Bluetooth Headset vs Wired Headset

Many ask about a bluetooth headset vs wired headset. Personally, I only thought about this issue when a law was enforced in my state requiring a headset while driving. At first, I automatically thought I had to get a wireless one. It's the "hands-free" law, so even wired ones were allowed, I later discovered.

Having any kind of headset frees your hands up to be doing other things while you are on the phone.

If you are driving, laws may require you to not use your phone unless its with a hands free headset.

California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands do not allow its drivers to be holding a phone up to their ear while driving. These list of states my change in time for safety reasons.

Aside from having calls, some states do not even allow texting while driving--pretty much anything that will distract from driving.

Whether you go with a bluetooth type or a wired type will depend on your type of usage.

PROs for Bluetooth

The number one reason for having a bluetooth headset is there are no wires to deal with.

You can freely move around and complete other tasks, such as cooking or driving.

You can walk away from your phone.

Answer your phone with the push of a button, or automatically.

If you are driving stick shift, having a wire in the way is probably not even an option.

PROs for Wired Headsets

These are more affordable. If you rarely make calls it may not be worth it to spring for more expensive ones.

The headset unit does not run on a battery so you don't need to worry about it losing charge. You can talk for hours without a worry.

No possible loss in sound quality from distance or interference. You will get better sound quality more consistently.

Great for kids, so you don't have to worry about them damaging expensive gadgets.

For an overall ranking of headsets, see our bluetooth headset reviews.