Best Bluetooth Headset for Truck Drivers

Looking for the perfect Bluetooth headset for truck drivers?

Taking a call can be difficult for truck drivers because they are always focusing on the road ahead. Their hands are always on the steering wheel so it’s quite a challenge taking an important call. While a driver could always stop to take a call, this can be a waste of time when you’ve been driving all day! The fact is, Bluetooth headphones are essential to truck drivers.

A great pair of Bluetooth headphones allows truckers to take calls or listen to their favorite music, hands-free. Bluetooth headphones offer utmost freedom of movement. Because these headphones are cordless, there are no tangled wires to deal with.

The good news is, there are so many wireless headphones available on the market right now. There is something for everyone. But finding the best Bluetooth headphones for truck drivers require a specific set of features. To help you find the right set of wireless headphones for you, here are our top 3 recommendations:

Image used under Creative Commons from Craig Sunter

Best Headsets for Truckers under $50

Plantronics Explorer 50

The Explorer 50 by Plantronics is an inexpensive Bluetooth headset that’s perfect for truckers. It features a compact design and a lightweight construction, perfect for hours of music listening. The on-ear design is meant to reduce stress to the ears for a comfortable fit. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones with enough power to last all day, you’ll love the Explorer 50. The headphones offer enough juice for up to 11 hours of talk time. It also comes with a DeepSleep mode if you’re trying to save on power. And if you’re running out of power, the Explorer 50 comes with a voice alert and connection status.

This headset is perfect for streaming A2DP content. The versatility of these headphones mean you can use them at work and at play! The sound quality of the Explorer 50 is great too. The headset comes with noise reduction technology so the audio is always clear and crisp. Best of all, the Explorer 50 comes with multipoint pairing capability. It can pair up to two devices at the same time.

Now for the downsides, the noise cancellation feature is somewhat lacking. It’s not powerful enough to neutralize noisy engines or strong winds. Also, the bass is not as rich and music playback isn’t as punchy.

I love the ear piece which is extremely comfortable. It has good sound, is simple, to use, and has a long battery life. I listen to audio books for several hours every day and this is perfect! It also allows for hands-free phone use while driving and working.

The Explorer 50 is an affordable headphone set for truckers. It’s compact, light, and user-friendly. The audio quality is great especially if you’re making calls.

→

Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth Headset

The Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset sports a simple yet efficient design that’s made for a long drive. It’s compact, lightweight, and supremely comfortable to use. The design of the headset may be simple but it offers great features that any truck driver will appreciate. For one thing, the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset comes with an efficient noise-canceling feature. It can block unwanted noise 4 times more efficiently than other headsets.

The Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset is made specifically for taking calls so you can bet the wireless connectivity is smooth as butter. The range is pretty impressive, you can roam about 30 feet before the signal shows noticeable weakening. The Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset could pair with up to 2 Bluetooth compatible devices.

The lightweight design means you can use the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset for hours on end without feeling fatigued. It delivers crystal-clear audio and accurate voice quality. In fact, the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset promises high definition sound quality and that’s exactly what you can expect when using the headset.

If you’re looking for a headset with a long battery life, Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset is one of the best headphones to get. It promises up to 13 hours of talk time and a standby time of 200 hours.

As for the downsides, the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset’s UI is not as user-friendly as other headsets. Some users say the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset is prone to connection issues although we did not come across this issue at all. Still, this happy customer recommends the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset for its impressive audio quality and noise-canceling feature:

Truck drivers will love this! I’m a truck driver and definitely works great and you can’t even beat the price absolutely nothing to regret! Is not heavy, fits perfect in your head and it doesn’t even hurt your ear, perfect hearing and noise cancellation is great. I bought two and no regrets!

Overall, the Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset is a terrific headset for truckers who need a lightweight set of headphones. The Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth headset impresses with its long battery life, travel-friendly design, and excellent voice quality!

→

Best Headsets for Truckers under $100

FRiEQ Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset

FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headphones are designed with truckers in mind. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and a long battery life for hours of talk time. The headset is made of flexible plastic. The design is on the chunky side but the headphones feel like nothing when worn. The padded earpad is wrapped in supple faux leather material and it is connected to a microphone.

Design-wise, the FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headset is on the plain side but it’s always the inside that counts! The sound quality is pretty impressive for a mid-range headset. The microphone fits just right and making calls is always convenient and comfortable. This headset shines in noise isolation. It really blocks ambient noise efficiently, including noisy engines.

The FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headset offers seamless integration and multipoint pairing capabilities. Using this headset, you can connect up to 2 devices, which is a standard for most Bluetooth headphones. The FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headset is perfect for on-the-go truckers. FRiEQ is making great claims about the battery life. According to the brand’s website, this headset offers up to 30 hours of talk time and 600 hours on standby. And we can attest to this headset’s long battery life!

There were minor issues we came across with such as inconsistent volume and clarity when the headphones are out of range. There are times when the microphone is having trouble picking up voice clearly. But overall, the FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headset makes a great companion for busy truckers.

After a number of trials of various headphones for my husband the trucker, these are the BEST. Sound is clear on his end (trucks are noisy environments!), and what he says is clear on my end as well. An added bonus is that the reach is long – he can use the headphones from the back of the truck (60 feet or so away) with no disruptions.

The FRiEQ wireless Bluetooth headset is a fantastic choice for busy truckers who are in dire need of a good set of headphones. It’s not the most inexpensive headset on the market but the quality and battery life are worth the extra expense.

→

VXi BlueParrott B450-XT

VXi’s BlueParrott B450-XT is a lightweight noise-canceling Bluetooth headset that promises optimal hands free operation. The B450-XT is travel-friendly although the design is on the bulky side. We noticed the large ear cups, which are not unlike standard headphone ear cups. The larger ear cups cover the entire ears, which boosts the B450-XT’s noise-canceling capabilities.

And speaking of B450-XT’s noise-canceling capabilities, this headset did a great job of blocking ambient noise. It’s the kind of headset that really focuses the audio to the ears for an immersive listening experience. Being on the road for hours on end, it’s great that you can depend on the B450-XT to neutralize all types of droning noises, not just drown out the offending sound. Thanks to Vxi’s Xtreme Noise Suppression, the B450-XT could block unwanted sounds by up to 80%.

The range of the B450-XT’s wireless connectivity is pretty impressive. Syncing the B450-XT in a mobile device is a straightforward affair. The connection between devices is quite smooth. There were no glaring issues with the wireless connection at all.

The audio quality of the B450-XT is terrific. The product shines when it comes to sound clarity and accuracy. The reproduction of the human voice is accurate and natural sounding. The bass is deep and throbbing, perfect for listening to bouncy songs on a long drive. The microphone quality is just as impressive.

We love how the B450-XT was able to retain its HD voice quality even when the noise-canceling feature is turned on. We just wish the B450-XT were much more comfortable to wear. The design of the ear cups are great although they have the tendency to press too much on the ears. For those who don’t like headsets with large ear cups, the B450-XT might not be the best option for you. For this satisfied trucker, however, the B450-XT is the perfect companion on the road:

This is hands down the best one around! I’m a mechanic and truck driver, and normally it’s hard to be able to make and receive calls and have both sides hear well. But this headset is GREAT! I can stand right next to a running truck, and the other end hears me perfectly!

Overall, the B450-XT delivers excellent audio and voice quality in a travel-friendly design. The B450-XT’s wireless connection is smooth and stable. Its noise-canceling feature is also one of the best we’ve seen in a truck driver’s headset.

→

VXi BlueParrott B250-XTS

VXi’s BlueParrott line is designed specifically for high noise environments. The B250-XTS is one of the best selling headsets from the range. These wireless Bluetooth headphones are perfect for professional truckers. The device is lightweight yet hardy with enough flex to survive major bumps. The B250-XTS features a padded earpiece covered in supple leather-like material. A microphone is fitted near the controls.

The B250-XTS comes with awesome features that truckers will love. One of these features is the Enhanced Xtreme Noise Suppression technology. The technology minimizes ambient noise so the audio stays clear. The noise cancellation tech promises to reduce ambient noise by up to 95%. And yes, the B250-XTS did a great job of suppressing surrounding noise during testing.

The B250-XTS also comes with HD voice, GPS, multipoint pairing, and A2DP for audio streaming from music players. What’s more, the device offers up to 20 hours of talk time on a single charge. It also features a micro USB port so you can charge these headphones wherever. How’s that for convenience.

As for the sound quality, the B250-XTS is a solid performer. Regardless if you’re listening to your favorite tunes or taking calls, the sound quality is crystal clear. The fit of the B250-XTS is worth a mention too. The headband is stable so the B250-XTS doesn’t slide off during a rough ride. When it comes to performance, VXi definitely pulled all stops. For the price, you’re getting more than just a quality headset. You’re also getting a great mix of advanced features to boot.

As for the downsides, the earpad of the B250-XTS is a little flimsy. We see this getting wobbly after several uses. Also, the headset only comes with a USB charger, there’s no adaptor for normal electric outlets.

This headset is a HUGE improvement from an inexpensive MPOW headset I purchased awhile back on Amazon. The old set had NO noise canceling and the audio was muffled at best. I’m a truck driver, and my wife doesn’t complain about the background noise anymore.

The B250-XTS is a bestselling headset made specifically for truckers. The headphones deliver excellent audio quality. The B250-XTS is surprisingly affordable considering the long list of advanced features it offers.

→

Best Headsets for Truckers over $100

Plantronics Voyager 5200-UC

The Voyager 5200 is a sleek, compact, and hi-tech-looking headset that’s designed for hands-free operation. The design of the 5200 is simple but that’s a great thing because you wouldn’t want to fuss with too many buttons when taking a call. The 5200 gets plus points for its user-friendly controls. Regardless if you are well versed in these kinds of product or not, you won’t have trouble using the 5200 at all.

The fit of the 5200 is great, it sits well in the ears and it does not fall off. You can adjust the flexible boom arm to improve the voice clarity. The Voyager 5200 also comes with a built-in alarm that alerts when you have your phone on mute or if you’re trying to speak while the phone is on mute. The 5200 boasts of a long battery life so you can take a lot of calls without worrying about charging the headset mid-covo.

The audio quality is superb! It has its own voice control so you can take calls or ignore calls with relative ease. The voice quality is crisp, clear, and natural sounding. The Voyager 5200’s noise-canceling feature ensures optimal audio quality sans the unwanted noise.  As for the wireless connectivity, the Voyager 5200’s range is long! You can take calls without worrying about the signal fizzling out on you. The wireless connection is smooth and stable so no need to worry about dropped calls. We just wish the Voyager 5200 is much more comfortable to wear than its older siblings.

Don’t get us wrong, the Voyager 5200 is ergonomically designed. However, the ear hook tends to rest uncomfortably on the back of the ears. Also, if you’re wearing glasses, it will take some adjustments to make the Voyager 5200 fit your ears. But for this user, Voyager 5200 makes the perfect headset for his active lifestyle:

Best headset I’ve used. Love that it syncs to my phone and computer at the same time. Charging case works excellent but battery lasts so long, it really has not been necessary for me yet. Just nice to know that it is always 100% charged and ready to go.

The Voyager 5200 is best suited for truckers who get a lot of calls. The long battery life, smooth syncing and excellent quality are just a few of the many outstanding features of the Voyager 5200.

→

Bluetooth Tips and Buying Guide: Best Bluetooth Headset for Truck Drivers

Types of Bluetooth Headphones for Truck Drivers

The two most popular types of Bluetooth headphones for truckers are over-ear Bluetooth headphones and in-ear. Let’s take a look at each type and see which one suits your style:

Over-ear Bluetooth Headphones
Over-ear Bluetooth headphones feature one or two earcups attached to a headband. The ear cups, which are typically padded, surrounds the outer ears to focus the audio. If portability is an issue, over-ear headphones won’t help your cause. They are quite large so they’ll definitely take up more room in the truck.

That said, the audio quality is much better compared to in-ear headphones. As far as comfort goes, over-ear headphones are quite comfortable. These headphones are perfect for long drives thanks to the padded earcups. The headband can dig into the skin but that only happens when the headphones do not fit the head properly.

In-ear Bluetooth Headphones
This Bluetooth headset comes with either one or two earbuds that you slip into the ear like an ear plug. A separate unit is used to control the settings, including taking calls, adjusting the volume, and so on.

In-ear Bluetooth headphones are portable and more travel-friendly than over-ear headphones. These headphones are quite discreet too. However, in-ear headphones are not ideal for truckers with extremely sensitive ears. The way they are worn could cause mild discomfort during the wear time. These headphones are fitted with minuscule drivers, offering excellent audio quality. But compared to over-ear headphones, these headsets’ audio is rather airy or less open.

Important Factors to Consider

Bluetooth headphones come offer a variety of features. But what features should a truck driver look for while hunting for the perfect headsets to use on a long drive? Here are just a few to consider:

Audio Quality
A good pair of headphones should deliver high fidelity, crystal clear audio. This goes especially for higher end headphones. You don’t want the audio to break up especially if you’re taking a call or listening to music. The audio quality should be clear. The same thing goes for the person on the other line while taking calls, your voice should be clear too.

Comfort
Because of work, you are constantly traveling that’s why your headset should be portable too! Look for a quality headset that’s lightweight, comfortable, and travel-friendly. The headphones shouldn’t take more space than necessary. If the headphones are bulky or a pain to travel with, you won’t get much use out of the device.

Durability
As a trucker, driving isn’t always a smooth drive so your headphones should be durable enough to withstand constant wear and tear. During your search, always consider your working environment, the length of time it takes to use the device on the daily and your own lifestyle.

Image used under Creative Commons from Per Gosche

Bluetooth headphones are notoriously fragile but higher end devices are quite durable. You want a pair of headphones that could endure vibrations or big bumps, especially when driving on rough terrain. The quality and construction of the headphones must be sturdy and stable enough for everyday use. Don’t choose a nice set of headphones that you have to baby.

Voice Command Feature
Some headphones come with advanced features for easier, more convenient operation. As a driver, you want a pair of headphones that won’t distract you from the road. Go for a headset that comes with voice command feature.

Essentially, these smart headphones can “understand” basic instructions, such as reject a call, take a call, or play a specific song. These headphones minimize the time it takes for a trucker to take his or her hands off the steering wheel. Headphones with voice activation features are pricier than regular headphones. However, they are worth the investment if your job requires 100% focus.

Long Battery Life
Being out on the road for hours at a time, you need headphones that could entertain you for longer. Bluetooth headphones come with powerful batteries to provide hours of talk time on a single charge. Of course, the performance will vary from brand to brand. That’s why it’s mighty important to read reviews and testimonials before making a purchase. Choose a high-quality headset that offers at least 10 hours of talk time on a single charge. The batteries should last for an entire day of driving. Also, the charging time shouldn’t take several hours. Because really, what’s the use of a headset that takes half the day to charge?

Fit
Truck drivers are always exposed to vibrations, sudden jerks, and big bumps especially when driving on rough terrain. The headphones should provide a perfectly stable fit. The headset should never change its position while driving. The headband should be made from sturdy material so it doesn’t sustain damage easily.

Hands-Free Operation
Apart from being wireless, hands-free operation is the selling point of Bluetooth headphones. These headphones are designed for easy and convenient operation so you don’t have to take your hands off the steering wheel.

Most Bluetooth headphones come with control buttons that are fitted into the headphone itself. Others come with remote control too. These control buttons must be accessible and easy to use so you can enjoy the headphones while driving. Expensive headphones come with a remote control as well as voice-activated features for utmost convenience and ease of use.

Noise Cancellation
Truck drivers are exposed to all sorts of driving conditions. From strong winds to noisy engines, the headphones should deliver excellent audio quality – minus outside noise. That’s why headphones with noise cancellation feature are perfect for truck drivers. These headphones neutralize all types of distraction and dangerous sounds. This way, the audio isn’t muddled by ambient noise that surrounds you.

Stable Connectivity
Nothing ruins a good song than audio that keeps breaking up. The same thing goes for important calls! Bluetooth headphones are prone to connectivity issues because integration is done over the air. Certain conditions could lead to spotty signals, hence, the interrupted audio. You don’t have to go for headphones that offer long range connectivity but make sure the connection is stable.

Extra Features Worth Considering
Other features worth checking out include multi-point connectivity and music streaming. These features are not essential but they are nice to have especially for users with specific music needs.

Tips for Truckers on Using Phones Safely

Taking calls while driving is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. If you’re a trucker, you spend long hours on the road and there are times when you have to take an important call while on the job. The fact is, mobile phone use can pose a risk to safe driving but there are ways to avoid such issues without giving up the use of your cell phone!

Use a Bluetooth Headset

If taking calls is a part of your job, it makes sense to invest in a high-quality Bluetooth headset that offers hands-free operation. Fussing with your mobile phone manually is quite distracting, it keeps your eyes (and mind) away from the road. With a hands-free headset, you can take a call without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Of course, keep the convos brief so you can focus on the road at all times.

Pull Over

Got an important call that you cannot miss? Pull over before answering the call. Some phone conversations are either too emotional or too lengthy. Answering these calls will leave you distracted when you’re juggling too many things. For your safety and the safety of other motorists, pull over first before answering a call. If you’re actively driving, postpone calls that are too emotional or complex. Limit your phone use for emergencies if you have to.

Never Send Texts or IMs While Driving

Carrying on a continuous conversation on your mobile phone while driving is a no-no. This goes regardless if it’s a casual conversation or a heated discussion. According to the National Safety Council, texting while driving leads to about 1.6 million of road crashes every year. In the US alone, 1 out of 4 car accidents is caused by texting and driving. Postpone any conversation when you’re driving so you’re not constantly reaching for your phone while driving.

Finish a Call or Text Conversation Prior to Driving

If you really need to take a call, do it before driving. Take calls, answer texts, and converse with people before the trip. Inform concerned individuals that you cannot take calls or answer texts at some point because you’ll be driving. Once you’re done, store your mobile phone in the glove compartment and check it only after you’ve arrived to your destination.