Top Treo and Centro Bluetooth Headset Roundup

Following my Editor’s Choice Roundup of top Treo and Centro accessories two weeks ago I wanted to drill down a bit further in the category of Bluetooth headsets since making a selection from our current range of nearly 50 models still frequently proves to be a bit daunting for the novice user. 

Considering that I’ve tested virtually all these headsets I thought that it might be helpful to present my Top 5 choices and give you my take on each of them below. 

Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset (Also available in Red and Gray) ($89.95)

The Jawbone noise cancellation technology is so good (you have to experience it to understand) that it’s become extremely hard to compare it to other headsets – there’s simply no one that comes close to matching its capabilities.  I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

I’m not the only one singing the Jawbone praises as it has received awards from all quarters.  Jawbone was most recently a Popular Science 2007 “Best of What’s New” award winner.  Earlier in 2007, the Jawbone Bluetooth headset became a two-time recipient of the BusinessWeek-IDSA International Design Excellence Award.  

Additionally, it was awarded a Spark! Award in a new competition honoring product design.  Other awards include being recognized as Engadget’s Most Wearable Device of 2006, ranked in PC World’s “Top 100 Products” of 2007 and also rated as CNET’s #1 Bluetooth headset as well as having previously been the recipient of the International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.

All of this combined with equally high user ratings and reviews might help explain why the Jawbone has consistently been one the top 3 bestselling Treo Bluetooth headsets in our store.  (See Jawbone review)

While I consider the Jawbone to be in a league of its own when it comes to noise cancellation the four headsets below nonetheless still manage to offer excellent call quality:

Jabra BT8040 ($79.95)
The Jabra BT8040 impressed me from the moment I got it out of its box.  It offers an “in-ear” design that does not require an ear loop, has some truly stunning good looks with a silver band wrapping it and a body covered with a black mildly rubberized coating.  (See Jabra BT8040 review)

Motorola H700 (B-Stock) ($39.95)
Possibly the single most pocketable Bluetooth headset ever the Motorola H700 is a terrific solution that delivers terrific call quality and I particularly like its PowerFlip design that lets you answer calls easily while saving battery life.  At only $39.95 this B-Stock accessory offers unbeatable value.  (See Motorola H700 review)

Jabra JX10 II ($79.95)
Before the arrival of the Jawbone it was the Jabra JX10 that was the best to beat.  Its elegant, ultrasmall and ultralight design combined with a truly top class accessory kit as well as the convenience of USB charging still make the Jabra JX10 an excellent choice.  (See Jabra JX10 II review)

Palm Ultralight Wireless Headset ($59.95)
Another in-ear model (kit also includes ear loop if you prefer) the main benefit of the Palm Ultralight Wireless Headset is that you can charge it using the standard Palm connector.  This “official” Palm headset continues to be a bestseller because its price is just right in the mid-range.  (See Palm Ultralight Bluetooth Headset review)

It’s clear that everyone will have slightly different criteria for selecting their Bluetooth headset of choice (deciding between in-ear vs. ear loop, price, popularity, design, technology and performance as well as pocketability) but you should keep in mind that all models compromise in one way or another. 

The Jawbone is not the smallest, lightest nor cheapest headset but it delivers the very best call quality and overall noise cancellation.  Considering that most high-end competing headsets are within plus or minus $10 in price I personally can only recommend making the investment – I can pretty much guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

However, if price is the most important factor for your purchase then the Motorola H700 above or Palm Ultralight Wireless Headset will be my next top choices.

Treonauts always find the best…