Do you want the best headset? 
Are you frustrated by the drop in audio quality when using your Bluetooth headset for calls or gaming? Many office workers and gamers face the same issue: Great stereo sound for music or gaming turns into flat, mono audio once the microphone is active. In this blog, I’ll dive into the details of our comprehensive video review that tests six popular Bluetooth headsets to uncover which one maintains stereo sound quality even with the mic engaged. Read on to discover the results of our tests, and which model performed best when compared to other Bluetooth headsets.
Why Does Audio Quality Drop with Bluetooth Headsets?
When using a Bluetooth headset, you might notice it performs really well for work calls or meetings but the audio quality drops when you switch to music or gaming on platforms like Discord. The culprit is the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) used by most Bluetooth headsets. HFP prioritizes voice communication, compressing audio to a lower-quality mono output to save bandwidth. This results in a "tin can" sound instead of the rich, immersive stereo experience you expect.
Our video explains this limitation clearly and tests five work-focused headsets, and one consumer model:
- Poly Voyager Focus 2
- Jabra Evolve2 75
- Epos Impact 1000
- Logitech Zone Vibe 2
- Yealink BH7
- Sony XM5
To see how they handle audio with the mic active versus inactive.
Audio Test Results: Which Headset Performs Best?
We conducted six unique audio tests to evaluate sound quality, capturing the output with 3DO binaural mics for a reliable baseline. Here’s a breakdown of the findings:
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Poly Voyager Focus 2: Delivers strong music quality in stereo mode but experiences a noticeable drop-off when the mic is active, though less severe than some competitors.
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Jabra Evolve2 75: Performs well for music but suffers a significant audio quality decline in call mode, making it less ideal for mixed-use scenarios.
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Epos Impact 1000: Stands out as the only headset that preserves stereo sound quality with minimal drop-off when the mic is active, making it a top choice for multitasking.
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Logitech Zone Vibe 2: Excels in music playback but shows a substantial quality reduction in call mode, similar to the Jabra.
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Yealink BH74: Maintains decent audio with a less drastic drop-off than most, but still not as consistent as the Epos Impact 1000.
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Sony XM5: Offers crisp music quality but, like most, sees a large decline in audio performance when the mic is engaged.
The Epos Impact 1000 emerged as the winner, maintaining comparable sound quality whether the microphone is active or not. While designed primarily for calls, it’s versatile enough for music and casual gaming on Discord. Though the EPOS Impact 1000 came out on top in our tests, that isn’t to say that it didn’t have some drop off in audio quality, it did, but noticeably less than the others.
Why This Matters for Office Workers and Gamers
For professionals in virtual offices or gamers using communication platforms, the constant switching between stereo and call mode can be a hassle. If your headset stays in HFP mode (e.g., during Zoom calls or virtual office use), you’re stuck with subpar audio for music or gaming unless you manually disable the mic which can be a tedious workaround. The Epos Impact 1000’s ability to retain stereo sound makes it a game-changer for those juggling calls, music, and gaming.
Choosing the Right Bluetooth Headset
No single headset is perfect for every situation. Your choice depends on your needs, priorities, and how you perceive sound:
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For call-focused professionals: The Epos Impact 1000 offers the best balance of call clarity and stereo sound.
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For music enthusiasts: Models like the Sony XM5 shine in stereo mode but falters when the mic is active.
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For budget-conscious users: The Yealink BH74 provides decent performance across both modes at a potentially lower cost.
To explore these headsets further or to get a personalized recommendation, visit Headset Advisor or contact us at 800-683-5715 or info@headsetadvisor.com.
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Like Saving Money?
If you’re like me, and a lot of other people, you probably appreciate getting a good deal. Well, if getting a good deal is something you like, then here are a few ways you can save on some headsets when ordering on our website.
- Coupon. Use Coupon Code BLOG when checking out on our website, headsetadvisor.com
- Trade-in. If you have old headsets you’re not using, or packed away in a box in your storeroom, then consider trading them in for cash or credit. Many models are refurbished, and repurposed which is good for the planet, and the cash or credit is good for your budget.
- Combination Play. Combine the coupon code and the trade-in allowance to lower your price even more.
- Headset Lease. Have a tight budget, but need some new gear? No worries, because Headset Advisor offers a unique headset lease program. No upfront costs, just one low, affordable rate with replacement accessories included and a warranty that never expires. Go here to learn more.
Watch the Video for Full Audio Comparisons
Curious to hear the differences yourself? Check out the full video review to listen to the audio tests and see waveform comparisons that visualize the drop-off in audio quality on the different headsets tested, and compared..
The Epos Impact 1000’s minimal change in audio profile makes it a standout for professionals and gamers who want great audio quality, but need a microphone for calls and meetings.
Check out the video and see if you don’t agree that the EPOS Impact 1000 maintains audio quality better than the others we tested.
Have Questions, Or Need Some Help?
Headset Advisor has been assisting customers with their communication needs for over 30 years, so don’t feel that you need to figure things out on your own.
Our knowledgeable and friendly Advisors are available to assist you in finding the perfect tailored and compatible solution for your needs.
Contact us today for a product recommendation, information on our lease program, or to learn more about neep ai noise canceling software.
