Driving a truck requires a high level of attention while simultaneously handling continuous phone calls, and the monotony of highway driving can make it challenging to stay alert throughout the journey. Due to safety concerns, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truckers from using their phones without a hands-free feature, which is why it is essential for truckers to have a good-quality headsets for truckers to communicate effectively with family and colleagues and to answer important calls.
To help truckers find the best headset, we have tested 20 Bluetooth headsets available in the market over a period of 90 days and have identified the top 5 based on our thorough research and analysis of ratings and reviews provided by existing customers, most of whom are truckers.
In this guide, we will discuss the importance of headsets for truckers, factors to consider when purchasing a headset, and provide reviews of the top 5 headsets for trucking.
Roundup of the Best Trucker Headsets
Best Bluetooth Headset for Truck Drivers | Plantronics by Poly Voyager 4310 UC Wireless |
Best Sound Quality Headset for Truckers | BlueParrott S450-XT Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset |
Most Comfortable Trucker Headset | Blue Tiger Elite Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headset |
Best Noise-Canceling Headset for Trucker | BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset |
Best Cheap Headset for Truckers | COMEXION Trucker Bluetooth Headset V5.0 |
Benefits of the Best Bluetooth Headsets for Truckers
We have already discussed the importance of headsets for truckers in terms of staying alert and using hands-free calling, but there are additional benefits to consider when selecting the best headsets for truckers.
Prevention of Road Accidents
One of the primary advantages of using Bluetooth headsets is that they enable truckers to answer calls or listen to music without using their hands or becoming distracted, which is not recommended for drivers. By using hands-free features, truckers can avoid operating their phones manually while driving, thus ensuring the safety of themselves and pedestrians by minimizing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the absence of wires eliminates the hassle of tangling cords.
Good Call Quality
The top-quality headsets for truckers offer excellent audio clarity during calls, with Bluetooth connectivity ensuring no interference during communication. This means that Bluetooth headsets are effective in providing crystal-clear communication, especially when truckers require assistance with locations and shipments.
Quick Communication
Many truck drivers usually stop their vehicles on the side of the highway or wait until they reach a signal before making or answering calls. However, Bluetooth headsets allow them to quickly respond to important calls without having to use their hands, which saves time and ensures safety while driving, without violating any traffic laws.
Great Help During Emergencies
In case of emergencies, such as accidents, bad weather, or health problems while driving, Bluetooth headsets can be extremely useful. With a Bluetooth headset, you can call 911 and remain on the call to receive continuous assistance.
Flawless Connectivity
Bluetooth headsets can be paired with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more, that support Bluetooth connectivity. These headsets are user-friendly and require no technical expertise to operate. As a result, connecting your device to the headset takes just a few minutes, allowing you to start using it right away.
How to Find the Right Headset for Truckers – Buying Guide
Although hands-free functionality is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a trucker headset, it’s also crucial to take the following factors into account while selecting the right headset for your needs.
Excellent Battery Life
One of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting the best Bluetooth headset for truckers is battery life, especially since most truck journeys cover long distances. You will not have the luxury of stopping in the middle of your journey to charge your headset, so it must be compatible and suitable for long-distance travel. Therefore, it’s essential to purchase a trucker headset that features a high-performance battery to ensure it lasts throughout the trip.
Good Microphone Quality
As Bluetooth headsets usually include a microphone for answering calls, the quality of the microphone is just as crucial as the call quality. It’s important to ensure that the Bluetooth headset you intend to purchase features a high-quality microphone that delivers clear and crisp audio.
Noise Cancelation
Trucker headsets equipped with noise-canceling technology can be extremely beneficial in providing clear audio while driving in traffic. These headsets cancel out external noises and sounds, which helps to eliminate disruptions during calls.
Comfort and Fit
Since you’ll be wearing the trucker headset for the duration of your journey, it’s essential to ensure that it’s comfortable, sweat-resistant, and fits properly. If a Bluetooth headset doesn’t fit correctly, it can become an inconvenience instead of a convenience. When purchasing an over-the-ear headset, make sure that the headband and ear cups are properly padded to provide a comfortable fit.
Controls
The majority of Bluetooth headsets include buttons or controls for tasks such as playing or pausing tracks, receiving or disconnecting calls, and adjusting call volume. Nowadays, Bluetooth headsets also come with voice-controlled assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. The more user-friendly and intuitive the controls are, the better the experience will be for drivers while they’re on the road.
5 Best Bluetooth Headsets for Truckers
Now, let’s dive into our comprehensive reviews of the top 5 Bluetooth trucker headsets available on the market:
1. Plantronics Voyager 104 Bluetooth Headset
Plantronics by Poly Voyager 4310 UC Wireless - Single-Ear Bluetooth Headset w/Noise-Canceling Boom Mic - Connect to PC/Mac/Mobile via Bluetooth - Works w/Teams, Zoom & More - Amazon Exclusive
The Plantronics Voyager 104 Bluetooth Headset is an excellent option for truckers embarking on long journeys. It offers a balanced price range and impressive performance compared to other trucker headsets we tested.
The headset boasts an exceptional battery life, with up to 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge, which takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge.
Moreover, the Bluetooth trucker headset features noise-canceling technology with a boom mic that eliminates nearly 99% of external noise, allowing for undisturbed calls even in the midst of honking vehicles or while traveling with the window open.
The Plantronics Voyager 104 Bluetooth Headset is also comfortable and durable, with an adjustable headband and memory foam covering both the ear cup and headband. Additionally, the headset is sweat and water-resistant, thanks to the P2i nano coating.
Overall, the Plantronics Voyager 104 Bluetooth Headset is an outstanding choice for truckers, with quick and easy connectivity to other devices and great sound quality, making it the best headset for truckers available in the market currently.
2. BlueParrott S450-XT Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset
BlueParrott S450-XT Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset – Industry Leading Sound with Long Wireless Range, Extreme Comfort and Up to 24 Hours of Talk Time , Black , Stereo
$125.49
After testing several trucker headsets, we found that the BlueParrott S450-XT Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset has the best call quality, even in noisy environments.
While the noise cancelation technology isn’t as advanced as the Plantronics Voyager 104, the audio delivered by the S450-XT is clear and crisp, with an HD voice quality boom microphone. Additionally, the headset can be used to listen to music during breaks or while parked.
Furthermore, the BlueParrott S450-XT is extremely comfortable for extended periods of wear, with ultra-soft foam ear cups and an adjustable headband that sits on the ears rather than covering them completely.
The battery life is comparable to the Plantronics Voyager 104, with up to 24 hours of use on a single charge, and up to 20 days of standby time. The headset can be used wirelessly or as a wired headset with the included cable.
Lastly, the Bluetooth headset features a customizable “parrot button” that can be used to activate voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Siri.
In summary, the BlueParrott S450-XT Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset is the best choice for truckers seeking exceptional sound clarity and quality, although it is a bit more expensive than other options on our list, and not suitable for use in states that prohibit covering both ears while driving.
3. BlueParrott 450-XT Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headset
Blue Tiger Elite Plus Premium Single and Dual Ear Wireless Headset – Professional Truckers’ Noise Cancellation Head Set with Microphone – Long Battery Life, No Wires
Although the Plantronics Voyager 104 Bluetooth Headset is the top noise-canceling option for truckers, the BlueParrott 450-XT Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset is a close second, with phenomenal audio quality and canceling up to 96% of external noises.
The 450-XT is similar to the S450-XT in terms of comfort, durability, wireless connectivity, battery life, and other features, with the exception of noise cancelation, where it outperforms the S450-XT. Additionally, it is a mono headset.
The BlueParrott 450-XT Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset also includes Bluetooth 5.0 for better connectivity, with wireless range up to 100 meters. We recommend this headset for those seeking a noise-canceling option specifically.
4. COMEXION Trucker Bluetooth Headset V5.0
BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headset – Updated Design with Industry Leading Sound & Improved Comfort, Up to 24 Hours of Talk Time, IP54-Rated Wireless Headset,Black
$145.57
Just imagine having a sleek headset that caters to your audio needs and has long-lasting battery life. The COMEXION Trucker Bluetooth Headset V5.0 is a premium headphone brand that eliminates the need for wires and outdated features. With its affordable price, it will surely attract a diverse range of buyers.
The COMEXION V5.0 Bluetooth Earphone is remarkable in both quality and style. Its case is an added accessory that prevents your earpiece from getting lost or scratched, making it perfect for individuals who are always on the go. This headset has an extensive range of compatibility, making it easy to pair with almost any Bluetooth-enabled device. Its sound quality and battery life are both of top-notch quality. We highly recommend this headset, and its low price is definitely a big advantage, making it an excellent value for your money.
What’s more, you can use this Bluetooth headset concurrently with a phone and a laptop, meaning you can take calls while using it with your mobile phone. COMEXION has upgraded to the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, making communication faster, more secure, and more robust than ever before. Additionally, it can simultaneously connect to two devices.
To sum up, if you need a headset that performs just enough to fulfill your needs, the COMEXION Trucker Bluetooth Headset V5.0 is an outstanding choice. Plus, this headset’s battery life and connectivity capabilities will surpass your expectations.
5. Blue Tiger Elite Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headset
COMEXION Trucker Bluetooth Headset V5.0, Wireless Headset with Noise Canceling&Mute Microphone for Cell Phones, On Ear Bluetooth Headphone for Computer, Zoom Meetings, Skype, Home Office
$39.99
The Blue Tiger Elite Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headset stands out as a comfortable option with an impressive battery life that outperforms some of the leading brands, making it one of the best headsets for truckers who prioritize comfort and long battery life.
Featuring an adjustable headband and padded ear cups, this headset offers superior comfort among all the trucker headsets listed, with no discomfort or sweating issues experienced during testing.
The headset’s battery life is exceptional, lasting up to 32 hours of continuous use during our tests and almost 20 days on standby based on customer reviews.
In addition to delivering decent audio quality and excellent noise cancellation, the headset is easy to set up and use, although the inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 may cause minor connectivity issues.
Overall, while the sound quality may not match that of the Plantronics Voyager 104, the Blue Tiger Elite Premium Wireless Bluetooth Headset’s battery life and comfort make it a great choice for truckers seeking those features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucker Headsets
Why do truckers use headsets?
Truck drivers are often faced with the dilemma of balancing their focus on driving and answering important phone calls from customers, colleagues, and family. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established regulations prohibiting truck drivers from engaging in phone conversations while driving. To address this issue, truckers use Bluetooth headsets with hands-free features as a convenient solution to receive calls while driving.
Can truck drivers wear headphones?
Wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears while driving is not allowed in most states in the US. For this reason, truck drivers should opt for mono headsets whenever possible to comply with regulations. For further information regarding state-specific regulations, please refer to our article “Can You Wear Headphones While Driving?”