What's the Difference Between Bluetooth Headsets and Headphones?

Stereo headphones aren't just for listening to music; they also make calls, often quite well. So, if you're thinking about some wireless headphones to rock out to, you might not need a separate Bluetooth headset. Remember that stereo headphones can sometimes be bulky and might not block distracting environmental noises competently. By contrast, the stereo headsets in this roundup are lighter and often have boom mics that easily isolate your voice. We compare the two options more decisively in our roundup of the best headsets and headphones for your home office .

How Much Should You Spend on a Bluetooth Headset?

The sweet spot for a mono Bluetooth headset is around $100, and if you shop around, you can often find discounts that lower the price slightly. A quality stereo headset generally runs between $150 and $300. The headsets in this roundup are on the high end of that price range because we focused on the absolute best-performing devices for people who rely on their headsets all day. You can often find a decent (or even excellent) headset for under $50 because they tend to remain in retail channels for a long time after the manufacturer discontinues them. Cheaper Jabra, Motorola, and Poly headsets work fine; they just aren't up to the performance standards of the more expensive category leaders. Typically, they are a bit clunkier and don't offer as effective noise cancellation, but then again, you aren't paying a premium for them.

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

The Best Bluetooth Headsets for 2026

A Bluetooth headset can provide clear audio for calls without weighing you down. Check out the top Bluetooth headsets we've tested across a variety of prices and designs.

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The Best Bluetooth Headsets for 2026

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