Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones

Almost all modern cell phones support Bluetooth® earbuds as an accessory. These earbuds use wireless signals to connect with phones, tablets, and other devices to play streaming music or voice conversations. The principal appeal of wireless earbuds is that they are less bulky and bothersome than traditional earbuds, which often tangle and can get in the way while the user is working, exercising, or driving. Aside from wireless connectivity, Bluetooth-enabled earbuds offer a range of features to think about before buying a set.

Listening and Talking Through Bluetooth Earbuds
When buying a set of wireless earbuds, first decide whether they are for passively listening to audio files or for two-way phone conversations. If the intent is the former, a dual-ear model with powerful sound drivers may be adequate. For the latter, especially for business conversations and conference calls, a single-ear, mono set with a good microphone works. Dual-ear units with built-in microphones strike an acceptable balance between these uses, and they reproduce speakers' voices in stereo. This makes understanding a phone conversation a little bit easier when the line is scratchy or weak.

Hands-On and Hands-Free Bluetooth Earbud Controls
Wireless earbuds show a remarkable range of options for interfacing with and controlling them. Some larger sets have control buttons directly in their casings. These let the user activate the set, initiate voice control, or answer incoming calls. Smaller units tend to sacrifice the easy-to-use buttons in favor of direct control from the device. Some of the more advanced models have voice-activation software that responds to a key word or phrase to switch on.

Bluetooth Earbuds' Range and Battery Life
Most wireless earbuds that use up-to-date Bluetooth technology have a range of up to 30 feet before the signal starts losing cohesion. Many bigger sets have large antennas, some of which can reach out to 40 feet or so. For users who keep smartphones in their pockets, this is more than enough, while those connecting to a stationary tablet or phone system while walking the office floor appreciate longer ranges.

Different devices have different battery life, too. Details vary, but in general the larger devices have bigger, longer-lasting batteries. People tend to overestimate the time they spend talking on the phone, and thus may buy larger earbuds than they need. Go over your phone's recent call log to work out the average length of calls, and then proceed from there.

To What Sort of Devices Can Bluetooth Earbuds Connect?
These earbuds work well with any Bluetooth-enabled communications device. Cellphones, smartphones, tablets, and most modern laptop and desktop computers are all compatible with wireless earbuds.

Are Bluetooth Earbuds Safe to Use While Driving?
Single-ear units can connect people via phone while leaving one ear free to listen for sirens or other road safety issues. They're hands-free, so users can keep their hands on the wheel. If distraction is an issue, however, drivers may prefer to pull over for the duration of the call.

How Secure Are Conversations That Take Place Over Bluetooth Earbuds?
These earbuds use Bluetooth communications protocols to prevent accidental "leakage" of one wireless conversation into another nearby set. Many devices support encryption and higher levels of security.