Hands-free Kits Tested

April 2009

Bluetooth head units are gradually finding their way into new cars but, for most drivers, a hands-free kit is the only way to take calls and stay legal behind the wheel. Even if you already have one, technology is racing ahead, and headsets and visor mounts have never sounded so good, lasted longer or been lighter. Some motorists prefer headsets, which are now smaller and more unobtrusive, while others choose the bigger visor-mounted options, which deliver huge talk and standby times. Whatever your preference, check the device works with your phone, as there can be exceptions. Which one suits? We tested 10 to find out.

The Test

Comfort is vital for headsets, but they also have to be held securely on the ear. For both types, we wanted to see accessories such as chargers and mounting options, plus long talk and standby times. Sound quality was assessed in conversations to and from the phone, while parked and on the move, with clarity and noise reduction key factors. We also checked voice dialling.

Contacts
Jabra, 01784 220172, www.jabra.com
Aliph (BMC Digital), 0800 043 0135, www.bmcdigital.co.uk
Nokia, 0845 045 5555, www.nokia.co.uk
Plantronics, 0800 410014, www.plantronics.co.uk
Motorola, 0870 901 0555, www.motorola.com
Parrot, 0121 250 3570, www.parrot.biz
SuperTooth, 01202 829933, www.kondor.co.uk

Verdict

While we loved the Jawbone, its cost is prohibitive – and that hands victory to the Jabra BT530, which bridges the gap between price and technology. For visor use, the Jabra SP700 narrowly pipped the SuperTooth.

Top 3

1. Jabra BT530
2. Jabra SP700
3. SuperTooth VisorVoice

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