Technology
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Walkie Talkie Headset?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

When choosing a walkie talkie headset, it is important to make sure that the headset is appropriate for the situations in which it will be used. For example, a walkie talkie headset intended for children will certainly not be appropriate for use during a military operation. Likewise, it is not necessary to purchase an advanced piece of technology if all you need it for is a scavenger hunt or another amateur activity. There are many features that you should consider when purchasing a walkie talkie headset, including whether the headset itself is the walkie talkie or if the headset plugs in, how comfortable the device is to wear, and how well it works.

There are many different designs of walkie talkie headsets available, and most are designed to plug into handheld walkie talkies. Others, particularly those designed for children, include all relevant components in the headset itself. These all-in-one designs are sometimes of poor quality and may be inconvenient to use, but they are excellent for fun games and backyard adventures. Headsets that are designed to plug into a walkie talkie are not only more effective, but they are also often available with more options.

Buyers should make sure that a headset is compatible with their particular brand of walkie talkie before making a purchase.
Buyers should make sure that a headset is compatible with their particular brand of walkie talkie before making a purchase.

A walkie talkie headset that plugs into the walkie talkie itself is a good choice because it can be easily replaced if broken, and it is possible to decide precisely which features you need. Some headsets are quite advanced and provide very good sound, often with noise-canceling headphones. The quality of the microphone is important as well. While clarity of speech is often not as important with a walkie talkie as it is with a phone, making sure that your message gets through is always valuable.

Walkie talkies are often operated by pressing a button with your hand, which detracts from the hands-free features of walkie talkie headsets. Many headsets deal with this problem by using voice-activated technology, making it possible to use the headset without using buttons. Sometimes, a headset may operate on dual channels, allowing the walkie talkie to work more like a phone. Which choice is better depends on your needs.

Even though sound quality and the quality of the microphone are important, they cannot completely overcome the deficits of the actual walkie talkie. No matter how high the quality of the headset, if the walkie talkie itself is unclear then the sound will always be bad. Luckily, many headsets and walkie talkies are interchangeable, particularly within the same brand. Even so, it is a good idea to make sure that the headset will work with the particular make and model of walkie talkie in use before purchase.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

If possible, it is definitely a good idea to try out different sets of walkie talkies with headsets to check for the best sound before buying them. I've had sets that never sounded clear, and they were very frustrating to use. You have to have a walkie talkie set with good sound in order for the headset to work properly.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Buyers should make sure that a headset is compatible with their particular brand of walkie talkie before making a purchase.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      Buyers should make sure that a headset is compatible with their particular brand of walkie talkie before making a purchase.