Rating of the best hands-free devices for cars for 2022

In the Russian Federation, as in many other countries, it is legally prohibited to use mobile phones while driving, so as not to be distracted from driving and not to occupy your hand. To make phone calls, you can turn on the speakerphone on the gadget itself, but in this case you will have to raise your voice to be heard clearly. A wired headset will constantly cling to various objects and create inconvenience. The best solution would be to use a special device that can be connected to your phone to output sound through a powerful speaker or the car’s standard audio system.

Which Bluetooth headset is better to buy?

Among the manufacturers whose products are described in the rating, there are both very popular and lesser-known companies. Basically, they all operate in the mid-price range and premium segment; in the case of wireless headphones, there cannot be any very cheap options in principle. We invite you to get to know each of the leaders:

• Jabra is a brand that offers high-quality and unique audio solutions. The brand is represented on the market with telephone accessories designed to meet the individual needs of customers for excellent speech transmission and full listening to music tracks. She specializes in creating wireless headphones, which include both classic and sports models.
• Samsung is a company that produces wireless headsets with good battery life. On average, they can withstand up to 7 hours of active use and charge in 2-3 hours. You can drive, run, or talk in them on the street thanks to effective noise reduction, comfortable shape and high-quality materials that do not irritate the skin. Its Bluetooth headsets for phones are also considered the best because they sit securely in the ears, and this prevents them from falling and breaking down.
• Xiaomi – this company’s product range includes both regular and wireless headphones. They are equipped with a sensitive microphone that improves sound quality and eliminates interference, conveniently shaped earbuds and a secure fit. All this allows them to stay confidently in your ears even when moving. They can also be synchronized with several gadgets at once.
• Plantronics - this brand offers original audio solutions, among which Bluetooth headsets deserve special attention. These products provide good sound quality and comfort even when worn for long periods of time. It has sports models that effectively resist noise while running or cycling. They can be used even in rain due to their resistance to moisture.
• Sony - this company has always been famous for its audio products, the range of which includes wireless headphones. Unlike most companies in the rating, it has completely different models in stock: in-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. It guarantees them up to 20 hours of continuous operation in active mode.
• Hoco is a brand under which phone accessories are produced, among which more than 15 types of wireless headphones are available. Each of them is equipped with a microphone with good sensitivity, decent noise reduction and a thoughtful design. Among them there are the best Bluetooth headsets both with and without a cable between the two parts.
• Sennheiser is a German manufacturer of musical equipment for both amateur and professional use. It began its work in 1945 under the leadership of Fritz Sennheiser. It has wireless headsets for talking on the phone and for listening to music, including while playing sports.
• Elari is a company specializing in the development of consumer electronics and headphones with wireless music playback and communication with an interlocutor. The models available in its range are waterproof, so they can be used even in bad, rainy weather. They have a stable connection with smartphones and provide good sound.

Criterias of choice

There is a wide range of public address devices on the domestic market. First of all, you should look at the technical specifications and workmanship. You should not waste money on the lowest-class devices that are not able to provide high-quality conversation and sound. To avoid making mistakes when choosing, experts advise what to pay attention to:

1. Noise reduction level – a high value will not allow the interlocutor to be distracted by the noise of the wind, wheels or running engine.
2. Versatility – the ability to automatically pair with various models of mobile devices.
3. Synchronization - quick navigation in contact lists will be provided by a gadget that easily transfers data from a smartphone to the built-in memory.
4. Monitor - a device with a screen is much more convenient and allows you to view information about incoming calls, call duration or missed calls; the high resolution of the display allows you to display a photo of the caller.
5. The control panel can be located in a convenient place and provide comfort when moving.
6. Automatic connection – to reduce the time it takes to connect the device to a mobile phone.
7. Additional memory slots – when using the gadget to listen to music.

Rating of the best bluetooth headsets

When selecting products for the TOP, we were guided by customer reviews and test results by our experts. All products were compared with each other taking into account the following criteria:

• Type – mono or stereo;
• Purity and power of sound;
• The distance at which the gadget’s signal is detected;
• Noise reduction efficiency;
• Microphone sensitivity;
• Dimensions and weight;
• Number of supported devices for synchronization;
• Operating temperature range;
• Build quality;
• Type – in-ear or in-ear;
• Type of bluetooth standard supported;
• Battery life;
• Charge replenishment speed.

When analyzing the characteristics of the best wireless Bluetooth headsets, the duration of the warranty, the ratio of quality and price of products, and the comfort of wearing them were also taken into account.

Jabra MINI

• Headset format: mono
• Wireless module version: Bluetooth 4.0

Price: from 1,490 rub.

The creators of this headset relied on long battery life. To do this, they endowed their creation with support for the energy-efficient Bluetooth 4.0 standard. They also slightly increased the capacity of the built-in battery, which is why the device weighs nine grams instead of the usual seven. As a result, you can talk through this mono headset for nine hours.

Advantages

• Compatible with any smartphones and phones.
• Convenient to use.
• Availability of LED indicator.
• There is an active noise reduction system.
• Relatively low price.
• Long talk time.
• High reliability.

Flaws

• There are defective copies.
• The volume of voice alerts is not adjustable in any way.

The best mono bluetooth headsets

This is the name for products that hang on only one ear and have no wires at all. Most often they are chosen for communicating on the phone, for example, while driving. We have selected 4 options among such headsets, taking into account their effectiveness and ease of use.

Jabra Talk 45

Jabra Talk 45 monaural headphones are designed to provide clear speech sound, which is facilitated by good noise cancellation, HD Voice technology and 2 microphones from the same brand. The headset adapts to the conditions in which the interlocutors are located and automatically adjusts the sound volume. One of its most important features is battery life without recharging for 4-6 hours, and in standby mode this period increases to 6-8 days, which is very convenient on the road.

The Talk 45 model allows you to remotely search for necessary files on your phone, listen to music, podcasts, and GPS navigator instructions. This is a voice assistant that makes it easier to talk on a mobile phone; here you can set the language and read text messages. The sensitivity of its microphone is -40 dB V/Pa, which is the optimal value. It works stably at a distance of up to 30 m from the gadget, but at a greater distance it may start to malfunction.

Advantages

• Charging time – 2 hours;
• Can be paired via Bluetooth with 8 devices;
• Fits securely on the ear;
• Does not rub the skin;
• Lightweight and compact.

Flaws

• Compatible with bluetooth 4.0 only.

Mono Bluetooth headsets are especially convenient in the cold season, but this model, alas, is not recommended for use at temperatures below 0°C.

Samsung MG900

...Our experts tested the Samsung MG900 headset and pointed out its comfort, it does not put pressure on the ear, fits well on it, does not cause discomfort and does not feel like a stranger. It should also be noted that the sound is clear, although in some places the bass is not so powerful...

Expert opinion

This is the best wireless Bluetooth headset for your phone in the “optimal combination of price and quality” category. Reviews note that they use it not only for talking on the phone, but also for listening to music. There were no complaints about the strength of the sound, but, of course, in complete silence it is better than in a noisy place, and mostly drivers write about this. There are no complaints about wearing comfort here and there cannot be any - not so long ago the manufacturer updated the silicone earbud and ear mount.

Advantages

• Light weight – 10.7 g;
• Holds a charge for a long time, up to 9 hours with active calls;
• Supports working with two devices simultaneously;
• Voice prompts;
• The materials are soft and pleasant to the skin, which they imitate;
• Separate power button.

Flaws

• It may crash a little if the device is not directly visible;

Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset

This is a full-fledged headset with an earphone and microphone, which can be used both for making phone calls, including while driving, and for listening to music. The reviews write that the interlocutors hear each other well, which is supported by a modern noise reduction system and a microphone with decent sensitivity. The accessory is held securely on the ear due to a special retainer that does not irritate the skin even when worn for a long time. However, a lot depends on the size, so the set includes 3 types of ear pads.

The Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset is included in the rating of the best because it is easy to use and you quickly get used to it. While driving, the driver just needs to press a special answer button on the body of the product. Motorists really like it, in particular, because it reproduces navigator tips, making it impossible to miss the right turn. But what is most interesting here is its compatibility with the 4G network, which simplifies access to the Internet.

Advantages

• Can work with several devices simultaneously;
• Supports Bluetooth 4.1 with automatic noise reduction;
• Silicon microphone;
• Light weight;
• Neat sizes;
• Clear speech transmission.

Flaws

• The ear pads are too soft.

In the international version of the headset, hints are given in English, which can be a problem for those who do not know English well.

Plantronics Explorer 500

This mono headset is designed for use in both quiet and noisy environments. Due to its effective noise cancellation, it is considered one of the best for talking on the phone while driving a car. High-quality sound transmission in HD format is ensured by professional digital signal processing and dual microphones. The device operates continuously for 5-7 hours; when the charge level is low, an alert is triggered.

The Plantronics Explorer 500 mono headphones offer ample control options - volume control, dual pairing with gadgets, voice notifications, although they are only given in English, French or Spanish. The headset weighs 7.5 g and is almost not felt on the ear. Wireless technology allows you to remotely issue voice commands, listen to Google directions, and ask Cortana for reminders.

Advantages

• Available in two colors;
• USB charging cable with magnetic lock;
• Convenient design;
• Expanded functionality through free applications;
• Possibility to extend work using DeepSleep mode.

Flaws

• Not recommended for use in cold weather.

Unlike other models in the Bluetooth headset rating, the Lantronics Explorer 500 headset with microphone is guaranteed for a period of 2 years, not one.

Jabra Talk

• Headset format: mono
• Wireless module version: Bluetooth 3.0

Price: from 1,599 rub.

Advantages

• High reliability.
• Easy connection.
• Compatible with any devices.
• There is digital noise reduction.
• Convenient clip.
• There are two buttons for handling calls.
• HD Voice technology support.

Flaws

• Not the longest job.
• Your own ringtone.
• Recharge only from the original charger.
• No button lock.

The best stereo bluetooth headsets

These models include those that have two headphones. Depending on the specific option, they can either be connected by a common cable or be independent. Wireless technology ensures signal reception at a distance of up to 10-30 m from the gadget. Of the 10 interesting options, this category includes 4 of the highest quality in sound and assembly.

Sony WI-C300

These are classic headphones, but they work wirelessly. The cable between them is long enough for comfortable use. The product weighs only 15 g and does not cause discomfort due to the soft inserts in the ears, which are made of hypoallergenic silicone. The accessory stays there securely and does not fall out thanks to the deep inserts.

This model differs from the monaural headsets in the rating because it has less active noise reduction, so talking in public places may not be as convenient, but this is quite enough for listening to music. The manufacturer has simplified the device setup procedure as much as possible using NFC technology. Thanks to it, the headphones begin remotely transmitting content almost instantly.

Advantages

• Holds a charge for up to 9 hours at full power;
• Flexible volume control;
• Impeccable build quality;
• Convenient control buttons located in a good place;
• The speaker is 9 mm, which makes the sound clearer and louder.

Flaws

• Slight audio delay in games.

The Sony WI-C300 also deserves the title of the best bluetooth headset because it has convenient remote control, there are corresponding buttons and it is not difficult to understand the principle of operation of the device.

Hoco ES20

This is the “golden mean” between wireless headphones and a mono headset, since there is no cable connecting the two parts. They work at a distance of up to 10 m from the gadget and are suitable for use with Android and iOS. A fully charged device lasts for 2 hours on the phone, but when listening to music, this time may be slightly reduced. However, you can replenish the charge at any time using a special case in the set, and this can be done in 1 hour.

The most important feature of Hoco ES20 is the high quality of transmitted sound. Reviews indicate the absence of slowdowns in this process, both when watching movies or listening to music, and when communicating by phone or video chat. The product comes in a beautiful white color, but because of this it needs to be looked after more often. Soft inserts would not be superfluous here, but without them the accessory lasts longer.

Advantages

• Neat;
• The weight is not great;
• High-quality assembly;
• Suitable for both men and women;
• Universal sizes;
• Battery capacity is 400 mAh.

Flaws

• There is no possibility of remote control from headphones.

Due to the lack of a cable between the two headphones of the Hoco ES20, it may initially be unusual to wear them and you will have to make sure that the accessory does not get lost.

Sennheiser CX 6.00BT

These lightweight wireless headphones were selected from 5 models based on their ease of use and performance. You can use them to talk on the phone, watch movies or listen to music. Unlike the previous model, this is an in-ear design that fits deeper into the ears, which guarantees lower noise levels and louder sound. Since there are soft inserts at the ends, the skin is not irritated even when wearing the accessory for a long time.

The CX 6.00BT Bluetooth headset is the best in terms of sound purity; it is equipped with speakers from the same company, Sennheiser, and with their help the sound is cleaner and the bass sounds more powerful. Support for Bluetooth 4.2 allows them to capture the signal without distortion and play music or speech without delay. Reviews indicate the perfect synchronization of the accessory with games. Traditionally, there is a microphone with a sensitivity of 112 dB, which transmits almost no ambient noise.

Advantages

• apt-X support;
• Operate on battery for up to 6 hours without recharging;
• Ease of operation;
• Flexible volume control;
• Remote control included.

Flaws

• High price.

The Sennheiser CX 6.00BT model is always supplied with a set of 4 soft ear tips of different diameters, which allows you to choose the right option taking into account the individual shape of the ear canal.

Elari NanoPods

These Bluetooth headphones can be called good for home use and use in not very noisy places, since there is no active noise cancellation. The sound quality here is excellent, you can listen to music without interference, but in the case of mobile communications it deteriorates somewhat. The manufacturer guarantees deep bass, rich highs and mids. The device is autonomous, works without recharging for up to 3.5 hours in track playback mode and about 4.5 hours when talking.

Elari NanoPods are one of the best bluetooth headsets due to their comfort in use, as they are created taking into account the anatomy of the auricle and canal. Thanks to this, they are not felt inside and do not fall out, which is very important in the absence of a fixing cable. Automatic synchronization with the gadget after turning on Bluetooth is also convenient.

Advantages

• Weight – 12 g;
• Does not cause discomfort during prolonged use;
• Case with magnetic holders;
• Charging in 2 hours;
• Sits comfortably in the ears.

Flaws

• Sometimes the sound disappears for a few seconds;
• No apt-X support.

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5

• Headset format: stereo (earbuds)
• Wireless module version: Bluetooth 4.2

Price: from 12,490 rub.

This device is a wireless headset, which still includes a cable. It combines two headphones - this allows you not to lose them while jogging or simply when storing them. One of the latest versions of Bluetooth is used here. Its main difference is its support for AptX technology, which significantly improves the sound quality of music. It should be noted that if you need a long-lasting Bluetooth headset for your phone, then you definitely shouldn’t look at the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H5. The talk time of this device is only 5 hours.

Advantages

• Relatively low total weight (18 g).
• Convenient plug-in design.
• There is an LED.
• Using one of the latest versions of Bluetooth.
• The presence of dust and moisture protection (but you cannot dive under water).
• High reliability.
• Fast connection to most smartphones.

Flaws

• Very high cost.
• Not the longest operating time.
• Poor interaction with MacBooks.
• Proprietary charger connector.

Which Bluetooth headset is better to choose?

If you need headphones that can connect not only to a smartphone, but also to a computer, then you should opt for a stereo model; this is the most convenient option for listening to music. To communicate via Viber, Skype and other applications, as well as talk on the phone, you can buy a monophonic headset. It is recommended to choose it for drivers for whom it is critical to catch surrounding sounds with a free ear.

When choosing a suitable option, it is worth considering the purpose of using the product:

• For motorists, Jabra Talk 45, Plantronics Explorer 500 or Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset will be relevant.
• Those who often negotiate on the phone will find the Samsung MG900 good.
• The Sony WI-C300 will be convenient for listening to music.
• Doing sports, for example, running, can be done comfortably with the Hoco ES20.
• If headphones are used for communication on Skype or Viber, it would not be a mistake to buy Sennheiser CX 6.00BT.
• In games, sound is transmitted well in Elari NanoPods.

Choosing the best Bluetooth headset depends on many factors, and one of the most important is budget, so first you should decide on the amount you are willing to spend on such a purchase.

Plantronics BackBeat FIT

• Headset format: stereo (in-ear)
• Wireless module version: Bluetooth 3.0

Price: from 4,700 rub.

Our top couldn't do without a sports model. This headset may seem outdated since it doesn't use the latest version of Bluetooth. But in reality this is not the case, because nothing stopped the creators from introducing support for AVRCP and A2DP technologies here. Whether you're running or on the way to work, you'll enjoy high-quality sound. At the same time, you will notice the approach of a car in time, since earbuds are used here as headphones, which do not hide external noise very well. There is no need to be afraid that they will fall out of your ears. Fasteners are designed to exclude this scenario. You can only complain about the operating time, which is only six hours of talk time.

Advantages

• Looks beautiful.
• Stays well on your head while running.
• Weighs only 24 grams.
• There is an LED.
• Support for some modern technologies.
• Partial protection from dust and moisture.
• High quality sound.

Flaws

• Not very long operating time.
• Inflated price tag.
• Not suitable for people with small ears.

Plantronics Marque 2 M165

• Headset format: mono
• Wireless module version: Bluetooth 3.0

Price: from 2,500 rub.

This mono headset may seem quite expensive. But it is very well executed. So much so that for some users the device remained in working order even after being in the washing machine! The gadget also boasts two microphones, thanks to which it implements competent voice transmission, cleared of extraneous noise. As for battery life, its duration is approximately 7 hours of talk time. This is a typical indicator for a mono headset; it is simply impossible to achieve anything more while maintaining a weight of 7 grams.

Advantages

• The interlocutor hears clear sound, without any admixture of extraneous noise;
• High reliability;
• Weight remained minimal;
• Availability of indicator light;
• Ergonomic design;
• Compatible with any devices.

Flaws

• Not the lowest cost;
• No protection against dust and moisture.