Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I compared the Jaybird Bluebud X to three other great Bluetooth headsets. To test music, I listened to Pandora One (the higher quality feed). To test voice, I left myself voice mail messages while clicking some CD Jewel Cases to create background noise. I created this background noise because it simulates the frequencies that interfere with most microphones. I also replaced the standard earphone tips with Comply Premium Earphone Tips as these tips work best for conducting sounds to my ears. 1. LG Tone HBS-730: a. The music was good but not as good as listening to a music CD. b. Listening to phone calls presented good clarity and moderate volume. c. Speaking to phone calls was weak and included background noise. Some of the noise was EMI and some was hiss. Overall, it was hard for the listener to discern my words. d. Noise rejection was not good. Background noises eclipsed the voice speaking into the microphone. e. The range for Bluetooth reception is the average 30 feet (without obstruction). f. Comment: I have always liked this headset because I can listen to music without wires. I have also added the Comply Premium Earphone Tips which help with sound quality and the comfort enabling me to enjoy my music all day long. It is unfortunate that people cannot hear me speaking into the microphone of the LG Tone. 2. Plantronics Voyager PRO HD Bluetooth Headset: a. The music was mono (one ear) and sounded good but not as good as listening to a music CD. b. Listening to phone calls presented good clarity and moderate volume. c. Speaking to phone calls presented excellent volume. My voice could be heard clearly but not as good as using the phone without Bluetooth. d. Noise rejection was poor. Background noises were sharp and clear and eclipsed the voice speaking into the microphone. e. The range for Bluetooth reception is the average 30 feet (without obstruction). f. Comment: I doubt Plantronics will ever produce a bad product. I have enjoyed many of their products over the years. When I lose my Plantronics, I have quickly purchased a new one. 3. VXi BlueParrott Xpress Headset: a. The music was mono (one ear) and sounded weak. I had the impression of listening to a weak powered FM radio station. b. Listening to phone calls presented poor clarity and low volume. c. Speaking to phone calls presented poor volume. My voice could only be heard with background EMI noise and hiss if the listener cranked up the volume of their phone. d. Noise rejection was excellent. Background noises were muted and barely noticeable. e. The range for Bluetooth reception is the average 30 feet (without obstruction). f. Comment: This is my second VXi product. I know the company has a loyal following but I have not had the same success. 4. Jaybird Bluebud X: a. The music was brilliant. I had the impression of listening to a good CD through good headphones. The sound was not as good as my Shure SE535 or UE Capitals but good enough to listen to music all day long without missing my better earbuds. One benefit: the noise conducted by the Jaybird's earbud wires was minimal and much less than the other earbuds. Nice! b. Listening to phone calls presented good clarity and excellent volume. c. Speaking to phone calls presented excellent volume. My voice could be clearly heard. d. Noise rejection was poor. Background noises were clearly heard and noticed. e. The range for Bluetooth reception is an excellent 60 feet (without obstruction). I'm not sure how this is done but it enables me to roam the house, office or hotel room without static or interruption. f. Comment: This is my first Jaybird. I thought the noise rejection would be a problem but I used these for phone calls in a crowded airport and on a train in New York and people could hear me clearly without my need to speak loudly. This was a previous fail point for the LG and Plantronic. Other thoughts: I am one of those people who have a problem with earbuds fitting correctly. My frustration is so great that I had custom ear molds made for my UE Capitals. Many of these other earphones, especially the Jaybird, sound harsh and weak until I replace the earphone tips with the Comply Premium Earphone Tips. These new earphone tips made the Jaybirds sound like a premium product. I know the Jaybirds are expensive but I recommend them to anyone who has not yet found a good Bluetooth earphone. Final thought: If you want to use Bluetooth for watching TV or playing a musical instrument with a third party analog to bluetooth converter, be prepared for a disappointment. Bluetooth technology has latency. It takes a few milliseconds for the sound to process. However, phone and music have good potential now with devices like the Jaybird Bluebuds X. Video from a tablet or a phone works well. 5/20/13 Update: I was just listening to Pat Metheny's "Last Train Home" and heard the train whistle blowing through the beginning and end of the song. What a nice surprise! 12/30/14 Update: I thought JayBird might have released a new Bluetooth with better noise rejection for the microphone. Guess not. I still use my original purchase every day. I also travel every week including conference calls while sitting in airports. I've replaced my Comply foam tips once. Otherwise, no problems!