I'm a wireless guy. But that doesn't stop me from packing a wired headset in by laptop bag as a backup. There's nothing to charge, the connections are completely reliable, there are never any pairing complications, and the sound quality of even mediocre models is often better than mid-level wireless headset.
I'm also a big fan of Jabra headsets, as anyone who's looked at my past reviews can see. Their wireless models have consistently good sound quality, even when they're lacking in other areas. So when I got the opportunity to test a wired headset from Jabra, my interest was piqued. Let's see if their C500 delivered on what I've come to expect.
In this age of wireless headsets so small that they're in danger of disappearing in our ear canal, the Jabra C500 is a refreshing step back. It features a behind-the-ear design that, if you haven't used this style before, looks as though it would be more than a little awkward to put on.
On the contrary, I was extremely impressed by the fit of the unit. Though it looks a little unwieldy when it's not actually being worn, this is one of the most ergonomic headsets I've tested. It's more comfortable to wear than most headsets that are half of this one's size. The shape and angle of the eargel are extremely well thought out, so that once it's in your ear, the fit is completely secure.
Even without the DSP wizardry of Jabra's Bluetooth versions, the C500's incoming sound quality is excellent, a characteristic I've come to expect from wired headsets. The lack of line distortion and the acoustic sealing of the eargel add up to make this a great sounding headset.
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