Customer Reviews

Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset (Red)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(44)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

I read the reviews, both the positive and the negatives, and decided to give Jawbone a shot. I enjoyed my Jabra JX10 quite a bit for the 15 months that it worked, but to die 3 months out of warranty . . . So you can consider this a head to head comparison between the Jabra and Jawbone units.

Fit and Comfort: The Jabra is clearly lighter so you can almost forget it is even on. The Jawbone is much larger and takes some work with the supplied earpieces, but in my case simply using the other earpiece that is supplied resulted in a very secure and comfortable fit. Yes, it is bigger, but for me, I can leave it on all day in comfort. Both units are quite good in this regards.

Ease of use: The Jabra is somewhat more intuitive with clearly marked volume buttons vs. Jawbone's one-direction volume loop (press and the volume goes up until it reaches maximum and the next press goes to minimum). Other than this, however, the Jawbone is easy if your primary use is answering calls. Some complain that the button is 'hard' to push and pushes the Jawbone into your ear but I have had no such issues. It was immediately as natural and easy to use as the Jabra for me and I do not feel any pressure like I am impaling it into my ear! No complaints here on either unit.

Sound - incoming: I rarely had any problems with the Jabra and so far the Jawbone is equal or better. If Jabra has any advantage it is with the easier volume control, although I almost always had to have it near maximum to hear when in a car. The Jawbone can get louder and I do not generally have to adjust it, but if I do the Jabra is easier. But a slight overall incoming sound edge to Jawbone.

Sound - Outbound: The best for last! NO COMPARISON! I rarely had people complain with the Jabra, especially if I was in a quiet room. Then they might not know I was on a headset. But kudos to Jawbone on the active noise cancellation! As a test early on I turned up the TV volume to where I almost couldn't hear the party on the other end and they COULDN'T HEAR the TV! We held a comfortable conversation where whatever noise was going on in the background at my home was virtually inaudible on the other end! For those reviews who state that this feature doesn't work, I can only assume that a) the unit was defective, b) the noise cancellation circuit was turned off or, and this can probable be critical, c) the fit is not good and the 'vibration sensor' is not in solid contact with the cheek. In my case, with a comfortable and solid fit, the noise cancellation is almost eerie. And worth the price of a Jawbone.

Overall, four stars only because the fit is indeed something that could be improved to make it easier for everyone to use this successfully. But other than that, Jawbone is the best I have ever used by far. Now, if it will last more than 15 months . . .

T. Tom obviously doesn't own a Jawbone or he would be giving it a better rating. The cheap plastic is actually military grade composit material, and it is usable in either ear, you simply must read the owners instruction guide if you are not smart enough to realise that those spare ear loops that are included with the Jawbone are to replace dirty or worn out ear loops and all you have to do to switch ears and insert the loop from the opposite side (now you can use it in the other ear). The noise cancelling is the best in the world. I work in the marine industry and always receive calls - no complains about noisy engines with my Jawbone.

On a relative scale (comparing to other headsets), I would rate this 5 stars. Its at the top of the heap in actual performance. On an absolute scale, I only gave it 4 stars because there is still room for improvement.

- functional sound quality and hearing ability on both ends - very, very good. My validation tests include talking to my wife and my aging parents on the phone. I carry on conversations with everyone without being asked to repeat myself or being told that my voice is too soft. I have a projecting voice, so any complaints about softness in the past with other headsets had to be due to the headset. I frequently got complaints when using my plantronics 640 - not so with the Jawbone.

- use in noisy environments - very good. Last night I was talking to my wife from a very noisy restaurant - so noisy I could barely hear myself think. But she could hear me clearly over the din and I was able to hear her easily. What a testament!

- fit - fair to good using factory loops and inserts. I followed the advise of several others and purchased a set of Jabra eargels. Jabra earboom is my favorite headset of all time from a comfort and ability to hear point of view. Using the jabra eargel with the jawbone wasn't quite as comfortable because the jawbone is bulky, but I would have to rate it as very good. I am using it without the jawbone earloop. I have large ears and use the largest eargel, so that probably helps my success. Eargels are available at some radio shack stores. They sell a package of three sizes, both left and right (6 total)for $4.95.

- bluetooth pairing and stability - better than any headset I have ever used. Its obvious the electronics on this device follow current bluetooth standards and work well.

- areas for improvement - despite all the hype about the industrial design and slick look, this is the bulkiest headset I have ever used. It has to be to house all the microphone elements used for noise management. But the squarish cover plate seems to be pure appearance choice. I think it would be somewhat nicer if the cover was rounded and trimmed to fit the main electronics housing. Perhaps engineering design requirements dictated the overall bulk of this unit. I can live with it because I certainly would not want to give up the excellent audio and noise management.

I purchased the bright red model - not because I wanted to look ostentatious, but because it was on sale at Amazon for $5 less than the black model. I paid $88.95 with free shipping.

Bob

I talk while driving and California law just imposed a hefty fine if not talking hands free. I'm frugal about gadgets and the jawbone is expensive, but the jawbone is hardly a gadget. It's remarkably easy to set up and equally easy to use. But the noise filters are something truly space age. Just push a a button, hidden below the noise shield and viola' your caller hears only your voice. How'd they do that? I don't know, but I do know several people that have been using hands free headsets and they've all switched to the jawbone. Another great feature is the tiny, super directional microphone which rests against your jaw. It enables you to talk in whispers and still be heard clearly by the person you're on the phone with. I don't know what the guy who says it's cheap is complaining about, it's light, rugged, compact, crystal clear send and reception, the ear pieces switch in a flash. This is a great tool, one that speaks of your courtesy for others when talking on your phone in public places, and the safety of yourself and those around you while driving.

I'm sure I'm not going to be adding a lot of info to what is already being said about the Jawbone. I'm just writing to weigh in. I've tried several Bluetooth headsets, all Motorolas, and although they work fine, they don't even come close to the noise cancellation abilities of the Jawbone.

Sometimes I try a test while I'm driving: I turn on some music at about conversation level, meaning that if somebody else were in the car with me, we may have to raise our voices just slightly to be clearly heard over the music playing in the car. Then, I call somebody while using the Jawbone. I ask them "How do I sound?" The answer is always positive. I then ask "What do you hear in the background?" Usually, the answer is "Nothing", or sometimes they'll say they can hear something but can't tell what it is. I then raise the volume until it's a little tough for me to hear the callee while the music is playing, and I ask again "What do you hear in the background?" Finally, the person will usually say that they hear some kind of music, but it has to get pretty loud before they can tell what music it is.

Everybody I know who has a Jawbone has similar experiences with the noise-cancellation feature. It's just a great product, and well worth the price.

Because this item depends on the contact microphone for sound pickup, it is not suitable for guys with beards! I made only two calls with this headset and both parties complained about the voice quality and high noise levels. I'm going shopping for a boom-style headset...

This headset has the best sound quality that I've heard. I've owned headsets from Jabra, Plantronics, and Aliph.

The Aliph headset is the best by far. The sound quality, and noise suppression is really good.

The only problem that I've encountered is that I can't get the headset to fix on my ear correctly. Both the Jabra, and Plantronics had a great fit.

My wife and I both use a Jawbone. The auto volume and noise shield features are the best that I have ever used. Just turn it on and use it. The earloops break so have a couple of extras. Be careful when removing the charger. Do not pull off. Bend like breaking a pencil in half and the charger comes off easily. Even though I wish the Jawbone was a little more heavy duty, IT IS THE BEST SOUNDING BLUE TOOTH AROUND

Quite simply, the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset totally rocks! Believe me, I've gone through quite a few Bluetooth headsets in the last couple of years, and so I have quite a few to compare this one to.

First off, the design of it looks a bit off-putting. It uses military-grade noise reduction technology and the look of the headset makes me believe that this particular headset may have been originally intended for such use. It's not exactly the most attractive headset out there - definitely not the most feminine.

But to be completely honest with you, after trying a number of `prettier' headsets that either break easily, lose their pairing with the phone frequently, or just plain don't work as well I am all for sacrificing form for function.

All that said, while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing Bluetooth headset, it is not the ugliest either. It is interesting to note the design differences in the newer Jawbone model that Aliph just released, however. They've presented a much more attractive version with a sleeker, less obtrusive style, seemingly proving that the manufacturer recognizes the customer's desire, frivolous though we may be, for a headset that is pleasing to the eye.

Now for the important part: how it works. The Jawbone was simple to pair with my cell phone (HP iPaq 6945 Unlocked Cell Phone with Wi-fi, GPS, MP3/Video Player, SD--U.S. Version with Warranty (Silver)), as most Bluetooth headsets are. More importantly, I've paired it once and it has maintained that pairing without issue ever since, unlike the previous headset I owned which lost its pairing at least once a week, usually while mid-conversation. This is annoying, certainly, but for a user that won't use their cell phone while driving without a hands-free device, this is very unsettling. If I wanted/needed to continue a call while on the road, I disconnected the call, pulled over to re-pair the two devices, and then started my call and my trip again. This is a major issue for me, so I am extremely appreciative of Jawbone's reliability.

Next feature: Noise Reduction. Aliph makes a big deal about their noise reduction technology, and having now used it with amazing results, I understand why. They DESERVE to tout their success in this arena. Yeah, it is that good. Watching the videos they have on their website demonstrating the quality made me curious, but I admit to having my doubts that it could really eliminate background noise to the extent that they promised.

I've purposely stress-tested it in some pretty noisy situations. First of all, my own vehicle. I have an older car, and it seems to pick up all of the outside noise there is, even with my windows up. If it is raining, my callers could hear the rain on the windshield when using other headsets. When a semi drove alongside my car, the noise of the big truck distracted my callers from our conversation.

Aliph's Jawbone headset changed all that. My friends and family no longer even suspect I'm in the car when I use it. If they call me while I'm in a grocery store or department store, they hear neither the hubbub of the store nor the announcements over the building intercom. Then I went to my favorite wing restaurant, which keeps the music pretty loud. I stood directly under one of their speakers and asked my friend if she could hear it. She thought she heard some people speaking faintly in the background. She had no idea I was standing under a speaker with music blaring at me.

As for the fit of the headset, it is very secure on my ear. Like most others, it hooks over the ear, which makes it fit a bit oddly with sunglasses or eyeglasses, but it isn't uncomfortable. When I get a new headset/earpiece, one of the first things I do is to put it on and shake my head around a bit to test how securely it fits my ear. This one didn't budge. For me, this is a very important factor. If I can't move my head naturally as needed while driving, then the headset impedes my ability to drive and I won't have that.

Some of you probably want to know about how it charges. I use mine quite a bit for both personal and business, and it isn't rare for me to wear out the charge before the day is out. I've only managed to drain my Jawbone twice, and it charges so quickly that I was able to use it again within an hour or so. It comes with a cable that can charge through an electrical outlet or a USB port on a PC. It does not have a car charger, but since I have a power inverter for my car, I can simply use it to charge it while driving should the need arise, so this isn't a deal breaker for me.

All in all, I highly recommend the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset. When I finally break or lose this one, I will look at replacing it with another Aliph model before any other manufacturer.

Most recent Headsets I've used:
Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset - Black
Jabra BT250v Bluetooth Headset with Vibrating Alert [Retail Packaged]
Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset
Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset

Quite simply, the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset totally rocks! Believe me, I've gone through quite a few Bluetooth headsets in the last couple of years, and so I have quite a few to compare this one to.

First off, the design of it looks a bit off-putting. It uses military-grade noise reduction technology and the look of the headset makes me believe that this particular headset may have been originally intended for such use. It's not exactly the most attractive headset out there - definitely not the most feminine.

But to be completely honest with you, after trying a number of `prettier' headsets that either break easily, lose their pairing with the phone frequently, or just plain don't work as well I am all for sacrificing form for function.

All that said, while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing Bluetooth headset, it is not the ugliest either. It is interesting to note the design differences in the newer Jawbone model that Aliph just released, however. They've presented a much more attractive version with a sleeker, less obtrusive style, seemingly proving that the manufacturer recognizes the customer's desire, frivolous though we may be, for a headset that is pleasing to the eye.

Now for the important part: how it works. The Jawbone was simple to pair with my cell phone (HP iPaq 6945 Unlocked Cell Phone with Wi-fi, GPS, MP3/Video Player, SD--U.S. Version with Warranty (Silver)), as most Bluetooth headsets are. More importantly, I've paired it once and it has maintained that pairing without issue ever since, unlike the previous headset I owned which lost its pairing at least once a week, usually while mid-conversation. This is annoying, certainly, but for a user that won't use their cell phone while driving without a hands-free device, this is very unsettling. If I wanted/needed to continue a call while on the road, I disconnected the call, pulled over to re-pair the two devices, and then started my call and my trip again. This is a major issue for me, so I am extremely appreciative of Jawbone's reliability.

Next feature: Noise Reduction. Aliph makes a big deal about their noise reduction technology, and having now used it with amazing results, I understand why. They DESERVE to tout their success in this arena. Yeah, it is that good. Watching the videos they have on their website demonstrating the quality made me curious, but I admit to having my doubts that it could really eliminate background noise to the extent that they promised.

I've purposely stress-tested it in some pretty noisy situations. First of all, my own vehicle. I have an older car, and it seems to pick up all of the outside noise there is, even with my windows up. If it is raining, my callers could hear the rain on the windshield when using other headsets. When a semi drove alongside my car, the noise of the big truck distracted my callers from our conversation.

Aliph's Jawbone headset changed all that. My friends and family no longer even suspect I'm in the car when I use it. If they call me while I'm in a grocery store or department store, they hear neither the hubbub of the store nor the announcements over the building intercom. Then I went to my favorite wing restaurant, which keeps the music pretty loud. I stood directly under one of their speakers and asked my friend if she could hear it. She thought she heard some people speaking faintly in the background. She had no idea I was standing under a speaker with music blaring at me.

As for the fit of the headset, it is very secure on my ear. Like most others, it hooks over the ear, which makes it fit a bit oddly with sunglasses or eyeglasses, but it isn't uncomfortable. When I get a new headset/earpiece, one of the first things I do is to put it on and shake my head around a bit to test how securely it fits my ear. This one didn't budge. For me, this is a very important factor. If I can't move my head naturally as needed while driving, then the headset impedes my ability to drive and I won't have that.

Some of you probably want to know about how it charges. I use mine quite a bit for both personal and business, and it isn't rare for me to wear out the charge before the day is out. I've only managed to drain my Jawbone twice, and it charges so quickly that I was able to use it again within an hour or so. It comes with a cable that can charge through an electrical outlet or a USB port on a PC. It does not have a car charger, but since I have a power inverter for my car, I can simply use it to charge it while driving should the need arise, so this isn't a deal breaker for me.

All in all, I highly recommend the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset. When I finally break or lose this one, I will look at replacing it with another Aliph model before any other manufacturer.

Most recent Headsets I've used:
Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset - Black
Jabra BT250v Bluetooth Headset with Vibrating Alert [Retail Packaged]
Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset
Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset