Seeking a bluetooth headset

By Deborah Armstrong, 2 January, 2015

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

So there are millions of them out there. I've had several, and all of them eventually died. I'm shopping for a new one, and here's what I'd like to find --

* Runs on a removable battery.
* Very light.
* Stays on my ear even when I bend down to unharness the dog, or pick up something off the floor.
* Does not have a hundred tiny buttons!
* 'Doesn't need a proprietary charger.

Does anyone recommend a headset with some of these qualities. Obviously this isn't the first one, and I've found plenty of faults with my previous headsets.

And do any of you have a headset I should avoid buying?

Options

Comments

By DPinWI on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I'm looking to. I read everyone of these threads, and still don't know what to get. My old Sony MW600 is getting long in the bluetooth, and I'd like something new before I need something new.

By Deborah Armstrong on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

In reply to by DPinWI

I too read all the threads. For my purposes, after reading lots of reviews on Amazon, I think I'll select the Plantronics M25. Several in the forums here liked the M50 which is just the M25 with more features I don't need.
The thing that caught my attention is that it is small, single-ear, lightweight and also has A2dp. This means it plays music and podcasts -- just like Bluetooth headphones but without the highest fidelity audio, yet you can easily wear it while at work, or out and about where you need to hear your environment.

By Crystal Bell on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

Hi,
I've found one that I really enjoy. I does not have a removable batter but it sits around your neck and has plastic sleeves with magnets in them to mount the earbuds in. It talks and let's you know about your battery status and all. It's great for dog walking and you completely haands free. It works grat with both the Iphone 5S and 6, and an Ipad Mini as well. Here is the link. Hppy hunting. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KXJJMHK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1420274982&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

By Scotty on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I have been using an early generation of the Aftershockz Bluez (Z instead of S) for a while now and have found them to be comfortable with a very good sound. They are bone inducers that sit just forward of your ears on your jawbone itself, and wrap snugly around the back of the head.

They have a single rocker button at the back for volume and you can access battery status through the iPhone or iPad that you're using. The button on the inducer on the right mutes music while the button on the left inducer answers calls and hangs up.

I like them very much as I can hear what is happening in meetings and noises around me when I'm walking around listening to something such as GPS directions.

Not sure if the latest generation is as good as the first generation. The one that I have I really do like.

By Roxann Pollard on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I own the Plantronics Savor M1100 and absolutely love it. It is A2DP compatible for playing music as well as making and receiving calls. Siri works seamlessly with the device, too. It talks and has four buttons, actually three, with one being a toggle by pressing on either the front or back side of the triangular shaped button. I have long hair and also use a dog. This ear piece is the only one that has not fallen out with just slight movement of my hair. When bending down to unharness my dog, the ear piece stays absolutely where I put it. Unfortunately there is no removeable battery. It does not have a proprietary charging cable.

I did a great deal of research before deciding on this particular device. I couldn't be more happy with it. The fact that there is a switch for turning the device on and off is a plus. Other ear pieces have a toggle button with a light indicating if it's on or off. The slide switch is very definite so there is no mistake. It also tells you when it is on and off. Calls are crystal clear. Music sounds great despite it only being in one ear. Reading books is awesome. You can ask it such things as battery status. Amazon has a good description of it's many features.

I personally highly recommend the Plantronics M1100. As of this writing, Amazon has the Plantronics Savor M1100 Bluetooth Headset in Retail Packaging for $53.99. Amazon did show a price of $19.99 and it was new but did not indicate that it was in the retail package so I couldn't recommend the less expensive price to you.

I hope that you are as satisfied as I am with mine.

P.S. I did find a thorough, simple to understand users manual for this. It gives a complete list of the buttons and commands. If you purchase this, I would be glad to get you a copy.

By Usman on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

Hi,
I'm wondering if there is a version available of the Plantronics Savor M1100 for two ears and not just one? I am also in the market for a good BT headset but I'm looking for something that will cover both ears.
Thanks

By Roxann Pollard on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

Although my knowledge is sketchy when it comes to a two ear version, I don't think it exists, at least not specifically in the Savor M1100 category. However, Plantronics has been around for years. When I worked with the IRS, I used a wired Plantronics headset and was very impressed. I used it eight hours a day without any discomfort. I direct you to the Amazon site to begin your search. Be certain to read all reviews. Of course, one could contact Plantronics directly, as well.

Happy hunting.

By DPinWI on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I broke down and ordered the M55. It had the best mix of features I think I want, at a price point that won't be too upsetting if I don't like it.

Thanks for everyone's input.

By DPinWI on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I got the M55, and have used it a bit.

Initially, I was disappointed that while it streams audio content just fine, it does not have media controls. I'm used to having them on my Sony MW600. However, I consoled myself by deciding that I would compartmentalize my use.

Around the house, I will continue to use the Sony and a comfortable pair of headphones. i get good sound quality, and the ability to pause, play, fast forward, and rewind podcasts and the like. I will use the M55 at work, where i do not listen to audio content, but instead need quick access to my phone for messages, emails,and phone calls.

This strategy is working well for me. The M55 is small, unobtrusive to the point that no one mentioned I had it on, and comfortable to wear This connot be said for the Sony solution. I hear alerts on my phone privately. I can use Voice Over without distracting others. .

I still have an issue where if I use either headset to use Siri or dictation, upon completion of the activity, often audio is routed to the phone's speaker rather than my headset. I was hoping the newer M55 would solve this problem. Alas it persists. However, the M55 is quicker and easier to repair with the phone.

By DJX on Thursday, January 22, 2015 - 05:57

I've been looking for a Bluetooth headset myself, I'm looking for 1 that will let me use voiceOver to reject calls or read the callerID with VoiceOver. I've tried a few sets from Plantronics, Samsun and others, but none of them allow me to hear voiceOver when there's an incoming call. Can anyone who owns the m55 or other similar single ear model test if they can hear/use VoiceOver during an incoming call, to read the callerID, or reject the call with a text for example?

I would greatly appreciate any ffedback you guys can provide.