The Best Bluetooth Headsets for 2025
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The number and variety of Bluetooth headsets available on the market today is astounding. If you need a headset for work calls, finding the right one might be overwhelming. Whether you prefer a single-ear headset, over-the-ear cans, or in-ear true wireless buds, you need to factor in comfort, mic clarity, and battery life to find the right set. PCMag has been writing about and reviewing Bluetooth headsets for 20 years, so we're well-versed on what works and what doesn't for pros who rely on their phone. Our top picks include the Jabra Evolve2 75 for those extra-long work days and the Poly Voyager 5200 for its lightweight build and long-lasting battery. Read on for more of the best Bluetooth headsets we've tested, followed by tips to keep in mind while shopping.
What's the Difference Between Bluetooth Headsets and Headphones?
Stereo headphones aren't just for listening to music. They also make calls, often quite well. So, if you're thinking about some wireless headphones to rock out to, you might not need a separate Bluetooth headset. Remember that stereo headphones can sometimes be bulky and might not block distracting environmental noises competently.
By contrast, the stereo headsets in this roundup are lighter and often have boom mics that easily isolate your voice. We compare the two options more decisively in our roundup of the best headsets and headphones for your home office.
Call Quality and Noise Cancellation
Call quality is an issue in both directions; a headset might sound full and crisp in the earpiece but then transmit a thin, robotic version of your voice to the person on the other end. Make sure that the headset you choose has good (or at least acceptable) outgoing call quality.
How well the other person can hear you when you're in a speeding car with the windows down or in your office on a VoIP call can quickly separate the good performers from the bad. Headsets with two or three mics usually perform the best because at least one of those detects and cancels ambient noise with adaptive digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms.
You definitely pay a premium for advanced noise cancellation, but depending on your needs, that feature might be worth it. We test noise-cancelling performance in every one of our reviews. For more on noise cancellation, head over to our roundups of the best noise-cancelling headphones and the best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds, as well as our article on how we test noise cancellation.
Battery Life, Comfort, and Range
A guiding principle with mono headsets: If you don't want to charge, go large. Bigger headsets mean more room for bigger batteries.
Comfort is a highly subjective matter. The best in-ear headsets have a range of fit styles—for instance, several different sizes of eartips, plus an option for an over-the-ear hook. If you absolutely can't bear to put something in your ear, go for over-the-ear stereo headphones.
Most Bluetooth headsets offer about 30 feet of range before the signal starts popping badly or devolving into digital artifacts. Larger headsets with stronger antennas have a bit more range. BlueParrott's products, for instance, tend to have respectable battery life and range, but at the cost of size and weight.
How Much Should You Spend on a Bluetooth Headset?
The sweet spot for a mono Bluetooth headset is around $100, and if you shop around, you can often find discounts that bring the price down a bit. A quality stereo headset generally runs between $150 and $300. The headsets in this roundup are on the high end of that price range because we focused on the absolute best-performing devices for people who rely on their headsets all day.
You can often find a decent (or even excellent) headset for under $50 because they tend to remain in retail channels for a long time after the manufacturer discontinues them. Cheaper Jabra, Motorola, and Poly headsets work fine; they just aren't up to the performance standards of the more expensive category leaders. Typically, they are a bit clunkier and don't offer as effective noise cancellation, but then again, you aren't paying a premium for them.
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