Looking for recommendations for a good bluetooth earpiece to use with Android devices (Nexus line...

[G+_David Herron]

Looking for recommendations for a good bluetooth earpiece to use with Android devices (Nexus line in particular). 

[G+_John Mink]

Corey Fields assuming you're looking for one to use for phone calls (as opposed to listening to music)?

 

 

Summary:

This post is way too long, so let me say that in summary I agree with George Fromtulsa that in my experience (as well as what i've seen on the internet) Plantronics is the company to go with.  Just don't let them upsell ya if you don't need the features ;)

 

 

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

 

 

 

TL-DR:

If you only use it for voice calls, I recommend the Plantronics 975.  I went out and bought a few headsets back in 2010 when I first got my Droid (Droid 1).  Basically, everything top of the line and I went with the 975 because the people on the other end thought it sounded better (honestly, they all sounded pretty good to me using the headset).

 

Plantronics has replaced the 975 with the Voyager, and I have mixed feelings about that, as the Voyager has more "intelligence" but I, personally, find that it just gets in the way (not terribly, just that I don't really see a benefit) and can overshadow the additional features.  

 

While the Voyager can do music (975 is a voice only BT profile), it has desk charger accessories (if you want it readily available) which is important if you sync it to your computer (over bluetooth or USB), or are using it regularly at a desk.  Also, the Voyager can pair with 2 devices whereas the 975 can only pair with one

 

The Voyager does have some apps (needs Android 4.something) which can show you the battery level and find your device (if it's paired).  But the 975 has a charging indicator on the charging case (seems like a better solution to me).

 

Possibly the deciding factor (if you don't use it with a 2nd device, especially a PC or listen to podcasts/music on it)  is the physical shape.  Take a look at both, but also look at the shape of the charging cases.  The 975 is smaller but thicker (almost square in the width/height) whereas the Voyager is much wider but about half as thick.  So depending on how you carry the headset/case, that can be a huge factor.

[G+_Daniel Charles]

Good question, I've been wondering the same thing. I'll definitely be watching this thread. Thanks.

[G+_Corey Fields]

John Mink not much music but maybe some. Mostly voice calls and podcasts

[G+_John Mink]

Corey Fields hmm, if you wanna listen to podcasts, the 975 won't help there... Bluetooth breaks things up into profiles, (music, phone calls, and so on) unfortunately phone calls are a separate profile from podcasts, even though they're both just voice.

 

Point is, you won't be able to listen to podcasts on the 975. It's just for phone calls.

 

Then the question becomes do you want to consider a 2nd headset, since then you could go stereo for music/podcasts or would you prefer one headset even if the experience isn't quite as good (I wish there was one headset to rule them all...but sadly, not yet)

[G+_Corey Fields]

John Mink I'm not as worried about sound quality for music. I'm looking for something wireless that will route all audio (like plugging in headphones just without the wires). Is there not anything that will do that?

[G+_Corey Fields]

Thanks George Fromtulsa - I'll look into that, although I'm not sure I want to try to figure out where to hook the dangly thing (to use the technical term). Someone said above that the earlier Platronics 975 wouldn't route all sound...is the newer Voyager the same way? I was hoping for something like the Platronics devices (one ear only, no cords) that will route all sound, but maybe that doesn't exist.

[G+_John Mink]

The Voyager will do audio, but it's only 1 ear (maybe not a problem?).  Also, it's surprisingly decent quality but you don't have a great seal, so the sound isn't going to be the best experience.  Again, not really a problem for voice, moreso for music.

 

There are a number of stereo headsets out there, but the problem i've found with those is that the mic is generally pretty poor (to the point that i've had people ask me to cal lback when my reception was better).  So while there are plenty that technically do both, they always (in my experience) are much better at one that the other.

[G+_Darren Dempsey]

As a professional driver I have tried pretty much every top end device on the market ( plantronics, jawbone) and I have not been overly impressed with them, they are uncomfortable, hard to get a good seal and difficult to fit so they dont fall out, ALSO bluetooth does not seem to be as a good a technology as they suggest, it cuts out, has issues connecting and such. I have ended up going for a set of SKULLCANDY CHOPS and are very happy with them, 

[G+_Corey Fields]

George Fromtulsa John Mink what is the difference between the Voyager Legend and the Voyager Pro?

[G+_john mcdermott]

These are always around my neck.  http://goo.gl/tvxEH . Read the reviews on Amazon.  Good luck in your search.

[G+_Leandrew Emery]

I've been using the Phiaton PS 210 BTNC earphones and I love them. The noise cancellation function ain't no joke.

[G+_Chuck Kelley]

I've been using a Jawbone ERA for over a year and I probably listen for 3+ hours a day (sometimes 12+).  I always use Audible or Pocketcasts and only listen to voice audio.  I also use it for calls.  Best Bluetooth I've ever used.

[G+_John Mink]

I know the Legend is newer

 

according to venturebeat:

 

"Building on last year’s sensor-laden Voyager Pro HD, a headset that was was smart enough to know when you put it on, the Voyager Legend ($99) features three microphones and upgraded Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which makes it the best sounding Plantronics headset yet. The Voyager Legend is also 28 percent smaller than its predecessor, making the once bulky microphone look like a sleek samurai sword

 

Also new is the addition of voice commands"

 

Plantronics will also offer a “Unified Communications” version of the headset for $200 in January, which includes a carrying case with a built-in battery, a desktop charging stand, and a Bluetooth USB adapter.

 

 

source:  http://venturebeat.com/2012/09/17/plantronics-voyager-legend-bluetooth-headset/

[G+_Lucas Nichols]

I had the plantronics voyager pro HD. I now have the plantronics legend. The legend Is soooo much better. I am a truck driver and u can't beat the legend. Blue parotts are big and ugly.