Wireless Headphones Are Finally Here

by Jeff Harris Jeff Harris

It's a brave new wireless world, yet most portable-audio hounds are still tangled up in headphone cords. Soon, though, you'll have lots of wireless stereo headphones to choose from. The technology isn't brand new, but until recently it was too bulky and expensive to shove into the tiny, splurge-worthy gadgets we love. Expect to see three flavors of wireless earmuffs-Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and magnetic induction [see sidebar below]-rolling out between now and early next year. These airy headphones will connect wirelessly to audio players, mobile phones, laptops, stereo systems and game consoles for unencumbered musical bliss.

Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 ($130; logitech.com)

Range: 33 feet

Battery life: 8 hours

Logitech's Bluetooth transmitter plugs into a standard 3.5mm jack to make the headphones compatible with almost any audio device. Computers with Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) will also send music to the headphones.

Plantronics Pulsar 590 ($200 with adapter; plantronics.com)

Range: 33 feet

Battery life: 10 hours (listening); 130 hours (standby)

Plug the Bluetooth adapter into your audio player, then press a single button to switch between stereo audio and your Bluetooth phone. Hide the telescoping mic when you don't need it. Works with A2DP laptops.

LTB Freezone Wifi ($100; ltbaudio.com)

Range: Up to 100 feet, depending on device

Battery life: 6 hours

For now, these earmuff-style cans are best suited for listening to music on your computer. There is only one Wi-Fi player, the SoniqCast Aireo, currently available, but rumor has it that Samsung and other manufacturers will release Wi-Fi-enabled players that automatically move music wirelessly from PC to player, or player to player.

Nokia Wireless Stereo Headset HS-12W ($160; nokia.com)

Range: 33 feet

Battery life: 8 hours (listening); 200 hours (standby) Nokia's earbuds work with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones that can store music. Stash your phone in a pocket or bag, and use a single button to instantly switch between tunes and incoming calls. A control box on the lanyard contains an FM radio and an LCD screen with caller ID.