Hands-free Kits Tested

Avoid driving dangerously – and points on your licence – with a hands-free kit. We put 10 of the best to the test...

Auto Express Car Reviews

March 2010

It’s three years since tough penalties for using mobiles at the wheel were introduced. In that time, the technology designed to help motorists stay legal has improved, as has the number of hands-free kits available.

Although Bluetooth connectivity comes as standard on some new cars, drivers wanting to avoid points on their licence can choose from a huge range of devices. Some prefer headsets – now less obtrusive than ever – while others favour visor-mounted loudspeakers, with their lengthy talk times. But which hands-free solution should you go for? We tested six of each to find out.

The Test

Comfort is vital for headsets, but it’s important they are not too loose in the ear. And of course, it’s essential visor-mounted loudspeakers stay in place. When considering both devices, we looked for long talk and standby times, as well as good sound quality.

The latter was assessed in conversations to and from the phone, while parked and on the move.

Clarity and noise reduction were key factors. We also checked voice-dialling over our route, which took in a stretch between tall buildings and trees. Finally, we incorporated weight, looks and price into our results.

Verdict

The Jabra Arrow headset takes top honours here, as it’s a great all-round performer and reasonably priced, too. If you want a loudspeaker to clip on to your sun visor, there’s no better device than the SuperTooth Buddy, while the final podium spot goes to the Aliph Jawbone PRIME, as it’s the best device of its kind for noise-reducing technology and sound quality.

1. Jabra Arrow
2. SuperTooth Buddy
3. Aliph Jawbone PRIME