Comparison Jabra Talk 5 vs Jabra BT2046

The maximum distance from the headset to the signal source at which it can be used normally.

Note that this indicator is stated for optimal conditions; the actual communication range is often lower than the claimed one due to obstacles in the signal path and extraneous interference. However, the minimum range for Bluetooth accessories is actually 10 m, which in fact, usually, gives at least 5 – 6 m — and this is quite enough for comfortable use. There are also more "long-range" solutions, with a range of up to 50 m or even more. However, it is worth remembering that Bluetooth is a two-way communication, and the range claimed in the specs must be supported not only by the headset itself, but also by the device with which it is used.

Also note that a long range means not only the ability to communicate over a long distance, but also a good ability to work through obstacles such as thick walls. Therefore, a powerful Bluetooth device may be necessary even at a short distance — if there are obstacles at this distance.

The range of sound that a headset or speakerphone (see "Device") can play through headphones or a speaker, and that the car kit can transmit to external speakers.

The frequency range perceived by the human ear averages from 16 Hz to 20 kHz. In a perfect case scenario, the sound device should also support the same range — this will provide the most complete sound without cutting off in frequencies. On the other hand, in order to reliably convey the human voice, a range of only 300 to 3400 Hz is sufficient. Therefore, if the device is planned to be used exclusively for voice communication, you can ignore this parameter. The mentioned 300 – 3400 Hz cover all modern models, and the extensive frequency range gives a not so noticeable gain in quality. But if you plan to listen to music, it is desirable that the specs of the device be as close as possible to the perfect 16 – 20,000 Hz; this is especially important for models with stereo support (see "Sound").

The sensitivity of the earpiece used in the headset (see "Device"); for speakerphones and car kits, a similar parameter is not fundamental, and therefore is not indicated.

The higher the sensitivity, the louder the earpiece will sound with the same power of the signal supplied to it. Accordingly, this spec primarily affects the maximum volume. However the actual loudness in models with the same sensitivity may vary slightly, but in general, the difference in sensitivity more or less corresponds to the real difference. However, note that too much sound adversely affects hearing. Therefore, it makes sense to look for a headset with a sensitivity above 100 dB if you often have to talk in a noisy environment such as a busy street, subway car, factory, etc. For relatively quiet conditions, you can take a more modest model.

The diameter of the speaker installed in the device. In this case, we can talk about both the actual speaker installed in the speakerphone, and the headphone emitter that the Bluetooth headset is equipped with (see "Device"). Accordingly, the meaning of this spec in both cases will be different.

In general, the large size of the speaker, on the one hand, allows you to achieve better volume and more reliable transmission of low frequencies; on the other hand, it requires more space for installation. This is especially true for headsets, since the types of headphones used in them (see "Design") have severe size restrictions: earbuds are made no larger than 15 mm, in-ear solutions have a diameter of less than 10 mm (only the headphones of the same type may be compared by size with each other). Note that an earpiece that is too large may be uncomfortable, or even not fit in the ear at all. So the perfect option is to try on the headset before buying.

In turn, speakerphones usually use speakers with a diameter of about 50 mm — this size is considered the best compromise between overall efficiency and compactness.

The range of audio frequencies that the headset microphone can receive.

The frequency of sound heard by the human ear averages between 16 Hz and 20,000 Hz. However, for normal voice transmission, a much narrower range is sufficient — from 300 Hz to 3400 Hz. It is these frequencies that are the standard for modern telephony, they are supported by all headsets. Therefore, when choosing, you should not pay much attention to this spec — unless you plan to use the device for specific tasks, such as transferring music fragments.

The type of power used by the device. This parameter is indicated only for models with an independent power source: these are absolutely all Bluetooth headsets (see "Device"), as well as most speakerphones and some car kits (the last two varieties can also be powered from an external source — for example, from the on-board network of a vehicle or USB port).

Almost all self-powered devices run on built-in batteries, often non-removable ones. Such batteries can be made small and at the same time capacious, and their shape can be different — this makes it easy to integrate such a power source even into a miniature headset, not to mention larger accessories.

Time of operation of the self-powered device (see "Power") on one battery charge.

Usually, the battery life in the talk mode is meant, when the device consumes the most energy. In headsets with high-capacity batteries, this battery life can be 9 hours or more. However, talking for several hours without pauses is almost impossible, so in fact the operating time is noticeably longer than in the specifications. So, a headset with an operating time of the same 9 hours is most likely quite enough for a 12-hour work shift, even if you have to constantly make calls through it; and if we are talking about only 5 – 6 calls per day, then the charge is guaranteed to last for several days, or even a week. At the same time, the difference in the claimed operating time is usually quite consistent with the difference in actual battery life, and it is quite possible to compare the real capabilities of different models by it.

The type of connector used to charge the built-in battery of Bluetooth headsets, more precisely, to connect an external charger. The role of such a device can be played by a network or car adapter, a power bank, or even a USB port on a PC or laptop (if you have the appropriate cable).

— microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector designed for portable devices. It appeared quite a long time ago, but it does not lose popularity nowadays, despite the active implementation of the USB-C port.

— USB-C. A miniature USB connector, positioned, among other things, as a potential successor to microUSB. Unlike its predecessor, it has a double-sided design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted into the socket in either direction. It is still relatively rare, but the situation is likely to change in the coming years.

The time it takes to fully charge the battery in powered headsets.

In this case, we mean the time it takes to charge the battery from 0 to 100% when using a standard charger (or a third-party charger with identical specs). Accordingly, this indicator may differ from the stated one, depending on the specifics of the situation. However, it is quite possible to evaluate different models using it, compare them with each other and choose a headset with fast charging.

We also note that increasing the battery capacity inevitably implies an increase in charging time. To compensate for this point, special fast charging technologies can be used. However, they affect the cost and require the use of specialized chargers.