Simple mono phone headsets | Sterio headsets for use with smartphones and tablets | Headphones & noise canceling headphones

Mono Phone sets
Brand/Model price CR cnet PC comments
Jabra BT5020 $60 69* 3  
Motorola H680 $70 69*   
Motorola H700 $100   4.5 
Jabra FreeSpeak BT250 ?   4*  
Jabra BT8040 $70 68* 4   Bluetooth v2.0 +EDR
Jabra BT2010 $40 58 3  
Plantronics Voyager 510 $65 67* 3.54.5*
Plantronics Voyager 520 $70   44.5*
Plantronics Voyager 855 $80   4 4
Plantronics Discovery 640 ?   4*  
Plantronics Discovery 925 $130 63* 3.5 4
Plantronics Discovery 655 $60 53 4
Plantronics Explorer 360 $50 62 3.5  
Aliph Jawbone $90   4 4.5*
Aliph Jawbone 2 $105 57* 4* 4* noise cancellation
BlueAnt V1 $100   4* 3.5
SoundID SM100 $70   4
CR - ConsumerReports scores from 46 (good) to 69 (very good)
* Consumer Reports quick pick - cnet or PC editors choice - PC magazine
Reviews of reviewers at Consumer Research
PC Magazine Reviews
cnet reviews - best - quick guide
ConsumerReports Jan 2009
Reviews at TheTravelInsider.info
Review at WMexperts.com (Windows Mobil)

Bluetooth versions:
SpecificationsBluetooth 1.1Bluetooth 1.2Bluetooth 2.0Bluetooth 2.1 plus EDR
Voice dialingYesYesYesYes
Call muteYesYesYesYes
Last-number redialYesYesYesYes
Improved resistance to radio frequency interferenceYesYesYes
10-meter rangeYesYesYesYes
100-meter rangeYesYes
Fast transmission speedsYesYes
Lower power consumptionYesYes
Improved pairing (without a PIN)Yes
Greater securityYesYesYes
EDR - Enhancded Data Rate


Sterio Headsets for use with smartphones and tablets

Make sure the specs supoprt Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP).This profile defines how high quality audio (stereo or mono) can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection.

Many tablets have the phone option disabled by the supplier (e.g. Verizon) so you do not need headsets with a microphone unless you are using skype, chat, or some other app requiring audio input.

iPad see: iPad: Using Bluetooth headsets and keyboards at apple.com
iOS: Supported Bluetooth profiles
Bluetooth Help: Using a Bluetooth headset with your computer

Some people reported problems with bluetooth headphones on iPads. Mono headsets may not work with iPads. One forum post said, "you are going to find the implementation of BT very frustrating on the iPad."

Android:
Bluemusic 3 is the latest release of the successful Teksoft multimedia application for smartphones, now available for Android OS. It allows you to route the audio streams from your mobile device to your Bluetooth headsets. Use your Bluetooth Headset to listen to music, podcasts, ebooks or games. For your car, you can use BlueMusic to redirect GPS voice to the car's bluetooth system.
Get the audio streams back to your headset after a phone call automatically.

Reviews - Buyers Guides:
Bluetooth headset buying guide - CNET Reviews

I found separate lists for specific tablets.  I haven't tried this yet,
but suspect most would work with any tablet.
Prices range from $20 to $120 or more.
Motorola Xoom tablet: Xoom bluetooth headphones for music
Headsets working with Motorola Zoom
Motorola HT820 bluetooth headsets 
Motorola S9-HD Bluetooth MOTOROKR/MOTOACTIV Stereo Headset 
Plantronics BackBeat903 BT headphones 
BT Rocketfish head phones 
Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 Bluetooth Stereo Headset with Dual-Mic Technology 
Freedom Bluetooth Headphones

Samsung GALAXY Tab GT-P1000 Tablet Bluetooth Headphones Store - Fommy.com.
With mike for phone calls:
nuvelli $18

Terms:
A2DP - Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (for sterio music)
  Can switch from music to phone.
AVRCP Audio/Video Remote Control Profile- (for controlling TVs and sterio)
EDR - Enhancded Data Rate
HFP - Hands-Free Profile - Interface to a gateway device.
  e.g. Interface to car radio speakers or PC speakers
SAP - SIM Access Profile - Allows connection to SIM card in a mobil phone.
SIM - Subscriber Identity Module - Card with your ID which can be moved from
  phone to phone

Links:
Bluetooth headset buying guide - CNET Reviews
Amazon.com: Touch Screen Bluetooth headphones: Skins & Decals, Cases & Sleeves, Bundles, Screen Protectors
Logitech Bluetooth headphones

last updated 18 Dec 2008