Binaural bluetooth headset for andriod & Win10?

[drand48]

I'm going nuts trying to find a headset. I haven't found a site yet that allows me to enter my relatively simple criteria and get good candidates. I've tried Amazon, Google shopping, Monoprice, and a number of other online retail outlets to no avail.

Part of the problem might be my ignorance. Is it possible to get a Bluetooth headset that works for both my Android phone and my Windows laptop? Also, I might be using the wrong search terms.

Here are my criteria:

• NEED:
  • mic -- it's for phone calls
  • wireless, with no base station
  • binaural -- I need both ears covered
  • Android and Win10 compatibility (which I think implies Bluetooth)
• WANT:
  • lightweight
  • twist articulation at earpieces, to fit ears that stick out
  • inexpensive
  • on-ear (not earbuds or around-the-ear cans) -- this is negotiable; I could be talked into it.

High fidelity isn't a requirement. At 60 and with too many years of rock&roll, I don't have golden ears. Heck, I never had golden ears. (I'm also an amateur musician & recording engineer, but I kind of have to fly by wire these days.) While I will listen to music with them sometimes, the main use is for long phone calls (business meetings.) Plus I have a decent set of wireless headphones (if that's not an oxymoron) for just listening.

A pointer to a good shopping site where I can pick requirements and the results actually match the requirements would be fantastic, as well as any recos for particular models.

I had a pair of cheap BH-M20 headset that were great, except they didn't work with Windows, and they didn't swivel so it hurt my ears after about 30 minutes.

Headsets that wrap around the back of my head at the neck (is there a name for that style) usually bug my ears after a short while, due to the tie bar rubbing the back side of the tops of my ears. So, I prefer the classic over-the-head style. I haven't yet found earbuds that are comfortable for long periods either, and the mics for earbuds usually aren't good enough (my son can be trusted to tell me that the sound sucks, bless his heart!)

Thanks!

 

[cossix]

I think you are using the wrong term when you say "binaural". Do you mean Over-Ear (circumaural) or just On-Ear?
Also, Bluetooth headsets don't typically discriminate about the device you connect them to. So a headset that connects to a phone will also connect easily to a laptop, provided none of the Bluetooth functionalities are outdated on either device.
If you give us a budget, I'd think the members of this forum can help give you personalized recommendations based on what you need!

 

[drand48]

By "binaural" I mean "two ears".

For this application I prefer on-ear to circum-aural.

I'd prefer under $70 but can go higher if necessary, say up to $150.

Regarding compatibility, there is a very common chipset, used in lots of inexpensive headsets for phones, that isn't compatible with Windows. Not just outdated models. I've learned this from experience (two different headsets so far) and reading comments on Amazon (admittedly not always the best source of info but seems to be correct in this case.)

Thanks!

 

[rkw]

Go to Amazon and search "on ear bluetooth headphones": https://www.amazon.com/s/?keywords=on+ear+bluetooth+headphones
I don't have a recommendation because on-ear are uncomfortable for me. Actually on-ear are probably the least popular style here on head-fi (circumaural and in-ear are preferred). Most Bluetooth headphones have a mic and are phone call capable — they are designed to be used with cellphones (but with Bluetooth can also connect to a laptop). For twist articulation at earpieces, you'll have to look at models that interest you and check the details and pictures.

Instead of binaural, the term you should be using is "stereo". Binaural has a very specific meaning in the audio world relating to a style of recording for headphones, and as you saw would confuse members of this forum. In any case, the vast majority of headphones are stereo — the only ones that only cover one ear are specialized headsets for office phones and call centers.

 

[drand48]

Thanks!
I didn't realize that most Bluetooth headphones have mics, which is why I was using "headset". I also didn't expect confusion between "binaural recording" (which I know about) and binaural headsets, but sure, stereo makes more sense in the context of searching retail (doh!) Though I don't actually need stereo; for phone calls mono with two earpieces is fine. Still, point taken and thanks again.