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Can You Hear Me Now?The best Bluetooth cell phone headsets.

By Laura MoserPosted Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at 12:20 PM ET

(Continued from page 1)

JawboneJawbone, $119.99
One glance at the Jawbone and you'll understand why Apple peddles the device alongside the iPhone. It shares Apple's chilly, mod aesthetic: My chrome-gray Jawbone could be a prop snatched off the set of Total Recall. But I was still a little disappointed with what's been touted as the Holy Grail of Bluetooth headsets. I didn't mind its relative bulkiness, but the concealed buttons represented an irritating emphasis on style over function. Several times, I ended calls when trying to navigate the noise-cancellation feature, and I never managed to jack up the volume to a satisfying level.

I might have forgiven those defects if the Jawbone had been exceptionally comfortable. The device comes with four different ear buds and ear loops for a more "customized" fit. But I spent the better part of an afternoon experimenting with different loop-bud permutations, and I'll be damned if I ever figured out which pairing worked best. The morning after I finally settled on one such combo, the loop snapped off, forcing me to perform an advanced surgical operation with eyebrow tweezers. The Jawbone was never the same again—it wouldn't sit snugly against my cheek, so I could never tell if the noise-cancellation technology (triggered by the vibrations of the speaker's voice) had kicked in. I suspect it didn't, as the sound quality was only so-so. Background noises were minimal, but people complained of my voice "cutting out" and "distorting" during calls.

Form and Function: 6
Sound Quality: 7
Value: 1.1
Total: 14.1

Jabra BT 8010Jabra BT 8010, $149.95
This device might suit humans with Brobdingnagian ear canals, but others might find its supersize proportions impractical. When I tightened the loop enough to keep the hefty device in place, my ear felt pinched and sore. Which is a shame, because the Jabra offers excellent sound quality, especially if you elect to use the optional second earpiece for a headphoneslike effect. (The Jabra can also play music if your phone has an MP3 player.) Other pluses? The Jabra has a little LCD screen that shows battery life and the number (but not the name) of the person calling or being called. But despite these neat add-ons, the awkward outer-ear design and painful ear loop made the Jabra a no-go for me.

Form and Function: 5
Sound Quality: 9
Value: 0.9
Total: 14.9

BlueantBlueant Z9, ($99.95)
I love the Blueant's signature graphic—a little ant that flashes blue when in operation. Press the ant during a call, and a cheerful Australian voice tells you if the noise-canceling feature has been activated. Though I initially enjoyed these jaunty interruptions, they soon grated on me, especially when I was walking down the street and unable to understand the intentionally thick antipodal accent. Still, at either setting, the Blueant delivered consistently above-average sound quality, though a few times, my sound-recordist friend found my voice "over-modulated and a little robotic, as if you're on speakerphone." The short, plump Blueant never feels invasive, even after prolonged wear. And should you forego the clear plastic ear loop (which I don't recommend), the Blueant fits much more securely than the strapless Samsung.

Form and Function: 7
Sound Quality: 7
Value: 1.4
Total: 15.4

Nokia BH-803Nokia BH-803, $149.95
Three cheers for the lipsticklike shape of this device, which goes on sale in early November. It stays firmly in place even without the optional rubber wire. It also boasts outstanding sound quality, and I certainly felt less like a Home Depot employee than usual wearing it. The main problem: The device has only one confusing all-purpose button, used both for power and volume adjustment. I often ended calls when trying to turn up the volume.

Form and Function: 7
Sound Quality: 8
Value: 1
Total: 16

Plantronics Voyager 520Plantronics Voyager 520, $99.95
The Voyager 520, one of the newest devices from the all-audio company Plantronics, isn't shooting for high-end status here, but I frequently found myself grabbing this number on my way out the door when I wanted to chat en route to the gym or the grocery store. Its one button—an on/off switch that doubles as a volume toggle—was incredibly easy to operate, and the squishy rubber loop/in-ear earpiece design was by far the most comfortable I tested. Though considerably lower-tech than Plantronics' latest-and-greatest 855 Voyager, which I didn't review here, I found the 520 a more durable, user-friendly headset. It's also $50 cheaper. The sound quality isn't exactly glorious: It can get static-y on the speaker's end and "echoey" on the recipient's, especially when outdoors. Then again, that's the trade-off you generally make for the convenience of Bluetooth. Despite the manufacturers' claims, Bluetooth headsets still don't offer sound as good as you'll find in an old-fashioned handset. But for people who spend a great deal of time driving, typing, or otherwise multitasking while on the phone, a decent Bluetooth can be a godsend. For the price, you really can't beat the Voyager 520.

Form and Function: 9
Sound Quality: 7
Value: 1.6
Total: 17.6

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Laura Moser is the co-author of the Social Climber Young Adult trilogy.
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