mobile device. Here's a quick rundown:
Activate Pairing Mode: This usually involves pressing and holding a dedicated Bluetooth button or the power button on your headset for a few seconds. You'll typically see an LED light flashing to indicate it's in pairing mode. Check your headset's manual for specific instructions.
Open Phone's Bluetooth Settings: On your smartphone, go to "Settings," then navigate to "Bluetooth."
- Scan for Devices: Your phone will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Select Your Headset: Once your headset's name appears in the list, tap on it to connect.
- Confirm Connection: You'll usually hear an audio prompt from your headset saying "Connected" or see a solid blue light.
And just like that, you're ready to make and receive calls wirelessly!
Dongle Connection to PC/Mac/Chrome: Why It's Often Better
While most computers have built-in Bluetooth, it's often unreliable for consistent, high-quality audio, especially for the microphone.
- USB Dongle: Many professional Bluetooth headsets for calls include a dedicated USB dongle (Bluetooth adapter).
- Dongle Benefits:
- Recommendation: For professional use, always use the dedicated dongle if one is provided. It makes a significant difference in connection stability and clarity.
Software Compatibility: Your Headset and Your Virtual Office
In today's world of hybrid work and remote communication, your headset needs to play nice with the software you use daily. The best Bluetooth headset for phone calls should offer broad compatibility with popular conferencing platforms.
Zoom
Here's how you change your microphone and speaker settings in Zoom after you have plugged in your headphones to the device OR have connect your wireless headphones to to your computer via Bluetooth.
- When in Zoom, go the bottom left and select the up-arrow by "Stop Video".
- Select "Video Settings."
- Select "Audio" from the left side menu.
- For Speaker (what device you use to hear other people) select the headphones you'd like to use. For microphone, select the headphones/device you want to collect your voice. Example: Headset .
Microsoft Teams
Here's how you change your microphone and speaker settings in Microsoft Teams.
- When on a Teams video or audio only call, go the bottom middle and select the Settings button.
- Under "Audio Settings" select the Speaker (what device you use to hear other people). For microphone, select the headphones/device you want to collect your voice. Example: Headset.
Google Meet
Here's how you change your microphone and speaker settings in Google Meet (Hangouts).
- When in Google Meet, go the bottom right and select the three dots.
- Select "Settings."
- Under "Audio" from the menu, you can select the Microphone and Speakers you'd like to use.
Factors for the Best Bluetooth Headset with Mic
Choosing the absolute best Bluetooth headset with mic isn't just about brand or price; it's about finding the right balance of features that suit your individual needs. Here are the key factors I always consider:
Comfort: All-Day Wearability is Key
Uncomfortable headsets don't just distract; they actively detract from your focus and can even lead to physical fatigue or headaches. Comfort is arguably the most paramount factor, especially if you anticipate wearing your headset for extended periods for work calls, online learning, or even just long listening sessions.
- Weight: Lighter headsets are your best friends for prolonged wear. A few extra grams might not seem like much, but over several hours, it can feel like a significant burden.
- Ear Cushions: Look for soft, breathable materials like memory foam or plush leatherette that rest gently on or encompass your ears. Consider ear cup designs that either fully encompass your ears (over-ear) to distribute pressure evenly or rest softly on them (on-ear) without undue squeeze.
- Headband: The headband plays a crucial role in weight distribution. Look for models with adjustable and adequately padded headbands that prevent uncomfortable pressure points on your scalp. A stretchable headband with a padded sling can further enhance adaptability and comfort.
Call Quality: Hear and Be Heard Clearly
This is the core purpose of investing in a Bluetooth headset with mic for professional use – to ensure your voice is delivered with crystal clarity, and that you hear others without distortion or disruptive background noise. Anything less can lead to misunderstandings, repeated conversations, and a lack of professionalism.
- Boom Microphone Placement: A boom mic positioned intimately close to your mouth is non-negotiable for superior voice capture. Look for flexible boom mics that allow you to adjust them to the perfect angle for your unique voice and facial structure.
- Noise-Canceling Microphone: For professional environments, effective NCM is absolutely critical. A good NCM actively filters out ambient sounds around you, ensuring your voice remains the focal point. High-end models take this a step further, often featuring AI-powered Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) with multiple microphones and sophisticated Digital Signal Processing (DSP). This technology can suppress an impressive amount of background noise, making it a vital component of a truly effective Bluetooth noise-canceling headset.
- Voice Optimization: Some headsets are meticulously engineered with a specific frequency response curve to make human speech clearer, sharper, and more accurate. This dedicated voice optimization is essential for capturing nuances in conversations and ensuring every word is understood, reducing listener fatigue.
- Full Duplex Audio: This advanced feature enables both parties to speak and be heard simultaneously without interruptions or 'clipping' of voices. It mimics natural face-to-face conversations, making virtual interactions feel more fluid, spontaneous, and less like a walkie-talkie exchange.
Deep learning has changed the game of headsets. Nearity is the real pioneer applying deep learning to audio. You will be surprised how good is Nearity's audio quality compared to the legacy brand, which still uses legacy audio technology.
Battery Life: Power Through Your Day
Excellent battery life is not just a feature; it's a fundamental requirement for any reliable wireless headset with mic.
- Long Talk Time: This is the most crucial metric for communication. How many hours of continuous talk time can the headset deliver on a single charge? Professional-grade headsets often boast impressive figures, ranging from 20, 30, or even 40+ hours.
- Quick Charging: Even with phenomenal battery life, the ability to quickly 'top up' your headset for a few hours of use in a short amount of time can be a lifesaver when you're in a pinch. Look for fast-charging claims.
Bluetooth Distance: Freedom to Move
How much freedom of movement do you truly need during calls? Are you someone who likes to walk around your home office, or step into another room for a private moment? The Bluetooth range of your headset directly dictates this level of liberty.
- Standard Range: Basic Bluetooth connections (Class 2) typically offer a modest range of about 33 feet (10 meters). While sufficient for staying at your desk, it quickly becomes limiting if you need to move beyond arm's reach of your connected device.
- Enhanced Range (with Dongle): As previously discussed, a dedicated USB dongle (Bluetooth adapter) can dramatically extend this range. Headsets equipped with specialized dongles can often maintain a robust connection over distances of up to 100 feet (30 meters) or even more in optimal, obstruction-free environments. This extended reach is crucial for large offices or home setups where you might step away from your computer. This feature truly transforms it into a long-range Bluetooth headset.
Dongle or No Dongle: The Connectivity Choice
How much freedom of movement do you truly need during calls? Are you someone who likes to walk around your home office, or step into another room for a private moment? The Bluetooth range of your headset directly dictates this level of liberty.
- Standard Range: Basic Bluetooth connections typically offer a modest range of about 33 feet (10 meters). While sufficient for staying at your desk, it quickly becomes limiting if you need to move beyond arm's reach of your connected device.
- Enhanced Range (with Dongle): As previously discussed, a dedicated USB dongle (Bluetooth adapter) can dramatically extend this range. Headsets equipped with specialized dongles can often maintain a robust connection over distances of up to 100 feet (30 meters) or even more in optimal, obstruction-free environments. This extended reach is crucial for large offices or home setups where you might step away from your computer. This feature truly transforms it into a long-range Bluetooth headset.
Charging Station: Convenience and Organization
While not strictly an "essential" for a headset to function, the inclusion of a charging station quickly transitions from a "nice-to-have" feature to an indispensable "must-have" once you experience its sheer convenience. It's about streamlining your daily routine and eliminating those last-minute battery anxieties.
- Effortless Charging: Forget fumbling with tangled USB cables and searching for an available port. With a charging station, you simply place your headset on the dock, and it immediately begins to charge. This intuitive design encourages consistent charging habits.
- Organized Workspace: A charging station provides a designated, tidy home for your headset when it's not in use. This reduces desk clutter and ensures your headset is always within reach and ready for your next call.
- Always Ready: By cultivating the simple habit of docking your headset after each use or at the end of the workday, you virtually eliminate the worry of a dead battery. Your rechargeable Bluetooth headset will always be topped up and prepared for unexpected calls or scheduled meetings, providing invaluable peace of mind.
Comparison: Nearity vs. Jabra (Evolve Series)
Now, let's put some top contenders head-to-head. We'll focus on core features to help you find the best bluetooth headset for calling.
| Design Type | Over-Ear | Earbuds | Open-Ear | ||
| Product | Nearity EP320 | Jabra Evolve2 75 | Nearity Mempod Fit 2 | Jabra Evolve2 Buds | Nearity Mempod Pro 2S |
| Price | $149.99 | $349.99 | $90.00 | $410.00 | $149.99 |
| Comfort | Pillow-soft ear cushions | Dual-foam leatherette cushions | lightweight (9.9g) skin-friendly silicone | lightweight 10.8 g three sizes of silicone EarGels | ultra-lightweight (31 g) open-ear design |
| Call Quality | 4-mic AI-powered ENC, flexible boom mic | 8-mic technology, re-engineered boom mic | MEMS microphones with ENC HiFi4 DSP for clear communication. | active Noise Cancellation (ANC) FeaJabra MultiSensor Voice™ technology | dual ENC microphones, HiFi 4 DSP |
| Battery Life | up to 35 hours | up to 25 hours | up to 45 hours with charging case. | up to 33 hours with charging case | up to 12 hours of talk time |
| Bluetooth Distance | up to 30m/ 100ft. | up to 30m/ 100ft. | up to10 m/ 33 ft | up to 20 m/ 65 feet | up to 30m/ 100ft. |
| Dongle Included | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Charging Station | ✅ | ✅ | ✅(charging case) | ✅(charging case) | ❌ |
Ultimately, if you need extreme noise isolation and a traditional over-ear feel with cutting-edge AI noise cancellation, the Nearity EP320 is a strong contender for the best bluetooth headset for phone calls. If situational awareness and all-day comfort without ear blockage are your top priorities, the Mempod Pro2s or Mempo Fit2 are excellent choices, with the Fit2 gaining an edge for consistent PC use thanks to its dongle. For established enterprise environments where deep UC integration and a wide range of proven models are paramount, Jabra's Evolve series remains a top choice.
FAQs About Bluetooth Headsets for Phone Calls
What's the biggest difference between a regular Bluetooth headphone and a Bluetooth headset for phone calls?
The primary difference lies in microphone quality and its optimization for voice. While regular Bluetooth headphones are great for music, a dedicated Bluetooth headset for phone calls prioritizes clear voice pickup and often features advanced noise-canceling microphones to ensure your voice is heard clearly, even in noisy environments. They are designed for two-way communication, not just listening.
Will a Bluetooth headset drain my phone's battery quickly?
Modern Bluetooth headsets use low-power Bluetooth versions (like Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.3), which are very energy-efficient. While any connected device will consume some power, the impact on your phone's battery life is usually minimal. The headset itself will have its own battery that needs recharging.
Can I connect my Bluetooth headset to multiple devices at once?
Many of the best bluetooth headset for calls offer "multipoint connectivity." This allows the headset to be paired with two devices simultaneously . You can seamlessly switch between calls on your phone and meetings on your laptop without manually re-pairing.
Are open-ear headsets good for noisy environments?
Open-ear headsets are excellent for maintaining situational awareness, which is great if you need to hear your surroundings. However, for truly noisy environments where you need to block out distractions for focus, over-ear headsets with strong active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation are generally more effective at sealing out external sound. The mic on open-ear headsets can still offer excellent noise cancellation for your voice, even if you can hear your surroundings.
Conclusion: Final Advice
- Pick one with AI enabled Noise cancelling, it really makes you sound like a pro even when your kids are playing in the background.
- Pick one with wireless dongle, the built-in bluetooth in laptop, especially for Windows is very unreliable.
- Pick one with a charging station. It will always make your headset in power and organized.
sales@nearhub.us
